Foreign Policy Live

Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and advocate for women's rights, discusses the nuances of U.S. foreign policy at the Doha Forum. She critiques the Trump administration's national security strategy, expressing concerns about shifting alliances and its implications for Ukraine. Clinton emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding current events, especially regarding Israel and Palestine. She also highlights the urgent need for Congress to reclaim its oversight role and discusses challenges in women's rights amidst changing global dynamics.

Gracelyn Baskarin, Director of the Critical Mineral Security Program at CSIS, shares her insights on critical minerals and their geopolitical significance. They discuss why rare earth elements are essential for defense technologies and energy systems. Baskarin highlights China's dominance in processing these minerals and the U.S.'s struggle to catch up. She emphasizes the need for bipartisan support and international cooperation to secure mineral supply chains, while also addressing the environmental implications of mining. This conversation unveils the intricate ties between minerals and foreign policy.

Lyric Thompson, founder and CEO of the Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative, dives into the unexpected global progress on women's rights. She highlights advancements in political representation through quotas and commendable actions by leaders, like Mexico’s president confronting gender violence. Thompson also discusses the complexities of cultural misogyny and the essential role NGOs play in sustaining progress. With insights on feminist foreign policy, she urges young women to vote, run, and lead for a more equal future.

In a lively Ask-Me-Anything format, the conversation dives into the implications of Trump's absence at the G-20 Summit and the resulting geopolitical shifts. Discussions include the chaos surrounding Trump's Ukraine peace efforts, the complexities of sanctioning Russia, and potential military actions in Venezuela. Insights on the U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan and the strategic use of rare earths are also explored. Finally, looming questions about American democracy and shifting political views on Israel offer a thought-provoking conclusion.

Bill McKibben, an environmentalist and author, brings optimism about solar energy in the face of climate change. He highlights breakthroughs in solar technology and battery advancements that promise to lower costs and increase adoption. McKibben emphasizes the significant role of China in renewable energy development and its implications on global power dynamics. He also discusses the cultural and moral necessity of transitioning to solar and the potential for AI to influence clean energy growth.

Join Oliver Stuenkel, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and expert on Latin American politics, as he and host Ravi Agrawal dive into the complexities of U.S. military actions toward Venezuela. They discuss the Trump administration’s strategy and its implications for Cuba and regional dynamics. Stuenkel explores the challenges post-Maduro planning poses, how personal relationships influence foreign policy, and the growing role of China amidst U.S. unpredictability. A fascinating look into geopolitics!

Elizabeth Economy, a renowned China scholar and former senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce, analyzes the recent Trump-Xi meeting, highlighting its implications for U.S.-China relations. She notes that while stability was restored, the meeting largely reverted to pre-trade-war dynamics. Economy contrasts Trump's aggressive rhetoric with China's cautious approach and discusses potential shifts in U.S. policies. They also address critical issues like rare earths and the structural challenges facing both nations, emphasizing the complexities of global influence.

Jared Bernstein, former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, discusses whether the AI boom is a bubble. He explains the signs of overvaluation in the AI sector, highlighting risky circular financing and the mismatch between investment and revenue. Bernstein also examines the potential economic fallout if the bubble bursts, noting that wealthy investors may feel the most impact. Furthermore, he emphasizes the need for regulatory measures to mitigate financial risks associated with AI. His insights offer a thought-provoking look at the future of the AI economy.

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Greg Grandin explores Trump’s foreign policy, tracing its roots to American expansionist ideals inherited from the Founding Fathers. He argues Trump selectively revisits historical narratives to suit his agenda, likening his presidency to a 'scarcity president.' Grandin discusses the implications of U.S. sanctions on Russia and how Trump’s approach revives 19th-century gunboat diplomacy. He also highlights the contrast between U.S. and Latin American political traditions, shedding light on contemporary international relations.

Diana Buttu, a Palestinian-Canadian lawyer and former spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization, shares her insights on Gaza's post-cease-fire landscape. She discusses the catastrophic impacts of war, including widespread destruction and suffering in health and education. Buttu expresses deep anger over the lack of accountability in cease-fire negotiations. She critiques the two-state solution as ineffective and emphasizes the need for Palestinian leadership accountability, highlighting resilience and hope despite ongoing adversity.