Every day this week, FP Live will have a new episode focused on a different part of the world and how presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris would tailor their foreign policies for those regions. In this episode, host Ravi Agrawal looks at the Middle East and speaks with experts Steven A. Cook and Sanam Vakil. Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):Steven A. Cook: Why Americans and Israelis Don’t See Eye to Eye on IranTalal Mohammad: Why the Gulf States Are Likely Backing TrumpRishi Iyengar: Why Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About Iranian Election HackingArash Reisinezhad: Iran’s Israel Strategy Has Already Changed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, a regular Israeli patrol in southern Gaza chanced upon the person they had been hunting for more than a year: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. His death raised some big questions: How much of a blow would this be for Hamas? What would it mean for Israel’s strategy? This week’s guest has thought a lot about all of these questions. Gen. David Petraeus led U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan at the height of counterterrorism efforts there.Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):FP Live: David Petraeus on a World at WarFP Live Transcript: David Petraeus: Why 9/11 Is a Cautionary Tale for IsraelSteven A. Cook: Sinwar Is Dead. Hamas Is Very Much Alive.Daniel Byman: Israel’s Killing of Yahya Sinwar Is Not a Turning Point Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North Korea and Iran are fascinating countries for many reasons, but also because they're part of an emerging alliance of autocracies. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly helping each other out in a range of global hotspots, often stymieing U.S. interests. But what is their end goal?FP Live asks Barbara Slavin, an Iran expert at the Stimson Center, and Chung Min Lee, a Korea expert at the Carnegie Endowment.Suggested reading(FP links are paywall-free):Daniel R. DePetris and Jennifer Kavanagh: The ‘Axis of Evil’ Is OverhypedRobbie Gramer: Looks Like ‘Axis of Evil’ Is Back on the MenuThe Economist: A new “quartet of chaos” threatens America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel and set in motion a new cycle of violence that has rocked the Middle East. Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East advisor to both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state, joins FP Live to look back—and ahead. Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):Aaron David Miller and Steven Simon: Oct. 7 Changed Everything–but What if It Didn’t?Aaron David Miller and Lauren Morgenbesser: Don’t Blame Biden for the Yearlong War in GazaFP’s Oct. 7 Roundup: Is the Israel-Hamas War Closer to Its Beginning or Its End? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unrest, even violence, could be a concern heading into the U.S. presidential election in November. What should be done to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions? And what lessons can be learned from other countries facing similar challenges? Author and political scientist Barbara Walter joins FP Live to share her findings from her research on civil wars around the world.Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):Transcript: Could Civil War Erupt in America?Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware: How Bad Will Political Violence in the U.S. Get?Stephen Marche: Why the U.S. Military Isn’t Ready for Civil WarCameron Abadi and Adam Tooze: What a Real Civil War Would Do to the U.S. Economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ronald Lamola, South Africa's Foreign Minister, shares insights on the nation's foreign policy, rooted in its history of apartheid. He discusses the moral stance against Israel's actions in Gaza and how this parallels South Africa's commitment to international law. The conversation delves into the complexities of relationships with countries like Russia and Iran, emphasizing dialogue over conflict. Lamola also reflects on the ANC's declining power, stressing the need for political renewal and a consistent, non-aligned approach to international issues.

Richard Gown, a seasoned observer of U.N. activities, shares his insights as the General Assembly unfolds. He discusses the mounting pressures facing the U.N. amid global crises, including the Israel-Hamas conflict. Gown highlights the call for Security Council reform and the aspirations of countries like India and Brazil for permanent seats. The conversation also touches on the U.N.'s role in maintaining accountability, especially concerning Russia's actions, and the importance of inclusive platforms for marginalized voices in global politics.

Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, shares insights as he prepares to step down. He discusses the pressing challenges Ukraine faces, including drone threats and power outages. The conversation dives into the complex debate around providing long-range missiles and NATO's potential expansion. Stoltenberg highlights the surprising role of North Korea in supplying Russia and the growing threat of authoritarian regimes. He emphasizes NATO's strategic balancing act amid evolving global alliances and the critical importance of military support for Ukraine.

An exclusive episode for our podcast listeners: Host and FP editor in chief Ravi Agrawal gives a preview of the latest print issue: “Letters to the Next President.”Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):Martin Kimani: How to Restore the American CenterArancha González: Isolationism Doesn’t ProtectDanny Quah: Why America Should Drop Its Obsession With Being No. 1Joseph E. Stiglitz: Play by the RulesCatherine Ashton: The Trans-Atlantic Partnership Still MattersJason Bordoff: Clean Energy Is SecurityMark Malloch-Brown: Muster Global MajoritiesJoseph S. Nye Jr.: Invest in Soft PowerNirupama Rao: Strategic Autonomy Is Nothing to Fear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor during the Trump administration, provides insights on the recent Harris-Trump debate. He delves into the implications of foreign policy amidst global tensions and discusses the need for military modernization. McMaster critiques past U.S. actions in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran, and emphasizes the importance of a unified international response to threats. With humor, he navigates the unpredictable political landscape and addresses the need for coordinated approaches to economic and military challenges.