Foreign Policy Live

Judging by the way Latin America is discussed in the U.S. presidential elections, Americans view the continent mostly in negative terms: as the source of unwanted immigration and drug cartels. But the reality is obviously more complex. The region includes America’s largest trading partner—Mexico—and it is an arena for intense geopolitical competition.In the fourth episode of FP Live’s special election series, host Ravi Agrawal asks Moisés Naím, a former Venezuelan minister of trade and industry, and Catherine Osborn, the writer of FP’s Latin America Brief, how Trump and Harris differ on policy. Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):Catherine Osborn: How Migration Became a U.S. Foreign-Policy PriorityConnor Pfeiffer and Ryan C. Berg: Mexico and the United States Need to Talk About China NowOliver Stuenkel: Trump Has His Own Monroe DoctrineGeoff Ramsey and Jason Marczak: What’s Next for U.S. Policy in Venezuela? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Africa has been neglected by recent administrations; the last presidential visit was in 2015, though President Joe Biden will be making a trip to Angola in December. How will the next president handle this large and diverse continent? FP’s Ravi Agrawal is joined by two Africa experts—Martin Kimani and Zainab Usman—on the third installment of FP Live’s special election series. Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):Martin Kimani: How to Restore the American CenterHenry Tugendhat: The U.S. Has a Better Offer for Africa Than DebtChristina Lu: Washington Wants to Revive a Critical Minerals Mega-Railway Through AfricaChris Murphy: Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Protests Are a Wake-Up Call for Washington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among foreign policy issues, how the United States should approach its relationship with Europe might be the one on which presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris disagree most. To find out why, hear Nathalie Tocci, the director of Rome’s Istituto Affari Internazionali, and Mark Leonard, the director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, on the second episode of FP Live’s special election series.Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):A. Wess Mitchell and Jakub Grygiel: U.S. Strategy Should Be Europe First, Then AsiaHal Brands: Trump’s Return Would Transform EuropeFP Contributors: Europe Alone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.