Foreign Policy Live

Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS and the author of Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present, sits down with host Ravi Agrawal to look ahead to 2025. Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free): Fareed Zakaria Looks Back at 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elbridge Colby, a national security analyst and former under secretary of defense for policy under Trump, shares insights on the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy with a second Trump term. He discusses the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and countering China's influence. Colby critiques the military's readiness for multiple conflicts, particularly in relation to Taiwan. He emphasizes the need for pragmatic alliances and a stable diplomatic framework amidst the unpredictability of Trump's approach. He also reflects on how January 6th impacts U.S. democracy and its foreign relations.

Fareed Zakaria, author of *Age of Revolutions* and host of CNN's *Fareed Zakaria GPS*, dives into the tumultuous year of 2024. He discusses the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, emphasizing the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and its unintended ramifications. Zakaria examines the surprising electoral backlash against incumbents, fueled by rising populism. He also reveals insights on the BRICS alliance's challenge to global dynamics and the resilience of democracy amid global crises.

Samantha Power, a top humanitarian aid official and former U.S. ambassador to the UN, shares her reflections on her time at USAID. She discusses the ethical dilemmas of aiding in crises like Gaza while stressing the importance of influence over policy. The conversation highlights the substantial role of American aid in Ukraine’s recovery amidst Russian aggression. Power also critiques the shift from aid to trade under the Biden administration, addressing debt challenges posed by China’s loan conditions and advocating for stronger international relationships.

John Podesta, President Biden’s Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy, discusses the precarious future of clean energy amidst political shifts. He dives into the wonders and critiques of the Inflation Reduction Act, which catalyzed nearly $500 billion in clean energy investments and aimed to revitalize marginalized communities. Podesta also navigates the complexities of U.S. clean energy policies against a backdrop of increased global competition, particularly with China, and stresses the importance of a worker-driven transition as the nation faces new challenges.

In this insightful discussion, Chris Miller, a leading expert on semiconductor competition and author of 'Chip War', dives deep into the high-stakes world of chip production. He explores how Trump’s potential tariffs might hinder China’s technological rise and examines the pivotal role of AI in reshaping the semiconductor landscape. The talk also highlights the geopolitical battle over energy resources crucial for AI advancements and the hurdles in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing amidst evolving global trade dynamics. A must-listen for tech and policy enthusiasts!

Fawaz Gerges, a Middle East expert and professor at the London School of Economics, dives into the recent cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. He analyzes the power shift in Syria as rebel forces capture Aleppo and discusses the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region. Gerges highlights Iran's influence and the implications of the Biden administration's approach to Israel and Gaza. This insightful discussion sheds light on the intertwined fates of the Middle East’s conflicts and their global repercussions.

Cameron Abadi, deputy editor at Foreign Policy and co-host of the Ones and Twos podcast, dives into pressing environmental issues in his discussion. He emphasizes how radical climate activism is emerging as frustration grows with traditional politics. Abadi compares the climate policies of Germany and the U.S., exploring the balance between democracy and effective action. He also highlights disparities in climate responses between rich and poor nations and the geopolitical tensions affecting global cooperation on clean energy.

Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of American Compass, advocates for a nuanced view of tariffs, arguing that they can protect domestic industries while challenging the idea that free trade is always beneficial. He discusses the economic implications of Trump's proposed tariffs, particularly their effects on inflation and low-income families. Cass also critiques traditional economic metrics like GDP, calling for a focus on median figures to better reflect the realities of the middle class and explores how Biden's policies might alter the economic landscape.

Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group and a leading expert in geopolitical risk, dives into the implications of a potential Trump 2.0 presidency. He discusses the shifting dynamics in national security and economic policies, addressing proposed tariffs and energy production shifts. Bremmer analyzes U.S.-China relations, highlighting the impact of Trump's transactional approach. The conversation also tackles ongoing tensions in Ukraine and Iran, exploring the divided strategies within Trump's circle regarding military intervention versus diplomacy.