The Trialogue

Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of India’s Observer Research Foundation, joins us to discuss Indian philosophy, subtleties of the subcontinent, and India’s relations with the US, China, and Russia.Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to stay updated with the latest episodes!*The Trialogue Podcast is hosted by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.Time Stamps:01:29 What is the Observer Research Foundation?05:21 Joshi’s government service05:40 India’s vision of the world11:50 The subcontinent22:41 India-China27:48 India-USA43:57 India-Russia52:57 BRICS

Curtis Yarvin, a Silicon Valley veteran and prominent voice in the modern right, dives into the concept of the 'empire of love' and its historical roots. He explores the intricacies of political ideologies, from the tragedy of the French Revolution to contemporary populism's challenges. Yarvin critiques liberalism as an instrument of power and considers the merits of monarchy over democracy. He also highlights Xi Jinping's advantages and the urgent need for a new governance structure in the U.S., drawing parallels to significant historical transformations.

Samuel Charap, Distinguished Chair in Russia and Eurasia Policy at RAND, joins us to discuss US policy toward Russia since 2008, the war in Ukraine, and the prospects of a settlement.*The Trialogue Podcast is hosted by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.Time Stamps:00:40 How did you get interested in Russia?01:59 US-Russia relations since 200811:05 EU-Russia relations15:41 The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine18:32 The Biden administration’s Ukraine policy 25:27 Should we have tried to negotiate sooner?27:21 Has Trump made a deal more likely?30:01 Is there a window for a deal in the fall?33:16 How should negotiations be structured?37:42 How far apart are US and Russian positions?40:44 How to best combine carrots and sticks44:04 Prospects of US-Russia normalization

In this discussion, Maksim Suchkov, Director of the Institute of International Studies at MGIMO University, delves into the complexities of Russia-Ukraine negotiations and the underlying motives of the Kremlin. He addresses why Russia resists a ceasefire and outlines their core objectives in the conflict. Suchkov also examines the geopolitical balancing act between Russia, China, and the U.S., and critiques Western approaches to its conservative identity. The conversation concludes with insights on potential avenues for improving U.S.-Russia relations and Russia's vision for Europe.

Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, discussing the concept of restraint and military overextension. She examines the historical lessons from Britain’s imperial past and how they influence current American strategies against threats from Russia and China. Ashford also unpacks the significance of the Anglosphere and transatlantic alliances, while exploring the challenges in supporting Ukraine amidst geopolitical tensions and the need for flexible, pragmatic approaches in an increasingly multipolar world.

Da Wei, a director at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, shares his insights on crucial U.S.-China relations. He discusses the impacts of Trump's tariffs and whether the U.S. is aiming to decouple from China or simply rebalance trade. The conversation touches on China's need to boost domestic consumption, the challenges of linking trade to Taiwan, and Russia's evolving global role. Da Wei also explores the possibilities of a multipolar order and its implications for international relations.

Robert Agee, President of AmCham Russia, joins us to discuss American business in Russia since the 90s, who left and how after the start of the war in Ukraine, who suffered and benefited from Western sanctions, and the outlook for American (and Chinese) business in Russia going forward.Time Stamps:00:45 What is AmCham?02:29 How did you end up at Xerox in Russia in the 90s?04:58 American business in Russia until 202211:09 What businesses left after the start of the war and how?21:12 Who benefited from the departure of Western companies?25:11 The Chinese takeover of the Russian automotive sector29:48 Business under sanctions35:17 How changes should be made to US sanctions?40:36 Is the Russian market actually all that enticing?44:13 Should we let China dominate the Russian market?*The Trialogue Podcast is hosted by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.

Alexander Dynkin and Feodor Voitolovsky, President and Director of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations at the Russian Academy of Sciences, join us to discuss their return to Washington, the war in Ukraine, and Sino-Russian relations, among other subjects.Time Stamps:00:59 Returning to Washington for the first time since 201903:28 Will US-Russia relations improve under Trump?09:39 The possibility of three-way strategic arms control among the US, Russia, and China11:45 The future of bilateral US-Russia strategic arms control15:00 The war in Ukraine19:43 “Denazification” and Russian historical memory23:18 Russia’s biggest mistake in Ukraine25:46 Likelihood of future Russia-Ukraine reconciliation29:57 Humanitarian issues related to a Ukrainian settlement31:25 History of national borders in the former Russian empire34:51 Sino-Russian relations*The Trialogue Podcast is hosted by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.

This episode is a recording of a live event held online on April 8. Lanxin Xiang, Andrey Kortunov, and Emma Ashford joined me to discuss the state of theUS-Russia-China trilateral relationship.*The Trialogue Podcast is hosted by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.

Reinhard Krumm of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung joins us to discuss Germany’s reversal on Russia and a new American Ostpolitik.Time Stamps:00:54 What is the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung?02:00 How was Vance’s Munich speech received in Germany?06:49 What is the future of the trans-Atlantic relationship?16:45 Is Germany sovereign?21:40 Nord Stream26:17 German Ostpolitik since the 60s31:23 Maidan and the Minsk agreements39:22 Can Germany negotiate with Russia?48:39 How real is the Russian threat to Europe?*The Trialogue Podcast is hosted by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.