The Foreign Desk

In this discussion, Sabrina Siddiqui, a National politics reporter at The Wall Street Journal, unpacks Trump's shifting domestic priorities and aggressive immigration actions. Tom Nichols from The Atlantic contrasts Trump’s current foreign policy with his first term, highlighting diminished resistance among advisors. Stephen Erlanger of The New York Times examines the implications of Trump's ambitions on NATO and global trust. They also touch on Europe’s response, noting an increase in defense spending as a possible silver lining amidst growing domestic chaos.

Malaysia and Indonesia have taken a bold stand against Grok, threatening a ban due to its production of explicit, non-consensual images. Andrew Mueller explores the troubling implications of such content and critiques governments for their ongoing use of a platform that harbors these dangers. He highlights the unique cultural sensitivities of these two nations, emphasizing their human-rights-based approach. While Western democracies hesitate, Malaysia and Indonesia may shape a new precedent in addressing online threats to dignity and safety.

In this lively discussion, Quentin Peel, a former Financial Times foreign editor, Yossi Meckelberg, a Middle East expert from Chatham House, and Julie Norman, an international relations professor at UCL, delve into the geopolitical landscape of 2026. They explore whether the Ukraine conflict will conclude, analyze US midterm dynamics, and assess China's intentions towards Taiwan. The panel also contemplates the prospects for Palestinian statehood, potential Middle East realignments, and the risks posed by AI. Each guest shares their hopes and fears for the upcoming year, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

The discussion dives into Trump's controversial pledge to 'run' Venezuela, questioning his true motives behind the raid on Nicolás Maduro. It examines the implications of a potential tripolar world involving the US, China, and Russia, and the geopolitical fallout for nearby nations. The podcast also explores how Trump's unpredictable decision-making reflects on this operation. Additionally, it analyzes the challenges of Venezuela's oil and the legal justifications for US actions, all while linking it to Trump's past electoral narratives.

In 2025, a potential gift of a Boeing 747 from Qatar to Donald Trump raises eyebrows over legal and security implications. The strategy behind this gesture reveals Qatar's efforts to exercise soft power in the U.S. Meanwhile, an undersea cable cut near Taiwan sparks suspicions of sabotage linked to China. Europe's recent incidents of cable damage lead to NATO's increased patrols. On a different front, Marine Le Pen's conviction ignites a populist rallying cry across Europe, exemplifying the complex dynamics of far-right politics. Finally, a quirky dispute over former Zambian president Edgar Lungu's funeral adds intrigue to political rivalries.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, discusses Europe's strategic autonomy and warns against relying on U.S. guarantees. Mamuka Mamoulashvili offers frontline insights on Ukraine's military strategies against Russian tactics. Salome Zurabichvili highlights Georgia's democratic decline and the need for EU support in the Black Sea. Gaiath Alomari presents practical steps for a Palestinian state, while Quinton Lucas shares concerns about federal interventions in U.S. cities. Vladimir Kara-Murza reflects on his return to Russia and the path to democratic change.

Quentin Peel, former foreign editor of the Financial Times, discusses the enduring strategies of Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. Yossi Meckleberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House, highlights Israel's ambiguous military aims in Gaza and strategic challenges in the region. Julie Norman, an expert on international relations, emphasizes the resilience of Ukraine amidst shifting diplomatic landscapes and the humanitarian crises in Sudan. The panel also delves into Europe's evolving defense strategies while unpacking the unpredictable landscape of global politics under a potential second Trump term.

Balloons in military history get a closer look, from the 1794 Battle of Fleurus to their modern roles in hybrid warfare. Lithuania faces balloon incursions from Belarus, leading to flight disruptions and a state of emergency. The intriguing tactics used, such as cigarette cargoes as distractions, reveal the deniable nature of such actions. Andrew Mueller discusses the complexities of responding to these aerial nuisances and the implications of recent arrests. The rising trend of using balloons in surveillance echoes a global pattern of hybrid warfare.

Journalist Yuka Royer, Director Steve Chang, and expert Ava Peshova dive into the escalating tensions between Japan and China after Prime Minister Takaichi's comments on Taiwan's security. Royer highlights China's swift backlash and the economic repercussions for Japan. Chang discusses Japan's strategic importance for U.S. military operations and China's historical sensitivity towards Japanese involvement in Taiwan. Peshova analyzes China's long-term goals with Taiwan and its aggressive tactics to test regional responses. A critical discussion on geopolitics unfolds!

West Africa faces a startling frequency of coups, with Benin's recent attempt showcasing the region's tumultuous history. Andrew Mueller breaks down how President Patrice Talon swiftly thwarted the coup, aided by regional military support. He delves into the mutineers' actions, their grievances over taxes and healthcare, and the broader implications of instability spreading from neighboring countries. The role of ECOWAS in maintaining order and the evolving political dynamics in the region are also highlighted, painting a vivid picture of resilience amid chaos.