GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard University President, critiques President Trump's tariffs as a major mistake in U.S. economic policy. He argues these measures are harmful to U.S. manufacturing and trade credibility. Summers highlights the alarming silence of institutions, including universities and law firms, in challenging the administration's approach, questioning their commitment to democracy. He emphasizes the need for these entities to champion fundamental democratic values amidst rising authoritarianism.

In this discussion, María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader in Venezuela, reveals her insights on the country's political strife. She asserts that Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power is faltering amidst widespread discontent and international condemnation. Machado highlights the dire socio-economic conditions and the surge of Venezuelan migrants impacting U.S. policies. She calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses and envisions a future where Venezuela can emerge as an energy hub through a democratic transition.

In this engaging discussion, Katie Drummond, Global Editorial Director at WIRED, dives into Elon Musk's audacious attempts to overhaul government efficiency, drawing on his dealings with the Trump administration. She explores the collision of Silicon Valley's disruptive ethos with federal bureaucracy. Drummond also tackles the radical implications of DOGE, Musk's influence on U.S. policy, and the challenges of data access and political manipulation, raising key questions about power, efficiency, and civil liberties in today's political landscape.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, dives into the tumultuous economic landscape under Trump's second term. She discusses Wall Street's initial optimism and how it contrasts sharply with today's reality of tariffs and trade wars. The conversation highlights the geopolitical shifts resulting from Trump's protectionist policies, particularly their impact on allies and global supply chains. Beddoes also examines the pressures on European defense spending and the emerging opportunities in places like India and Abu Dhabi amidst these challenges.

In seven short weeks, the Trump administration has completely reshaped US foreign policy and upended trade alliances. Will China benefit from US retrenchment and increasing global uncertainty, or will its struggling economy hold it back? On the GZERO World Podcast, Bill Bishop, a China analyst and author of the Sinocism newsletter, joins Ian Bremmer for a wide-ranging conversation about China—its domestic priorities, global administration, and whether America’s retreat from global commitments is opening new doors for Beijing.President Xi Jinping has consolidated power and control in China, but its economy is still dealing with sluggish growth, a property market in crisis, and the specter of deflation. Yet Xi is confident he can bring the People’s Republic into a new era, pushing through major structural reforms, working to transition to a more high-tech economy and ramping up territorial aggression in the South China Sea. So what’s next for the People’s Republic? Can China shake its economic blues? Has the Trump administration's foreign policy approach created new opportunities for Beijing to expand its influence? Bishop and Bremmer break down China's political and economic landscape.Host: Ian BremmerGuest: Bill Bishop Subscribe to the GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, to receive new episodes as soon as they're published. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Baiba Braže, the Latvian Foreign Minister, discusses the pressing security threats to the Baltics from Russia, including cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. She emphasizes the need for heightened defense spending amid rising instability. Dmitri Trenin, a former Russian colonel, offers a contrasting perspective, asserting that decisions about Ukraine should rest with Russia and the U.S., rather than Ukraine itself. Both guests highlight the evolving geopolitical landscape and the urgent need for diverse viewpoints in addressing security challenges in Europe.

Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and current U.S. Senator, joins Alina Polyakova, the President of the Center for European Policy Analysis, to discuss pressing issues in European security. They analyze the repercussions of Trump's call with Putin and how it affects U.S.-Europe relations. The conversation dives into NATO allies' concerns about American support and the challenges in ensuring Ukraine's security amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. They also touch on the need for European nations to bolster their defense capabilities in a potentially isolated landscape.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, shares his insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the future of Gaza. He critiques Trump's controversial proposal for Gaza, emphasizing its implications on Palestinian identity and historical displacement. Mansour passionately defends the Palestinians' deep-rooted connection to their land, rejecting any notion of forced relocation. He also warns against efforts to erase Palestinian identity, questioning whether Gaza's future will be decided by its people or global powers.

Apoorva Mandavilli, a New York Times science and global health reporter, discusses the dramatic shifts in U.S. public health policy during the Trump administration. She delves into the controversial nomination of RFK Jr. and the deepening vaccine skepticism in America. Mandavilli explores the implications of withdrawing from the WHO and the challenges of public trust in health messaging. With rising concerns about future pandemics, she highlights a crucial need for reform in health institutions like the CDC and NIH, questioning whether these changes are corrections or risks.

Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb offers keen insights on the shift in U.S.-Europe relations following Trump's second term. He discusses Europe's need to adapt its security strategies amid increasing geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Stubb highlights the importance of leveraging technology to enhance transatlantic collaboration and addresses the rising influence of tech figures on European politics. Additionally, he advocates for a return to cooperative multilateralism to face the chaos of the current international order, emphasizing democratic resilience.