The Long Game with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer

Evan Osnos, New Yorker staff writer and China expert, joins to unpack a sudden purge at the top of China’s military and what it signals about power and loyalty in Beijing. Short takes cover the rare removal of a senior general, debates over how that change alters Taiwan risk, and what tightening political control means for China’s institutions and global posture.

Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer dive into Trump's controversial Greenland gambit, exploring its impact on NATO and U.S. alliances. They dissect the mixed reactions from Europe to Trump's tariff threats and discuss the underlying motives driving U.S. interest in Greenland. The conversation also touches on military options in Iran, the strategic implications of tariffs, and how adversaries like Russia and China are watching the transatlantic strain. Ultimately, they assess the long-term costs of current U.S. actions on global partnerships.

A deep dive into the escalating crisis in Iran highlights the widespread protests fueled by economic struggles and the regime's brutal crackdown. The hosts discuss historical context, from the 1953 coup to today's clerical governance, examining the demands for dignity and change. They wrestle with the implications of potential U.S. military action, weighing the dual risks of intervening and the consequences of inaction. With insights on strategic options and regional reactions, they unpack the complexities surrounding international responses to this turbulent moment.

The hosts dive into the audacious U.S. raid that aimed to capture Nicolás Maduro, exploring the geopolitical risks and potential fallout. They discuss Trump's bold claims about controlling Venezuela and the economic implications for Americans. The conversation shifts to the strategic interest in Greenland, probing the dangers of asserting U.S. control over an ally's territory. The episode highlights the broader implications of military actions on global stability, revealing the intricacies of modern-day geopolitics and the challenges of remote governance.

The discussion kicks off with the U.S. military action against Venezuela, exploring the implications of labeling it a 'foreign terrorist organization.' They dive into the controversial decision to allow NVIDIA H200 chip sales to China, raising national security concerns over AI advancements. The hosts also engage in a Red Team/Blue Team exercise negotiating a hypothetical Ukraine-Russia peace deal, weighing the pros and cons for both sides. Insights into geopolitical strategy and military tactics keep the conversation dynamic and engaging.

Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer dive into the implications of a U.S. strike on a vessel in the Caribbean, exploring potential war crime accusations and congressional reactions. They discuss Trump's newly unveiled National Security Strategy, highlighting its focus on the Western Hemisphere and relationships with China. Legal and moral dilemmas surrounding military actions and their consequences are debated, especially regarding U.S. personnel safety. The conversation culminates with a rapid-fire Q&A, offering personal insights into their lives and careers.

The podcast dives into the ongoing deadlock between Russia and Ukraine, exploring failed peace plans and internal Ukrainian politics. Tensions between Japan and China over Taiwan intensify, particularly after provocative statements from Japan's leadership. A lively debate unfolds over whether the U.S. should maintain its strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan or clarify its commitments, with arguments weighing deterrence against escalation risks. Insights from past diplomatic blunders add depth to the discussion on U.S. strategy in Asia.

Jake and Jon dissect Trump’s controversial meeting with Saudi Crown Prince MBS, highlighting both the optics and political implications. They delve into the intertwining of corruption within Zelensky’s government and a U.S. push for Ukrainian peace, stressing its impact on Western support. The duo also explores potential risks in shifting national security focus to immigration enforcement, predicting significant operational trade-offs. Plus, they preview rising tensions between Japan and China, alongside a Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia.

In this episode, Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer break down: - Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara’s Oval Office meeting with President Trump,  - Trump’s upcoming meeting with Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the country’s tech diplomacy, and  - Trump’s post about U.S. testing nuclear weapons.  They also debate whether Israel should mount more strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.  Follow The Long Game so you never miss an episode. New episodes drop on Fridays. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on Substack. Watch the video of this episode on Youtube. Have a question for Jake or Jon? Email us at letters@cafe.com or leave us a comment on Substack.  The Long Game is produced by the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In their first episode, Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer tackle three flashpoints central to U.S. national security interests right now: U.S. / China relations, the Russian - Ukraine War and the situation unfolding in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. They close with a discussion about the new Netflix film A House of Dynamite, a story about crisis decision-making that, for two people who’ve lived those moments, hits uncomfortably close to home. Follow The Long Game so you never miss an episode. New episodes drop on Fridays. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on Substack. Watch the video of this episode on Youtube. Have a question for Jake or Jon? Email us at letters@cafe.com. The Long Game is brought to you by the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices