Foreign Policy Live

Epizódok

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  Has Trump Peaked? 11.09.2026 13p

  In this bonus episode, host Ravi Agrawal presents his recent essay arguing that U.S. President Donald Trump has peaked. While Trump still has two years left in office and immense potential for global disruption, Ravi makes the case that his coercive powers are in clear decline, as seen through a depleted military and an array of global moves to de-risk from the White House. As companies and countries realize this shift, they will change how they act toward the United States and how they think about a future world order.  Ravi Agrawal: Trump Has Peaked Hal Brands: How to Survive in a World Without Rules Charles A. Kupchan: The World’s Only Real Hope of Maintaining Order Mariana Mazzucato: How to Write Better Rules for Global Finance Michael Beckley: A New Engine of Development Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Industry That Explains the World 09.09.2026 33p

  Behind every major decision, whether by a family buying a home or a shipping company deciding to transit the Strait of Hormuz, lies the judgment of the insurance markets. How do insurers evaluate risk, and what can we learn from how they attach a premium to conflict or natural disasters? John Doyle, the president and CEO of Marsh, a conglomerate that includes the world’s largest insurance broker, joins the show to discuss how he evaluates geopolitical risk—and how companies and countries should protect themselves from disruption. Ravi Agrawal: Trump Has Peaked Hal Brands: How to Survive in a World Without Rules Charles A. Kupchan: The World’s Only Real Hope of Maintaining Order Mariana Mazzucato: How to Write Better Rules for Global Finance Michael Beckley: A New Engine of Development Elisabeth Braw: Can Ships in the Gulf Take Trump at His Word? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Only Way to Save Global Order? 02.09.2026 44p

   The global order may be broken, but international relations scholar Charles A. Kupchan has a plan to remake it. In a forthcoming Foreign Policy essay, he argues that because power is becoming more diffuse, regional groupings such as the European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations will become more essential. But to really manage global governance, he proposes the creation of a high-level brain trust that would sit above a currently paralyzed United Nations and resolve disputes between world powers. Kupchan joins FP Live to discuss how to put his provocative plan into action. Plus, Ravi shares his read on how China and the United States are presenting two different visions of leadership at this week’s G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization conferences. Alexandra Sharp: Moscow’s Moment of Global Summitry Comfort Ero and Richard Gowan: Peacemaking Is Power Politics Again Bruno Maçães: What Comes After Global Order Nick Danforth: Who Killed the Liberal International Order? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why America Is Running Out of Munitions 28.08.2026 41p

  The United States is burning through some of its most advanced munitions in its war with Iran this year. By some accounts, inventories of high-end Patriot and THAAD interceptors may be depleted by as much as 80 percent. Replacing them could take years, even as military planners worry about needs in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Tom Karako, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Missile Defense Project, has tracked just how deep the shortfall runs and what it would take to fix it. He joins FP Live to assess the state of U.S. stockpiles and what it means about the future of American preparedness. John Haltiwanger and Rishi Iyengar: The Iran War Has Left the U.S. Dangerously Exposed Sam Skove: U.S. War in Iran Leaves Ukraine’s Air Defense in Limbo Robert Almelor Delfeld: The U.S. Munitions Deficit Is a Political Problem Franz-Stefan Gady: Europe’s Dangerous Hesitation on Its Own Air Defense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why Your Political Anger Feels Futile 21.08.2026 42p

  Political outrage is a constant part of modern life, from social media to surges of global protests. But what actually changes? Why do so many structural issues seem deeply entrenched despite high levels of voter turnout? Anton Jäger has a term for this mismatch: hyperpolitics. He joins FP Live to explain the paradox of politicization without institutionalization, why right-wing parties maneuver this era more successfully, and whether the Democratic Socialists of America party is a sign of a new political order.  Plus, Ravi shares his read on why the United States canceled its joint military exercises with South Korea. Alexandra Sharp: Is Trump Choosing North Korea Over South Korea? Derek Grossman: Colby’s ‘Flexible Realism’ Won’t Work in the Indo-Pacific Anton Jäger: The End of Political Parties Steven A. Cook: Outrage Culture Is Ruining Foreign Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Gulf’s Postwar Playbook 12.08.2026 40p

  Gulf countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have created entire cities and world-class airlines off the back of energy riches and U.S. security. The Iran war has upended the calculations of the Gulf monarchs. How are they rethinking their strategies? Allison Minor worked on Gulf policy in the Biden administration and joins FP Live to share her analysis.  Plus, Ravi shares his read on what the recent migrant crisis in Ceuta means for the future of immigration policy. Allison Minor and April Longley Alley: A Saudi-Emirati Thaw Can Help Contain Iran Saeid Jafari: The Regional Order Iran Wanted Is Taking Shape Without It Steven A. Cook: Economic Integration in the Middle East Is a False God Rob Geist Pinfold: Discord in the Gulf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why Everyone Is Talking About Chokepoints 05.08.2026 45p

  The Strait of Hormuz may be the chokepoint of the moment, but it’s actually not even the one that’s most concerning to Eddie Fishman, the author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. He explains why U.S. dollar dominance, Chinese critical mineral control, and the semiconductor supply chain are more potent in terms of how much they can impact geopolitics—and how countries and companies might weaponize them.  Plus, why is China following such a radically different artificial intelligence strategy than the United States? Ravi shares his read. Graham Allison: America’s Cosmic Bet on AI Rishi Iyengar: China Is AI-Maxxing Agathe Demarais: How China Is Winning the Global AI Race Keith Johnson: America’s Economic Warfare Is Sowing Its Own Demise Bob Davis: Does the United States Have the Weapons for Trade War? Maximilian Hess: Trump Has Weakened America’s Sanctions Weapon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why the Energy Crisis Isn’t Worse—Yet 30.07.2026 43p

  The ongoing war in Iran has been called the biggest energy crisis in history. How is it changing the plans of countries and companies? Which changes will be permanent? Ravi turns to Daniel Yergin, the world’s foremost expert of the oil industry and its history. Yergin is the vice chairman of S&P Global and the author of The Prize, The Quest and, most recently, The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations. Plus, Ravi shares his read on the expanding conflict in the Middle East. Philip H. Gordon: There’s Only One Way Out of Trump’s Reckless War Allison Minor and Nate Swanson: How to End the Iran War Fatih Birol: The Global Energy Map Is Being Redrawn in Real Time Michael Hirsh: How the Iran War Reshaped the Global Landscape of Power  John V. Bowlus: Escaping the Hormuz Trap Ali Ahmadi: The Oil Market Is Much More Vulnerable Than Trump Believes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Iran Expert Trump Fired 21.07.2026 45p

  Iran and the United States are locked in a familiar pattern. Conflict has resumed, both sides seem caught in an escalation trap, and oil prices are rising. What would it take for Tehran and Washington to both save face and step back? Ravi Agrawal turns to career diplomat and Iran expert Nate Swanson, who was fired by the Trump administration last year.  Plus, Ravi shares his read on India’s youth protests and the so-called “Cockroach Janata Party.”  Sumit Ganguly: India’s Cockroach Movement Gains Momentum Ellie Geranmayeh: How the United States and Iran Can Solve Hormuz Dennis Ross: How to Isolate Tehran David Ignatius: Trump Pushed the Reset Button. This is ‘Iran Fiasco 2.0.’ Keith Johnson: Energy Markets’ False Dawn May Be Over Rob Geist Pinfold and Dania Thafer: The Gulf States That Iran Thinks It Can Attack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Is the Trans-Atlantic Relationship Over? A Debate. 15.07.2026 46p

  Is the trans-Atlantic relationship over? Nathalie Tocci argues that it cannot be rebuilt as it was: The liberal order that birthed trans-Atlanticism is gone, and a fundamental breach of trust has occurred. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer sees it differently: Trans-Atlanticism was never based only on values but also on security, economic, and technological interests. The relationship has now entered a period of geopolitical maturity, where the two sides will pick and choose areas of cooperation. The two European experts debate their takes. Plus, Ravi shares his read on how renewed conflict in Iran hurts energy prices.  Alexandra Sharp: U.S.-Iran Talks May Continue, but the Cease-Fire Is Over Rebecca F. Elliott and Lisa Friedman in the New York Times: China’s Next Move May Decide Whether Oil Prices Soar Nathalie Tocci: The End of Trans-Atlanticism Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer: Trans-Atlanticism Isn’t Dead—It’s Being Renegotiated Luke McGee: Washington Shouldn’t Fear NATO Expansion Dimitar Bechev: Contain, Consolidate, and Co-Opt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Can Ukraine Win in Russia? 10.07.2026 39p

  Ukraine has a new strategy in its full-scale war with Russia: using drones to attack deep into Russian territory and bring the war home to the Russian people for the first time. Has this put Moscow on the backfoot? What will it mean for the chances of a deal? Dmytro Kuleba, a former Ukrainian foreign minister and senior fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center, joins FP Live for a frank and realistic assessment. Plus, Ravi shares his read on the NATO summit in Ankara. Charles Dainoff, Geoffrey Fain Williams, and Robert Farley: Is Ukraine’s Decentralized Drone Innovation a Blip or a Revolution? John Kennedy and Jacob Parakilas: Putin May Escalate, but Ukraine Is Winning Christian Caryl: Ukraine Finally Has a Theory of Victory. Will It Work? Paul Hockenos: The Strategy Behind the Battle for Crimea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Is Trump Really Planning to Invade Cuba? 01.07.2026 40p

  After the United States ousted Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro in January and then took out Iran’s senior leadership in the following months, U.S. President Donald Trump set his sights on Cuba, claiming that he would have the “honor of taking” the island. Michael Bustamante, a leading historian of Cuban-American relations, joins FP Live to assess the White House’s strategy and Havana’s options.  Plus, Ravi shares his read on the diverse United States seen by World Cup tourists.  Oliver Stuenkel: Washington’s Cuba Policy Is Self-Sabotage Howard W. French: Trump Is Playing With Fire in Cuba William M. LeoGrande and Peter Kornbluh: Is the United States on the Verge of Military Intervention in Cuba? Katrin Hansing: Blackouts, Food Shortages, and Water Scarcity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Geopolitics of SpaceX and Elon Musk 26.06.2026 44p

  SpaceX’s initial public offering broke records as the largest ever and one that (briefly) made Elon Musk the first trillionaire. But just how much power should one person or one company have in space? Quinn Slobodian, a co-author of Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed, joins FP Live to argue that Musk’s network of integrated companies—from X to Starlink—amplifies not only his economic power but his worldview.  Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff: Elon Musk’s Self-Contradictory Military Policy C. Raja Mohan: Elon Musk and the Rise of Space Capitalism Adam Tooze: Elon Musk’s First Principles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Deciphering the U.S.-Iran Deal 24.06.2026 39p

  The United States and Iran have struck a memorandum of understanding to end the war that began in February. Will the deal last? And what does it mean for the United States, the Middle East, and the world? Ali Vaez has long been involved in unofficial dialogues with Iran and the United States, and he joins FP Live to analyze the deal. Plus, Ravi shares his read on why the cease-fire deal, despite its flaws, will hold. FP Staff: U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding: Full Text Duncan B. Hollis: Is the MOU a Treaty or Not? And Why Should We Care? Matthew Kroenig: The U.S. Won the War With Iran Paul Musgrave: Iran Is a Bigger Defeat Than Vietnam Will Todman: Everyone Lost the War With Iran Daniel Byman: How the Iran Deal Sets the Stage for More Conflict Nik Kowsar and Alireza Nader: Ordinary Iranians Won’t See a Dime of Trump’s Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Is the U.S.-Israel Special Relationship Over? 17.06.2026 39p

  U.S. public opinion is undergoing a dramatic shift, with more and more Americans calling for less military support to Israel. So, is the “special relationship” between the two countries over? According to an essayist in Foreign Policy’s latest print issue, the partnership has peaked—and the only way to go is down. Why is that, and how did we get here? Joshua Leifer, a columnist for Haaretz and author of that essay, joins FP Live to explore trends in the U.S.-Israeli partnership. Plus, Ravi shares his read on the proposed U.S.-Iran cease-fire deal. Paul Musgrave: Iran Is a Bigger Defeat Than Vietnam Will Todman: Everyone Lost the War With Iran Menahem Merhavy: Iran’s Victory Is More Pyrrhic Than It Looks Joshua Leifer: The End of the U.S.-Israel Alliance FP’s Summer Print Issue: The End of the World as We Know It David E. Rosenberg: Netanyahu’s Reelection Could Hinge on Outcome of Iran War Steven A. Cook: Why the U.S. Should Wind Down Military Aid to Israel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Geopolitics of the World Cup 10.06.2026 38p

  This week, the largest-ever World Cup will commence. Across the three host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—48 teams will play 104 matches in 16 cities. But it also comes amid a particularly fraught geopolitical backdrop. Not only have the three hosts spent the last year sparring over immigration, trade, and even national sovereignty, but one of them, the United States, is at war with fellow participant Iran. Top soccer expert and Times economics editor Mehreen Khan joins FP Live to explore just how exceptional this World Cup is.  Plus, Ravi shares his read on troubles for China’s solar industry.  Financial Times: Adam Tooze: Wasting China’s solar panel surplus is madness The Economist: China’s world-beating solar industry is in turmoil FP Coverage of the World Cup Bobby Ghosh: Sleeping in Mexico, Playing in America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How to End the Iran War 05.06.2026 42p

  What would it take to end the Iran war? What exit strategies are still available to the United States? Robert Malley, a former lead negotiator of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and the Biden administration’s special envoy for Iran, joins FP’s Ravi Agrawal to discuss the current talks to open the Strait of Hormuz.  Plus, Ravi offers his read on why U.S. President Donald Trump is wavering between two extremes on a cease-fire deal. New York Times: Robert Malley and Stephen Wertheim: Of Course Trump Bombed Iran Wall Street Journal: Condoleezza Rice: What the U.S. Has Accomplished in Iran Ali Hashem: The World Keeps Asking Iran the Wrong Question Michael Hirsh: Why the U.S. Is Headed for a Long War With Iran Matthew Kroenig: Iran Does Not Have a Right to Enrich Uranium Sina Azodi: The Myth of Zero Enrichment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How to Survive a Chaotic World 27.05.2026 41p

  If the rules-based order is broken, what comes next? And who will lead it? Mark Leonard argues in his new book, Surviving Chaos: Geopolitics When the Rules Fail, that the coming system will be “un-order,” governed not by China or the United States but by no one at all. Are states responding quickly enough? Leonard, who is the director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, joins FP Live’s Ravi Agrawal to explore how policymakers should adjust. Hal Brands: Three Scenarios for a Post-Trump World Stephen M. Walt: Chinese Hegemony Might Be Happening James Palmer: China Doesn’t Always Win When the U.S. Loses Michael Hirsch: After the Nation-State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Trump, Xi, and a New Balance of Power 19.05.2026 48p

  U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to great fanfare but left with little to show for it. What does the Trump-Xi summit reveal about the balance of power between the world’s two biggest economies? Rana Mitter, a top historian of China, joins FP Live to discuss where the world’s most important relationship is headed. Plus, Ravi shares his read on why the Iran war may be Trump’s greatest failure.  Ravi Agrawal: Iran Could Be Trump’s Greatest Failure James Palmer: The Trump-Xi Summit Was Remarkably Banal Fareed Zakaria: Trump’s China Pragmatism Is Welcome Stephen M. Walt: Chinese Hegemony Might Be Happening James Palmer: China Doesn’t Always Win When the U.S. Loses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Is Russia the Unintended Winner of Trump’s Iran War? 12.05.2026 38p

  There’s little doubt that the conflict in Iran has hurt much of the world economy. But not Russia. Data suggests that the Kremlin has already made billions of dollars in additional oil revenue since the United States and Israel attacked Iran. But beyond just cash, how much will this change President Vladimir Putin’s broader strategy? And what does this mean for the fate of the war in Ukraine? Alexander Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, joins FP Live to explain how Russia is navigating a moment of particular global flux. Plus, Ravi offers his read on U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. Christian Caryl: Vladimir Putin Is Much Weaker Than You Think Sean Wiswesser: Don’t Fall for Rumors of Putin’s Weakness Keith Johnson: Russia Is Making Bank on Trump’s Iran War Christian Caryl: How Ukraine Benefited From Trump’s Iran War Alexey Kovalev: Russia’s War Boom Masks an Economic Implosion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices