Foreign Policy Live

Samantha Power is a powerful voice in the Biden administration. She not only is the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the country’s primary arm for international aid, but also sits on U.S. President Joe Biden’s National Security Council. How does Power think through which countries need U.S. aid the most, and how do decisions get made? Power joins Ravi Agrawal to discuss how this week’s United Nations General Assembly might move the needle on key initiatives. Suggested reading: Gordon Brown: A New Multilateralism Stefan Theil: The Alliances That Matter Now Darren Walker: Can the G-20 Be a Champion for the Global South? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United Nations today is often criticized for being ineffective, even paralyzed, a far cry from what Winston Churchill once referred to as the “only hope of the world.” Is that true? Can it still serve as an effective tool for solving today’s global challenges? Linda Thomas-Greenfield is the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She joins Ravi Agrawal ahead of the United Nations General Assembly this week to discuss the Biden administration's priorities.  Suggested reading: Amy Mackinnon, Robbie Gramer, and Avian Muñoz: What to Expect When You’re Expecting the U.N. General Assembly Mark Malloch-Brown: The United Nations is Convening—and Sputtering Gordon Brown: A New Multilateralism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taiwan has long lived under the shadow of China’s desire to take over its territory. And as China’s economy and military have grown, so too has the threat of a potential invasion. What is Taipei’s strategy for defense and security, and how is it marshaling support from other countries? Ravi Agrawal is joined by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Suggested reading: Hal Brands: Deterrence in Taiwan Is Failing Joseph Wu: Why Taiwan Has a Lock on the World’s Chip Market Raymond Kuo: ‘Strategic Ambiguity’ Has the U.S. and Taiwan Trapped Gabriel Scheinmann: 4 Ways U.S. Support for Ukraine Helps Defend Taiwan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People often describe the United Nations as paralyzed. If that’s the case, where do countries turn to if they want to advance global issues that require cooperation? Is it the G-20? The G-7? Smaller groups? Foreign Policy’s Fall 2023 print issue, “The Alliances That Matter Now,” explores the state of global policymaking. Princeton University’s G. John Ikenberry joins host Ravi Agrawal to discuss his essay on the G-7 and its role in the new world order. Suggested reading: G. John Ikenberry: The G-7 Becomes a Power Player Michael Kugelman: Will India’s G-20 Summit Succeed? James Palmer: Xi Jinping Will Be a G-20 No-Show Michael J. Green: Never Say Never to an Asian NATO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BONUS EPISODE: The Irregular Warfare podcast—“Deterrence through Asymmetry: Preparing for Conflict in the Taiwan Strait.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democracies are in decline around the world. What can be done to strengthen democratic institutions? At the annual Aspen Ideas Festival, host Ravi Agrawal sat down with Nobel laureate Maria Ressa; Freedom House President Mike Abramowitz; and Shadi Hamid, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Suggested reading and listening: Hélène Landemore: More Power to More People Shadi Hamid: Lessons for the Next Arab Spring Michael Hirsh: Trump’s Trials Are America’s Stress Test Disinformation, Intimidation, and Other Threats to Press Freedom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a special summer edition of Foreign Policy Live, Ravi Agrawal shares the mic with his colleague Amelia Lester and answers audience questions on China’s economic slowdown, the state of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, and more. This episode was recorded before the Wagner group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was reportedly killed in a plane crash in Russia. And while you're here, listeners, we're offering a rare 50 percent discount on a subscription to Foreign Policy for a short time. Go to foreignpolicy.com/subscribe and enter promo code FPLIVE. If you sign up for the annual subscription, you’ll get 50 percent off the entire year. Our usual discounts are much much smaller, so if you've been thinking about subscribing, now is the time. Suggested reading: Howard W. French: Niger’s Coup Is a Turning Point for Africans FP Live Debate: Has China Peaked? Paul Scharre: AI’s Gatekeepers Aren’t Prepared for What’s Coming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home to just over 3 million people, the Indian state of Manipur is the site of intense conflict between its two largest ethnic groups. The violence, which broke out in May, has largely gone uncovered in the West. Why is it happening? What can be done to stop it? And how will it impact the broader region? Journalist Barkha Dutt and defense analyst Sushant Singh join Ravi Agrawal to discuss. Suggested reading: Sushant Singh: Manipur Crisis Tests Modi’s India Michael Kugelman: India Steps Up Diplomacy With Myanmar Sushant Singh: Modi Can’t Look Away From Manipur Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inflation is slowing, unemployment remains low, and a recession is now considered unlikely. And the Biden administration is taking credit, citing its economic policies—Bidenomics—as the reason. But is that true? And have these policies followed through on their promise? White House economist Heather Boushey debates Ravi Agrawal on the merits of Bidenomics and how to strengthen the American middle class.  Suggested reading: Adam Posen: America’s Zero-Sum Economics Doesn’t Add Up James C. Capretta: The New Washington Consensus on Trade is Wrong Ravi Agrawal: The White House’s Case for Industrial Policy Adam Tooze: The Mixed Bag of Bidenomics Ravi Agrawal: ‘De-Risking is Consulting Gibberish’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White House’s China policy needs a reset. So says Rep. Ro Khanna, who has a plan to rebalance trade ties with Beijing and reduce tensions. Host Ravi Agrawal quizzes Khanna on China, the war in Ukraine, India, and more.  Foreign Policy Live will be holding an ask-me-anything later this summer. Send in your questions to podcasts@foreignpolicy.com or by visiting foreignpolicy.com/live. Suggested reading: Melissa Morgan: Congressman Ro Khanna Addresses Intersection of America’s Economy and U.S.-China Geopolitical Challenges Gregory W. Meeks: Anti-China Rhetoric Distracts Washington—and Boosts Beijings A. Wess Mitchell: Why Biden’s China Reset Is a Bad Idea Reid Smith: Why the U.S.-China ‘Cold War’ Framing Is So Dangerous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will China keep on rising? Or has it reached a peak? The answer to this question is crucial because it determines how countries should deal with Beijing. But there’s no clear consensus. Scholars Michael Beckley and Keyu Jin join FP’s Ravi Agrawal to debate opposite perspectives on China’s trajectory.  Foreign Policy Live will be holding an ask-me-anything later this summer. Send in your questions to podcasts@foreignpolicy.com. Suggested reading: Hal Brands: The Dangers of China’s Decline Hal Brands: China Is a Declining Power—and That’s the Problem Robert A. Manning: The U.S. Doesn’t Need China’s Collapse to Win Howard W. French: A Shrinking China Can’t Overtake America Ravi Agrawal: Has China Peaked? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a mixed summer for Ukraine. Kyiv’s counteroffensive is progressing slowly, and the country was stymied in its bid to join NATO. But Russia has suffered military setbacks, and the West continues to offer Ukraine important security guarantees. Andrea Kendall-Taylor joins FP Live host Ravi Agrawal to discuss the latest in the war and assess where things might head next. Kendall-Taylor is the director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for New American Security. Suggested reading: Simon Sebag Montefiore: Putin’s Fear of Strong Generals Is as Old as Russia Itself Anastasia Edel: Inside Putin’s Surreal Television Empire Jack Detsch: Wagner Mutiny Rattles the Kremlin’s War in Ukraine Stephen M. Walt: Cluster Bombs and the Contradictions of Liberalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world’s most powerful countries are racing to dominate artificial intelligence. Who will win? The answer might lie in who controls high-end chips—and the critical metals behind them. Paul Scharre, the author of Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, describes this competition in FP’s new Summer 2023 print issue and joins host Ravi Agrawal to discuss how AI will shape geopolitics for years to come.  Suggested reading: Paul Scharre: AI’s Gatekeepers Aren’t Prepared for What’s Coming Stanley McChrystal: AI Has Entered the Situation Room Sasha Polakow-Suransky: Can ChatGPT Explain Geopolitics? Alondra Nelson: How to Regulate AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World leaders will gather in Vilnius, Lithuania, next week for NATO’s annual summit. Will Sweden be accepted into the security alliance? Will member states offer security guarantees for Ukraine? Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen joins host Ravi Agrawal for insights. Suggested reading: FP Contributors: NATO’s Next Decade Elisabeth Braw: Sweden Is Doing Fine in NATO’s Waiting Room Poll: U.S. Elites Agree on NATO Enlargement Sinan Ciddi: Will Erdogan Finally Ratify Sweden’s NATO Accession? No One Knows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last few years, the United States has moved to limit China’s technological rise. U.S.-led sanctions have imposed unprecedented limits on Beijing’s access to advanced computing chips. In response, China has accelerated its own efforts to develop its technological industry and reduce its dependence on external imports. Where is U.S.-China tech competition headed? How are other countries being impacted as a result? Technology expert Dan Wang, who was known for his yearly reflections on China when living in Shanghai, joins FP Live host Ravi Agrawal.  Suggested reading: Dan Wang: 2022 Letter Dan Wang: 2021 Letter Jon Bateman: Biden Is Now All-In on Taking Out China Agathe Demarais: How the U.S.-Chinese Technology War Is Changing the World Rishi Iyengar and Liam Scott: What the ChatGPT Moment Means for U.S.-China Tech Competition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In its geopolitical struggle with China, the thinking goes, the United States can rely on India as a key partner. Longtime U.S. policymaker and India analyst Ashley Tellis disagrees: He argues that New Delhi is likely to do only what serves its interests, and that Washington should beware. Is he right? Tellis debates FP Live host Ravi Agrawal.  Suggested reading: Ashley Tellis: America’s Bad Bet on India C. Raja Mohan: For Biden and Modi, Interests Prevail Over Ideology Rishi Iyengar: Why India and the U.S. Are Closer Than Ever Sushant Singh: Modi Can’t Look Away From Manipur Ramachandra Guha: The Cult of Modi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 90 percent of the advanced semiconductor chips that power the modern world, from high-end smartphones to weapons systems, are made by one company in Taiwan. This monopoly has a profound impact on geopolitics and the global economy. How did we get to this point? And does any other country or company stand a chance at breaking in? To discuss this and much more, FP’s Ravi Agrawal is joined by Chris Miller, the author of Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. Suggested reading: Rishi Iyengar: Who Will Make the Chips? Howard W. French: The Risks of the CHIPS Act No One’s Talking About Elisabeth Braw: Taiwan Needs Business Help to Harden Its Economy Against China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A shaky U.S.-China relationship was on display at last weekend’s Shangri-La Dialogue security conference. What does it mean for Europe? Ravi Agrawal is joined by James Palmer, author of Foreign Policy’s China Brief, and Cindy Yu, host of the Chinese Whispers podcast and assistant editor at the Spectator, to discuss how Brussels and Washington differ in their approaches to China—and how Beijing could exploit that dynamic.  Suggested reading: James Palmer: Why Beijing Won’t Engage With Washington Reid Smith: Why the U.S.-China ‘Cold War’ Framing Is So Dangerous Rishi Iyengar and Robbie Gramer: The U.S. and China Are Caught in a Technology Trap Hal Brands: The Battle for Eurasia Ravi Agrawal: How Europe is Navigating a Fraught U.S.-China Relationship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of artificial intelligence presents both challenges and opportunities for policymakers, prompting questions of how it should be regulated by governments. FP’s editor in chief Ravi Agrawal is joined by Alondra Nelson, a former White House official and the mind behind the Biden administration’s “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.” Suggested reading: Bhaskar Chakravorti: Big Tech’s Stranglehold on Artificial Intelligence Must Be Regulated Howard French: Only Humility Can Save Us From AI Rishi Iyengar: The Global Race to Regulate AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s well known that the West has rallied to support Kyiv and punish Moscow right from the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But large parts of the developing world—the so-called global south—have chosen to stay neutral. In fact, China has reaffirmed its friendship with Russia, and New Delhi has dramatically ramped up oil imports from Moscow. What should Kyiv do in response? Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova recently visited India to make a case for why the world should care about the conflict in her country. She joins host Ravi Agrawal to discuss her global diplomatic push and how she views offers of mediation from countries like Brazil and China. Suggested reading: Jack Detsch and Robbie Gramer: Ukraine’s Next Big Diplomatic Offensive Is in the Global South Angela Stent: The West vs. The Rest C. Raja Mohan: Why Non-Alignment Is Dead and Won’t Return Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the next phase of the war in Ukraine upon us? Rand Corp. expert Dara Massicot joins host Ravi Agrawal to discuss Kyiv’s much-anticipated spring offensive and how Moscow might respond.  Suggested reading: Dmytro Kuleba: 5 Reasons Ukraine Should Get F-16 Jets Robbie Gramer: Ukraine Is Knock, Knock, Knocking on NATO’s Door Russia’s Boom Business Goes Bust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent statements by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan have dominated discussions in political circles in Washington. Is America’s China policy shifting? Is the White House adapting its approach based on feedback from Europe? FP executive editor Amelia Lester is joined by reporters Christina Lu, Jack Detsch, and Robbie Gramer for a wide-ranging discussion on U.S.-China relations. Suggested reading: Robbie Gramer and Christina Lu: Washington’s China Hawks Take Flight Christina Lu: Washington Doesn’t Want You to Call It Decoupling Adam Tooze: America Has Dictated Its Economic Peace Terms to China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 20 years in power, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces a tough reelection on May 14. High inflation and an earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people have created a political opening for opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. What are the dynamics shaping this election? And what would a change of leadership in Ankara mean for the world? Host Ravi Agrawal is joined by FP columnist Steven Cook and Gonul Tol, author of Erdogan’s War. Suggested reading: Reuben Silverman: What Happens When a Turkish President Loses an Election? No One Knows. Steven A. Cook: What if Kemal Kilicdaroglu Wins Turkey’s Election? Halil Karaveli: Turkey’s Opposition Can’t Win Without the Working Class Gonul Tol: Erdogan’s War: A Strongman’s Struggle at Home and in Syria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sounded the alarm once again that the time to act is now if the global community hopes to limit the effects of climate change. But is there sufficient political will across countries to implement the necessary policies? And how should top polluters—such as the United States and China—be held to account? FP’s Ravi Agrawal is joined by U.S. climate envoy John Kerry to discuss this and much more. Suggested reading: Thom Woodroofe: A Partnership to Save the Planet Scott Moore: The U.S. Can Steal China’s Climate Leadership Crown Adam Tooze: Should the World Adjust Its Climate Targets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In early April, the U.S. government became aware that classified documents had been shared widely online, in what is considered to be the most damaging national security leak since Edward Snowden. How will the Biden administration respond? This week, FP’s Ravi Agrawal is joined by Colin Kahl, the U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy, to discuss the recent leaks, U.S. strategy in Ukraine, China, and beyond. Suggested reading: Rishi Iyengar: Biden Wants to Reboot America’s Cyber Defenses Colin Kahl: ‘We’re All In’ on Supporting Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could the United States enter a recession this year? Renowned economist Larry Summers thinks such a scenario is more likely than not. He also thinks the United States’ increasingly hawkish China policy is dangerous for the world. Summers discusses all that and more with host Ravi Agrawal.  FP subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Suggested reading: Jessica Chen Weiss: Is America’s China Policy Too Hawkish? Adam Tooze: Why a Soft Landing Is Possible Even if It Defies Economic Theory Agathe Demarais: Don’t Trust Russia’s Numbers Adam Posen: America’s Zero-Sum Economics Doesn’t Add Up Eswar Prasad: The World Will Regret Its Retreat From Globalization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia’s winter offensive in Ukraine was largely a bust. Now, it’s Kyiv’s turn to strike back. What can its army achieve, and what help does it need from the West? Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis joins FP’s Ravi Agrawal to game out what happens next, plus how Beijing is viewing the conflict. FP subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a Foreign Policy essay that is being much discussed by policymakers this week, Adam Posen argues that U.S. industrial policy is needlessly protectionist—and is likely to backfire. Why does he think Washington has it wrong? And how did we get here? Posen discusses and debates his ideas with host Ravi Agrawal. FP subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent move to overhaul the judiciary branch has prompted weeks of protests. Critics are calling this moment a constitutional crisis, one that could jeopardize the future of what many consider to be the Middle East’s only democracy. FP’s editor in chief Ravi Agrawal is joined by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, one of the top voices protesting this move, to hear more. Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every now and then, we’ll introduce you to some of our other podcasts in this feed. If you like them, you can subscribe directly; if not, we’ll have a fresh FP Live episode for you soon. This week, try out a sample of season two of The Catch, a Foreign Policy podcast in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation. Host Ruxandra Guidi travels to the upper gulf of California to hear from shrimp fishers and local experts on how conservation efforts to save an endangered porpoise is shaping their local economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the help of Western allies, Ukraine has been able to hold off Russian forces for over a year. And with winter coming to an end, experts are now looking at potential outcomes to what could become a prolonged conflict. This week, Ravi Agrawal is joined by Gen. Philip Breedlove, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, to gauge options that Western policymakers are currently weighing. Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s rare in Washington for Democrats and Republicans to agree on anything. And yet, when it comes to countering China’s rise, both parties are gravitating towards a more aggressive stance. Anyone who diverges from this is accused of being too sympathetic to China. FP Live’s guest this week is a prominent voice arguing for a more measured approach. China expert and former State Department staffer Jessica Chen Weiss joins FP’s Ravi Agrawal to share her concerns. Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With international trade still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countries are turning inward by prioritizing domestic investments over global trade. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act and U.S. President Joe Biden’s calls to “Buy American” have prompted accusations of “protectionism” from leaders in Asia and Europe. FP’s Ravi Agrawal is joined by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to discuss the Biden administration’s economic policies and whether these initiatives create unfair competition.  Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week marks exactly one year since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine. There is now little doubt that Putin failed in his initial goals. But can the West stay united in helping Ukraine? Host and FP editor in chief Ravi Agrawal is joined by top Russia experts Angela Stent and Michael Kofman to analyze the state of the two countries’ militaries and where the course of war may go from here. Angela Stent is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and Michael Kofman is the program director at the Center for Naval Analyseis.  Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. And as you know, this feed includes episodes from previous FP shows. You can clean your feed and see just FP Live episodes in two quick steps. On Apple Podcasts, click on the button with the three dots at the top of the FP Live page and select “Remove downloads.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protests erupted in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary. Experts warn that this move could lead to a constitutional crisis. To better understand how this could impact U.S.-Israel relations, regional stability, peace with the Palestinians, and much more, FP’s Dan Ephron is joined by Amir Tibon, senior editor at Haaretz. Ephron is FP’s executive editor for podcasts and former Jerusalem Bureau Chief for Newsweek.  Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FP’s Ravi Agrawal spoke with two experts on sanctions to find out if they have worked: Agathe Demarais, global forecasting director at the Economist Intelligence Unit and author of Backfire: How Sanctions Reshape the World Against U.S. Interests; and Nicholas Mulder, an assistant professor of history at Cornell University and author of The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War. FP subscribers can watch or read a condensed version of the interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biden Foreign Policy : Two years into his first term, how has U.S. President Joe Biden fared on foreign policy? FP’s Ravi Agrawal discusses the Biden administration’s foreign-policy successes and failures, with Stephen Wertheim, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Nadia Schadlow, a former U.S. deputy national security advisor for strategy. Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join FP editor in chief Ravi Agrawal each week for insightful conversations with leading experts in world affairs.   Foreign Policy subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices