State of Play

2025 was a transformative year for geopolitics. Victor Cha and the Brookings Institution's Dr. Tom Wright join Will to discuss how the United States' global strategy changed, how its allies and adversaries are responding, and what to watch for in the year ahead. Thomas Wright, "A Strategy That Ignores the Real Threats," The Atlantic, December 8, 2025. Victor Cha (ed.), "Navigating Disruption: Ally and Partner Responses to U.S. Foreign Policy," CSIS, October 6, 2025.

After a flurry of diplomacy on Ukraine and the release of the new U.S. National Security Strategy, Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya join Will to discuss what we should expect from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine and how the growing crisis in transatlantic relations might shape the contours of a deal. Max Bergmann, "The NSS That Could Destroy the NATO Alliance," CSIS, December 5, 2025. Mark F Cancian and Maria Snegovaya, "The Unfinished Plan for Peace in Ukraine: Provision by Provision," CSIS, November 24, 2025.

The visits of the Saudi crown price and the Syrian president to the White House resulted in large investment deals and new defense announcements. Mona Yacoubian and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney join Will to discuss how successful the visits really were, what failed to materialize, and what surprises emerged.  Michael Ratney, “A Crown Prince with a New Set of Priorities,” New York Times, November 17, 2025.  Mona Yacoubian and Michael Ratney, “MBS in Washington: What’s Next for U.S.-Saudi Relations?” CSIS, November 6, 2025.

President Trump has staked much of his economic and foreign policy agendas on his expansive use of tariffs. Navin Girishankar and Phil Luck join Will to discuss what they are intended to achieve, their economic effects, and the geopolitical shifts they are precipitating. Philip Luck, Hugh Grant-Chapman, and Duc Minh Nguyet (Moon) Nguyen, "When a Trade War Becomes a Food Fight," CSIS, October 21, 2025. Navin Girishankar, "Fighting a Trade War Could Mean Losing the Tech War," CSIS, March 28, 2025.

After a whirlwind trip through Asia, President Trump touted big economic deals, a peace treaty, and a successful meeting with Xi Jinping. Victor Cha and Brian Hart join Will to discuss if the trip met expectations, what surprises emerged, and what it means for the future of U.S.-China relations.