Jack speaks with Richard Ekins, professor of law and constitutional government at Oxford University, about the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia naval base for continued U.S.–U.K. military use—an issue that has drawn renewed attention in recent weeks after President Trump publicly criticized the proposed agreement. They discuss the historical background of the Chagos Islands dispute, the role of international courts, treaty obligations between the United States and the United Kingdom, and the strategic importance of Diego Garcia. They also examine the legal and security risks of the proposed transfer, including constraints on the use of force, nuclear nonproliferation obligations, and the question of why the United States might consent to the agreement.

Since this chat was recorded, President Trump today signaled support for the Chagos sovereignty transfer, or at least a rollback of his criticism.  He also said: “If the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia.”

Mentioned:

“Britain’s Chagos Deal Can’t Go Forward Without U.S. Consent” by Richard Ekin (National Review, Jan. 30, 2026.)

Get full access to Executive Functions at www.execfunctions.org/subscribe