How did we end up with "forever enemies" and is there another way? Senior editor at The American Conservative, Andrew Day, joins Kyle Angelo to challenge our most fundamental assumptions about American foreign policy.

The conversation begins with a deep dive into Trump's recent statements about Ukraine, where he surprisingly called Russia a "paper tiger" and suggested Ukraine could win the war. Day provides crucial context: "Trump changes his position depending on who he most recently talked to," noting Trump's shift from previously acknowledging Ukraine would need to cede territory to now making optimistic claims about Ukrainian victory prospects that even Antony Blinken wouldn't endorse.

We explore the gap between rhetoric and reality, particularly the $58 billion funding gap between what Ukraine says it needs and what Europe has pledged. This practical concern makes talk of Ukrainian territorial gains seem increasingly disconnected from battlefield realities.

The most fascinating segment examines Day's thesis that countries labeled as America's adversaries—China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela—have repeatedly shown willingness to cooperate when Washington extends an olive branch. "Each of these countries would be willing to make deals with us," Day argues, providing specific examples where cooperation was possible but undermined by hawkish impulses or institutional inertia.

Day persuasively explains how the "democracies versus autocracies" framework becomes a dangerous self-fulfilling prophecy: "When Biden comes into office and frames foreign policy as defending democracy globally against autocratic countries... those countries, especially the smaller, weaker ones, think 'I better improve my relations with China.'" These countries aren't naturally allied with one another beyond responding to perceived Western hostility.

The episode concludes with a provocative discussion of Tucker Carlson's claim that Netanyahu "controls" Trump, with Day noting the paradox of America's submissive relationship with Israel despite the enormous power differential and billions in aid provided annually.

Whether you're seeking fresh perspectives on international relations or concerned about America's endless conflicts, this conversation offers a roadmap toward a more pragmatic foreign policy based on genuine national interests rather than ideological crusades.

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