Has the divisive rhetoric of President Trump’s administration irrevocably changed America’s reputation in the eyes of its allies and adversaries? Former head of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove and guest co-host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika sit down with Democratic US Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire to discuss how US foreign policy has shifted during Trump’s second term. Beginning with In Brief, Sir Richard and Ayesha examine the history of UK royalty visits to the US from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles II, and the strategic importance of these visits for maintaining the “special relationship” between the US and UK. Then, Senator Shaheen argues that Trump’s lax approach to Putin and Russia undermines support for Ukraine, emphasizing that a win for Ukraine is a win for the West. She criticizes the administration’s China strategy, warning that the withdrawal of aid and allyship by America has put China in a position to fill the vacuum. The Senator also warns about the growing relationships between members of the “axis of resistance”—China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—citing their increased cooperation as why America maintaining its historic alliances with NATO countries and beyond is so critical for a stable world.

In this episode:

03:02 – King Charles’ first official state visit to the US

13:50 – The fragility of the US-UK relationship

17:04 – Allies and adversaries behind the scenes

19:07 – Russia, Ukraine, and the Iran war

21:51 – Putin and the G20

25:10 – What’s next in the Iran war?

24:49 – The blockade ‘game of chicken’ at the Strait of Hormuz

32:39 – US and China relations

36:22 – China’s rare earth dominance

39:26 – NATO defense spending

42:22 – One Decision: Will Iran negotiations be successful? 

45:15 – Sir Richard and Ayesha discussion

Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Baroness Ayesha Hazarika (Member, House of Lords).

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