Post Archives

This week, Kelly talks with former assistant administrator of USAID, Erin McKee, in light of the department’s gutting in recent months. She is now serving as the CEO of Nova Ukraina, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States and throughout […]

This week, Kelly and Tristan cover the recent rounds of summit diplomacy between Presidents Trump and Putin and subsequent meetings with European leaders, the recent moves in Somaliland’s quest for recognition, and the new settlements in the West Bank approved by Israel’s finance minister. Kelly is then joined by Liam Karr of the Critical Threats […]

This week, Kelly and Tristan examine the backsliding of democracy in El Salvador and analyze the regional implications for President Bukele’s political crackdown. They then explore Trump’s escalating tariff war with India, which threatens to undermine the partnership between the world’s two largest democracies. Next, they explore Japan’s landmark $6.5 billion naval deal with Australia […]

This week, Kelly talks with Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Ebenezer Obadare about Nigeria’s growing security and economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu. Ebenezer discusses how the country is facing escalating violence from Boko Haram, growing political instability, and widespread economic hardship. Obadare also highlights Nigeria’s tremendous diplomatic potential and why it could become […]

This week, Kelly talks with International Crisis Group Analyst Elizabeth Dickinson about the surge in cartel-driven violence in Colombia and how USAID cuts have impacted the country. Elizabeth discusses how criminal groups have filled the vacuum left by FARC’s demobilization in 2016, leading to the highest coca cultivation levels in Colombia’s history and a surge […]

This week, Kelly and Tristan look back on the United Nations as it marks its 80th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from the failed League of Nations and assessing its future challenges, including Security Council reform. They also analyze the recent NATO summit, exploring how European allies have managed the alliance’s relationship with President Trump […]

Kelly talks with Andrew Preston about his new book, Total Defense: The New Deal and the Invention of National Security. Preston explores how FDR revolutionized national security policy by connecting domestic New Deal programs to global defense strategies. Guest speaker Andrew Preston is a Professor of American History based at Clare College, Cambridge, where he […]

This week, Kelly and Tristen unpack key elections in Poland and South Korea, and examine the growing reach of an Al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa. Kelly then sits down with David Mora to explore Mexico’s recent judicial elections and their implications for Mexican democracy and U.S.-Mexico relations. Guest speaker David Mora is the Senior Analyst […]

Kelly talks with Yvonnick Denoël about his new book, Vatican Spies: From the Second World War to Pope Francis,exploring the Vatican’s little-known intelligence operations. Yvonnick is a French historian, publisher and intelligence specialist who has written on the CIA, Mossad, and espionage in the twentieth century. His new book uncovers a little-known side of Vatican […]

Kelly talks with Amitav Acharya about his new book The Once and Future World Orderand the deep roots of global civilization beyond the West. They explore why the recent decline of American dominance doesn’t mean collapse, but a chance to build a more just, inclusive global system. Guest speaker Amitav Acharya is the UNESCO Chair […]