On this episode, we begin with some short updates on the situation in Ukraine and Israel. We also discuss the US House vote on TikTok and whether the social media platform is a propaganda tool of the CCP. We then take a deep dive into life in the UK after Brexit. Were promises kept and who is better off? Finally, we look at the extraordinary story of Poland’s democratic revival and examine its battle back from its recent flirtation with authoritarianism. What lessons can Western nations learn from as they fight their own right-wing populism?Topics Discussed in this Episode20:00 - Ukraine and Israel update40:00 - Post-Brexit UK: Looking back after 7 years56:30 - Poland: How to fix a democracy?Articles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeUkraine and Israel UpdatesTrump will not give a penny to Ukraine - Hungary PM Orban (BBC)Schumer Urges New Leadership in Israel, Calling Netanyahu an Obstacle to Peace (NY Times)Pentagon to give Ukraine $300 million in weapons (NPR)Post-Brexit UK: Looking back after 7 yearsBrexit Britain has ‘significantly underperformed’ other advanced economies, Goldman Sachs says (CNBC)How Brexit and Boris Broke Britain (Foreign Affairs)Brexit has completely failed for UK, say clear majority of Britons – poll (The Guardian)Sir Keir Starmer: bureaucrat first, politician second (The Economist)Poland: How to fix a democracy?Poland’s Post-Populist Rehab (Foreign Affairs)Donald Tusk tries to restore Poland’s rule of law (The Economist)Poland is a test case for reviving a corrupted democracy (The Washington Post)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, we are talking about several big wins for Putin over the past week, including Navalyny’s demise, the opportunity to spread his propaganda to Western audiences through Tucker Carlson, and Russia’s solid economic growth. Another big win for Putin is Trump’s threats to withdraw from NATO by not respecting our treaty commitments were he to become the US’s next president. The news keeps getting better for Putin with Ukraine’s struggles on the battlefield, while future military assistance continues to be blocked in the US Congress. Finally, we look at the continuing conflict in Gaza, frustrating the White House and its hopes for a ceasefire that would see the release of the remaining hostages. Topics Discussed in this Episode10:00 - Putin’s very good week38:50 - Ukraine's battlefield struggles1:01:25 - Israel-Hamas UpdateArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodePutin’s Very Good WeekCarlson, like the populist right, dislikes what makes America great (WaPo)What Tucker Carlson Saw in Moscow (The Atlantic)Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death, explained (Vox)U.S. Fears Russia Might Put a Nuclear Weapon in Space (NY Times)Trump reiterates to NATO allies: If you don’t pay up, ‘I’m not going to protect you’ (Politico)Ukraine Battlefield StrugglesAvdiivka, Longtime Stronghold for Ukraine, Falls to Russians (NY Times)How Ukraine sank the Caesar Kunikov—and is beating Russia at sea (The Economist)Ukraine backers in House explore bypassing Johnson to secure more aid (WaPo)Top House Dems gauge support for forcing foreign aid vote (Politico)Israel-Hamas updateIf Israel invades, hell looms in Rafah (The Economist)A Biden Doctrine for the Middle East Is Forming. And It’s Big. (Friedman, NY Times)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

Welcome to a New Year and a new season of Kellogg’s Global Politics!As funding for Ukraine has been held up by negotiations on the US Border Crisis, we take a deep dive into the recent history and the current status of immigration to the United States through its Southern border.. We then turn to the Middle East and concerns over the increase in military violence throughout the region and the implications of the escalating threat of war with Iran. Finally, we discuss the latest in East Asia and whether there might be an increased chance of war with North Korea. We also look at the implications of the recent Taiwanese presidential elections.Topics Discussed in this Episode06:00 - US Border Crisis32:30 - Middle East Spiraling Out of Control?44:30 - North Korea Preparing for War?54:30 - Taiwan’s ElectionArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeUS Border CrisisWith Deal Close on Border and Ukraine, Republican Rifts Threaten to Kill Both (NY Times)New York City’s not-so-sudden migrant surge, explained (Vox)Key findings about U.S. immigrants (Pew Research Center)Middle East Spiraling Out of Control?Attacks in Syria and Iraq Ratchet Tensions in a Region Already on Edge (NY Times)The US and UK hit Houthi targets in Yemen. It probably won’t stop Red Sea attacks (Vox)The Middle East faces economic chaos (The Economist)North Korea Preparing for War?As if We Didn’t Have Enough to Frighten Us … (NY Times)Is Kim Jong Un Preparing for War? (38 North)A Fundamental Shift or More of the Same? A Rebuttal (38 North)Taiwan’s ElectionHow China’s public views Taiwan’s elections (The Economist)Taiwan’s 2024 Elections: Results and Implications (CSIS)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

There have been several big stories since we last recorded. We begin with Ukraine and the fight over continued aid and military support in the U.S. Congress. Then, tensions have been heating up between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. What does this mean for the U.S.? Tensions are also rising in South America over a territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana. Will the U.S. need to intervene? Right-wing populists made another gain with the election of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands. As former residents of the country, we offer our perspective. Finally, we made some foreign policy predictions for the year ahead. Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 - Anti-Semitism or Anti-Zionism: Case Study at Montgomery County Public Schools14:00 - Ukraine’s Very Bad Week35:00 - China-Philippines Tensions in the South China Sea42:00 - Venezuela claims most of Guyana50:00 - The Rise of the Dutch Trump: Geert Wilders Wins Big1:03:00 - Anita and Ryan’s 2024 PredictionsArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeAnti-Semitism or Anti-Zionism: Case Study at Montgomery County Public SchoolsWestland Middle teacher on leave, under investigation for social media posts (MoCo 360)Ukraine’s Very Bad WeekThe High Price of Losing Ukraine (Institute for the Study of War)What happens in Ukraine if US aid disappears? (Vox)China-Philippines Tensions in the South China SeaFleets of Force (NY Times)Rising Philippines-China tensions in South China Sea: 5 moments from 2023 (WaPo)Venezuela claims most of GuyanaHow the Venezuela-Guyana border almost started a U.S.-British war (WaPo)The Rise of the Dutch Trump: Geert Wilders Wins BigGeert Wilders: the Dutch far-right figurehead sending a chill across Europe (The Guardian)How Geert Wilders Won (NY Times)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

Recent headlines have been focused on the Xi-Biden meeting at APEC in San Francisco this week. We talk about what happened and the implications for the future of U.S.-China relations.But first, we discuss the Israel-Hamas war, now in its sixth week of fighting. Can Israeli military actions achieve their objectives of destroying Hamas and recovering the more than 200 hostages? Are they doing enough to protect civilian lives in Gaza?Then we turn to the Russia - Ukraine war, which seems to have hit a stalemate. With the popularity of continued support from the West waning, where does the war go from here? What does “success” look like? Topics Discussed in this Episode05:50 - Israel-Hamas War23:50 - Russia-Ukraine Stalemate45:30 - Xi-Biden Meeting at APECArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeIsrael-Hamas WarThe rights and wrongs of Israel and Hamas at al-Shifa hospital (The Economist)The Left Comes for Biden on Israel (The New Yorker)Many Arab governments would like to see Hamas gone (The Economist)What the War in Gaza Means for Saudi Arabia (Foreign Affairs)Iranians see both sides of the Israel-Gaza conflict (Financial Times)Russia-Ukraine War: Stalemate, Rethinking Success, and Russia Resurgent?Redefining Success in Ukraine (Foreign Affairs)Why Ukraine’s Stalemate Will Likely Last Another Year (Time)Some Preliminary Thoughts on Ukraine’s Position in the War (War on the Rocks)Xi-Biden Meeting at APECThe Biden-Xi Meeting: Did the White House Get More Than It Gave? (Foreign Policy)Joe Biden and Xi Jinping rediscover the joy of talking. Good (The Economist)‘He’s a dictator’: Biden claims progress in Xi meeting, but deep fault lines remain (Politico)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

Last week, shortly before we recorded our episode, we woke up to the news of the Hamas attack on Israel. Very little was known at the time, and so we kept our reactions brief. We felt the need to go deeper into this significant conflict, however, and decided to record an episode just on the Israel-Hamas war. We hope this brings you greater insight into this terrible event in a very complicated region of the world.Articles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeHamas Attack on Israel and Preparing for Gaza InvasionIsrael Is Walking Into a Trap (The Atlantic)Israel Could Be Walking Into a Trap in Gaza (NY Times)Israel ordered a ‘complete siege’ of Gaza. Here’s what that looks like. (WaPo)The Meaning of the Attack on Israel (War on the Rocks)The Hamas horror is also a lesson on the price of populism (WaPo)US Policy Options and a Vision after the WarA war that must be waged with an eye toward what comes after (David Ignatius; WaPo)The Missed Chance for Peace (David Brooks; NY Times)Biden, Netanyahu and America’s choice (Financial Times)Hezbollah, Iran, and ChinaHow to Avoid a Second Front Between Israel and Hiaballah (War on the Rocks)China’s soft message on Hamas is part of a much bigger strategy (Politico)Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.comShow Twitter/X: @GlobalKelloggShow YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgJeUZcTUGsNwTh-us65cIAAnita’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/arkelloggAnita’s Website:https://www.anitakellogg.com/Anita’s email: anita@kelloggsglobalpolitics.comRyan’s email: ryan@kelloggsglobalpolitics.comFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, Anita interviews Dr. Carla Freeman, a senior expert on China at the United States Institute of Peace. They discuss a wide range of issues, including what has been accomplished through the flurry of high-level diplomatic talks between the U.S. and China and whether there will be a Biden-Xi meeting at APEC in California next month. They also talk about the importance of the U.N. and other global institutions in China’s strategy in the Global South and its challenge to the current international order.We begin the episode with breaking news about the recent attack on Israel. Moving on to our main stories, we explore waning support for Ukraine in the U.S. and how it will affect the future of Russia-Ukraine war. Next, we discuss Indian nationalism in the wake of the diplomatic dispute between Canada and India. We then conclude with the interview with Carla Freeman.Topics Discussed in this Episode06:00 - Hamas Surprise Attack on Israel11:00 - Ukraine Funding and Support in Danger32:00 - India’s Hindu Nationalism Goes Abroad46:00 - Talking China with Dr. Carla FreemanArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeHamas Surprise Attack on IsraelAnalysis: In striking Israel, Hamas also took aim at Middle East security realignment (Reuters)Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Funding and Support in DangerWestern help for Ukraine is likely to diminish next year (The Economist)The ousting of Kevin McCarthy: bad for America, worse for Ukraine (The Economist)Commoditized Weapons in Ukraine: Are the Allies Getting the Procurement Right? (War on the Rocks)Foreign Policy Shutdown (Emma Ashford Substack)‘It’s a survival issue’: Ukraine looks to arm itself as Western support slips (Politico)India’s Hindu Nationalism Goes AbroadSikh Separatism and the Brewing Conflict Between Canada and India (The New Yorker)Under fire from Hindu nationalist groups, U.S.-based scholars of South Asia worry about academic freedom (WaPo)An Anti-Muslim Symbol From India Is Paraded on Main Street, New Jersey (NY Times)Talking China with Dr. Carla FreemanU.S. Institute of PeaceTwitter/X (@CarlaPFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, we begin by exploring the future of the Wagner group given the death of its leader, Prighozin. We also look at the slow progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive and whether the conflict is headed towards a stalemate. Then, have we reached peak China? We discuss the causes and implications of China’s weakening economy. Finally, we explain what is so concerning about Republican Presidential hopeful, Vivek Ramaswamy’s foreign policy proposals.Topics Discussed in this Episode02:30 - Prigozhin’s Assassination and Ukraine’s Counteroffensive27:30 - Is this peak China? China’s Economy in Crisis50:30 - GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s Foreign PolicyArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine War: Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Breakthrough?Prigozhin’s Real Legacy: The Mercenary Blueprint (Sean McFate (NDU); NY Times)A Brutal Path Forward, Village by Village (NY Times)Ukraine’s counter-offensive is speeding up (The Economist)The Case for Negotiating with Russia (The New Yorker)Peak China is Real: China’s Economy in CrisisIs a declining China even more dangerous for the West? (The Times London)Xi’s Age of Stagnation (Foreign Affairs)The End of China’s Economic Miracle (Foreign Affairs)What Happened to Japan? (NY Times)Don’t Drive Smart Students Away (Ryan and Anita’s War on the Rocks article)GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s Foreign PolicyA Viable Realism and Revival Doctrine (The American Conservative)The Sinister History Behind the Right’s Putin-Mania (Vanity Fair)Henry Kissinger Pushed Trump to Work With Russia to Box In China (Daily Beast)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, we begin with an update on Ukraine’s counteroffensive and its slow but steady progress to take back territory from Russia. We then discuss the Niger coup, delving into what happened, the impact on US foreign policy, and the expansion of Wagner and Russian influence in Africa. Finally, we look at Israel’s democratic crisis with recent passing of legislation that limits judicial oversight of government power. We also consider the possibility of the U.S. brokering a peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.But first, has the Earth been visited by aliens? And if so, why is the US the only country talking about it?Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 - Congressional Hearing on UFOs: ‘Non-human’ biologics, Murder, and Interdimensional travel, oh my!19:30 - Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Breakthrough?29:30 - Niger coup and Russia’s growing influence in Africa43:15 - Israel in Crisis and Saudi-US DealmakingArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeCongressional Hearing on UFOs: ‘Non-human’ biologics, Murder, and Interdimensional travel, oh my!Does the U.S. Government Want You to Believe in U.F.O.s? (Ross Douthat-NY Times)We are not alone: The UFO whistleblower speaks (News Nation)Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Breakthrough?Franz-Stefan Gady and Michael Kofman on what Ukraine must do to break through Russian defences (The Economist)How bad will things get now that Russia has quit its grain deal with Ukraine? (Vox)Niger coup and Russia’s growing influence in AfricaWhat’s Behind the Coup in Niger? (NY Times)What Is Russia’s Wagner Group Doing in Africa? (Council on Foreign Relations)Why African leaders shunned Vladimir Putin’s summit (The Economist)Israel in Crisis and Saudi-US DealmakingThe wounded Jewish psyche and the divided Israeli soul (Yossi Halevi- The Times of Israel)Biden Is Weighing a Big Middle East Deal (Thomas Friedman-NY Times)‘Divorced from reality’: As top Biden aides meet MBS, experts see near term prospects for Israel-Saudi normalization, and a US Saudi security pact, as unlikely (Substack-Diplomatic by Laura Rozen)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, Anita speaks with Daniel Hamilton, a Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of Johns Hopkins University SAIS. He is also the President of the Transatlantic Leadership Network and a former senior State Department official. We discuss the ups and downs of the Transatlantic Alliance and how the war in Ukraine and strategic competition with China affect the US’s relationship with Europe.There have been several substantial developments in the Ukraine-Russia war. First, we discuss the Wagner rebellion and their march to Moscow, which was halted by a deal between Wagner leader Yevgeny Proghozin and Belarus’s President Alexander Lukashenko. Then, we catch up on the latest in Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. China is also in the news, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip to the country, and we talk about what the US hopes to achieve with these talks. Finally, we discuss China’s announcement on limiting exports of metals critical to the manufacturing of semiconductor chips.Topics Discussed in this Episode06:00 - Russia-Ukraine: Wagner Mutiny, Ukraine’s Counteroffensive, and Cluster Munitions34:00 - China Strikes Back: Export limits on semiconductor inputs48:00 - Interview with Daniel Hamilton on US-European relations around Ukraine War and ChinaArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine: Wagner Mutiny, Ukraine’s Counteroffensive, and Cluster MunitionsWhat just happened in Russia? The Wagner crisis, explained. (WaPo)Ukraine’s top general, Valery Zaluzhny, wants shells, planes and patience (WaPo)Where Will All the Wagner Group Mercenaries Go Now That Russia Has Exiled Their Leader? (RAND)The secret calendar of Russian rebel warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin revealed (The Business Insider)China Strikes Back: Export limits on semiconductor inputsChina Restricts Export of Chipmaking Metals in Clash With US (Bloomberg)China’s ‘first warning shot’ on export controls causes 27% jump in price of gallium—a metal vital to tech industries (Fortune)Yellen Says U.S. Doesn’t Seek ‘Winner Take All’ Fight With China (WSJ)Interview with Daniel Hamilton on US-European relations around Ukraine War and ChinaSAISTransatlantic RelationsTwitter: @DanSHamiltonFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, I speak with Deborah Larson, a research professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. As a former student of hers, while undertaking my Ph.D. at UCLA, I found her research on Russia’s leaders very insightful. More recently, she has been writing about the China - Russia relationship, which we discuss. In particular, we look at what China gets from the relationship, how far it will go to support Russia in Ukraine, and how Russia avoids being the little brother in the strategic partnership.We begin the episode delving into the most recent developments in the Russia - Ukraine war, including speculation on Ukraine’s future counteroffensive, the impact of the F-16s now being provided to Ukraine, and possible NATO membership. El Salvador’s president has become the latest authoritarian-leaning darling of the Right in the US. We discuss why he has received so much praise from the likes of Tucker Carlson, Michael Flynn, and Roger Stone. Why is he so popular at home and abroad, and what are the consequences of the steady dismantling of democracy in the country?Topics Discussed in this Episode05:20 - Russia-Ukraine Update32: 55 - The U.S. Right’s New Darling: El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele50:40 - Interview with Deborah Larson: Russia-China RelationsArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine UpdateUkraine’s Offensive and its Meaning for the War (Michael Koffman; War on the Rocks)Two Weeks at the Front in Ukraine (The New Yorker)To Protect Europe, Let Ukraine Join NATO—Right Now (Foreign Affairs)Why It’s Not a Good Idea for Ukraine to Join NATO Now (Slate)‘Stream’ and ‘Torch’: the Gazprom-backed militias fighting in Ukraine (FT)The U.S. Right’s New Darling: El Salvador’s Nayib BukeleMeet the MAGA movement’s new favorite autocrat (Vox)El Salvador’s authoritarian president is becoming a regional role model (The Economist)Interview with Deborah Larson: Russia-China RelationsQuest for Status: Chinese and Russian Foreign PolicyFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, Anita interviews Dawn Murphy, an Associate Professor of National Security Strategy at the US National War College, specializing in research on China and the Global South. We talk about China’s Belt and Road Project, its relationships in the Middle East, and China’s use of multilateral organizations.We begin the episode by discussing the recent Turkish elections, where hopes were high for the opposition to oust the autocratic President Erdogan. As the country heads to a runoff, what are the odds of the opposition succeeding?Biden attended the G7 meeting in Japan but cut the rest of the trip short to deal with the debt crisis at home. What does this say about US commitments in the Pacific and the confidence of these nations in dealing with the United States?Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Anita takes on Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom04:00 Turkish elections19:00 G7 Meeting in Hiroshima and US Debt Crisis Distraction36:00 Interview with Dawn Murphy: China and the Global SouthArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeTurkish ElectionsFour Takeaways From Turkey’s Nail-Biting Presidential Election (NY Times)Erdogan triumphed by vowing to Make Turkey Great Again (WaPo)Here’s How to Read Turkey’s Election Results—So Far (Council of Foreign Relations)G7 Meeting and US Debt Crisis DistractionCan the West win over the rest of the world? (The Economist)The debt ceiling crisis is distracting Biden from his geopolitical agenda (Financial Times)To Counter China, G7 Countries Borrow Its Economic Playbook (NY Times)Talking China in the Global South with Dawn MurphyNational Defense UniversityChina’s Rise in the Global SouthTwitter (@DawnMurphyChina)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, we begin with South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 6-day state visit to the United States. South Koreans have become increasingly concerned about the nuclear threat from North Korea. We discuss if South Korea got the security guarantees they desired. We also look at other key issues in the US-South Korea relationship.Fierce fighting in Sudan has been capturing headlines. But what are they fighting about? We go over the key actors, what is at stake, and why Americans should care about this conflict.Finally, we introduce a new segment: Changing Tides, where we read a book, set of articles, or in today’s case, speeches that are either changing the world or reflecting on how the world is changing. Today, we discuss two recent foreign policy speeches by the Biden administration that were given in recent days. That of Janet Yellen on economic policy towards China and Jake Sullivan on Biden’s foreign policy for the middle class.Topics Discussed in this Episode04:50 - U.S.-South Korea Summit30:45 - Crisis in Sudan49:30 Changing Tides: Discussion of the Biden Administration’s "new" Washington Consensus and foreign policy for the middle class Articles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeU.S.-South Korea SummitSouth Korea has America in its face and China breathing down its neck (The Economist)America’s Ironclad Alliance With South Korea Is a Touch Rusty (Foreign Policy)After Warmth From Biden, South Korea’s Leader Faces a Different Tune at Home (NY Times)Crisis in SudanIn Sudan, a power struggle between rival armed forces turns violent (Vox)What’s behind the fighting in Sudan, and what is at stake? (WaPo)United States Says Wagner Has Quietly Picked Sides in Sudan (NY Times)Changing Tides: Discussing the ‘new’ Washington Consensus and "foreign policy for the middle class"Jake Sullivan’s Talk at the Brookings InstitutionJanet Yellon’s Talk at Johns Hopkins SAISFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, Anita speaks with Bates Gill, the Executive Director of the Center for China Analysis with the Asia Society Policy Institute. We discuss the troubling aspects of China’s military modernization, the rise of military-industrial technocrats to leadership positions in the Communist Party, and the importance of understanding China from the inside out.We begin the show with an update on the Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on the recent intelligence leaks. We also consider whether there are limits in the West’s support to the Ukrainian war effort.China is not the only country talking about a multipolar world. We discuss Macron’s infamous trip to China and his attempt to carve out a unique foreign policy agenda for Europe while setting himself up to be a distinguished statesman. Brazil’s president, Lulu, also visited with Xi this week with proposals for a closer relationship with China and restoration of the BRICS power bloc of developing nations. Topics Discussed in this Episode04:30 Russia-Ukraine War: DoD leak revelations32:00 Macron and Lulu meet with Xi54:00 Interview with Dr. Bates Gill from the Asia Society Policy InstituteArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine War: DoD leak revelationsThe West Needs a New Strategy in Ukraine (Foreign Affairs-Haas and Kupchan)Russia’s commando units gutted by Ukraine war, U.S. leak shows (WaPo)A Quick Guide to What the Leaked U.S. Intelligence Documents Say (NY Times)Macron and Lulu meet with XiFrom Red Carpet to Doghouse: Macron Returns From China to Allied Dismay (NY Times)Europe must resist pressure to become ‘America’s followers,’ says Macron (Politico)Emmanuel Macron’s blunder over Taiwan (The Economist)French Diplomacy Undercuts U.S. Efforts to Rein China In (NY Times)Brazil’s foreign policy is hyperactive, ambitious and naive (The Economist)Interview with Dr. Bates Gill from the Asia Society Policy InstituteAsia Society Policy InstituteTwitter (@batesgill1)Daring to Struggle: China's Global Ambitions Under Xi Jinping Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, we begin by discussing China’s diplomatic blitz, having brokered a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomacy and Xi’s visit to Russia to meet with Putin and promote its 12-point peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war.We move on to the elections in Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria, and what the controversial elections say about the state of democracy in the country.Finally, we look to the world’s largest democracy, India, and consider the steady rise of authoritarianism there. Topics Discussed in this Episode08:30 - China’s Global Diplomacy Blitz27:00 - Nigerian Elections41:00 India’s BJP and Modi Eroding DemocracyArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeChina’s Global Diplomacy BlitzIsrael sees opportunity in Iran-Saudi deal, Israeli official says (Axios)Great power projection in the Middle East: The China-Russia relationship as a force multiplier (The Atlantic Council)What Does Xi’s Visit to Russia Mean for the World? (Foreign Policy)China's rise giveth and China's rise taketh away (Dan Drezner)Nigerian ElectionsBola Tinubu, Nigeria’s political kingmaker, wins a flawed election (The Economist)Nigeria points the way toward democracy in a region in which it is scarce (WaPo)Nigeria desperately needs a new kind of leadership (The Economist)India’s BJP and Modi Eroding DemocracyIndia’s ruling party just kicked a major rival out of Parliament — and sparked a new crisis (Vox)Top Indian Opposition Leader Arrested on Corruption Charges (NY Times)Manish Sisodia's arrest: Read how the Delhi liquor scam unfolded (The Economic Times)India’s BJP Is the World’s Most Important Party (WSJ)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, Anita speaks with David Maxwell, a retired US Army Special Forces Colonel, a Senior Advisor to the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy, and a Senior Fellow at the Global Peace Foundation. We talk about the various ways North Korea presents a national security threat to the United States that goes beyond its nuclear weapons program. We also discuss resetting the goal to place unification with South Korea first led by an informational warfare campaign and then denuclearization rather than the current policy of denuclearization before unification. Dave warns that the U.S. and our partners need to be prepared for a period of violent instability if the Kim regime loses its iron grip on North Korean leadership. We begin the show by marking the one-year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. We discuss the remarkable unity of the West, while the rest of the world has largely opted for neutrality—of which many of these countries are helping Russia’s economy survive. We look at the historical reasons the West has less influence on the Global South than it often presumes. Finally, we cover China’s 12-point plan for peace and whether China or India might have a role as neutral arbiters of peace.Topics Discussed in this Episode[03:40] Russia-Ukraine 1-year Later: Global South is Not on Board[27:25] China’s Peace Plan: Self-serving Ploy or Useful Framework?[36:15] Talking North Korea with David MaxwellArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine 1-year Later: Global South is Not on BoardA global divide on the Ukraine war is deepening (WaPo)The West Tried to Isolate Russia. It Didn’t Work. (NY Times)China’s Peace Plan: Self-serving Ploy or Useful Framework?China calls for a cease-fire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine (NPR)RAND’s Derek Grossman’s tweet on India as Russia-Ukraine peacemaker (Twitter)Zelenskyy open to considering some parts of Beijing’s proposals to end Ukraine war (Politico)Interview with David MaxwellFoundation for Defense of DemocraciesForeign Policy Research InstituteTwitter (@DavidMaxwell161)War on the RocksFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, Anita speaks with Bonnie Glaser, who is the managing director of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific program. Our conversation is all about China as we discuss spy balloons, Taiwan, and the conditions that might spark China to risk war with the United States.We begin the show with the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war.  Ryan explains the conspiracy theory that posits that the US critically damaged the Nord Stream pipeline that brought gas from Russia into Germany.The current head of the World Bank unexpectedly resigned this week. We explain why he is leaving and why it matters. We also discuss the mission of the World Bank and why many want to have it have a larger role in addressing the issue of climate change in developing countries.  Topics Discussed in this Episode05:00: Russia-Ukraine Update: Russian Offensive and Nord Stream Allegations32:30:  World Bank: Politics and Climate Change48:00: Interview with Bonnie GlaserArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine Update: Russian Offensive and Nord Stream AllegationsMoscow’s Military Capabilities Are in Question After Failed Battle for Ukrainian City (NY Times)How the War in Ukraine Ends (The New Yorker)Nord Stream, Seymour Hersh and how disinformation works (Natalia Antelava)Our tweet thread debunking Hersh article on Nord Stream allegationsWorld Bank: Politics and Climate ChangeThe World Bank: What it is and how it operates (Bretton Woods project)World Bank head denies climate controversy spurred resignation (WaPo)Malpass survives climate gaffe, but the World Bank’s fossil fuel policy may not (Politico)Interview with Bonnie GlaserGerman Marshall FundTwitter (@BonnieGlaser)China Global PodcastU.S.-Taiwan Relations: Will China's Challenge Lead to a Crisis?Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

We begin with the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine War and how Russia’s sheer numbers in manpower might help it regain momentum. We also discuss the debate over whether the US should support a Ukrainian offense in Crimea and why Western sanctions on Russia have had an underwhelming effect on the Russian economy and its ability to wage war.One of the biggest stories in the US this week was the discovery of a Chinese surveillance balloon. We discuss this and the news of the US expanding its military presence in the Philippines. We wrap up by talking about US hopes to divert its supply chains from China to its allies.Finally, we cover the latest Israeli strike on Iran and how Israel - Iran relations are likely to fare under the new Netanyahu administration.Topics Discussed in this Episode[06:30] Russia-Ukraine Update: Sanction Failures and Crimea End Game[33:30] Chinese Balloon Drama and US Alliance Building in Asia[57:30] Israel Strikes Iran and the Prospects for WarArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine Update: Sanction Failures and Crimea End GameUkraine Fears New Offensive Is Underway as Russia Masses Troops (NY Times)Russian Crude Trade Moves Deep Into the Shadows (Energy Intel)Russia Sidesteps Western Punishments, With Help From Friends (NY Times)What Ukraine Needs to Liberate Crimea (Foreign Affairs- Alexander Vindman)The Case for Caution on Crimea (War on the Rocks- James Acton)Chinese Balloon Drama and US Alliance Building in AsiaChinese Spy Balloon or ‘Civilian Device’? (NY Times)China’s suspected spy balloon is the perfect symbol of its clumsiness (WaPo)Biden Aims to Deter China With Greater U.S. Military Presence in Philippines (NY Times)U.S. Pursues India as a Supply-Chain Alternative to China (WSJ)Israel Strikes Iran and the Prospects for WarThe U.S.-Israel military simulation is a show of force to Iran (WaPo)Iran blames Israel for Isfahan drone attack, warning of revenge (BBC)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, Anita spoke with Jonathan Fulton, a Professor at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. We discussed China’s relationships in the Middle East and how they go beyond seeing the region as a source of cheap oil.We also talk about the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, including the flow of Western military equipment into Ukraine and Germany’s refusal to provide its Leopard 2 tanks. We also discuss why Putin is losing the energy war with Europe.U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is in Africa this week. We explain why she is there and what the US hopes to achieve. We consider the trip in light of Russia’s and China’s recent diplomatic tours of the region.Topics Discussed in this EpisodeRussia-Ukraine Update: Tanks, tanks, and more tanks - 4:35Janet Yellen goes to Africa - 21:00Interview with Jonathan Fulton - 45:15Articles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRussia-Ukraine War Update: Tanks, tanks, and more tanksGerman caution on Ukraine arms rooted in political culture (AP)A helicopter crash has dealt a heavy blow to Ukraine’s government (The Economist)Twitter thread on M1-Abrams by Gen. Mark Hertling (Twitter)Vladimir Putin is losing the energy war (FT)Janet Yellen goes to AfricaYellen's message in Africa: We're here to stay (Axios)Why US-Africa relations — and Africa — matter now more than ever (The Hill)The Chinese-African relationship is important to both sides, but also unbalanced (The Economist)Interview with Jonathan FultonChina-MENA Podcast (Atlantic Council)Twitter @johnanfultonChina’s Relations with the Gulf MonarchiesFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

On this episode, as we begin to record, we find out the breaking news about Pro-Bolsonaro’s supporters breaking into government buildings, including the Supreme Court, the Presidential Palace, and Congress, in a clear echo of the US’s January 6th.We continue our conversation on the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, including the significance of the continuing battle for Bakmut, increasing Western military aid and support, and some good news for Europe’s energy crisis.Then we are onto the main story, the Republican takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives and the implications for US Foreign Policy. We discuss the new select committee on China, the promised hearings on the Afghanistan withdrawal, and, last and least, Hunter Biden.Topics Discussed in this EpisodeJanuary 8th insurrection in BrazilRyan and Anita’s War on the Rocks ArticleRussia-Ukraine War UpdateRepublican Takeover of the U.S. House and the Foreign Policy ImplicationsPlus an overview of the dirty deeds of the Biden crime family overseas ;-). Articles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeRyan and Anita’s War on the Rocks Article Don’t Drive Away Smart Students (War on the Rocks)Russia-Ukraine War UpdateRussia's Completely Avoidable "Shell Hunger" in Ukraine (Edward Slavsquat)Lagging Arms Production Makes Pentagon Wary of Further Industry Consolidation (WSJ)A Russian warlord’s savagery is sending a loud message to Moscow (The Economist)Europe’s energy prices slump. Just not on your bill. (Politico)Republican Takeover of US House and the Foreign Policy ImplicationsNew House Select Committee seeks 'Cold War' victory over China (Politico)Rep. Mike Gallagher's committee will push back against China (NPR)Exclusive: GOP launches probe into handling of Afghanistan withdrawal (Axios)What are the allegations against Hunter Biden? (The Economist)Follow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube