This interview podcast features Dan Senor interviewing Walter Russell Mead about the foreign policy of the Trump administration and its implications for global affairs, particularly in the Middle East. The discussion begins with an analysis of Trump's seemingly contradictory foreign policy stances, followed by a deeper dive into Trump's approach to Russia, China, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mead argues that Trump's actions are primarily driven by a desire to solidify his power and create dramatic political theater, rather than adhering to conventional political strategies. A key example discussed is Trump's raising of previously "untouchable" topics, such as the potential for U.S. involvement in Greenland and the possibility of population transfers in the Middle East, to generate attention and reshape the political landscape. The interview concludes with an assessment of the recent hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that while significant for Israel domestically, its geopolitical impact is likely to be limited.
