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Bonus: How Long Will NATO Make Ukraine Wait?
After a tense start, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walked away from the NATO summit with some tangible wins—unprecedented long-term security commitments–and a clear path to join the alliance. In this week's bonus episode, Brett Bruen, the former Director of Global Engagement in President Obama’s White House speaks with the Wall Street Journal's Vivian Salama from Vilnius, Lithuania. They discuss the big takeaways from the meeting, Ukraine's future and how Russian President Vladimir Putin may view the developments out of Vilnius. Salama also shares an update on her colleague, reporter Evan Gershkovich who has been detained for over 100 days in a Russian prison.
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China’s Economy: Evergrande a canary in the coal mine?
Ten years ago, Charlene Chu, dubbed the 'rockstar of Chinese debt analysis' sent shockwaves across the world by sounding a warning over China's escalating debt problem and the risk it presented to the global financial system. Today, two years after the outbreak of the covid pandemic, in the midst of a war in Europe, and a worldwide supply-chain and energy crisis, President Xi is grappling with his zero-covid policy and easing China back into business. But one of the biggest worries that senior analysts like Chu have, is the precarious property bubble that threatens to burst - potentially taking much of the Chinese, and even global, economy with it. Chu sits down with One Decision to give her forecast and warnings for 2022 and beyond.
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The Wallaby and the Dragon
China’s growing power is a big concern for the West, but perhaps nowhere more so than Australia - US strategic partner and Five Eyes member. Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister between 2013-2018 talks to One Decision about Australia’s priorities in a western alliance post-Trump, and how the West needs to approach and counter, Beijing.
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Special Energy Series: Will It Be a COP Out?
The team behind the top global affairs podcast, One Decision, introduces "Power Decisions," a new energy series that explores the world's energy sources and the politics and power behind the clean transition. This debut episode hosted by CNBC's Mandy Drury examines the globe's next energy conference—COP28 which has been plagued by controversy surrounding the appointment of UAE oil executive Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber to lead the summit and the conference leadership's attempts to sweep undesirable narratives under the carpet including accusations of greenwashing Al Jaber's image and record through Wikipedia and hundreds of fake social media accounts. Drury is joined by journalists Damian Carrington, Environmental Editor for The Guardian, Zack Colman, Climate reporter for POLITICO and Amy Harder, Executive Editor for Cipher News, a publication supported by Breakthrough Energy to discuss what to expect, whether the summit can succeed as a forum to effectively address climate change and if an oil-rich nation should lead the climate change fight.
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Assessing Trump's Iran Strategy and the Russia-Ukraine Negotiations with Michael Allen
s the United States about to launch military strikes against Iran? Former National Security Council official Michael Allen joins One Decision to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, revealing why he believes President Trump will soon authorize joint US-Israeli military action against Iran.
In this episode, Michael Allen analyzes:
Why Iran negotiations may be doomed to fail
Putin's negotiating strategy and the Donbas sticking point
Europe's slow response to Trump's defense spending demands
Michael Allen is a Managing Director at Beacon Global Strategies, co-host of NatSec Matters Podcast, and a former NSC official who ran intelligence strategy and counter-proliferation.
Show Notes:
A Second Wave of Popular Anger Is Building in Iran | WSJ
The Critical Importance of Ukraine’s Fortress Belt in Donetsk Oblast | ISW
Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Sabrina Singh (former Pentagon Press Secretary).
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How the War in Ukraine Made the Trafficking of Women Worse
Filmmaker Mimi Chakarova sits down with One Decision's Julia Macfarlane to discuss what has changed in the fight against human trafficking and slavery since her groundbreaking film that shined a light on vulnerable women from Eastern Europe who were manipulated and tricked into selling their bodies, trapped in a life of slavery. From Turkey to the Middle East to Western Europe, she chronicled the lives of women who managed to escape, but also revealed the men and women who worked to uphold the criminal structures that exploited them - even police officers. As waves of refugees flood Europe from Ukraine, Mimi warns that there are similar conditions today where people fleeing war are at risk of the same dangers as the women who left the Iron Curtain to seek better lives. And Sir Richard Dearlove gives the context of Eastern Europe's political progress since the fall of the Soviet Union, and why some states are more vulnerable to corruption and organized crime.
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In Brief: Will Trump's Moscow Mission Lead To a Peace Deal?
In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, break down the latest meeting in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian officials and lay out the expectations for Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff's upcoming trip to Moscow, Russia and the likelihood that a peace deal will be negotiated. They also discuss NATO's preparations to potentially confront Russia and whether Germany could replace the United States and take the lead in NATO.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Turkish Elections: The End of Erdogan?
Turkey’s longtime leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing what many describe as his toughest election yet. On Sunday, May 14th polls will open for presidential and parliamentary elections, and amid a dire economic crisis in the country, his prospects are in doubt. His leading rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu is a mild-mannered and bookish elderly lawmaker who is presenting himself as a man of the people, and the polar opposite to the incumbent. Unlike Erdogan - the poster boy for populist politics - who has shunned closer ties with the European Union and the West and courted Vladimir Putin, Kilicdaroglu could lead Turkey in a different direction. As one of the mightiest armies in NATO, straddling Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey is a strategically important nation, and how the country votes could have implications for us all. One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove, along with the former United States Ambassador to Turkey David Satterfield and Turkish academic and author Gonul Tol discuss what’s at stake.
International Intrigue is a <5min daily newsletter written by former diplomats. They scan over 600 sources a day so you don't have to. Sign up to join 50,000 global thinkers.
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Trapped In the Middle
It was the most delicate of situations. A minefield of moving past a bitter war, and trying to prevent another one. Baroness Catherine Ashton knew the expected way of doing things would never cut it.
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Enes Freedom v Xi Jin Ping
As we approach the 2022 Winter Olympics, it’s clear that the Chinese President wants the world to focus on China and sports - and not its record on human rights. In 2020 the US State Department accused Beijing of cultural genocide against its Uygher population. Former MI6 Chief Richard Dearlove explores how China is fighting to control the narrative, and the tactics Beijing uses to influence the West.
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Are Tech Barons Amassing Too Much Power in America?
From Bolsonaro to Orbán, what drives leaders who reject democratic norms—and what keeps them in power? One Decision hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dealove sit down to explore the makings of an authoritarian leader, including the times Sir Richard met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. Later, they speak with historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat about the modern autocrat’s playbook, and how tech oligarchs may be helping to shape a new version of authoritarianism from inside the system.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Why AI Is Making Espionage Much More Dangerous
In this episode of One Decision, guest host Rosanna Lockwood and Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, are joined by Dr. Anthony Vinci, the former Chief Technology Officer and Associate Director of Capabilities at the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), as well as the author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage and the Battle to Save America. Dr. Vinci discusses how advances in intelligence and technology are reshaping global relationships and creating new challenges. He also highlights how intelligence is no longer limited to governments and its impact on everyday life. The group also explores how AI is changing the way disinformation is spread, as well as the risks associated with Chinese control over platforms like TikTok, and why democracies are increasingly vulnerable when facing authoritarian surveillance states.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Ukraine’s Big Dam Problem
Ukraine finally began its long-awaited counteroffensive on June 4th, two days before D-Day, the anniversary of the liberation of Europe from the Nazis. Much is at stake - but barely after Ukraine began calculated assaults along Russian lines, someone blew up the Kakhovka Dam. A torrent of floodwater has been unleashed on tens of thousands of homes in both Russian and Ukrainian controlled areas, and both sides are laying blame on each other. If sticky Ukrainian mud was once an issue and a challenge for heavily armored tanks, rising floods, and burst riverbanks are now out of the question. One Decision sits down with CNN’s Nic Robertson, Ukrainian-based editor and founder of The Counteroffensive: A war correspondent's open notebook, Tim Mak, reporting live from Ukraine, and Breaking Defense’s Lee Ferran to discuss Ukraine’s offensive, how the floods might impact Kyiv’s strategy, and what to look out for in the coming weeks ahead of a critical NATO summit in Lithuania.
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The Great Escape - Businesses Leaving Russia
Sanctions have made it increasingly hard for Western firms to do business in Putin's Russia. But the Kremlin has warned companies from so-called “unfriendly states” may see their assets expropriated and nationalized, if they chose to cease operations. McDonalds, Shell, Mercedes, Koch Industries are among those grappling with their Russian operations. The former head of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove weighs in on why this may leave the former KGB officer in an even tougher spot economically and uncharacteristically shares how long he thinks the Russian leader can hang on to power.
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In Brief: What's Next for the Iranian Regime?
In this edition of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, explore the opening of Greenland to U.S. tourism and what locals thinks of American influence. They then dive into the latest tariff tensions between the U.S. and Canada, assess Trump's trade tactics, and unpack reports on Iran's nuclear program after recent airstrikes - questioning whether the regime might rebuild, retreat, or escalate.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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China, Ukraine: Senator Marco Rubio on Where the US is Headed
Republican Marco Rubio is one of the United States Senate's most outspoken China hawks—criticizing Beijing's human rights practices and warning about its dominance in the semiconductor industry. He's endorsed a candidate in the 2024 presidential elections, throwing his support behind former President Donald Trump, who started a trade war and recently threatened new tariffs on Chinese imports. Guest host and BBC Correspondent Katty Kay and One Decision's resident spymaster Sir Richard Dearlove sit down with Senator Rubio to discuss the U.S. relationship with China under the Biden administration and how it could change if Donald Trump returns to the White House, and concerns that the ex-president could strike a deal to end the Ukraine war on Moscow's terms that would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin's imperial ambitions in Europe. They also discuss what U.S. support for the war in Ukraine will look like this year, the collapse of property giant Evergrande, and the implications for the Chinese economy. Katty and Richard discuss the drone attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan and what the U.S. response may be.
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Former US Ambassador to Ukraine on Ceasefire, Putin’s Plans
In this week's episode, Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6 sits down with former US Ambassador William B. Taylor Jr, who served twice as a diplomatic official in Ukraine. They detail the logistics of making a Ukraine ceasefire happen and what it means for Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power. They also explore how Putin's legacy could be affected by a ceasefire and reflect on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, Vietnam amid tariffs and growing economic tensions with the U.S.
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Season 5 - Coming Soon
This season we hear directly from some of the key decision makers - former world leaders, foreign policy experts, and leading voices calling for change - to talk about the decisions they’ve taken that have made global shockwaves. And we are also looking at what lies ahead…what are the BIGGEST decisions yet to be made that will have MASSIVE global impact
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Should the US Condition Aid to Israel?
Senator Chris Murphy, who sits on the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for a conversation on American aid to Israel—and what kind of conditions should be a part of it. He, along with other Democratic colleagues, has spoken out against the high death toll in Gaza, which Murphy now calls “unsustainable.” A mammoth aid package is working its way through Congress for both Israel and Ukraine—but Republicans have demanded that border security restrictions and funding be tacked on to the final bill. The race is now on for Congress to work out the details to move forward on a vote before the holidays. Senator Murphy discusses this and the latest on the war in Ukraine with One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove.
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BONUS: Is Ireland seeing a Brexit boom?
When the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union just one English-speaking member was left. Irish Minister of European Affairs Thomas Byrne says his small nation is increasingly playing a larger, more strategic role in international affairs. It currently sits on the United Nations Security Council and enjoys a closer relationship with Washington than many of their neighbors. Yet, it’s traditional neutrality has limited the support it provides to Ukraine and questions remain on how it’s border with Northern Ireland will get settled. The Minister provided an update on those backroom negotiations and whether his country is starting to see an economic boom from Brexit.
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The Best (and Worst) Foreign Policy Decisions of 2024
In the last episode of 2024, Times Radio political editor Kate McCann sits down with Prashant Rao of Semafor and Margot Haddad of France's TF1 to discuss how the year's biggest developments in foreign policy have reshaped the current global political landscape. They share what they believe are the worst and best decisions of 2024, the current state of war conflicts and how they will evolve in 2025, what to expect from a second Trump administration, and the new major players emerging on the global stage. Plus how climate change could shape international relations, the possibility of a trade war, and more.
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Bonus: Putin’s Prigozhin Problem
Bonus episode from the One Decision team: Yevgeny Prigozhin, the infamous boss of the Wagner mercenary group, claimed a big victory this week - that his fighters had taken substantial control of the contested city of Bakhmut in Ukraine, and that it had been “legally captured”. However, this is not necessarily good news for the Kremlin. Putin’s once close ally has been badmouthing the Russian military - complaining about bad tactics, logistics and poor planning by the Russian defence chiefs leaving soldiers hungry, ill-equipped and unprepared for battle. After a mysterious assassination of a blogger in a cafe Prigozhin owns, One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove discuss if the noose is tightening on Putin’s old friend, and at what point is he too much of a liability for the Russian leader?
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Ex-CIA & MI6 Heads on What Israel Does Next
This week, One Decision's Sir Richard Dearlove returns to the host seat to interview fellow spymaster and co-host, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta, on the growing crisis in the Middle East following Iran's missile attack against Israel. They discuss the implications of Israel's response, Iran's fragile state and influence in the region, and the role of America's next president in navigating these global crises. Plus, Sir Richard and Secretary Panetta talk about the possible intelligence methods used in the Israeli operation that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
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Inside Gaza Negotiations: What's Next?
In this week’s episode, correspondent Christina Ruffini and co-host former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta sit down with former United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Barbara Leaf, who was also previously Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Arabian Peninsula in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq. They discuss Leaf’s role in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, President Donald Trump’s plans for Gaza, and how the Arab world has reacted. Leaf also shares behind-the-scenes diplomatic stories from the dramatic fall of the Assad regime and recounts an afternoon spent with Syria’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and his plans for a new Syria and relations with Israel. Plus, how the nation is battling emerging Assad supporters.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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How Ukraine's Drone Warfare is Weakening Putin's Army
In this week’s episode of One Decision, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Ben Wallce, former UK Defence Secretary, sit down for a conversation with Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former Ukraine Minister of Defence. Zagorodnyuk reveals how Russia is revolutionizing warfare with rapid weapons innovation and how Ukraine is adjusting to these changes to stay in the fight. They discuss Vladimir Putin's motives for continued aggression, including his vision for Crimea and how Ukraine's defense technology has changed the landscape of modern warfare. They also question whether NATO is prepared for a Russian attack and explore the ramifications of the war on the West and its allies.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Special Episode: A farewell to the Queen
As the world gathers to mourn Queen Elizabeth II, co-hosts Julia Macfarlane and Former Chief of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove, a longtime Crown servant, reflect on the life and times of Britain's longest-reigning Monarch.
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IRAN: Trump's next target?
Is the US on the verge of military intervention in Iran? Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security, reveals why he believes a US strike is "likelier than not" in the coming weeks—and what Trump's Venezuela operation tells us about his appetite for regime change.
In this episode of One Decision, we explore:
Why US aircraft carriers are massing in the Middle East
The "Venezuela model" – a new blueprint for intervention?
China's strategic opening as allies hedge against Trump's tariffs
China’s President Xi Jinping's shocking military purge and what it means for Taiwan
Whether Trump's foreign policy represents a permanent shift or a passing aberration
Hosted by Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio) and Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief).
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Russian Oligarchs on the Run
While foreign correspondent Laura Haim is on assignment in Paris reporting on the effects of the war in Europe, she's also been following the story of a small coastal village in the South of France that's drawn Russians for years - and not just wealthy Russians, but some of the world's most notorious Russian oligarchs. However, with the war in Ukraine, the town is in a state of flux. With sanctions in place, many Russians' have had their assets frozen - making it hard to maintain their estates. For these oligarchs, where they are headed now has been the subject of growing speculation and reporting. Laura sits down with Louise Shelley, director of the transnational crime and corruption center at George Mason University, who is an expert witness on how Russian money is laundered through real estate, and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's Mi6, to discuss where Russian oligarchs are fleeing to and why, what countries are letting them in, and the potential of corruption in Ukraine during rebuilding.
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Kosovo's President on why Serbia should still worry Europe
We sit down with Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani, elected as a reformer for a young and vulnerable country in a tough neighborhood. She talks on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meeting about her concerns not just for Kosovo, but for Europe more broadly. As more weapons flow into Serbia from China, she sounds the alarm on the ominous threat it represents to regional security. Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and host Julia Macfarlane also delve into Serbia's increasingly important role as Russia's outpost in Southern Europe, along with Kosovo's struggles at reconciling after years of war with its neighbor.
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BONUS: Why China is Now Saying COVID Could’ve Leaked From Lab
Professor George Gao, the former head of China's Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recently told the BBC that no theory for the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic should be ruled out including whether or not it came from a lab, after years of extremely insistent public denials from the Chinese leadership. Gao added that China investigated whether the virus may have originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and admitted that he hadn't actually seen the results of the investigation, but heard that the Institute had been cleared. One Decision's Julia Macfarlane speaks with co-host and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove about why China is speaking about the origins of the virus now, why he thinks it has zoonotic origins, and why he concluded there's a strong probability it was leaked from the Wuhan lab.
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Do We Owe Afghanistan Aid?
Afghanistan is on the verge of a collapse with the majority of the 40 million Afghans there living in poverty ruled over by the Taliban—hardline militants imposing the strictest interpretations of Sharia law. One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove sit down with British Conservative Party politician Tobias Ellwood who serves as the Chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee to discuss his recent trip to Kabul. Ellwood details the dismal conditions he saw on the ground and that Afghanistan, despite the Taliban, needs our help and is advocating for global reengagement and the reopening of the British Embassy.
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In Brief: What is Trump's Endgame in Venezuela?
In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary, break down President Donald Trump's latest moves in Venezuela, including threatening military strikes and offering Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a chance for talks. The two consider the regional consequences of military action, including Cuba's political reliance on Venezuela and the Latin American drug supply chain. Sir Ben shares how Venezuelan and Colombian drug operatives are now learning high-stakes defense technology. Plus, Kate asks Sir Ben whether the UK Prime Minister should ask Trump not to sue the BBC, and if Trump should be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Bonus: Ex US and UK Spy Chiefs on Putin's Prigozhin Revenge
In this week's bonus episode, Julia Macfarlane leads a discussion on the apparent assassination of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin with ex-intelligence chiefs Sir Richard Dearlove, who led MI6, and Leon Panetta, the former head of the CIA. They discuss what this dramatic development tells us about Putin's position of authority in Moscow— only recently challenged by Prigozhin, who led a mutiny against the Kremlin—the impact on the war effort in Ukraine and the Wagner Mercenary Group's future in Africa.
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In Brief: Is Trump Driving Modi Closer to Xi & Putin?
In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, unpack how the latest strike on Ukraine indicates Vladimir Putin's resistance to President Donald Trump's peace negotiations. They also examine how the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit - where Chinese President Xi Jinping convened global leaders, including India's Narendra Modi, North Korea's Kim Jong-Un, and Russia's Vladimir Putin - hints at a possible new global order that competes with the West. Plus, how the recent U.S. hit on an alleged Venezuelan drug cartel ship implies how Secretary of State Marco Rubio's influence is shaping foreign policy in the Oval Office.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Who Gets To Get the Olympics?
It’s gotten increasingly tricky to decide where each Olympic Games should go. There’s always gonna be a reason why not. And he has to face the music, every time. Now, here comes China, with Richard Pound.
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The businessman who took on Putin
Bill Browder was the largest foreign investor in Russia until 2005, when he was denied entry to the country for exposing corruption in Russian state-owned companies. Browder's colleague Sergei Magnitsky uncovered a massive tax scam totalling hundreds of billions of dollars, and the officials he accused of stealing the funds threw him into jail, where he was beaten, tortured, and then died in custody in 2009. Browder decided to act, pushing for accountability of those involved in Magnitsky’s death. Browder’s activism has led to the passing of the Global Magnitsky Act, which authorizes the US government to sanction international government officials believed to be behind human rights violations. Julia Macfarlane sits down with Browder to discuss his work targeting corrupt Russian officials while Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's Mi6, shares his insight on the complex trails of Russian money, who's hiding it, and who has access to it.
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BONUS: Putin Drives Finland into NATO’s Arms
Vladimir Putin's efforts to prevent NATO’s expansion suffered a dramatic setback this week as Finland and Sweden were formally invited to join the seventy-three-year-old alliance. Finland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pekka Haavisto, joins host Julia MacFarlane on this special edition of One Decision recorded at this week's historic NATO Summit to discuss why the Nordic country decided to abandon its decades old policy of neutrality.
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Khamenei Has Fallen. Is This the Rebirth of American Deterrence? Ex-MI6 Chief's Analysis
After weeks of buildup, the United States and Israel have attacked Iran, killing long-time leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. How will the downfall of his regime reverberate throughout the Middle East and beyond?
Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and journalist Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio) dive into the questions around the decision to strike Iran, what the death of Khamenei means for Iran’s future, and whether Iranian proxies in the region like Hezbollah have the strength to aid in retaliation.
Plus: Does China have a reason to step in and help Iran? Should Russian President Vladimir Putin be concerned that he’s lost an ally, or emboldened because of the United States’ split attention? What will the UK’s involvement be in supporting the US and Israel in this conflict?
In this episode:
01:37 - The decision behind killing Khamenei
03:43 - Ramifications of turning Khamenei into a martyr
06:32 - Why a popular uprising in Iran is unlikely
08:50 - Starlink and the information war
10:25 - How the Ayatollah’s downfall may be the death knell for Iran’s regional proxies
12:28 - Who backs Iran now?
13:51 - Will China be a mediator?
15:48 - Putin’s lost an ally
19:18 - Consequences of Starmer’s hesitancy
22:36 - The lethal combination of Israeli HUMINT and the CIA’s advanced surveillance
Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and journalist Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio).
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John Bolton and Operation Iraqi Freedom Commander: The Lessons from Iraq Trump Can't Ignore
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton doesn't mince words: the opening strikes on Iran were just the beginning. In this special bonus episode, Bolton breaks down why he believes the Iranian regime will fragment from within, what the Gulf Arab states are about to do, and how war in Iran affects Russia, Ukraine, and China.
Then, retired Lt. General Mark Hertling brings the view from the ground. A veteran of multiple Iraq deployments and the former Chief of War Plans on the Joint Staff. Hertling has seen this before. He's asking the question nobody in Washington seems to want to answer: Is there actually a plan for the day after the strikes?
In this episode:
01:31 John Bolton
04:32 Power Vacuum Risks
08:44 Gulf States Reaction
10:50 Iran Retaliation Strategy
15:16 Israel Influence Question
17:03 Oil Shock And Putin
19:51 China And Taiwan
23:34 Deterrence And Alliances
29:51 Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling
34:28 Decapitation and Unrest
36:24 Iraq Lessons on Disbandment
42:02 Intel Gaps and Planning
52:19 Wider Regional Fallout
Show Notes:
Opinion | With attack on Iran, U.S. deterrence is being restored - The Washington Post
Order Mark Harling’s book: If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal
Lt. General Mark Hertling recorded on March 2, and Amb. John Bolton recorded on March 3.
Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio).
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Will Maduro's Regime Survive Trump's Pressure?
This week on One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, are joined by Venezuela expert Phil Gunson, Senior Analyst for the International Crisis Group. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the new pressure campaign the Trump administration has placed on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his regime, including the recent air strikes on drug boats off the Venezuelan coast. Gunson, who lives in Caracas, Venezuela, explains how Cuban intelligence continues to help Maduro maintain control over Venezuela and its military, why the military sees no benefit in turning against Maduro, and how gold mining and evading sanctions keep the regime financially afloat. The conversation explores why Maduro's dictatorship continues to endure, the divided Venezuelan opposition, and the risks of the next dangerous power struggle if Maduro falls. Gunson also shares vivid insights into daily life in Caracas, from blackouts to food shortages, and shares his thoughts on what it would take for Venezuela to move toward democracy.
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Bonus: Washington Post’s White House Bureau Chief on Covering Biden’s Foreign Policy
As the Washington Post's White House Bureau Chief, Toluse Olorunnipa has an outsized role in how the world—especially the power players in America’s capital city—interpret President Joe Biden’s diplomacy. In this week's bonus episode, Olorunnipa sits down with guest host Brett Bruen to look at what it’s like to travel the globe on Air Force One and write the first draft of history books on major moments from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the controversial decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. They also discuss foreign anxiety over a second Donald Trump term and what role international affairs will play in the presidential election in the United States.
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Bonus: Canada’s UN Ambassador on Assassination Allegations Against India
Canada’s Justin Trudeau threw a petrol bomb into the opening of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York last week—announcing that there were “credible allegations” that Delhi was behind the shooting of a Canadian Sikh activist in Vancouver in June. Prime Minister Modi is riding high after a successful G20 summit, having entertained a slew of world leaders from the West, all hoping to curry favour with the biggest population in the world. Is Canada mad to start a fight with Delhi at a time when allies are needed to square up to China and Russia? Or does human rights trump geopolitics? One Decision sits down with Canadian Ambassador to the UN Robert Rae to discuss.
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Exclusive: Former Head of MI6 Visited Ukraine. Here's What He Learned
One Decision's Sir Richard Dearlove was a guest of the Kyiv government during the last week of April - coinciding with the day that Russia launched its biggest air strikes on Ukraine in two months. Sir Richard reveals the details of his unfortunate night spent in a bomb shelter in Kyiv, what he learned from conversations on the ground with high-level government officials, Ukraine's focus on NATO's upcoming summit in Vilnius, preparations for the long awaited 'spring offensive' and why the Discord intelligence leaks worked to Ukraine's advantage.
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EU Parliament President on Putin, Populism and the Biggest Problems it Faces
Europe today is being tested like never before in its recent memory—war and instability are on the edges of Europe, threatening to spill over into its borders; Russian influence and propaganda are sowing divisions across the continent, and rising inflation and unemployment are giving oxygen to divisive populist politics. One Decision sits down for a sweeping and wide-ranging conversation with Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Union Parliament to discuss the bloc’s biggest security priorities and what needs to happen now to address them, what the EU is doing about Putin weaponizing its energy needs, the migrant crisis and how populists have been exploiting divisions across the continent.
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In Brief: Will Harvard Get Cut Off From the World?
In this edition of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down to break down Germany's latest decision to support Ukraine with a €5 billion military aid package. They also explore the political and social ramifications of President Donald Trump's decision to block foreign visa applications from prospective Harvard students and the threat it poses on academic freedom. Plus, Sir Richard and Christina share stories on what it's like visiting Cuba during and after the Cuban embargo.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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How Montenegro Escaped Russia
Montenegro is a young country where the stakes are especially high as the United States along with its NATO allies look to prevent a further Russian invasion of Ukraine. Former Montenegrin Prime Minister Igor Luksic shares the challenges and critical lessons learned from their independence to integration into NATO with our guest host from the Wall Street Journal, Vivian Salama. They take a close look at the current crisis in Ukraine and how the experience of freeing itself from Russia's nexus may provide valuable recommendations and even a roadmap for other nations.
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China in Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Censorship
Hollywood used to rule. But now, American blockbusters often cannot break even without breaking into the Chinese box office. Not only that, sharp Chinese film executives who have studied decades of American success on the silver screen, are beating them at their own game. Erich Schwartzel has taken a deep dive on the growing links between Hollywood and China, the impact on freedom of expression, and how Beijing is weaponizing the arts to support its global strategic priorities.
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Why This Israeli Security Expert Abandoned the Two-State Solution
In this episode of One Decision, Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 chief, and journalist Christina Ruffini speak with Professor Chuck Freilich, Israel’s former Deputy National Security Adviser. Freilich explains why he no longer sees a two-state solution as viable and lays out a three-pillar alternative for Gaza and the West Bank. He examines the aims and limits of Israel’s campaign against Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political incentives, and what recent strikes mean for Iran’s nuclear program.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Canadian Foreign & Defence Ministers on Trump’s Threats
In this special episode, One Decision’s host Christina Ruffini takes us behind the scenes at the 2025 Munich Security Conference where she sits down with Canadian leaders to discuss the how the United States’ recent tariff threats are shaping the relationship between the two countries, and the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. She speaks with Canadian Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, to unpack US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks at the conference and Canada’s important relationship with the Nordic and Arctic nations. Later in the episode, Christina sits down with Canadian Defence Minister, Bill Blair, to discuss working with U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, the future of the war in Ukraine, and fortifying Canada’s internal defense strategy.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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In Brief: The Trump Effect on Global Elections
In this bonus episode, Christina Ruffini sits down with co-host Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, to discuss how President Donald Trump's second term in office has created a global response seen in elections worldwide. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent election victory will extend his tenure as his platform works against growing right-wing populism. Meanwhile, victories in recent Romanian and UK council elections have proven an interest in nationalist, right-wing politics, mirroring many of President Trump's politics. Plus, Sir Richard shares his insight on the Trump administration's policy shift on Ukraine and working with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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