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AI Pioneer: It Will Kill Us All
Leading Artificial Intelligence thinker and researcher Eliezer Yudkowsky has shaped much of the development of AI technology that is radically changing our lives - but now he is sounding the alarm along with other experts and scientists who feel AI will eventually lead to humankind's demise. But while many of his colleagues and peers disagree, this debate is mainly being fought in small circles, with a lot of jargon - while the rest of us are left scratching our heads. One Decision's Julia Macfarlane spoke to Yudkowsky for clarity on the issue and to find out some of the worst-case scenarios of what could be coming our way in the future. Plus, Julia and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove discuss how seriously we should take Yudkowsky's call for action - and why our resident spymaster is so skeptical about this apocalyptic warning.
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Trump National Security Advisor's Warning About His Return to Office
Washington foreign policy hawk Ambassador John Bolton has served in every Republican administration since President Reagan, with his most recent post serving as Donald Trump's National Security Advisor. Bolton sits down with guest host and award-winning anchor and foreign correspondent Robyn Curnow and Ex-MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss his time during the Trump administration, why he is working to prevent a second Trump term, and his thoughts on the end game in Ukraine.
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In Brief: Trump at NATO. What to Expect.
In this edition of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, catch up and discuss the United Kingdom's Defence Secretary John Healey's recent announcement that Britain will increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP. They also go over the recent phone call between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin and whether the discussion was productive in resolving the war in Ukraine. Lastly, Kate and Sir Richard explore the political significance of the public spat between tech mogul Elon Musk and President Trump, and look ahead at the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Ex-CIA Chief on What Trump's Return Means for the World
In this week's episode, One Decision's Christina Ruffini and guest co-host, Times Radio Political Editor Kate McCann, discuss the reactions in Washington and Europe following former President Donald Trump's historic election to another term in the White House. Also, resident spymaster and co-host, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins the conversation to discuss what we can expect during this transition period, the implications for foreign relations under President-elect Donald Trump's second administration, and the recent rise of anti-incumbent sentiment across the globe.
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In Brief: Ex-MI6 Chief on Ukraine Ceasefire, UK Local Polls
In this bonus episode, One Decision's Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, discuss the latest news of a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Plus, Sir Richard shares his predictions for the UK's local elections including how the leading Reform party could influence British foreign policy. Be sure to check out the feed this Thursday for the regularly scheduled episode.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Will Somebody Please Go To Libya
US Amb. Stephanie Turco Williams led fractured Libya through its dark days after war. Now, it’s on the cusp of a first-ever presidential election. But she is sounding a very loud alarm to the US and others—that democracy still desperately needs something.
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Ex-CIA Director on Putin and Trump’s Secret Talks & the Man Who Got Bin Laden
This week, One Decision’s Christina Ruffini sits down with former CIA director and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to discuss legendary Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, War, and the book’s revelations about the rocky relationship between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with former President Donald Trump’s ongoing calls with Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin. Later in the conversation, Admiral William McRaven joins to talk about Ukrainian foreign military aid, and the behind-the-scenes story of the covert operation he and Secretary Panetta led that killed Osama bin Laden.
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Bonus: What He Learned Negotiating With Hamas
Twenty-four hostages were released by Hamas following their capture during the October 7th invasion of Israel. But how do the two warring sides find common ground and arrive at an agreement in the midst of a war? Gershon Baskin, a writer and activist from Israel, has carried back-channel messages to and from Hamas for seventeen years and was deeply involved with the prisoner exchange for former Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit ten years ago. In this special episode of One Decision, Baskin tells us what it takes to secure such a complicated, multi-layered agreement, as well as how the latest hostage deal and temporary ceasefire has been received by the public in Israel.
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In Brief: Trump’s EU Trade Deal, Gaza's Hunger Crisis Deepens
In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, and Christina Ruffini unpack Donald Trump’s new trade deal with the European Union, French President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to recognize Palestinian statehood, and the growing international backlash over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Two Spy Chiefs on What to Expect at the Trump-Putin Summit
In this episode of One Decision, former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and former CIA Director Leon Panetta bring a level of insight into the Trump–Putin summit you won’t find anywhere else. With decades of intelligence briefings, Cold War strategy, and high-stakes negotiations behind them, they assess whether Alaska is a bold bid for peace or a dangerous gamble. They discuss the lack of diplomatic groundwork, the dangers of excluding Kyiv, and the historical warning from Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement of Adolf Hitler — plus what this meeting could mean for NATO unity and Taiwan.
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In Brief: What Ukraine Is Sacrificing for Peace
In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, assess the most recent face-to-face talks between the US and President Zelensky. They examine what we actually know about the framework of a potential agreement, including the NATO membership being taken off the table, what security guarantees for Ukraine would look like in its absence, why Ukraine may be publicly softening its rhetoric, and how that strategy could work in its favor. The discussion continues with a look at Western intelligence and military support, as Sir Richard outlines what he sees as the most serious obstacle to this peace deal. Kate and Sir Richard then raise concerns about the influence of Donald Trump and the risks of questioning Zelensky’s presidential legitimacy while pushing for an election during times of war. And the hosts look at Switzerland’s subtle announcement indicating a change of its security policy.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Situation Room Studios.
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Is China’s economy in trouble?
China’s imports and exports jolted to a halt earlier this month - marking the first contraction since the pandemic struck in 2020. At a time of worldwide surging inflation and central banks everywhere raising interest rates to painful levels, the “miracle of growth” that powered much of the world’s prosperity these last two decades is causing growing concern.
For the second installment of our three-part series looking in depth at China at a crossroads, One Decision considers the economic crises that could be facing the country - and the world. George Magnus, former Chief Economist at UBS, now author and research associate at the China Centre, Oxford University, and the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, explores whether China can bounce back in the coming months.
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In Brief: One Year of Trump 2.0 - What’s the Global Impact?
Donald Trump ran his 2024 US presidential campaign vowing to be the “peace president.” Now one year into his second term, his tenure has been marked by global instability, and a return down the path towards American isolationism. This week on One Decision: In Brief, guest co-host and former Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh joins former head of MI6 and host Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss the shocks and surprises that have defined the geopolitical landscape of this past year. Sir Richard argues that Trump has acted as a catalyst towards the continued disintegration of Pax Americana, and worries that Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin puts an end to the war in Ukraine in jeopardy. Sabrina reflects on the shift in US foreign policy, from the closing of USAID, to joint strikes with Israel on Iran and a fragile ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Together, they explore what to watch for in the coming year, including AI technologies emerging as a strategic issue, the effects of Trump’s tariffs, the fate of the theocratic regime in Iran, Greenland, and the looming economic and military shadow of China.
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Grit & Guts: CNN's Clarissa Ward Reporting From the Frontlines in Ukraine
CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward speaks to One Decision after getting back from deployment in Ukraine, witnessing first hand how civilians have taken up arms and risen to the threat of Russian invasion with remarkable unity and grit. Putin's invasion so far is not going to plan - so where does she think he will be headed next? With analysis from co-host Sir Richard Dearlove
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BONUS: Missiles landed on NATO territory. What happens next?
As the G20 was underway this week, global attention sharply focused on a tiny Polish village near the Ukrainian border. News came that a missile had killed two local residents. Russia insists it played no part in the incident, but as investigations progress, U.S. President Joe Biden, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and Polish President Duda all said preliminary findings indicate the explosion came from a Ukrainian air defense missile. What does this mean for Ukrainians, their supporters in the West, and Vladimir Putin? One Decision's Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6 considers how this conflict is increasingly at risk of spilling beyond Russia's and Ukraine's borders.
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Rory Stewart on UK Riots, Elon Musk & US Elections
Former minister, diplomat, and bestselling author Rory Stewart reflects on the root causes of the recent riots and attacks in the United Kingdom that have targeted ethnic minorities, immigration services, and police officers for a week—leading to calls for the Prime Minister to recall parliament. Social media has fanned the flames of unrest, with Elon Musk inserting himself and his role at Twitter/X into a national debate about the regulation of social media and the influence of disinformation and radicalisation online. Stewart discusses all of this and the recent developments in the US presidential election with hosts Julia Macfarlane and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove.
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Bonus: Can Sanctions Work in Sudan?
Former Director of Global Engagement in the Obama White House Brett Bruen joins to host our weekly special One More Decision to provide analysis on the violent clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Force (RSF). Brett speaks with Ambassador Cameron Hume who ran the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum for his inside take on foreign influence in the conflict, whether sanctions would make a difference, and the logistics behind evacuating thousands of people amid intense fighting between Sudan's warring factions.
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US Ambassador to NATO on Ukraine Getting In
Julianne Smith serves as the United States Permanent Representative to NATO—a role she assumed at the end of 2021, shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Ambassador Smith sits down with One Decision's foreign correspondent Christina Ruffini and resident spymaster, former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove, for a discussion on what to expect at the NATO summit being held in Washington in July, which marks the 75th anniversary of the transatlantic military alliance. They discuss Ukraine's complicated path to membership, progress on Germany's stepped-up security commitments, and whether a second presidential term for Donald Trump will bolster member countries' defense spending. Plus, more on NATO's strategy to tackle global security challenges and counter Russia's influence with China.
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In Brief: Why Trump Cut an AI Chip Deal For China
Why is Donald Trump letting Nvidia sell chips to China, and what does it mean for global power politics? In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, break down the unusual deal, where the U.S. government gets a cut of the profits. They explore the strategy behind America’s chip dominance, how China might respond, and what this reveals about the balance between economic interests and national security.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Ex-MI6 Chief & Former Israeli Foreign Minister on Ceasefire, Netanyahu’s Next Move
In this week’s episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini and resident spymaster Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain’s MI6, sit down with former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami who was a key figure in the Camp David Summit of 2000. They discuss why a potential peace negotiation between Israel and Hamas has taken so long, what could lie ahead for Gaza, and how the landscape of Middle Eastern politics could change in the wake of a new Trump administration. Plus, Christina and Sir Richard dissect the political ramifications of the new ceasefire deal, including the hostage situation, the role of foreign intelligence in negotiations, and President Trump’s unprecedented foreign policy transition.
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Could the metaverse deepen global divisions?
Will the metaverse jeopardize security and stability around the world? Venture capitalist and author of “The Metaverse and how it will revolutionise everything,” Matthew Ball sits down with One Decision to delve into the implications of the new virtual world on the real world. One Decision hosts Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, and journalist Julia Macfarlane explore opportunities and concerns about the new risks that will be found in the metaverse.
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In Brief: Israel Strikes Syria, Britain's Data Leak
In this week’s One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove examine Israel’s expanding operations in Syria and its backing of the Druze minority amid renewed violence. As Iran prepares to meet with European nations—without the United States—questions emerge about the coherence of Western diplomacy. Meanwhile, a sensitive data leak hidden by the UK government for over a year has sparked outrage over secrecy, oversight, and trust in government.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Blood Batteries: How Our Phones, Computers, & Cars are Driving Congo's Conflicts
As the world rushes to meet its targets for a green-powered revolution, the demand for materials like cobalt are set to double by the year 2050 due to its critical role in the manufacturing of lithium ion batteries, and the rising demand for electric vehicles. Author and activist Siddharth Kara sits down with One Decision's Julia Macfarlane to discuss his new book, "Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives'' which details his undercover investigation of what is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo—home to the world’s largest sources of cobalt. Although cobalt is blue, Kara argues that the exploitation and violence against the people and children who extract it from the ground for us, and the damage done to their homeland, means that its price is paid for in blood. Plus, analysis from former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove on the scale of the suffering and if the Congo had a stronger identity, how it would be able to determine more of its own fate.
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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The Former US Defense Secretary on Putin's War and How China Takes Taiwan
Former Defense Secretary and Director of the CIA, Dr. Robert Gates, sits down exclusively with One Decision and shares his prediction on how Beijing is likely to apply the lessons Russia learned in Ukraine. Gates began his years as an expert on the Soviet Union, and led the Agency after the fall of the USSR. With host Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6 and host Julia Macfarlane, Gates weighs in on the current conflict, with a warning for the west. While Macfarlane pushes both Gates and Dearlove on whether Iraq can be considered a success, and the consequences of our failure to secure the peace in Afghanistan.
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What Lies Ahead for Europe in the Trump Era?
In this week's episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Kajsa Ollongren, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Netherlands. They discuss how the European Union is approaching security and defense policy in the era of Donald Trump and what the American president's style says about global diplomacy. They also discuss what to expect from NATO's June summit in The Hague and the ramifications of the erosion of the United States' soft power following cuts to foreign aid funds. Plus, Ollongren shares why gender diversity is important in foreign policy.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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BONUS: Is America the biggest threat to itself?
In this bonus episode before the NATO Summit Julia Macfarlane & Sir Richard Dearlove consider Bob Gates’s opinion that America is the biggest national security threat to itself.
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What a Nuclear Physicist in Congress Thinks of Trump's AI Strategy, Iran's Bomb Threat
In this week’s episode of One Decision, Congressman Bill Foster — the only Ph.D. physicist in Congress — joins hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove to examine the widening gap between science and policy in Washington. Foster warns that as the U.S. defunds research and sidelines experts, it risks falling behind in the global race for technological dominance, particularly against China. From the dangers of deregulated artificial intelligence to the unclear status of Iran’s nuclear program, Foster outlines the stakes of ignoring science at the highest levels of government.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Bonus: The Difficult Decisions Facing Israeli & French Leaders
The man who once led British intelligence, Sir Richard Dearlove weighs in on the mass protests we have witnessed in response to major reforms proposed by both President Emanuel Macron and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their countries. Will these leaders and their proposals survive? We offer a special short analysis on the situations & scenarios for the deep public discontent on display at the moment in Israel, as well as France.
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What Worries the Co-Head of Congress' China Committee
The newly formed Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party of China in the United States House of Representatives is tasked with analyzing the multifaceted strategic threats coming from Beijing and increasing the American government's efforts to safeguard the homeland from balloons, hacks, and other aggressive acts. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois), who co-leads the Congressional committee sits down with One Decision to reveal the ways in which legislators in Washington have found President Xi Jinping is destabilizing the economic, political, and geo-strategic interests of the United States and its allies, and what the West is and should be doing about it.
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More Cooperation with China: A Good Move for the UK?
China's President Xi Jinping is absent from this year’s United Nations General Assembly, but he’s certainly being talked about. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who also skipped the meeting, is moving the United Kingdom away from its previously hostile stance toward China, arguing that boycotting Beijing is not an option amidst the many global challenges requiring cooperation. He has angered many in his right-wing governing party, particularly longstanding China hawks like former leader Iain Duncan Smith. One Decision's Julia Macfarlane sits down with the UK’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward, who served as their first female Ambassador to Beijing to discuss UK relations with China and Sir Richard Dearlove joins Julia to discuss his takeaways and Russia's role in the UN Security Council.
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Ex-CIA Director and Trump’s Former National Security Advisor on Middle East, Ending Ukraine War
In this week’s episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini and former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta sit down with Ambassador and former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien. O’Brien, who served as National Security Advisor during President Donald Trump’s first administration, shares his thoughts on several topics, including the Cabinet selections of the incoming President, global concern for Ukraine, the Israeli hostage crisis, and more. O’Brien also offers insights into President Trump's decision-making process and shares a behind-the-scenes look at the Presidential Daily Briefs.
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Will a second year of war in Ukraine go any better for Putin?
Russian President Vladimir Putin is particularly observant when it comes to anniversaries. This month he marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over the Nazis in the battle of Stalingrad. Given he is an enthusiastic student of history - albeit, his own versions of history - watchers of the war in Ukraine have raised the question: what will Putin do when his invasion reaches the ‘one-year’ mark? Max Seddon is the Bureau Chief in Moscow for the Financial Times. He will share the view from Moscow, and as the war enters a new phase. It's one that is likely to increasingly hinge on political will from Washington, where we are joined by Fox News’ White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich. She discusses what support remains among Republicans for arming Ukraine, one year from the invasion.
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Trump's Power Play: Ex-Ambassador On What's Really Happening in Venezuela, Cuba, and the Panama Canal
Former US Ambassador to Panama John Feeley joins guest co-host Sabrina Singh and Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss the Trump administration's turn toward Latin America.
Ambassador Feeley served as US Ambassador to Panama from 2015-2018 and resigned under the first Trump administration. He offers an insider's perspective on Venezuela’s transition of power to Delcy Rodríguez, China’s influence on the Panama Canal, and the collapse of traditional American diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere.
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Inside China's Chokehold on Rare Earth Minerals
This week on One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove are joined by Liza Tobin, former China Director at the National Security Council under both the Biden and Trump administrations. They discuss China’s takeover of the rare earth mineral market and whether America and its allies are too far behind when it comes to reducing reliance on Beijing’s critical resources. They also examine the impact of the West’s influence on semiconductor production and what the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping could mean for the U.S.’s dependence on Chinese rare earth elements
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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BONUS: Was the latest COP summit just a cop-out?
This year's COP27 in Egypt gave hope to some, finally a summit on climate change on the African continent, home to dozens of countries that face the dangers of rising sea levels, as well as desertification and droughts due to the destabilizing effects of global warming. But delegates had little to cheer about after the global meeting concluded - the creation of a fund for loss and damage for poorer nations was one small win, but nothing was agreed on for the phasing out of fossil fuels or emissions that made any meaningful difference since the last pledges made at COP26 in Glasgow. The EU's Green Chief summed up the conference saying "The world will not thank us when they hear only excuses tomorrow." In this special episode of One Decision, as the world fails to act, we go to two nations ravaged by the effects of climate change - the Pacific Island Nation of Kiribati and Pakistan.
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Special Energy Series: World's Top Energy Expert on COP Deal
The team behind the top global affairs podcast, One Decision, brings you "Power Decisions," a new energy series that explores the world's energy sources and the politics and power behind the clean transition. On this episode, guest host and journalist Rhana Natour speaks with Daniel Yergin, one of the world's leading experts on energy, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and Vice Chairman at S&P Global. They discuss his takeaways from the COP28 climate summit—the historic deal marking the first time countries have agreed to transition away from fossil fuels, skepticism over the leadership of United Arab Emirates oil executive Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, and the concerns he's hearing about financing climate goals. Yergin also discusses the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on oil prices, and the challenges posed by China's dominance over critical mineral supply chains.
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Bonus: Why this G7 may be a “pivotal point for Taiwan”
In this week's One More Decision, former Director of Global Engagement in the Obama White House, Brett Bruen is joined by Nikkei's Diplomatic Correspondent Ken Moriyasu from the G7 summit venue in Hiroshima to discuss Japan's agenda as it plays host to world leaders in the city that suffered the first nuclear attack in the world. They discuss what will come from the high-stakes gathering, China's aggressive posturing towards Taiwan, the buildup of Japan's own military defenses, and how world leaders are reacting to United States President Joe Biden cutting a dinner and his Asia trip short to focus on negotiations to avoid a potential catastrophic debt default in the United States.
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BONUS: Is the United Nations General Assembly Useless?
The United Nations General Assembly puts the most powerful leaders on the planet in one room. But, what do they really end up accomplishing during their time together? Critics say it is little more than a lot of grandstanding wrapped around a thin layer of grandiose ambitions that seldom produce much impact. We took the question to ambassadors and other senior officials. Is this expensive event effective for the people they represent and if so how? You will not want to miss their take on what is (and mostly what is not) working. We then look at what reform might involve for the body and its biggest global gathering with our resident analyst Sir Richard Dearlove, who formerly led the British intelligence agency MI6.
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Former US & UK Spy Chiefs Discuss US Election, Global Crises
This week, One Decision's Sir Richard Dearlove takes over the host seat to interview fellow spymaster and co-host, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta, to discuss the recent rise of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. They also explore what foreign policy would look like in a potential Harris administration, why a ceasefire in Gaza isn't likely, how Saudi Arabia's notorious silence could influence an outcome, and insights into the current stalemate between Russia and Ukraine. Plus, Dearlove and Panetta reveal their most awkward encounter with a foreign leader.
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Women Leaders in the Era of Trump
Live from Munich—One Decision teamed up with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle for a live podcast official side event at the 2025 Munich Security Conference. Hosts Christina Ruffini and DW chief political correspondent Nina Haase lead a panel of global women leaders, including Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, former Icelandic Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, and former Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren.
This episode is an edited version of the live panel discussion which explored US President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and how it can influence peace talks for the war in Ukraine. The panelists also discussed the growing influence of tech mogul Elon Musk in American foreign policy, the role of the United States as a reliable ally, Ukraine joining NATO, and how women leaders are shaping the current geopolitical landscape.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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BONUS: What’s Beijing’s Next Move on Taiwan?
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent trip to Taiwan has leaders worldwide concerned that it will provoke China and lead to a potential military conflict with the United States. One Decision's Julia Macfarlane and former Head of British Intelligence Sir Richard Dearlove sit down to analyze the motives and possible dangers of the visit. Sir Richard reveals why he thinks the trip is more than just a symbolic message and under what circumstances the rhetoric between the US and China could lead to a potential military conflict.
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Bonus: The World Comes to Modi. What Does He Want?
The New York Times' South Asia Bureau Chief Mujib Mashal talks to One Decision ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi, India. The global gathering offers a unique opportunity for the world's largest democracy to exert more international influence. Major players are vying to get the country on their side when it comes to geopolitics, the war in Ukraine, its hefty trade prospects, and its massive regional influence. But what does Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi want? Besides another term in office - he is preparing to fight another general election in 2024, and is using all his resources in office to secure what's pretty likely to be another term as the leader of the free world - in population terms, at least.
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Is America Ready for a Female Commander-in-Chief?
General Wesley Clark served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander during the Yugoslav wars. After a career spanning more than three decades of military service, Clark ran as a Democratic Presidential candidate in 2003–before endorsing John Kerry. One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove spoke to him about the veteran vote, his thoughts on the 2024 election, and, crucially, how the likely nominees, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, might choose to direct America’s foreign policy at a time of war.
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In Brief: What to Expect from Trump's Visit to the UK
In this week’s One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove assess the stakes behind President Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the United Kingdom amid a political storm that is testing Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. They weigh in on the cultural politics surrounding free speech and faith that are resurfacing in Britain, the UK’s division between U.S. and EU perspectives on AI regulation, and NATO unity on Ukraine. Plus, Sir Richard discusses the vetting process for former UK Ambassador to the U.S., Lord Peter Mandelson, and whether Number 10 was aware of his closer ties to Jeffrey Epstein than previously thought.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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European Presidents on the New World Order, What's Next for Ukraine
In this week’s episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini wraps up her coverage of the 2025 Munich Security Conference with three separate interviews with European leaders. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, sits down to unpack US President Donald Trump’s latest rhetoric on the war in Ukraine and why Europe should step up in defense of Ukraine. Then, Salome Zourabichvili, President of Georgia, explains why Russian election interference has triggered a political crisis in the nation and why, despite a recent election result, she believes she is the legitimate president. Lastly, Yuriko Backes, Defence Minister of Luxembourg, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of gender-diverse armed forces around the world, and being a woman politician.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Belarus’ Opposition Leader's Message to Putin & Why Ukraine Must Win
Belarus has spent the past 30 years under the authoritarian rule of President Alexander Lukashenko. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya challenged his rule after her husband was imprisoned by the regime, only two days after he declared his intention to run for office. She is now living as the exiled Belarusian opposition leader and sits down with One Decision’s guest host Kasia Madera and the former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove, for a discussion on Belarus' struggle for freedom under Lukashenko's iron-fisted rule, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the need for European countries to step up in the fight against autocracy.
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Iran: The Main Mistake of the Last Decade
When Donald Trump quit the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, then Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showered him with praise. But now, a series of former Israeli security chiefs says the decision was a catastrophe. “The worst mistake of the last decade,” former Israeli Defense Minister Yaalon said. Former Israeli military intelligence Iran analyst Danny Citrinowicz says Israel didn’t really have any plan B for what to do after the US pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and Iran responded by growing its nuclear program with few constraints. He talks about how Israel and the United States cheered each other on to make a terrible mistake.
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Former Ambassador to Israel, Spy Chief on Iran’s Next Moves
In this week's episode, host Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, is joined by Sir David Manning, a former colleague and friend. Manning is currently Director of Gatehouse Advisory Partners and previously held several diplomatic posts including British Ambassador to Israel, NATO, and the United States, among others. They sit down to discuss the tensions in the Middle East, including the developing conflict between Israel and Iran, and examine the role of President Donald Trump in peace negotiations. They also explore what to expect from the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, including whether Ukraine should become a member of NATO, and the recent rise in far-right politics in European countries. Plus, Sir Richard and Sir David share stories of working in the field together.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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Did Netanyahu Drive Trump Into War? NYT's Ronen Bergman + Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus on What’s Next in Iran
What exactly drove President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in joint strikes against Iran? Ronen Bergman joins from Tel Aviv where he is a Senior Correspondent for Military and Intelligence Affairs for Yedioth Ahronoth and staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. He shares his reporting of how Netanyahu moved Trump toward a joint strike, and why he's staying quiet about it for now.
Then, retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, former Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, breaks down the major Israeli military objectives and how close Israel is to achieving each one. Plus, what Arab Gulf states are privately telling Israel.
In this episode:
01:24 New Leader Wounded
06:42 Israel Aims And Limits
09:36 Regime Change Doubts
16:14 Israeli Public Mood
23:30 Intel Airpower Strategy
25:12 Introducing LT. COL. (RET.) Jonathan Conricus
29:48 Strait of Hormuz Threat
32:45 Stopping Enriched Uranium
36:21 War Communications as Force Multiplier
40:55 Regime Change Scenarios
43:58 Gulf States Defense
Show Notes:
Iran’s New Supreme Leader Was Wounded Early in the War, Iranian and Israeli Officials Say - The New York Times
Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Rosanna Lockwood (International Journalist)
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Special Energy Series: The Future According to Obama's Energy Czar
The team behind the top global affairs podcast, One Decision, brings you "Power Decisions," a new energy series that explores the world's energy sources and the politics and power behind the clean transition. As the COP28 climate conference kicks off this week in the United Arab Emirates, we examine the growth and development of emerging clean energy technologies with guest host Marie Harf, who served as State Department Spokesperson in the Obama Administration, and her former colleague United States Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. They discuss the latest trends and emerging clean technologies, the emerging nuclear energy innovations, and how prepared we are for a transition from fossil fuels.
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