Chris, Zack, and Melanie have a discussion about how America’s allies and partners, after decades of relying on the US for security, are derisking from what they view as an increasingly unpredictable and unfriendly power. How much of their hedging is about President Trump, and how much is due to the growing clout of middle powers, world events, or other factors? What should our allies be doing to constructively protect themselves in terms of their economic and national security? And what do the reactions of world leaders to the conflict in Iran tell us about how they view their relationships with the United States?
Chris has a grievance for people, especially those with inside information, betting on war, Zack congratulates Congress for exercising its oversight responsibilities, and Melanie wonders what the purpose of the UN even is anymore.
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Feature image: U.S. president Donald Trump gives a press conference at the NATO Summit 2025 in The Hague. By Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Valerie Kuypers
