Alternate Shots with Richard Haass and John Ellis

11 Episodes

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Episode 11

2025-12-3135:09

In the latest episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass look back at 2025, focusing on a Trump foreign policy that is radically different from what we have known for 80 years, the resistance of the Military Industrial Legislative Complex to much needed military reform, an executive branch that dominates both the Congress and the Supreme Court, and the adverse impact of a host of policies, from immigration to defunding research, on innovation. The conversation also delves into t...

Episode Ten

2025-12-1231:35

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss the recent National Security Strategy, highlighting a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy that has come to prioritize commercial interests and the Western Hemisphere over the balance of power in Europe and Asia, the rule of law, or traditional alliances. They delve into what is transpiring in and around Venezuela, and explore the implications of China's advances in fracking. The conversation also touches on Presiden...

Episode Nine

2025-12-0528:03

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss flaws in the US approach to negotiating an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine on terms consistent with US interests, new doubts raised about U.S. foreign policy commitments to NATO and Taiwan, the complexities of attacking boats allegedly carrying drugs off Venezuela, and why we are spending our defense dollars in the wrong way. They also delve into the health of Donald Trump and the never-ending struggles of the ...

Episode Eight

2025-11-2528:43

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss the recent developments in U.S. foreign policy, particularly focusing on the controversial Ukraine peace plan. They explore the implications of the plan, the disarray within the U.S. administration, and the public's sentiment towards Ukraine. The conversation also touches on the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal, rising tensions between China and Japan, and concludes with a light-hearted discussion about the New Yo...

Episode Seven

2025-11-1830:41

In this episode of "Alternate Shots," hosts John Ellis and Richard Haass dive into a range of pressing global issues and intriguing insights. John, the founder and editor of two Substack newsletters, and Richard, a seasoned expert in foreign relations, bring their unique perspectives to the table. They explore the complexities of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, discussing its implications for Venezuela and the broader geopolitical landscape. The conversation shifts to Russia's ongoin...

Episode Six

2025-10-2128:55

In this new episode of 'Alternate Shots', Richard and John discuss the diplomatic twists and turns of the Ukraine "peace" negotiations, the "Donroe Doctrine" and Venezuela, financial "cockroaches", and the politics of the U.S. government shutdown and Congressional map redistricting. At the end, Richard yet again bemoans the sorry state of the New York Giants. At the very end, John and Richard marvel at Shohei Ohtani's performance in Game Four of the NLCS. Hosted by John Ellis and Richar...

Episode Five

2025-10-0729:03

John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss various pressing global issues, starting with the Middle East situation and the potential for a deal involving hostages and ceasefire in Gaza. They explore the political dynamics in Israel, the rise of right-wing politics in Europe, and the implications of AI-generated videos on political discourse. The discussion also touches on the declining trust in news media and the current government shutdown situation, concluding with heavy-hearted reflections on be...

Episode Four

2025-09-2535:54

There was a famous rap song (at the time) entitled “Things That Make You Go Hmmmm”. That’s the general sentiment of this episode of “Alternate Shots”. Richard and John discussed (1) President Trump’s “unusual” speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations, (2) the shift in the president’s thinking about the Ukraine war, one of more than one since his election, (3) H-IB visas vs. China’s K-Visa, (4) a gloomy American electorate, (5) Mr. Trump’s continued hold over the GOP and his declin...

Episode Three

2025-09-1631:32

In Episode #3 of "Alternate Shots", John and Richard discuss five "stories" much in the news of late: (1) the active/passive Trump presidency, (2) the local election results from Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest state, (3) The murder of Charlie Kirk and the globalization of MAGA politics, (4) Charlie Kirk and the "youth vote" in the 2024 election, and (5) RFK Jr. vs. Big Pharma. John thinks and Richard suspects that Big Pharma will emerge victorious. Finally, Richard finds a silver lining ...

Episode Two

2025-09-0426:24

In the latest episode of Alternate Shots, hosts Richard Haass and John Ellis begin with a discussion of Richard’s new essay in Foreign Affairs, “A Palestinian State Would Be Good for Israel". It could also be a win for President Trump. Next up: Xi's anti-American gathering of world leaders in Beijing and the evident breach in U.S.-India relations. In the realm of geopolitics, the breach may be more important than the gathering. Part three: Judge Mehta's ruling on the DOJ's antitrust case agai...

Episode One

2025-08-2232:12

On the inaugural episode of their podcast, Richard Haass and John Ellis discuss how a president might prepare for a summit, how President Trump flips that on its head, the results of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, and what’s next for the war in Ukraine. They dig into broader geopolitical implications of resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, possible motivations of leaders on all sides, and global security prospects. Richard wonders why the United States suddenly looks toward a permanent ...

#box-pro-ellipsis-17673165131892{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Alternate Shots with Richard Haass and John Ellis

Alternate Shots with Richard Haass and John Ellis