What’s the Left’s Vision for Foreign Policy After Trump?

Ezra Klein discusses a growing foreign policy rift within the Democratic Party, driven by the conflict in Israel and Gaza, comparing it to the party's historical division over the Iraq War. He highlights how primary challenges and statements from key senators signal a rejection of both Bidenism and Trumpism. Guest Matt Duss, a leading progressive foreign policy thinker, joins to explore what a distinct left-wing vision for global affairs would look like.

Matt Duss discusses the Democratic Party's need for a reckoning over the Biden administration's policy and communication regarding Gaza. He analyzes Joe Biden's long-standing approach to Israel and explains why progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and AOC supported Biden despite deep foreign policy disagreements.

Ezra Klein and Matt Duss discuss the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party regarding aid and arms sales to Israel. Duss argues for upholding existing human rights laws to condition aid, criticizing the Biden administration's approach while outlining a vision for Palestinian self-governance in Gaza.

Ezra Klein and Matt Duss discuss the foundation of a progressive, values-based foreign policy, questioning the strategic benefits of the U.S. alliance with Israel. They highlight a speech by Congressman Jason Crow on how failed military interventions have eroded public trust, framing Donald Trump as a symptom of a rigged system rather than its cause.

Ezra Klein and Matt Duss discuss the anti-war rhetoric of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, contrasting it with the actual foreign policy decisions of the Biden administration. They analyze Biden's handling of the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza, debating the impact of the Abraham Accords on regional stability.

Ezra Klein and Matt Duss debate the distinction between American global leadership and military hegemony, questioning whether progressive leaders could truly escape the pull of global responsibility. They discuss how the public's weariness of costly foreign interventions in places like Iraq and Afghanistan clashes with the perceived necessity of responding to international crises.

This segment explores the growing demand for accountability and a turnover of foreign policy elites within the Democratic Party, particularly in light of the Biden administration's policy on Gaza. The speakers discuss how Gaza has become a litmus test for progressive voters, drawing comparisons to the internal party divisions during the Iraq War. Additionally, they touch upon the concept of a 'rules-based order' and the need to rebuild international institutions with genuine credibility.

Ezra Klein and Matt Duss discuss the critical need for Congress to reclaim its constitutional foreign policy and war powers from the executive branch. They analyze how the lack of congressional debate has historically led to foreign policy failures, such as the Iraq War, and compare the progressive left's vision of a working-class foreign policy with the Biden administration's 'foreign policy for the middle class.' Duss highlights National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's 2023 Brookings speech as a notable shift away from neoliberal trade policies.

Matt Duss discusses the concept of left internationalism, arguing that a sustainable foreign policy must address the domestic concerns of Americans. He critiques the pursuit of American primacy and advocates for a strategy of coexistence and cooperation with China rather than inevitable conflict.

Ezra Klein and Matt Duss discuss the challenges the political left faces regarding immigration policy, balancing moral solidarity with border control. They also explore how Democrats can center anti-corruption and campaign finance reform in their foreign and domestic policy visions.

Ezra Klein and Matt Duss discuss the tension between promoting democratic values and meeting domestic economic demands, such as cheap oil from autocratic regimes. They explore how domestic anti-corruption efforts in the US and UK can have global impacts. The segment concludes with Matt Duss sharing book recommendations on community, Turkish politics, and faith.