In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass begin with the muddled US response to upheaval in Iran, highlighting the lack of clarity as to both US objectives and the potential role of military force. Here at home, they examine Minneapolis and the larger issue of immigration policy, arguing that Democrats would be wise to find a middle ground between both borders and the administration's excessive deportations on one hand and between "Abolish ICE" and letting ICE run amok on the other. They then turn to the growing brain drain in the sciences and the federal work force that amounts to nothing less than national self-sabotage. Finally, they call out the outrageous NFL Hall of Fame snub to Bill Belichick and, turning to golf, wonder if we are witnessing the end of the expensive LIV effort to compete with the PGA tour.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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In episode 14 of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass delve into the new "real estate doctrine" of American foreign policy, discussing the irrelevance of ownership in international relations, particularly in the context of Greenland. Haass critiques the U.S. shift from an approach to allies based on consent to one of coercion under the Trump administration, a shift that has raised fundamental concerns about America's reliability and intentions. The conversation also touches on the failure thus far of American policy toward Iran. The discussion discusses in detail the implications of Trump's speech at Davos, which among other things heightened concerns about his mental capacity and judgment. Haass for his part had nothing good to say about the Board of Peace initiative, be it its mission, membership, or funding model. The episode concludes with predictions and analysis of the upcoming NFL matchups, with the co-hosts agreeing on Seattle and going their separate ways on Denver and New England.

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In the newest episode of Alternate Shots, hosts John Ellis and Richard Haass dig into many of the most pressing issues around the world. Iran is experiencing widespread protests against a regime that has lost widespread support. The Trump administration needs to decide on its definition of success there and how to bring it about. Haass and Ellis go on to discuss how Venezuela is an example of where the U.S. opted for considerably less than regime change—and is encountering problems in bringing about stability and large-scale oil development. The two agree that Trump's outlandish approach to Greenland is equal parts unnecessary and counterproductive, while Cuba could be a case where regime changes comes less because of U.S. efforts than internal decay and collapse. Closer to home, the hosts predict the midterm elections may be manipulated to suppress voter turnout and alter voting outcomes in a year meant to celebrate American democracy. And as always, the two wrap up with sports
and the latest in college and pro football, a much-needed pressure valve to a heavy set of topics.

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In the year's first episode of Alternate Shots, hosts John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss the U.S. intervention in Venezuela: what led to it, why it is better understood as leadership rather than regime change, and why the US might well encounter difficulties down the road. They also discuss what it is likely to mean for oil prices, its implications for U.S. interests in the region, and why Russia and China might be happier with it all than their public comments suggest.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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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 the AI bubble that isn't, the changing media landscape, and on two women shaking up the world of sports.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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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 President Trump's unsuccessful attempt in Pennsylvania to demonstrate he understands affordability concerns, the Biden administration's botched handling of immigration, and the controversial proposal for social media scrutiny of visitors to this country. The episode concludes as always with reflections on sports, in this case the return of a 44 year old grandfather to the NFL.

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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 New York Giants.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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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 York Giants' future in sports.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger