One Decision

In this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, break down the latest developments in Latin America, including the Pentagon's recent deployment of an aircraft carrier off the coast of Venezuela. The hosts discuss President Donald Trump's intentions and the role Secretary of State Marco Rubio is playing behind the scenes. Plus, they examine the aftermath of Argentina's midterm elections, where President Javier Milei's coalition secured the majority votes and what that means for Trump's promise to bailout the Argentine economy. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, hosts Kate McCann and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove sit down with Russian military scholar Mark Galeotti to examine a war that's reshaping not only Russia—but the West itself. Galeotti describes how Vladimir Putin, convinced he's winning, is “burning through Russia's future” to sustain a failing war. He warns that Europe, which has long sheltered under the American security umbrella, must now take its own defense seriously “if it wants to be taken seriously” and prepare for the unpredictable reality of a post-Putin Russia. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, break down the recent meeting in Washington D.C. between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They assess the ramifications of Trump pulling back from his original stance on supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, the reaction from European leaders, and what all of this means for Ukraine. Plus, they discuss the prospective summit in Budapest, Hungary with Trump and Vladimir Putin and whether that meeting could lead to peace negotiations. Finally, they examine the latest case of alleged Chinese spying in the UK, what this reveals about the Chinese threat, and what it could mean for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's political leadership. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove sit down with former Los Angeles Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. Garcetti reflects on his tenure in New Delhi—what he calls America's “most complex and consequential” diplomatic post—and how the U.S.–India relationship has evolved through conflict, trade wars, and global realignments. From navigating the Trump administration's tariffs and sanctions to confronting a “murder-for-hire” plot that tested Washington's trust in New Delhi, Garcetti explains how the two largest democracies can still find common purpose. Plus, Garcetti, who serves as an Ambassador for Global Climate Diplomacy at C40 Cities, argues why the future of global climate action may depend less on nations—and more on cities. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove unpack President Donald Trump's Middle East peace deal—what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the shifting balance of power across the region. They assess Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's precarious position at home, the risk of a new extremist movement, and whether Arab states can enforce a fragile truce and fund Gaza's reconstruction. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove sit down with Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, to discuss how tariffs, President Trump, and resurgent geopolitics are reshaping the global order. Lamy argues that the “rule of force” has replaced the “rule of trade,” warns that U.S. democracy itself may now be Europe's biggest risk, and explains why the EU must move toward political and defense integration—or face decline. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the Warsaw Security Forum, former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Christina Ruffini speak with UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk about the future of Europe's security. Patel argues NATO must recognize that “we are all at risk” from Moscow's grey warfare — while also confronting Europe's divided approach to refugees and Gaza. Yatsenyuk calls Russian drone incursions a direct test of NATO's unity, describes how sanctions bite but fall short, and insists Ukraine's drone technology and battlefield resilience make it indispensable to Europe's defense. Full interview with former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk: https://youtu.be/IpeGN6QIzl8?si=eNpurxuAk8KX63qq Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From cyberattacks to drones over NATO skies, defense leaders believe Russia is probing for weakness. At the Warsaw Security Forum, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commander of the U.S. Army in Europe told One Decision that Moscow's provocations aim to divide allies and mask failures in Ukraine. They join hosts Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove to explain why NATO's unity—and America's staying power—will decide whether Europe's defenses hold.  One Decision is an official media partner of the Warsaw Security Forum. The gathering was held this week in Warsaw, Poland. #WSF2025 #DividedWeFall Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's One Decision In Brief, Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove report from the Warsaw Security Forum, where Poland has emerged as NATO's front-line power. They look at Russia's latest airspace violations and drone incursions, how European allies are scrambling to build defenses, and why Moldova's surprising election result signals new limits to Moscow's influence. Plus: what Ukraine's drone industry is teaching Europe, and how the UK's security role has shifted post-Brexit. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Palantir a sinister surveillance giant — or the gold standard in mission-critical software? In this episode of One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and ex-MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove speak with Lauren Penneys, Palantir SVP , to separate fact from fiction. She discusses the firm's rise from post-9/11 intelligence work to the front lines of Ukraine and Israel, Britain's National Health Service (NHS), and its controversial work with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE). They also explore Palantir's wider role in defense, intelligence, and healthcare, and whether artificial intelligence will magnify both the promise — and the risks — of its technology. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's One Decision In Brief, Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove assess Russia's latest gray-zone provocations — from fighter jets entering Estonian airspace to swarms of drones over Poland. What do these incursions reveal about NATO's readiness, Europe's vulnerabilities, and Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy? And with One Decision heading to the Warsaw Security Forum, these questions will be put directly to Europe's leaders. Plus: inside MI6's new dark-web recruitment portal, and how British intelligence is adapting to the digital age. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta sit down with Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary under President Bill Clinton, to discuss his new book, Coming Up Short. Reich reflects on how decades of widening inequality, corporate money in politics, and missteps in the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)—along with China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO)—paved the way for Donald Trump's rise. Reich and Panetta reflect on what both political parties missed, why Washington drifted into dysfunction, and how the coming wave of AI could deepen inequality unless new policies—from national service to profit-sharing—take hold. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

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.

This week on One Decision, host Kate McCann welcomes Sir Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary, to the podcast as a co-host. They discuss the recent Israeli strike in Qatar targeting senior Hamas officials and the repercussions of Israel attacking a country that's directly involved in peace negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Later, they welcome Ehud Olmert, former Israeli Prime Minister, who shares why he believes Israel's pursuit of “total victory” in Gaza is both unrealistic and dangerous. He recounts why Israel's top military leaders reject Netanyahu's strategy, warns of a mounting diplomatic backlash that could extend to sanctions and even sports boycotts, and insists only Donald Trump has the power to force a change of course. Plus, Olmert reflects on his own efforts to revive a two-state solution with Palestinian leaders.

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, unpack how the latest strike on Ukraine indicates Vladimir Putin's resistance to President Donald Trump's peace negotiations. They also examine how the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit - where Chinese President Xi Jinping convened global leaders, including India's Narendra Modi, North Korea's Kim Jong-Un, and Russia's Vladimir Putin - hints at a possible new global order that competes with the West. Plus, how the recent U.S. hit on an alleged Venezuelan drug cartel ship implies how Secretary of State Marco Rubio's influence is shaping foreign policy in the Oval Office. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

How fragile is the state of Russia's economy? In this episode of One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, sit down with Alexandra Prokopenko, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, who left her role as an advisor to the Bank of Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Prokopenko discusses how state spending, Chinese trade, and quick adaptation by Russian firms have kept economic growth alive — even as inflation and labor shortages strain the system. They examine the cracks in Putin's war-fueled economy, why the Kremlin is unlikely to cut defense spending, and how sanctions are strengthening, rather than weakening, domestic solidarity. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, discuss how Israel is deploying AI on the battlefield and how the technology is intercepting calls, mapping behavior, and even generating target lists. They examine the two most common AI models employed, called "Lavender" and “Gospel,” how they're driving innovation and whether international law can keep pace with this new era of machine-driven warfare. Is this the future of war? What happens when algorithms, not humans, are shaping life-and-death decisions? Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this episode of One Decision, Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 chief, and journalist Christina Ruffini speak with Professor Chuck Freilich, Israel's former Deputy National Security Adviser. Freilich explains why he no longer sees a two-state solution as viable and lays out a three-pillar alternative for Gaza and the West Bank. He examines the aims and limits of Israel's campaign against Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political incentives, and what recent strikes mean for Iran's nuclear program. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

This week on One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove explore what the FBI search of former National Security Advisor John Bolton's home and office says about America's broken system for handling classified material and why so many senior U.S. officials - including President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and now John Bolton - have been investigated for mishandling classified documents. As a former intelligence chief himself, Sir Richard also gives us an inside look into how the UK's policy of handling sensitive information differs from America's policy, including what happens once a public official leaves office. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode of One Decision, host Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, is joined by former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst to assess the fallout from President Donald Trump's unprecedented summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska — and the extraordinary gathering of European leaders at the White House that followed. They examine whether Trump is being outmaneuvered by Putin or whether he can still bring real leverage to the table, how Europe's sudden military unity is reshaping the balance of power, and what it all means for Ukraine's survival and NATO's credibility. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

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.

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.

President Donald Trump is set to meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska. But Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky won't be in the room. On this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, and Christina Ruffini analyze the implications of a proposed U.S.-Russia summit without Ukraine, the uproar in Europe, and what a truce might look like on the ground. Plus: The striking parallel between Trump's move to federalize Washington D.C.'s police and former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's abolition of London's local council.

From Bolsonaro to Orbán, what drives leaders who reject democratic norms—and what keeps them in power? One Decision hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dealove sit down to explore the makings of an authoritarian leader, including the times Sir Richard met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. Later, they speak with historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat about the modern autocrat's playbook, and how tech oligarchs may be helping to shape a new version of authoritarianism from inside the system. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

This week on One Decision In Brief, Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, analyze how an Israeli minister's visit to Temple Mount and Hamas's release of a hostage video have each raised the stakes. Also, this week, President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow, but there's no sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to compromise. Plus, Trump claims he'll reposition two nuclear submarines near Russian territories, prompting many to question whether this is a subtle threat to former President Dmitri Medvedev's online comments. Episode produced by Leo Sidran. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

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.

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.

In this episode, “The Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton joins One Decision hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss the growing global race to build and control superintelligent machines—and why artificial intelligence can no longer be simply switched off. Hinton warns that AI systems are learning in ways we don't fully understand—and may soon be capable of making decisions beyond our control. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

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.

In this week's episode, Congressman Don Bacon, a self-described “old school Reagan Republican,” joins hosts Sir Richard Dearlove and Christina Ruffini to unpack the internal battle over Republican foreign policy and what it means for U.S. credibility abroad. Bacon outlines how China, Iran, and North Korea are propping up Russia's war effort and why he believes a Ukrainian defeat could embolden an attack on Taiwan. He also weighs in on the state of U.S. air power, the future of drone warfare, and the risks of prioritizing party loyalty over national security. Plus, Congressman Bacon and Sir Richard reflect on similar experiences working in Nebraska. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

This week on One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove unpack the latest shifts in diplomacy, notably U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to cut 15% of the State Department's staff. They also analyze the significance of France's military capabilities amid rising global tensions, and what President Trump's latest tariff threats could mean for the future of the global economy. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode of One Decision, Laura Holgate, the former U.S. Ambassador to the Vienna Office of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), joins host Christina Ruffini to break down the uncertain state of Iran's nuclear program following recent U.S. strikes on Tehran's nuclear sites. Ambassador Holgate explains how the IAEA works, why its supervision of nuclear technologies is essential, and how Iran's current posture puts the world at a dangerous crossroads. Plus, co-host and resident spymaster Sir Richard Dearlove shares insights on the possibility of North Korea sharing testing data with Iran and whether the regime might choose to restart its nuclear program. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

This week on One Decision In Brief, Sir Richard Dearlove and Kate McCann upack the high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as the world watches for a potential ceasefire. Plus, Chinese President Xi Jingping's puzzling withdrawal from the global stage and what UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron could reveal about Europe's new power dynamic. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former chief of Britain's MI6, sit down with Conservative MP Jeremy Hunt, who has served as the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary. They discuss what Hunt calls Britain's "crisis of self confidence," what NATO must do to contain Russia and China, and how global instability - from Iran to Taiwan - is reshaping foreign policy. Hunt also reflects on Donald Trump's leadership style, reforming migration policies, and behind-the-scenes moments from Liz Truss's resignation. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this edition of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, explore the opening of Greenland to U.S. tourism and what locals thinks of American influence. They then dive into the latest tariff tensions between the U.S. and Canada, assess Trump's trade tactics, and unpack reports on Iran's nuclear program after recent airstrikes - questioning whether the regime might rebuild, retreat, or escalate. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, wrap up their on-the-ground reporting at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands. Kate and Richard discuss President Donald Trump's closing press conference, his statements about an Israeli assessment that the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were successful, and the intelligence methods that could support this. Later in the episode, Kate interviews UK Defence Secretary John Healey about his perspective on the summit and President Trump's significant role in the agenda. Plus, Sir Richard and Kate share their favorite moments over the last two days, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's viral moment referring to Donald Trump as "Daddy,” and how a renewed sentiment among European nations for greater defense spending shifted the American president's attitude towards the alliance. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this bonus episode, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove are on the ground in The Hague, Netherlands where they're reporting from the NATO Summit. Kate and Sir Richard sit down with U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a leading member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to discuss the latest from the summit including talks among NATO members for increased defense budgets, President Trump's unique social media presence and how it shapes his foreign policy, and his role in the Israel-Iran ceasefire. Later, Kate and Sir Richard catch up to explore the regional ramifications of the Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East and compare notes on what to expect from Israel.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

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.

In this edition of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down to break down the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and how the Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, are navigating the growing tensions. They also examine the recent military parade that honored both the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and President Donald Trump's birthday, and the political significance of military parades worldwide. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this episode of One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with General Stanley McChrystal, a retired United States Army General who was the leader of the Joint Special Operations Command during the war in Iraq. McChrystal and Dearlove reflect on the war in Iraq and share stories of meeting and working with former Afghan President, Hamid Karzai. They also discuss Israeli foreign policy amid the war in Gaza and explore the significance of character in a world leader. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

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.

In this week's episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Leon Panetta, former US Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, are joined by Rahm Emanuel, the former U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Emanuel has a long political career having previously served as the mayor of Chicago, a U.S. Congressman, and the former White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama. They discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy, and the shifting commercial interests of the Middle East. They also explore the legacy of President Joe Biden's presidency amid recent news about his health, and Emanuel discusses the state of the Democratic Party and whether he's considering a potential run for president in 2028. Plus, Panetta and Emanuel share stories of working with each other under President Bill Clinton's administration. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this edition of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down to break down Germany's latest decision to support Ukraine with a €5 billion military aid package. They also explore the political and social ramifications of President Donald Trump's decision to block foreign visa applications from prospective Harvard students and the threat it poses on academic freedom. Plus, Sir Richard and Christina share stories on what it's like visiting Cuba during and after the Cuban embargo.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

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.

In this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down to discuss President Donald Trump's diplomatic style in recent meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and how world leaders should prepare for an Oval Office visit with the American president. They also discuss the state of Russia's economy and ending the Ukraine war. Plus, Sir Richard reflects on the unique gifts given to him by various foreign leaders including Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi during his tenure as ‘C' of Britain's secret intelligence service. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Sir Ben Wallace, one of the longest-serving Conservative defence secretaries in the United Kingdom since Sir Winston Churchill. They discuss President Donald Trump's role in global politics, whether his style has changed diplomacy, and Britain's trade deal with America. They also explore the United Kingdom and the European Union's defence needs, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and what's next for Israel and Gaza. Plus, Sir Ben shares some of the biggest decisions of his career. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's 'One Decision in Brief' episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, catch up on President Donald Trump's whirlwind tour of the Middle East, including his decision to not visit Israel, the business deals he closed in Saudi Arabia, lifting the nearly 50 year-old sanctions in Syria and meeting the nation's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Could this kind of diplomacy prove fruitful for the Middle East and the United States? Plus, the hosts discuss the United States' decision to expel Afghan refugees while granting protective status to white South African families.

In this week's episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Leon Panetta, former US Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, sit down with former U.S Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns. They discuss the recent 90-day tariff deal, share insights on negotiating with Xi Jinping and Chinese officials, and discuss the state of US global soft power. They also unpack the security challenges related to President Donald Trump's acceptance of a gifted Qatari jet and reveal what it's like to travel on Air Force One. Plus, the significance of the first US-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and what it means for American pride. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down to discuss the latest in foreign policy including President Donald Trump's recent 90-day tariff pause with China - will the start of negotiations bring a lasting deal? Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes to meet directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for peace talks, and why Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, used a Russian interpreter in the Kremlin. Plus, how Russian propaganda is selling a different message of a tissue at a world leaders' meeting. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, Christina Ruffini and co-host Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, sit down with Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, whose strong bipartisan stance on foreign policy includes supporting Ukraine and ending Iran's nuclear program. He shares his thoughts on India's airstrikes against Pakistan, the recent elections in Romania and Moldova, where a growing wave of right-wing nationalism has created a fraught political response. Lawler also argues that the United States should take military action against Iranian nuclear facilities if Iran fails to dismantle its nuclear program. Plus, Sir Richard reflects on the time when Tehran imposed sanctions against him. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this bonus episode, Christina Ruffini sits down with co-host Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, to discuss how President Donald Trump's second term in office has created a global response seen in elections worldwide. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent election victory will extend his tenure as his platform works against growing right-wing populism. Meanwhile, victories in recent Romanian and UK council elections have proven an interest in nationalist, right-wing politics, mirroring many of President Trump's politics. Plus, Sir Richard shares his insight on the Trump administration's policy shift on Ukraine and working with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.