Podcast appearances and mentions of michael mcfaul

Michael McFaul and John Batchelor discuss the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis as a pivotal moment of near-nuclear obliteration that underscores the necessity of modern crisis management. McFaul emphasizes that a critical failure during this era was the lack of direct communication and a tendency to guess the adversary's intentions. While the Soviet Unionwas the primary threat in 1962, today the People's Republic of China has emerged as a major, revolutionary power player. McFaul argues that modern diplomacy must prioritize clear information and established prevention mechanisms to stabilize relations with both Russia and China. (1)1902

Michael McFaul examines the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and the subsequent American policy of reaching out to the Chinese Communist Party with an open hand. McFaul critiques the Bush administration's decision to prioritize balancing against the Soviets over human rights, suggesting a "dual track" approach would have been more effective. While Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms spurred unprecedented growth, the Western theory that economic modernization would inevitably lead to democratization proved false. Today, China remains a highly successful economy ruled by a dictatorship, highlighting the complexities of decoupling values from commercial interests. (2)1905

Michael McFaul reflects on the collapse of the Soviet Union, recalling his time in Moscow in 1991 when he witnessed the transition from Gorbachev's reforms to Yeltsin's revolutionary phase. He argues that while the United States rightly supported Yeltsin, policymakers were too complacent, assuming democracy would consolidate organically without significant external investment. This "end of history" mentality led to a lack of political and economic support during Russia's vulnerable early years of independence. McFaul notes that failing to provide robust assistance to liberal reformers allowed for the eventual rise of Vladimir Putin. (3)1906

Michael McFaul explains that China's current global posture is deeply rooted in the "century of humiliation," a period of historical weakness that Xi Jinping is determined to never repeat. Under Xi's leadership, the state has become significantly more autocratic, utilizing advanced technology for domestic monitoring and total surveillance. McFaulpoints out that Xi is moving away from the market-driven ideas that fueled China's growth, potentially leading to future economic stagnation. Despite this tightening control, internal demands for freedom remain in regions like Hong Kongand Xinjiang, where people continue to resist state-led repression. (4)11925 SHANGHAI

Michael McFaul describes Vladimir Putin as an ideological risk-taker who views himself as a defender of "orthodox Christian values" against a threatening West. McFaul argues that previous US administrations failed to hedge against Russian aggression by not expanding NATO faster or providing sufficient weaponry to "gray zone" countries like Ukraine. This perceived lack of resolve may have emboldened Putin's 2022 full-scale invasion. Furthermore, the segment explores how autocracy is gaining global popularity, as some perceive it to be more efficient than the bureaucratic "veto points" often found in democratic systems. (5)1938

Michael McFaul discusses the Mar-a-Lago meeting between Trump and Xi, supporting the concept of "peace through strength" but emphasizing that engaging autocrats should not mean abandoning democratic values. He argues that the United States must work harder to keep allies united and should explicitly advocate for human rights during high-level meetings. Raising individual cases of repression, such as that of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, serves to inspire "small D democrats" living under tyranny. McFaul advocates for a self-help alliance system among democracies to counter cooperation between Russia, China, and Iran. (6)

Michael McFaul recommends helping Ukraine win the war to undermine Putin's grip on power, as a democratic Ukraine directly contradicts Putin's narrative that Russians require a strong dictatorship. He also stresses the importance of competing for talent by attracting educated Russian and Chinese citizens to the United States through smarter immigration policies. During the Cold War, the ability to draw in the world's smartest people was a major American advantage that is currently being hindered by restrictive visa rules. Strengthening this "brain drain" from autocracies is vital for long-term technological and economic competition. (7)1900 BAKU

Michael McFaul outlines a grand strategy that leverages the military, economic, and ideational strengths of the democratic world. He acknowledges that American democracy is "wobbling" due to polarization, yet he remains optimistic that the values of freedom and liberty still hold more global appeal than autocratic models. McFaul warns against isolationist trade policies and underscores the need to reinvest in Cold War-era institutions like Radio Free Europe. Ultimately, he argues that a united, functional democracy at home is the best way to lead the new international order. (8)1897

Tonight on The Last Word: Questions remain on key issues in a potential U.S.-Iran deal. And a ruling is upheld to remove Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, Amb. Michael McFaul, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Barbara McQuade, and Jared Bernstein join Jonathan Capehart. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Last Word: Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is interviewed on the Epstein files. Also, voters turn on Donald Trump at Congressional town halls. Plus, backlash grows over the explosion AI data centers. Protests erupt at a New Jersey ICE detention center. And a Russian drone reportedly injures two people in Romania. Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Mark Pocan, Josh Einiger, Laura Haefeli, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael McFaul explores the evolution of Putinism, characterizing Vladimir Putin as an ideological risk-taker who views the West as a threat to "Russian civilization." He critiques the West for lacking a "Plan B" during Putin's early aggressions in Georgia and Crimea, suggesting that faster NATO expansion might have deterred the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. McFaul highlights how autocratic models of development are gaining popularity globally, challenging the efficiency of democratic systems. He emphasizes that Putin's actions are motivated by anti-Western ideas rather than simple national interest, making him an unpredictable and dangerous global actor. (5/8)1900 BRUSSELS

In the final segment, Michael McFaul outlines a grand strategy for democratic revival, asserting that democracies still hold superior military and economic power if they remain united. He stresses the urgent need to fix domestic polarization and institutional "wobbling" to restore the U.S. as a global beacon of emulation. McFaul argues for reforming international trade and investing in Cold War-era institutions like Radio Free Europe to promote democratic ideas. He concludes that while the "glory days" of 1991 are gone, a proactive, forward-looking agenda focused on freedom and multilateral cooperation is the best path to national security. (8/8)1903 BRUSSELS

Michael McFaul proposes a forward-looking strategy that includes helping Ukraine win to undermine Putin's dictatorial logic. He advocates for capitalizing on Russia's "brain drain" by reforming Western visa policies to attract the talent currently fleeing autocratic regimes. By welcoming entrepreneurs and scientists, the West can weaken its adversaries while boosting its own technological edge. Additionally, McFaul suggests identifying fissures in the China-Russiapartnership, particularly where their interests regarding international order diverge. The goal is to leverage democratic advantages in talent and technology to ensure a favorable long-term global balance of power. (7/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Focusing on U.S. leadership, Michael McFaul discusses the importance of "peace through strength" while maintaining robust alliances with fellow democracies. He critiques recent U.S. foreign policy for causing doubt among allies and urges a return to a values-based approach that supports dissidents like Jimmy Lai. McFaul warns of a "self-help alliance" between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, who cooperate to sustain their respective regimes. To counter this, he argues that the "small-D democrats" of the world must remain united and vocal about human rights. Supporting global liberty requires both military preparedness and moral clarity. (6/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Michael McFaul discusses his book Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America and the New Global Disorder, reflecting on the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis as the most dangerous moment of the Cold War. He emphasizes that the primary lesson learned was the necessity of crisis management mechanisms and direct communication to prevent nuclear obliteration. McFaul argues that today's lack of connectivity with China is a major risk, as stabilization requires understanding an adversary's intentions. He compares the revolutionary "will" of Mao's China to Putin's modern revisionist imperialism, noting that high intentionality can be as destabilizing as raw capability. Effective diplomacy requires engaging adversaries without compromising democratic values. (1/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Michael McFaul analyzes how China's "Century of Humiliation" profoundly shapes Xi Jinping's drive for national strength and order. He observes that Xi is significantly more autocratic than his predecessors, utilizing modern surveillance technology to repress pluralism. McFaul explains how Xi is moving away from the market ideas that fueled China's growth, potentially stifling the economy through increased state control. Despite this repression, McFaulbelieves a demand for freedom persists in places like Hong Kong and Tibet. He argues that the West must recognize the systemic competition between democratic innovation and autocratic control. (4/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Drawing on his time in Moscow during the early 1990s, Michael McFaul describes the revolutionary transition from Gorbachev's reforms to the radicalism of the Yeltsin era. He highlights the unprecedented uncertainty of the Soviet collapse and the subsequent failure of the West to invest in Russia's democratic consolidation. McFaul notes that the 1992 U.S. election's focus on domestic issues distracted from providing critical political and economic assistance. Unlike the post-WWII era, the lack of a perceived external threat led to complacency about the "end of history." He stresses that supporting institutional demand for democracy is vital for long-term stability. (3/8)1900 BRUSSELS 

In Autocrats vs. Democrats, Michael McFaul examines the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, critiquing the U.S. decision to "look away" from human rights for economic gain. He argues that while economic engagement enriched American capitalism, the theory that economic growth would naturally lead to democratization in China failed. Drawing on George Shultz's memoirs, McFaul advocates for a dual-track diplomacy where security and economic interests are pursued alongside human rights. He warns that Western complacency following the Cold War led to a missed opportunity to consolidate democratic institutions in emerging states. Values must remain central to foreign policy. (2/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Jen Psaki looks at the boasts and promises Donald Trump made on the campaign trail about how he would handle China and President Xi, and compares that to Trump's performance on an actual trip to China. Former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, and former Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr discuss Donald Trump's underwhelming performance in his meeting with China's Presient Xi. Rep. Jamie Raskin talks with Jen about insider trading and elected officials, including the president, and what legislators need to do to put an end to it. And David Fahrenthold, investigative reporter for the New York Times, talks with Jen Psaki about the rash of Donald Trump's vanity projects in Washington, D.C. and the bizarre details of Trump's overhaul of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

China's leader sends a warning shot over Taiwan as President Trump focuses on Iran and claims Xi offered to help broker peace in the Iran war. Then, a potential trade truce as Beijing restores U.S. beef shipments to China. Plus, a new report claims the FBI director took a VIP snorkeling trip in Hawaii at a sacred Pearl Harbor Memorial. Laura Barron-Lopez, Susan Glasser, Tom Nichols, Michael McFaul, Ron Insana, John Harwood, and Nnamdi Egwuonwu join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fixates on the ballroom as the Iran war spikes gas prices. Also, Republicans move to redraw Black-majority districts in the south. Plus, Democrats pass a bill to block whites-only communities in Pennsylvania. And Vladimir Putin scales back his “Victory Day” parade. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Melissa Murray, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. and Iran exchange fire as concerns grow over the fragile ceasefire. Then, the U.S. Court of International Trade rules Trump's 10% global tariffs are illegal. Plus, the heated battle over AI regulation spills into the midterms; what it could mean for the future of jobs and the economy. Peter Baker. Michael McFaul, Ivo Daalder, Laura Haefeli, Brooke Masters, Justin Wolfers, and Alex Bores join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. and Iran once again on the brink of all-out war as new attacks threaten the ceasefire. Then, California faces a gas crunch as the last oil tanker from the Persian Gulf reaches the west coast. Plus, AI fears grow as two of the industry's biggest leaders face off in a high-stakes trial. Susan Glasser, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Michael McFaul, Ron Insana, Clayton Siegle, Gerrit De Vynck, Bharat Ramamurti, and Barbara McQuade join The 11th Hour this Monday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What we know about the suspect now charged with trying to assassinate President Trump at a black-tie gala in Washington. Then, the White House rejects a proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, warning signs for Republicans with the midterms nearly six months away. Rob D'Amico, Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, Michael McFaul, Doug Jones, Reed Galen, and Susanne Craig join The 11th Hour this Monday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump Justice Department drops the criminal probe of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Also, the majority of voters reportedly disapprove of Donald Trump on the cost of living. Plus, right-wing leaders abroad are facing voter anger. And Trump and his administration attack the press to try to chill reporting. Rep. Adam Smith, Amb. Michael McFaul, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), Aaron David Miller, Neil Brown, and Andrew Conte join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ambassador Michael McFaul, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2012-2014) and Ken Oliver and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies in Political Science at Stanford University

A U.S. naval blockade on Iran's ports is in effect, but experts warn the operation could backfire on the U.S. and its allies. Plus, the president escalates his feud with the Pope as Trump faces backlash for posting an AI image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure. And, the Trump family's crypto venture reportedly faces an investor revolt. Peter Baker, Luke Broadwater, Michael McFaul, Catherine Rampell, Rohit Chopra, Bishop Mariann Buddee, and Max Chafkin join The 11th Hour this Monday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Last Word: Vice President Vance is headed to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran. Also, America's NATO allies appear fed up with Trump. Plus, a Trump-won Iowa district is among the most competitive U.S. House races. U.S. consumer confidence hits a record low as prices climb. And the San Francisco Chronicle reports an ex-staffer accuses Eric Swalwell of sexual assault. Rep. Eugene Vindman, Amb. Michael McFaul, Iowa State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, Rohit Chopra, and Mychael Schnell join Jonathan Capehart. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

➡️ Watch the full interview ad-free, join a community of geopolitics enthusiasts and gain access to exclusive content on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingGeopolitics➡️ Buy your own Geopolitics of the Western Pacific Map Print: https://decoding-geopolitics-shop.fourthwall.com/➡️ Sign up to my free geopolitics newsletter: https://stationzero.substack.com/This is a conversation with Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and a special advisor on Russia to president Obama, professor of international relations at Stanford University and one of the most respected American experts on foreign policy and geopolitics. He is someone that I would call a typical transatlanticist - someone who spent his whole career working on build a strong alliance with Europe, promoting democracy abroad and deterring autocratic adversarial regimes - and so it's really interesting to talk at a time when both US foreign policy and the world looks very very different.And so we talk about his thoughts on the war with Iran, whether it will end up as a strategic defeat for the United States and how it will change America's standing and influence around the world. About the current crisis in the relations between Europe and the U.S., Trump's desire to leave NATO, whether it's going to happen and whether it wouldn't be for the best in the end. And about the fight between autocracies and democracies that he writes about in his new book and how this fight changes if the world's leading democracy doesn't seem that sure on which side it actually is and what it means for the rest of us - and much more.

What Trump is saying less than 24 hours away from his latest deadline to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants if they don't reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Then, Trump promises an economic rebound after the war, but experts are skeptical. Plus, a look into the Epstein files and the high-profile names involved. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Brooke Masters, Clayton Siegle, Josh Tyrangiel, and Michael McFaul join The 11th Hour this Monday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump gave the nation an update on the war with Iran but offered little clarity about what comes next, aside from saying "the core objectives are nearing completion". Then, the Supreme Court hears arguments over the constitutionality of Trump's effort to ban birthright citizenship. And NASA launches its first astronaut mission to the moon in more than half a century. Hayes Brown, Basil Smikle, Michael McFaul, Melissa Murray and Ron Insana join The 11th Hour. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump is so enamored of his White House ballroom pet project that he talks about it every chance he gets, regardless of the setting. Sometimes it seems like he wishes Americans would be as distracted by it as he is. But now a judge has put a halt to the project, reminding Trump that he is a steward of the White House, not the owner, and requiring him to get approval from Congress first. Donald Trump has no idea how to fix the mess he has made with his attack on Iran, and now it seems he may not even try and may instead dump the challenge of re-opening the Strait of Hormuz on them. At the same time, several European allies are not allowing the U.S. to use their facilities or even cross their airspace in connection with Trump's war. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (ret.), former commanding general of the U.S. Army, Europe, and Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia discuss. Donald Trump was aleady unpopular with Americans before he started his random war with Iran, and now with the cost of living made even more difficult with soaring gas prices, Trump's approval is cratering. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Democratic candidate for Senate, joins to discuss. Rep. Eric Swall joins to discuss pushing back on Trump's bullying, and the effort to hold Trump accountable for January 6 even as Trump has pardoned all of his faithful rioters from that day. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Donald Trump continues to offer contradictory answers and explanations, his war on Iran is running into some foreseeable problems that were among the reasons attacking Iran was ill-advised in the first place. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor, and Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, talk with Jen Psaki about the deadly, expensive mess Donald Trump and his defense secretary, former weekend cable news host Pete Hegseth, are making. Jen Psaki points out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's dismaying preoccupation with his personal image while signs of the mismanagement of Donald Trump's war on Iran multiply, including new reporting that the U.S. was likely responsible for hitting an Iranian school full of children with a missile. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, talks with Jen about hearing the testimony of Jeffrey Epstein's accountant, which somehow produced more questions than answers. And Rep. Chris Deluzio joins the show to discuss how U.S. military veterans are reacting to Donald Trump's second term military adventurism and the degree to which his actions contradict what he campaigned on. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul returns to Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson to discuss his new book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. McFaul explains why Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and today's autocratic leaders fundamentally do not think like we do—and why that misunderstanding has shaped some of America's most consequential foreign-policy mistakes. Drawing on decades of scholarship and firsthand experience inside the Kremlin, McFaul traces Russia's post–Cold War slide back into autocracy; challenges the claim that NATO expansion caused the rupture with Moscow; and argues that the true threat to authoritarian regimes is democratic example rather than Western military power. He examines the war in Ukraine, its implications for Taiwan, the limits of transactional diplomacy with ideologues like Putin, and the enduring lessons of Cold War statecraft. He also reflects on his unlikely journey from Butte, Montana, to Spaso House —the Moscow home of the U.S. ambassador to Russia— and why he remains convinced that democracy, however fragile, is still the West's greatest strategic advantage. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats call for Donald Trump to testify in the Epstein investigation. Also, Democratic turnout in Texas is breaking records. Plus, Trump's mixed messages on Iran rattle allies. And Trump's immigration crackdown is causing “medical crises.” Rep. Ro Khanna, Kendall Scudder, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Dr. Vin Gupta join Jonathan Capehart. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

February 24. 2026; With President Trump's first State of the Union of his second term slated tonight, Nicolle Wallace sets the stage: Plunging approval ratings among independents. Trump's worst numbers on the issues yet. And new developments suggesting an Epstein cover-up from our own Department of Justice. We unpack it with Claire McCaskill, John Heilemann, Jaime Raskin and family members of Epstein survivor Virgina Guiffre, Sky and Amanda Roberts. Also in the hour, the latest out of Ukraine with Michael McFaul, Anne Applebaum and Dr. Irwin Redlener. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The President faces falling poll numbers and a big decision on Iran as he prepares for his State of the Union address– then, he announces new “temporary” tariffs after the Supreme Court rules against him – & he says Netflix should “fire” Susan Rice or “pay the consequences.” Luke Broadwater, Dave Weigel, Alex Ward, Susan Glasser, Mark Joseph Stern, John Harwood, Bharat Ramamurti, and Michael McFaul join The 11th Hour this Monday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alicia Menendez is in for Nicolle Wallace. Alicia covers news out of New Jersey, where ICE agents were spotted near a school bus stop, causing elementary school students to run away in fear, warning each other that ICE was nearby. Immigration enforcement and the excessive funding of the DHS was cited as one of the top reasons why Donald Trump was elected, but the behavior of ICE in U.S. cities and neighborhoods has quickly turned immigration enforcement into a political Achilles' heel for Trump.Later, Michael Crowley and Michael McFaul join Alicia to discuss the Munich Security Conference, specifically Secretary of State Marco Rubio slamming mass migration in his remarks, where he called on Europe to help build Trump's vision of the new world order.For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Last Word: Thousands brave below-zero temperatures to protest Donald Trump's ICE policies in Minnesota. Also, The Wall Street Journal reports Elon Musk is giving millions to Republicans again. Plus, Trump rages at Canada after being called out in a speech. And Pete Hegseth ousts women and people of color from Department of Defense leadership roles. Rep. Kelly Morrison, Anderson Clayton, Lawrence Lessig, fmr. Amb. Michael McFaul, and Adm. Nancy Lacore join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

January 21, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber breaks down the international chaos shaping President Trump's first month of 2026, with new insights from his interview with former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb. Ambassador Michael McFaul joins the discussion. Plus, the Supreme Court appears skeptical of President Trump's bid to take control of the independent Federal Reserve, with analysis from NYU law professor Melissa Murray. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The President's takeover bid for Greenland continues as he threatens new tariffs and declines to rule out using military force. Then, two army battalions have been put on alert for possible deployment to Minneapolis as protests continue. Plus, one month past the deadline and the DOJ has yet to release most of the Epstein files. Laura Barron-Lopez, Susan Glasser, Gillian Tett, Michael McFaul, Rohit Chopra, and Barbara McQuade join The 11th Hour this Monday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Last Word: MS NOW reports the Department of Homeland Security fired at people in cars at least 14 times since July. Also, Democrats criticize Donald Trump's extreme actions on immigration. Plus,  Trump and Republicans continue to make America less affordable. And Trump claims Iran halted 800 scheduled executions. David Noriega, Barbara McQuade, Rep. Greg Casar, Rebecca Cooke, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the second installment of a two-parter with former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul on American foreign policy in Donald Trump's second term, Mike and John look back on 2025 and ahead to 2026, focusing particularly on the president's approach to Russia, Ukraine, and China. McFaul also discusses his new book, “Autocrats vs. Democrats," which examines the struggle between authoritarianism and classical liberalism among the world's great powers, and argues that this is also the central battle taking place within the United States in the Trump 2.0 era. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John welcomes back Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and the author of “Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, & The New Global Disorder,” for a special, two-part deep dive into Donald Trump's foreign policy. In the first installment, McFaul weighs in on the headline-making, world-shaking events of the past week — from America's invasion of Venezuela and exfiltration of Nicolas Maduro to Trump's increasingly insistent (and apparently serious) intimations that Greenland could be next.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest with Venezuela as President Trump's plan for Venezuelan oil takes shape. Plus, The White House tries to rewrite the events of Jan. 6. And, RFK slashes the  number of vaccines recommended for children. Jeff Mason, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Michael McFaul, Dan Nathan, Stacey Vanek Smith, Jon Meacham, and Dr. Vin Gupta join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Sunday that they are closing in on a peace proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia. The two leaders met at Mar-a-Lago in Florida for talks that involved just the U.S. and Ukraine. John Yang speaks with Michael McFaul, who teaches at Stanford University and was U.S. ambassador to Russia in the Obama administration, to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Tonight on The Last Word: Questions grow amid shifting stories of boat strikes. Also, health care premiums are set to spike in the new year. Plus, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Donald Trump “has been right” on tariffs. And U.S. Foreign Service reports historically low morale. Rep. John Garamendi, Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Betsey Stevenson, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5/8  Michael McFaul's book Autocrats Versus Democrats argues that Putinism is driven by anti-Western ideology, making Putin a risk-taker, and McFaul believes the US erred by lacking a robust response and failing to provide arms after the 2014 Crimea invasion, stressing that helping Ukraine win is essential to inspire Russian democrats. He asserts that the appeal of autocracy is growing globally and advises that the US must align democracies against autocrats while advocating for human rights, citing the need to support imprisoned publisher Jimmy Lai. Long-term strategy requires the US and its allies to unite, as they are collectively stronger economically and militarily than autocracies, and McFaulstrongly recommends attracting international talent by reversing restrictive immigration policies, calling it a great strength the US is currently losing. 1913

PREVIEW Autocrats Versus Democrats: The Rise of Illiberal Ideologies Professor Michael McFaul Professor Michael McFaul discusses the growing global appeal of autocrat models, including Putinism's illiberal populist nationalism in Europe and the state-run economic model favored by China in the developing world. He notes that bureaucracy and veto points stifle growth and cause inefficiency in the U.S. Although democracy remains popular, its appeal is less potent than it was thirty years ago.

CONTINUED 7/8 Michael McFaul's book Autocrats Versus Democrats argues that Putinism is driven by anti-Western ideology, making Putin a risk-taker, and McFaul believes the US erred by lacking a robust response and failing to provide arms after the 2014 Crimea invasion, stressing that helping Ukraine win is essential to inspire Russian democrats.... 1920