P series 6: James Lindsay - Tariffs, Iran& Israel. What's next for U.S. foreign policy?

Presented by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston

In this episode, James M. Lindsay — Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations — offers a sharp analysis of the early trajectory and defining foreign policy decisions of the current U.S. administration. Drawing on his decades of experience in international affairs, Dr. Lindsay explores key issues reshaping America’s global role, including shifts in trade strategy, evolving alliances, and the ripple effects of new tariff measures.

He provides an in-depth look at how the administration is navigating the escalating Iran-Israel conflict — balancing nuclear diplomacy with Tehran while recalibrating U.S. support for Israeli military action — and what this reveals about broader Middle East strategy.

Dr. Lindsay also discusses the long-term implications of these early decisions for America’s standing with allies and adversaries alike.

Guest:
James M. Lindsay is the Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy and Director of Fellowship Affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the host of The President’s Inbox and author of The Empty Throne and America Unbound.

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