Pod Save the World: Biden’s Foreign Policy Farewell Release Date: January 15, 2025
Hosts: Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes

California Wildfires and Relief Efforts

Discussion Highlights:
Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes commence their episode by recounting the recent devastating wildfires that engulfed the west side of Los Angeles. The hosts describe witnessing massive plumes of smoke and flames, leading to widespread power outages and emergency evacuations reminiscent of the chaos seen during 9/11.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes (01:56): “I hadn't seen anything like that since 911 when I was in New York... We lost power that night.”
• Ben Rhodes (02:34): “We had wind so strong that a tree and like a real tree, not like a small guy fell over in our front yard.”
• Tommy Vietor (04:44): “Absolutely terrifying. Hopefully, this thing is well under control soon.”

Relief Efforts:
In response to the wildfires, Pod Save the World established a donation platform distributing funds to organizations such as the Latino Community Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and LA Fire Department Foundation. The hosts commend their listeners for raising approximately $100,000 to aid those affected.

Confirmation Hearing of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

Overview:
The discussion transitions to the confirmation hearing of Pete Hegseth, former Fox News Weekend Anchor, nominated by President Trump to serve as Secretary of Defense. Tommy and Ben analyze the hearing's dynamics, highlighting the aggressive questioning by Democratic senators and Hegseth's staunch defense of his positions.

Notable Quotes:

• Alyssa Slotkin (09:55): “What are you scared of?”
• Ben Rhodes (10:24): “An American first national security policy is not going to hand its prerogatives over to international bodies...”

Key Points:

• Policy Concerns: Hegseth's stance against women in combat, his skepticism toward the Geneva Conventions, and his willingness to potentially deploy the military against American protesters.
• Character and Conduct: Questions about Hegseth’s alleged drinking habits and personal conduct were raised, but Republicans appeared unfazed, focusing primarily on policy implications.
• Implications: Ben emphasizes the danger of Hegseth’s potential role, suggesting he could transform the U.S. military into a tool for political repression, aligning closely with Trump’s aggressive policies.

President Biden's Foreign Policy Farewell Speech

Summary of the Speech:
President Biden delivered a comprehensive address at the State Department, outlining his administration's foreign policy achievements. Key areas highlighted include strengthening alliances, countering Chinese aggression, supporting Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion, and addressing climate change.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes (23:33): “During my presidency, I've increased America's power in every dimension...”
• Tommy Vietor (25:23): “What are your big picture thoughts on this?”

Analysis and Critique: Tommy and Ben acknowledge Biden's efforts in reinforcing alliances and supporting Ukraine but critique the speech for being overly optimistic and not fully addressing ongoing challenges. Specifically, they note:

• Overstated Achievements: The hosts feel Biden's portrayal of the U.S. as overwhelmingly winning global competitions does not align with persistent issues like Iran's nuclear ambitions and shaky alliances.
• Afghan Withdrawal: They commend the decision to end the war but lament Biden’s lack of acknowledgment regarding the chaotic nature of the withdrawal.
• Gaza Conflict: The speech's brief mention of Gaza was seen as insufficient, with minimal actionable commitments to resolving the conflict.

Gaza Conflict and Biden's Handling

Discussion Highlights:
The hosts delve deeper into Biden's approach to the Gaza conflict, criticizing the administration for not leveraging its influence to broker a ceasefire. They argue that the U.S. has continuously supported Israel militarily without taking significant steps to ensure peace for Palestinians.

Notable Quotes:

• Tommy Vietor (30:43): “The United States has vetoed resolutions that tried to bring about a ceasefire at the UN Security Council.”
• Ben Rhodes (32:35): “Joe Biden used absolutely no leverage to try to end the war in Gaza.”

Key Points:

• Military Support: All U.S. bombings in Gaza were conducted by American aircraft, highlighting direct involvement in the conflict’s escalation.
• Diplomatic Inaction: The administration's failure to utilize its veto power to promote ceasefires is heavily criticized.
• Future Concerns: With the upcoming Trump administration, there is apprehension that reconstruction efforts in Gaza may favor Israeli interests, neglecting Palestinian needs.

European Political Shifts and Implications

Overview:
Tommy and Ben discuss significant political changes in Europe, particularly the rise of far-right parties in Croatia, Austria, and Germany. These shifts are seen as symptomatic of broader anti-establishment sentiments and heightened nationalist ideologies across the continent.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes (52:27): “Nazism that begins in Austria and then moves to Germany has traditionally been a very bad thing.”
• Tommy Vietor (54:35): “Evangel Brooklyn's AfD party members are getting such a big boost from Elon Musk on Twitter...”

Key Points:

• Croatia: President Zoran Milanovic's reelection with 74% reflects pro-Russian and anti-EU sentiments.
• Austria: Herbert Kiko’s Freedom Party leads with promises to ban Islam and expel migrants, using overt Nazi-era slogans.
• Germany: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) garners 22% in polls, advocating for strict immigration policies and economic deregulation.

Implications:

• Normalization of Extremism: The hosts express concern over far-right parties gaining mainstream acceptance, potentially undermining democratic institutions.
• European Union Challenges: With member states veering towards nationalism, decision-making within the EU faces increased fragmentation, complicating collective actions on issues like Ukraine support.

Middle East Developments: Syria and Lebanon

Syria:

Discussion Highlights:
The conversation shifts to Syria's ongoing struggles with rebuilding amidst international sanctions. Saudi Arabia and European nations advocate for lifting sanctions to facilitate development, while ensuring accountability for the Assad regime.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes (44:06): “If you don't get rid of sanctions, you have a much greater risk of instability of different groups fighting because there's a lack of resources.”

Key Points:

• Sanctions Relief: Calls from Saudi Arabia and Europe focus on humanitarian aid and reconstruction, balancing support with conditional sanctions to prevent regime abuses.
• Local Perspective: Ismail Al Adulla of the White Helmets emphasizes Syrians’ desire for normalcy over political leadership changes, advocating for practical aid over political interventions.

Lebanon:

Discussion Highlights:
Lebanon appoints a new president and prime minister after years of caretaker governance. General Joseph Awen's commitment to disarm Hezbollah marks a potential shift in regional power dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes (48:52): “This is a massive shift in the Levant, you know, and that's good.”

Key Points:

• Government Formation: Nawaf Salam's appointment aims to stabilize Lebanon, though economic crises persist.
• Hezbollah’s Future: General Awen vows to monopolize armament within the Lebanese state, potentially weakening Hezbollah’s influence unless external support from Iran persists.

Risks for Global Stability in 2025: Interview with Ian Bremmer

Introduction:
Ben Rhodes welcomes Ian Bremmer, founder and president of the Eurasia Group, to discuss the top global risks identified for 2025. The conversation explores the declining leadership role of the United States, rising great power conflicts, and internal political fragmentation.

Notable Quotes:

• Alyssa Slotkin (63:53): “The United States has increasingly adopted a Chinese worldview, much more transactional, much more about power, much more of the rule of the jungle.”
• Ben Rhodes (68:28): “The United States is not declining at all other than its political system.”

Key Risks Identified:

1. Vacuum of Leadership: As the U.S. struggles to maintain its hegemonic role, other countries like China and Russia shape a new global order based on transactional and power-centric relationships.
2. Great Power Conflicts: Potential flashpoints include Taiwan, South China Sea, Ukraine, and emerging territorial ambitions by Trump’s administration, such as the rumored interest in Greenland.
3. Internal Political Fragmentation: The rise of far-right factions in both the U.S. and Europe fosters instability, undermines democratic institutions, and emboldens authoritarian tendencies.

Discussion Highlights:

• Biden vs. Trump Administrations: While Biden's tenure focused on rebuilding alliances and supporting Ukraine, the anticipated Trump administration may exacerbate conflicts through aggressive foreign policies and diminished international cooperation.
• Elon Musk’s Influence: Musk’s engagement with far-right parties, particularly in Germany, is viewed as a troubling trend that could normalize extremist ideologies.
• Impact on Institutions: The erosion of global institutions like the UN, WTO, and ICC threatens collective security and economic stability, with China poised to seize leadership roles in these organizations.

Notable Insights:

• Structural Issues: The persistent decline in U.S. leadership is less about military power and more about political instability and compromised institutions.
• Economic and Technological Frontiers: Competition over AI advancements and post-carbon energy transitions are critical battlegrounds shaping future global dominance.

Conclusion of Interview: Ben and Ian agree that the U.S.'s internal challenges significantly impact its ability to lead internationally. The potential for increased great power conflicts and the weakening of global institutions could herald a more unstable and fragmented world order by 2025.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Closing Remarks:
Tommy and Ben wrap up the episode by reiterating the severity of the California wildfires and urging listeners to contribute to the relief efforts. They emphasize the ongoing need for support as recovery continues amidst the chaos.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes (86:09): “There are going to be people that right now are evacuated, but they're still going to be in dire straits in a few weeks...”

Final Call to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to donate to the established relief fund to assist those affected by the wildfires, highlighting the community's resilience and generosity in times of crisis.

Overall Summary: In this episode of Pod Save the World, hosts Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes delve into a multitude of pressing issues marking the twilight of Biden’s foreign policy era. From the immediate devastation of California wildfires to the geopolitical ripples of Trump's anticipated second-term policies, the discussion is both expansive and incisive. They critique President Biden’s farewell foreign policy speech for its optimistic overtones and insufficient engagement with ongoing conflicts like Gaza. The rise of far-right parties in Europe and their troubling connections with influential figures like Elon Musk underscore fears of a destabilized global order. The in-depth interview with Ian Bremmer further elucidates the burgeoning risks poised to shape 2025, emphasizing the critical need for robust international leadership amidst escalating great power tensions and domestic political fragmentation. Concluding with a heartfelt appeal for wildfire relief, the episode encapsulates the interconnected challenges of environmental disasters and complex geopolitical landscapes, urging listeners to remain informed and proactive.

Notable Sections with Timestamped Quotes:

• Wildfires in LA:

  • Ben Rhodes (01:56): “I hadn't seen anything like that since 911 when I was in New York... We lost power that night.”

• Pete Hegseth Confirmation Hearing:

  • Alyssa Slotkin (09:55): “What are you scared of?”

• Biden’s Foreign Policy Speech:

  • Ben Rhodes (23:33): “During my presidency, I've increased America's power in every dimension...”

• Handling of Gaza Conflict:

  • Tommy Vietor (30:43): “The United States has vetoed resolutions that tried to bring about a ceasefire at the UN Security Council.”

• European Far-Right Politics:

  • Ben Rhodes (52:27): “Nazism that begins in Austria and then moves to Germany has traditionally been a very bad thing.”

• Syria and Lebanon Developments:

  • Ben Rhodes (44:06): “If you don't get rid of sanctions, you have a much greater risk of instability of different groups fighting because there's a lack of resources.”

• Global Risks Interview with Ian Bremmer:

  • Alyssa Slotkin (63:53): “The United States has increasingly adopted a Chinese worldview, much more transactional...”

• Call to Action for Wildfire Relief:

  • Ben Rhodes (86:09): “There are going to be people that right now are evacuated, but they're still going to be in dire straits in a few weeks...”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting critical discussions, notable insights, and impactful quotes, providing a clear understanding for those who have not listened to the podcast.