Episode #209
Xi is Feted, US Leaves Iraq, Reversing Brexit
China, Iraq, and Brexit: three shifts with global consequences Ivo Daalder is joined by Ken Moriyasu, Carla Anne Robbins, and Giles Whittell to examine the strategy and symbolism behind three major international stories. The panel discusses Xi Jinping’s Washington visit and how the language around World War II could support Beijing’s preferred historical narrative. They consider whether the White House understood the significance of its messaging, and what the summit reveals about the wider U.S.-China relationship. The conversation then turns to the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. The guests explore whether the move benefits Iran, what it could mean for Iraq’s security and the fight against ISIS, and how American allies might interpret Washington’s changing commitments. Finally, they look at Britain’s revived Brexit debate. With economic growth and trade increasingly central to the discussion, the panel considers what renewed EU ties could mean for the UK—and what rejoining would require. In this episode: Xi’s visit and the politics of historical narratives U.S.-China competition and strategic messaging The consequences of the U.S. exit from Iraq Iran’s influence, Iraqi security, and the ISIS threat Britain’s changing debate about Brexit and EU membership What these stories suggest about U.S. global priorities Guests: Ken Moriyasu, Carla Anne Robbins, and Giles Whittell
