American foreign policy is in crisis. The bipartisan consensus that emerged after the Cold War has collapsed after a string of American failures, like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, with the rise of China and the new ascendance of middle powers, the United States must rethink its engagement with the world. But where to start?

In this episode, the Institute for Global Affairs' Jonathan Guyer is joined by Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, to discuss her new book First Among Equals. In the book, Emma offers a realist vision for how the United States can adapt its foreign policy to a multipolar world. Together they explore the necessity of restraining American power, how the Trump administration has upended the status quo, and more.

Find Emma on X: https://x.com/EmmaMAshford

Check out Emma's writing at Foreign Policy: https://foreignpolicy.com/author/emma-ashford/

Check out First Among Equals: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300279542/first-among-equals/