In this week's episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Leon Panetta, former US Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, are joined by Rahm Emanuel, the former U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Emanuel has a long political career having previously served as the mayor of Chicago, a U.S. Congressman, and the former White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama. They discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy, and the shifting commercial interests of the Middle East. They also explore the legacy of President Joe Biden's presidency amid recent news about his health, and Emanuel discusses the state of the Democratic Party and whether he's considering a potential run for president in 2028. Plus, Panetta and Emanuel share stories of working with each other under President Bill Clinton's administration.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this edition of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down to break down Germany's latest decision to support Ukraine with a €5 billion military aid package. They also explore the political and social ramifications of President Donald Trump's decision to block foreign visa applications from prospective Harvard students and the threat it poses on academic freedom. Plus, Sir Richard and Christina share stories on what it's like visiting Cuba during and after the Cuban embargo. 

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Kajsa Ollongren, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Netherlands. They discuss how the European Union is approaching security and defense policy in the era of Donald Trump and what the American president's style says about global diplomacy. They also discuss what to expect from NATO's June summit in The Hague and the ramifications of the erosion of the United States' soft power following cuts to foreign aid funds. Plus, Ollongren shares why gender diversity is important in foreign policy.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week’s One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain’s MI6, sit down to discuss President Donald Trump’s diplomatic style in recent meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and how world leaders should prepare for an Oval Office visit with the American president. They also discuss the state of Russia’s economy and ending the Ukraine war. Plus, Sir Richard reflects on the unique gifts given to him by various foreign leaders including Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi during his tenure as ‘C’ of Britain's secret intelligence service.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Sir Ben Wallace, one of the longest-serving Conservative defence secretaries in the United Kingdom since Sir Winston Churchill. They discuss President Donald Trump's role in global politics, whether his style has changed diplomacy, and Britain's trade deal with America. They also explore the United Kingdom and the European Union's defence needs, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and what's next for Israel and Gaza. Plus, Sir Ben shares some of the biggest decisions of his career.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's 'One Decision in Brief' episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, catch up on President Donald Trump's whirlwind tour of the Middle East, including his decision to not visit Israel, the business deals he closed in Saudi Arabia, lifting the nearly 50 year-old sanctions in Syria and meeting the nation's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Could this kind of diplomacy prove fruitful for the Middle East and the United States? Plus, the hosts discuss the United States' decision to expel Afghan refugees while granting protective status to white South African families.

In this week's episode, hosts Christina Ruffini and Leon Panetta, former US Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, sit down with former U.S Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns. They discuss the recent 90-day tariff deal, share insights on negotiating with Xi Jinping and Chinese officials, and discuss the state of US global soft power. They also unpack the security challenges related to President Donald Trump's acceptance of a gifted Qatari jet and reveal what it's like to travel on Air Force One. Plus, the significance of the first US-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and what it means for American pride.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down to discuss the latest in foreign policy including President Donald Trump's recent 90-day tariff pause with China - will the start of negotiations bring a lasting deal? Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes to meet directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for peace talks, and why Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, used a Russian interpreter in the Kremlin. Plus, how Russian propaganda is selling a different message of a tissue at a world leaders' meeting.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, Christina Ruffini and co-host Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, sit down with Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, whose strong bipartisan stance on foreign policy includes supporting Ukraine and ending Iran's nuclear program. He shares his thoughts on India's airstrikes against Pakistan, the recent elections in Romania and Moldova, where a growing wave of right-wing nationalism has created a fraught political response. Lawler also argues that the United States should take military action against Iranian nuclear facilities if Iran fails to dismantle its nuclear program. Plus, Sir Richard reflects on the time when Tehran imposed sanctions against him.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this bonus episode, Christina Ruffini sits down with co-host Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, to discuss how President Donald Trump's second term in office has created a global response seen in elections worldwide. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent election victory will extend his tenure as his platform works against growing right-wing populism. Meanwhile, victories in recent Romanian and UK council elections have proven an interest in nationalist, right-wing politics, mirroring many of President Trump's politics. Plus, Sir Richard shares his insight on the Trump administration's policy shift on Ukraine and working with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.