Edward Luce is the chief U.S. commentator and columnist for the Financial Times, where he covers American politics, foreign policy, and global power shifts. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America’s Great Power Prophet, a definitive biography of one of the most influential strategic thinkers of the Cold War era. Luce is widely respected for his sharp analysis of U.S. leadership, geopolitics, and the future of the liberal international order.

Support the show

Brad Thor is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the most prominent voices in the modern thriller genre. Best known for his long-running Scot Harvath series, Thor’s novels explore terrorism, intelligence, and global security with meticulous research and real-world insight. His latest work, Cold Zero, co-authored with Ward Larsen, continues his tradition of high-stakes storytelling grounded in contemporary geopolitical threats. Thor frequently consults with intelligence and military professionals and is a sought-after commentator on national security issues.

Support the show

Jeffrey Sachs is an economist, university professor, and influential author known for his work in sustainable development. He is the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and the President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. His notable roles at the United Nations include serving as a Special Advisor to three different UN Secretaries-General: Kofi Annan, Ban Ki-moon, and António Guterres. He currently serves as an SDG Advocate for the present Secretary-General, focusing on promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. Sachs' work spans global poverty, geopolitics, and public policy, making him a key voice on the frontlines of economic development and international relations.

Support the show

Dmitri Alperovitch is a cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and author of The World on the Brink: How the Hybrid World War Threatens Our Future. He is the co-founder and former CTO of CrowdStrike, a global leader in cyber threat intelligence and defense, and currently serves in senior advisory roles shaping how governments and organizations respond to digital conflict and nation-state cyber operations. Alperovitch’s work spans cyber risk, geopolitics, and emerging threats, making him a key voice on the frontlines of cybersecurity and global stability.

Support the show

Peter Pomerantsev is a best-selling author, journalist, and leading expert on propaganda, disinformation, and modern information warfare. He is the author of Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible and This Is Not Propaganda, widely regarded as essential books for understanding how authoritarian regimes manipulate media and reality itself. Pomerantsev has advised governments and institutions on counter-disinformation strategies and regularly contributes to major global outlets on democracy, power, and the battle over truth.

Support the show

Nicolas Niarchos is a staff writer at The New Yorker covering foreign affairs, geopolitics, and global power dynamics. He’s the author of The Elements of Power: Gadgets, Guns, and the Struggle for a New Global Order, a deeply researched book that explores how control over critical elements like rare minerals, weapons, and technology shapes international politics. Niarchos’s work brings sharp insight into how resources and innovation influence statecraft in the 21st century, blending narrative reporting with expert analysis.

Support the show

Stephen M. Walt is a renowned columnist for Foreign Policy and the Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School. A leading scholar in foreign policy theory and U.S. grand strategy, Walt is best known for his work on realism, alliance politics, and international security. His influential books include The Origins of Alliances, Taming American Power, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, and International Relations: One World, Many Theories. Walt’s writing and commentary challenge conventional wisdom and shape debates on America’s role in the world.

Support the show

Tim Bouverie is a British historian, journalist, and bestselling author specializing in World War II and modern European history. His acclaimed debut, Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to War, explores the diplomatic failures that paved the way for conflict, and his latest book, Allies at War, examines the fractious wartime relationship between Britain and the United States. A former political journalist for Channel 4 News, Bouverie brings deep research and sharp narrative skill to his writing on power, diplomacy, and the lessons of history.

Support the show