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Counterpoint

Counterpoint

By: Foreign Policy
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Summary
 Every day, experts from around the globe present their arguments for solving the world’s biggest problems. And every day, these experts disagree in small and large ways. At Foreign Policy, our approach is to share a wide range of opinions, side by side, day by day. But what if people could hear those arguments tested in real time, under pressure from an opposing view—by an international cast of diplomats, journalists, academics, and activists? That’s the idea behind Counterpoint, FP’s debate-style podcast. Each episode pits two experts on opposing sides of one key question. Should the United Kingdom rejoin the European Union? Are tariffs the right approach? Is Western aid helping or harming Africa? Some say yes, some say no, and the path forward might just be in the in-between. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum.062646. Copyright 2021, FP Studios, a division of Foreign Policy/The Slate Group LLC, a Graham Holdings company. All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Debate: Should Democratic Foreign Policy be More Progressive?

    Debate: Should Democratic Foreign Policy be More Progressive?
    Oct 29 2026
    In the lead-up to the U.S. midterm elections and after, Democrats are debating what their party should stand for, not just at home but abroad. In 2021, President Joe Biden promised to restore U.S. leadership through diplomacy, but his administration’s foreign policy faced criticism, particularly over its handling of Israel’s war in Gaza. Now, as the party looks to the future, does it need a more restrained foreign policy, or is a traditional approach to U.S. leadership and military power still essential? Welcome to Counterpoint, where we look at one big question facing world leaders from opposing points of view. In our previous episode, we debated the foreign policy of the Republican Party. Now, in our final episode of the season, we turn to the Democrats. We’re asking: Should the future of Democratic foreign policy be more progressive? Joining us is Ambassador Wendy Sherman, who served as Biden’s deputy secretary of state and led U.S. negotiations for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. And Rep. Sara Jacobs, who has represented California’s 51st congressional district since 2021 and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. The show is hosted by FP deputy editor Nick Danforth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Debate: Should Republican Foreign Policy be More Restrained?

    Debate: Should Republican Foreign Policy be More Restrained?
    Oct 28 2026
    Republicans have argued for decades that U.S. military power is essential to keeping the world safe. But as the war with Iran continues to raise questions about overseas intervention, divisions are growing within the party over when the country should use its military strength and when it should hold back. Welcome to Counterpoint, where we look at one big question facing world leaders from opposing points of view. In this episode, we’re asking: Should the future of Republican foreign policy be more restrained? Arguing in favor is Justin Logan, the director of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, who advocates a more restrained approach to U.S. foreign policy. Arguing against is James Jeffrey, a former deputy national security advisor under President George W. Bush and former U.S. ambassador who is currently a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. The show is hosted by FP deputy editor Nick Danforth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • Debate: Has Trump’s Diplomacy Taken the United States Forward?

    Debate: Has Trump’s Diplomacy Taken the United States Forward?
    Oct 21 2026
    Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to put America first and reshape the world through his deal-making instincts. From the war in Iran to tensions with traditional allies, his approach has challenged long-standing assumptions about the United States’ role in the world. Supporters say that he is securing better deals for the country, while critics contend that his tactics risk undermining the alliances and international standing that have made the United States a global superpower. Welcome to Counterpoint, where we look at one big question facing world leaders from opposing points of view. In this episode, we’re asking: Has Trump’s diplomacy taken the United States forward? Arguing in favor is Victoria Coates, a former deputy national security advisor to Trump during his first term. She is currently vice president at the Heritage Foundation’s Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy. Arguing against is Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he has served on since 2010. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. The show is hosted by FP deputy editor Nick Danforth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
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