Seeing the Monster | Behind Closed Doors

The war in Ukraine to its north; the war in Gaza to its south; the war with Iran to its east: Türkiye sits at the crux of several dangerous conflicts straining the global system. It is a critical American partner but also one of the most difficult for Washington to manage. From its role as an historic bridge between the Middle East and Europe, to the close “bromance” its leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, enjoys with U.S. President Donald Trump, Türkiye is a pivotal state worth deeper strategic consideration. On this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher Chivvis sits down with Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of the Turkey project. They discuss the U.S.–Türkiye relations, Türkiye's regional ambitions, and the role this U.S. ally has to play in shaping international politics.

Trump entered office promising a historic breakthrough with Iran. Instead, the United States finds itself in a costly war with no clear path to peace.

The growing gap between American and Israeli interests is becoming harder than ever to ignore. Is this a turning point in the U.S.-Israel relationship? If so, what changes are actually possible? What leverage does Washington have over Israel, and why has it been so reluctant to use it?

Christopher Chivvis speaks to Dr. Victor Cha, one of the world's leading experts on North Korea, to examine how America became trapped in a failing strategy and what a more realistic U.S. policy might look like.

Christopher Chivvis speaks with Sophia Besch, Senior Fellow in the Europe Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.