The global landscape is undergoing profound shifts. The era of a U.S.-led, rules-based order is fading. In its place, we see a world driven by raw power, strategic rivalry, and shifting alliances—where military strength, economic leverage, and geopolitical maneuvering define who gets a seat at the table.

This episode's guest, SAIS’s Hal Brands, sees the Trump administration as likely to attempt a grand reset with Moscow, hoping to break Russia from its growing alignment with China. But will this gamble pay off, or will it only push Moscow and Beijing closer together? And what does this new world—in which success is determined by power—mean for businesses, global trade, and economic security?

The Call is brought to you by the US Chamber of Commerce Global Intelligence Desk.

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The dynamics of the war in Ukraine, after three years of stalemate, are showing signs of shifting. The Trump administration is pursuing direct negotiations with Russia. European leaders are meeting amongst themselves and clashing over whether to send in troops. Ukraine says it will not recognize any negotiations that do not include Kyiv. All this comes after the conflict reshaped assumptions over global power and triggered the largest surge in defense spending since the Cold War. Global military budgets soared to $2.46 trillion last year alone, a 7.4% increase, as nations rushed to fortify their defenses. The stakes for global security have never been higher.

The Global Intelligence Desk is pleased to welcome Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), one of the leading voices in transatlantic security, as we unpack the key takeaways from the Munich Security Conference, the latest shifts in Russia-Ukraine negotiations, and what these developments mean for global power dynamics and the future of international security.

The Call is brought to you by the US Chamber of Commerce Global Intelligence Desk.

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The Munich Security Conference kicks off in Germany this Friday amid tensions on both sides of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, defense priorities are shifting with a new U.S. administration and upcoming elections in Germany and the European Union. Many items are on the agenda, but the conference will conclude with a discussion on Europe’s role in the world.

We are joined by Keith Webster, Vice President at the Chamber, and President of the Defense and Aerospace Council and Federal Acquisition Council, calling in from Munich ahead of the Munich Security Conference. Webster will share his expectations for the meeting, key security challenges and how they relate to actionable insights for business, and how the U.S. and its allies are navigating these challenges as well as what lies ahead for transatlantic defense and economic security.

The Call is brought to you by the US Chamber of Commerce Global Intelligence Desk.

Follow us on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-intelligence-desk