Christiane Amanpour and Jon Finer Discuss US Foreign Policy under Second Trump Administration
On February 18, Columbia SIPA held a fireside chat with IGP Carnegie Distinguished Fellows Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s Chief International Anchor, and Jon Finer, former assistant to the president and principal deputy national security advisor. The discussion, hosted by the Institute of Global Politics (IGP) and moderated by Columbia SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo, explored the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy under the Trump administration, from its approach to Russia and Ukraine to the Middle East and global aid, stressing the need for principled diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
The conversation began with a critical analysis of recent changes to US foreign policy, with Finer highlighting the marked departure from previous administrations’ strategies regarding alliances and diplomacy. The Munich Security Conference was a focal point in the conversation, following Vice President JD Vance’s remarks that broke from traditional US commitments to European security. Finer also noted that while negotiating with Russia is not inherently problematic, how it is done is crucial. Past administrations engaged in direct talks with Russia but always with a focus on de-escalation and maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty. Finer expressed concern about how the Trump administration sidelined Ukraine in discussions about its future while offering pre-emptive concessions on Ukraine’s NATO membership and territorial integrity, which he argued undermined Ukraine’s position and confidence in US leadership.
Drawing from her extensive international reporting experience, Amanpour elaborated on the consequences of these policy shifts. She shared insights from her recent interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing Ukraine’s firm stance that no decisions about its future should be made without its direct involvement. She noted Zelensky’s concern about how the United States engages in negotiations with Russia and mentioned reports that the Trump administration floated economic conditions for US support, which Zelensky rejected as exploitative and reminiscent of colonial-era dealings.
Turning to the broader geopolitical landscape, the discussants explored the implications of US policy shifts on relations with China, Iran, and North Korea. Finer underscored the Trump administration’s lack of detailed strategy on China, though there have been discussions around potential tariff increases. He pointed out, however, that key officials might seek to ease economic tensions and resolve disputes over sensitive technologies. On Iran, Finer suggested the administration was likely to try to weaken Iran’s influence while avoiding direct military conflict. On North Korea, Finer acknowledged the ongoing complexity of the situation but noted that there has been little clarity on how the Trump administration plans to address it.
The conversation also touched on the restructuring of USAID and its implications for US influence, especially in the Global South. Citing James Kunda, former Deputy USAID Administrator, Amanpour stressed the importance of foreign aid to US soft power and national security. She warned that reducing US humanitarian efforts could create an opportunity for countries such as China and Russia to expand their influence, especially in Africa.
On questions related to Trump’s comments about Gaza, Finer acknowledged that such statements could extract tactical concessions in the short term (such as Egypt agreeing to take in migrants) but risk eroding long-term trust in the US as a reliable partner.
Finer also discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East, noting that with Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas weakened in the region, Lebanon has a rare opportunity to shape its future, independent from outside powers. Finer argued that the fall of the Assad regime in Syria was hastened by the weakening of its backers, Russia and Iran, which the US helped achieve through its backing of Ukraine and Israel, respectively.
Drawing from her experience covering the Oslo process, Amanpour stressed the need for genuine cooperation and mutual recognition for a lasting peace. She noted the efforts of grassroots movements on both sides, which still offer hope despite the current challenges.
As the event concluded, Yarhi-Milo invited Amanpour and Finer to share advice with SIPA students aspiring to careers in international affairs and journalism. Finer urged students to seek firsthand experience in the field and gain a better understanding of the impact of policy decisions. Amanpour echoed this sentiment, advocating for immersive reporting that prioritizes truth and integrity over sensationalism.
Their discussion reinforced the importance of informed, principled engagement in addressing these challenges, highlighting the critical roles of diplomacy, the press, and soft power in shaping the future of global leadership.