How is U.S. foreign policy evolving, and what does Washington’s strategic focus on Asia mean for global stability? In this episode, we spoke with Daniel Bessner, Associate Professor in American Foreign Policy at the University of Washington and a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, to break down the forces shaping America’s role in the world.

Our conversation explored the shifting dynamics of U.S. power, the historical patterns of global influence, and the potential consequences of great power competition. How do past decisions shape today’s policies? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the U.S. in an increasingly complex international landscape?

From presidential influence to broader structural forces, we examined whether we are witnessing a moment of transformation in the international order—and what lessons history offers about maintaining stability and avoiding conflict.