Inflection Points with Frederick Kempe podcast

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Inflection Points

Aug 14, 2025

When he meets Putin in Alaska, ‘heterodox’ Trump will face his biggest geopolitical test yet

By Frederick Kempe

The outcome of the meeting in Anchorage could have a long-lasting impact on geopolitics, Trump’s legacy, and his Nobel Peace Prize aspirations.

Conflict Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Inflection Points

Jul 28, 2025

Europe is ‘not ready’ for the Russian threat. At least it now has a plan.

By Frederick Kempe

The European Union is waking up to the threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his battle-hardened army. Will it be enough?

Conflict Defense Policy

Inflection Points

Jul 15, 2025

Beware the ‘dangerous disconnect’ between Trump and the markets on tariffs

By Frederick Kempe

The US president’s approach to tariffs is about leveraging the United States’ economic power for ends that go beyond trade.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Inflection Points

Jul 11, 2025

Turning on Putin would fit Trump’s trend of second-term wins

By Frederick Kempe

Taking a tougher stance on the Russian president, who has not yet taken peace-making efforts seriously, would build on Trump’s recent successes.

Iran NATO

Inflection Points

Jul 3, 2025

An Independence Day warning about the US dollar

By Frederick Kempe

Long the cornerstone of global finance, the US dollar is being diminished in ways that are both cumulative and new.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

Inflection Points

Jun 26, 2025

Dispatch from The Hague: It’s been Trump’s week in Europe and Iran

By Frederick Kempe

What connects the recent events in Iran and at the NATO Summit is that they won’t be remembered for the threats countered but rather for the opportunities seized.

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Inflection Points

Jun 24, 2025

Dispatch from The Hague: How Trump can build on his Middle East success with NATO

By Frederick Kempe

As the Alliance summit begins, the US president can already justifiably trumpet three major achievements in the Middle East. Will he add one more in Europe?

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Inflection Points

Jun 14, 2025

Israel’s Iran strike provides a historic chance for Middle East realignment

By Frederick Kempe

History will remember this moment less for the Israeli strikes themselves and more for what follows.

Iran Israel

Inflection Points Today

Jun 8, 2025

A German leader’s D-Day lesson for Trump 

By Frederick Kempe

In the Oval Office, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a message that no American should ignore.

Conflict Germany

Inflection Points

Jun 5, 2025

Ukraine just gave us a glimpse into the future of European defense

By Frederick Kempe

European allies need both military capabilities and technological innovation to deter Russia, as Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on Russian air bases underscore.

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy