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Inflection Points with Frederick Kempe podcast

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Inflection Points Today

May 13, 2026

The myth of US-China stability

By Frederick Kempe

Washington and Beijing do not trust each other. But expect Trump and Xi to remain on message this week, saying friendly things about each other.

China Politics & Diplomacy

Inflection Points Today

Jan 28, 2026

The ‘mother of all’ trade deals in the time of Trump

By Frederick Kempe

On Tuesday, the European Union and India announced a free trade deal—an example of how the global system is reorganizing itself.

Economy & Business European Union

Inflection Points Today

Nov 13, 2025

Legal immigration is a reliable source of US renewal

By Frederick Kempe

If the United States wants to stay competitive, then the country will need more of what has always made America great.

Economy & Business Migration

Inflection Points Today

Sep 11, 2025

Von der Leyen’s stirring message to Europe: Fight to survive

By Frederick Kempe

“Europe is in a fight,” the European Commission president said during her State of the Union address in Strasbourg on September 10.

European Union Politics & Diplomacy

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 Today

May 17, 2025

A remarkable week for a rising Turkey

By Frederick Kempe

Turkey has gained relevance as an indispensable player from the Black Sea to the Levant, and from Central Asia to Europe.

Conflict Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Inflection Points Today

May 13, 2025

Trump’s remarkable Middle East tour is all about striking megadeals and outfoxing China

By Frederick Kempe

The Trump administration would rather swim in a stream of Gulf investments than get bogged down in the region’s enduring problems.

Artificial Intelligence Economy & Business

Inflection Points Today

Apr 24, 2025

In defense of ‘boring’: A European leader’s message to Trump

By Frederick Kempe

EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis spoke at the Atlantic Council in Washington on April 23, making the case for greater predictability.

European Union International Financial Institutions

Inflection Points Today

Apr 8, 2025

‘How did things ever get so far? It was so unfortunate, so unnecessary.’

By Frederick Kempe

As a global trade war heats up, The Godfather films offer a way to think about US President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy and the market fallout that has resulted.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Inflection Points Today

Feb 24, 2025

History’s clock is ticking (again) in Germany

By Frederick Kempe

Likely incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s election-night mention of the need for “independence” from Washington signals the stakes of this moment for Germany and Europe.

Elections Germany
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