Jeffrey Sachs: Tulsi Gabbard’s Confirmation, and the Dangerous Global Chess Game Trump Is Winning

Meeting Viktor Orbán

Sachs begins by reflecting on his early encounter with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whom he met in 1989 as Hungary was transitioning away from Soviet control. Sachs notes Orbán's vision and energy, which he believes would lead him to become a significant political figure in Hungary. He highlights the importance of vision and foresight in enduring leadership, suggesting that these qualities are often lacking in many contemporary politicians. Sachs points out that Orbán's determination to create a new Hungary is evident even at that early stage, and he recognizes the potential for Orbán to shape the future of his country.

The Roots of the Ukraine War

The conversation shifts to the war in Ukraine, which Sachs attributes to a series of misguided U.S. foreign policy decisions dating back to the 1990s. He criticizes the expansion of NATO, initiated under President Bill Clinton, as a fundamental miscalculation that provokes Russia and contributes to the current conflict. Sachs explains that the U.S. had promised not to expand NATO eastward, a commitment that was broken, leading to increased tensions with Russia. He emphasizes that the U.S. approach to NATO expansion is not only provocative but also detrimental to global stability.

Sachs also discusses the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002, which he describes as a destabilizing move that undermines nuclear deterrence between the U.S. and Russia. He argues that these actions set the stage for the current conflict in Ukraine, exacerbated by the U.S. support for the overthrow of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. Sachs laments that the U.S. fails to acknowledge the consequences of its foreign policy decisions, which have led to significant loss of life and instability in the region.

A Historic Day for Peace

Sachs expresses optimism about recent developments, particularly a phone call between President Trump and President Putin, which he describes as a historic moment for peace. He notes that this is the first direct communication between the two leaders since the onset of the war, and he praises Trump's acknowledgment of Russia's concerns. Sachs highlights the significance of the new U.S. Secretary of Defense's statement that Ukraine will not be joining NATO, viewing it as a crucial step toward de-escalation and a potential pathway to peace.

He argues that the U.S. has long been trapped in a mindset of dominance, failing to recognize the importance of cooperation and mutual respect with other nations. Sachs emphasizes that a multi-polar world requires a shift in U.S. foreign policy, moving away from the arrogance of power that has characterized American diplomacy for decades. He points out that the U.S. must learn to coexist with other powerful nations rather than attempting to control them.

The Role of Tulsi Gabbard

The discussion then turns to Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation as Director of National Intelligence. Sachs praises Gabbard for her intelligence and integrity, noting that she consistently advocates for a more rational and less militaristic approach to foreign policy. He expresses hope that her presence in a key position within the administration will help steer U.S. policy toward a more peaceful and cooperative direction.

Sachs criticizes the Democratic Party for its treatment of Gabbard, highlighting the irony that many of her former colleagues voted against her confirmation despite her qualifications and experience. He argues that the party's failure to embrace voices like Gabbard's reflects a broader issue within American politics, where dissenting opinions are often marginalized.

The Need for Prudence in Foreign Policy

Throughout the podcast, Sachs emphasizes the need for prudence in U.S. foreign policy. He argues that a successful president must recognize when to apply the brakes on military engagement and prioritize diplomacy over conflict. He cites historical examples of presidents who successfully navigated complex international situations by exercising restraint and seeking peaceful solutions.

Sachs warns that the current geopolitical landscape is fraught with challenges, including rising tensions with China and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. He stresses that the U.S. must avoid overextending itself militarily and instead focus on addressing domestic issues, such as economic inequality and infrastructure development. He expresses concern that the U.S. is at a critical juncture, where the choices made in the coming years will have lasting implications for both national and global stability.