In the year's first episode of Alternate Shots, hosts John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss the U.S. intervention in Venezuela: what led to it, why it is better understood as leadership rather than regime change, and why the US might well encounter difficulties down the road. They also discuss what it is likely to mean for oil prices, its implications for U.S. interests in the region, and why Russia and China might be happier with it all than their public comments suggest.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In the latest episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass look back at 2025, focusing on a Trump foreign policy that is radically different from what we have known for 80 years, the resistance of the Military Industrial Legislative Complex to much needed military reform, an executive branch that dominates both the Congress and the Supreme Court, and the adverse impact of a host of policies, from immigration to defunding research, on innovation. The conversation also delves into the AI bubble that isn't, the changing media landscape, and on two women shaking up the world of sports.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss the recent National Security Strategy, highlighting a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy that has come to prioritize commercial interests and the Western Hemisphere over the balance of power in Europe and Asia, the rule of law, or traditional alliances. They delve into what is transpiring in and around Venezuela, and explore the implications of China's advances in fracking. The conversation also touches on President Trump's unsuccessful attempt in Pennsylvania to demonstrate he understands affordability concerns, the Biden administration's botched handling of immigration, and the controversial proposal for social media scrutiny of visitors to this country. The episode concludes as always with reflections on sports, in this case the return of a 44 year old grandfather to the NFL.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss flaws in the US approach to negotiating an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine on terms consistent with US interests, new doubts raised about U.S. foreign policy commitments to NATO and Taiwan, the complexities of attacking boats allegedly carrying drugs off Venezuela, and why we are spending our defense dollars in the wrong way. They also delve into the health of Donald Trump and the never-ending struggles of the New York Giants.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss the recent developments in U.S. foreign policy, particularly focusing on the controversial Ukraine peace plan. They explore the implications of the plan, the disarray within the U.S. administration, and the public's sentiment towards Ukraine. The conversation also touches on the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal, rising tensions between China and Japan, and concludes with a light-hearted discussion about the New York Giants' future in sports.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of "Alternate Shots," hosts John Ellis and Richard Haass dive into a range of pressing global issues and intriguing insights. John, the founder and editor of two Substack newsletters, and Richard, a seasoned expert in foreign relations, bring their unique perspectives to the table. They explore the complexities of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, discussing its implications for Venezuela and the broader geopolitical landscape. The conversation shifts to Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, examining the sustainability of Russia's war efforts and potential future scenarios.

The hosts also tackle the topic of U.S. debt, drawing parallels to climate change as a slow-motion crisis that demands attention. They ponder the role of AI in economic growth and the potential for a "debt coalition of the willing" to address fiscal challenges. As the episode unfolds, John and Richard share their thoughts on the evolving media landscape, the rise of alternative voices, and the future of traditional news outlets.

With a touch of humor and candid exchanges, they wrap up with a lighthearted discussion on sports, injuries, and the New York Giants' prospects. Tune in for a thought-provoking and engaging episode that navigates the intersections of politics, economics, and media.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this new episode of 'Alternate Shots', Richard and John discuss the diplomatic twists and turns of the Ukraine "peace" negotiations, the "Donroe Doctrine" and Venezuela, financial "cockroaches", and the politics of the U.S. government shutdown and Congressional map redistricting. At the end, Richard yet again bemoans the sorry state of the New York Giants. At the very end, John and Richard marvel at Shohei Ohtani's performance in Game Four of the NLCS.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

John Ellis and Richard Haass discuss various pressing global issues, starting with the Middle East situation and the potential for a deal involving hostages and ceasefire in Gaza. They explore the political dynamics in Israel, the rise of right-wing politics in Europe, and the implications of AI-generated videos on political discourse. The discussion also touches on the declining trust in news media and the current government shutdown situation, concluding with heavy-hearted reflections on being a New York sports fan.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

News Items on Substack

Home and Away on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger