The Delegates Lounge

• Victor Cha on Korea's Crossroads

  The Delegates Lounge podcast commences our third season in a timely conversation with Victor Cha, the well-known Korea watcher who is both president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a foreign policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. He served in an advisory role to the secretary of defense in the Joe Biden administration and served on the National Security Council in the George W. Bush administration.In this episode, we delve into the complex geopolitical landscape facing South Korea today, as the country heads into a critical special election on June 3. One month is all that separates the balloting next month from the selection of the candidates vying to replace impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. What distinguishes this election cycle, however, is the unprecedented role of relations between United States and South Korea as a campaign issue. Unlike past elections, when the United States enjoyed consistently high approval ratings among South Koreans, the Trump Administration's tariff policies have created significant economic challenges.This new dynamic creates challenges for the trilateral relationship between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The historic Camp David accord reached in 2023 represented unprecedented cooperation, but its future remains uncertain with leadership changes in all three countries. While Japan and South Korea have made progress under Yoon's government in moving beyond historical grievances, the election outcome could determine whether this forward-looking approach continues or reverts to past animosities.Perhaps the most alarming development in the region is the strengthening alliance between North Korea and Russia. North Korea's direct support for Russia's war in Ukraine by providing ammunition, missiles, and even troops that helped Russia regain parts of Kursk has yielded substantial benefits for Kim Jong-un's regime. The flow of money, food, fuel, and technology from Russia to North Korea has effectively broken the UN sanctions regime, placing North Korea in a much stronger position than when it previously engaged with the Trump administration.Speakers:J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.Victor Cha (guest) is president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Georgetown University professor, and a former member of the U.S. National Security Council. @VictorDCha, the @CSISKoreaChair @CSISGeopolitics of @CSIS on X.References:Our guest in this episode has his own podcast. Listen to The Impossible State on the CSIS website.https://www.csis.org/podcasts/Victor Cha is the author of eight books. His two most recent works are mentioned in this episode.Korea: A New History of North and Southhttps://www.amazon.com/Korea-New-History-South-North/dp/0300259816The Black Box: Demystifying the Study of Korean Unification and North Koreahttps://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Demystifying-Unification-Contemporary/dp/0231211090

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• Talking Tariffs with Mark Zandi, Moody's Chief Economist

  As President Donald Trump's self-proclaimed "Liberation Day" approaches on April 2nd, bringing with it a wave of new tariffs, we're joined by an expert who can help us parse rhetoric from reality. Moody's Chief Economist Mark Zandi explores the potential economic impact of broad-based tariffs on American consumers, farmers, and business owners. As chief economist, he oversees Moody’s global economic forecast. Mark is a frequent guest on American network news shows and hosts the podcast “Moody’s Talks: Inside Economics.” He has advised policymakers at all levels, including giving Congressional testimony on economic matters; so, we’re very lucky to have him help us understand the potential impacts of tariffs.The president paints a picture of tariffs ushering in an American manufacturing renaissance. Mark explains where, from an economist’s point of view, that theory might run into road bumps. He describes “stroke of the pen risk," the paralyzing uncertainty that dissuades many businesses from making new investments, and how this could impact daily life. Stick around to the end of the episode to find out which classic movie strikes a chord with Mark right now. Share your thoughts with us at the social media links below and subscribe to our show for more enlightening conversations at the intersection of global affairs and everyday life.Speakers: J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. Mark Zandi (guest). @MarkZandi of Moody's on X, formerly known as Twitter. References:Mark has a weekly economics podcast, Moody’s Talks – Inside Economics.Alex mentioned that she had interviewed Mark in the past, most recently for a New York Times article about energy.Connect With Us:Twitter/XInstagramBlueSky

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  45:59
• The United Nations Adrift in a Sea of Change

  In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts reshaping global diplomacy with Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group's UN expert and our first-ever return guest, or "friend of the pod."Recorded at UN headquarters while Trump and Putin conducted a phone call to discuss the war in Ukraine, our conversation captures a pivotal moment in international relations. The timing couldn't be more significant as we analyze how the Trump administration might transform the United States of America's relationship with the United Nations, not through complete withdrawal as some fear, but through strategic disengagement and funding cuts that could devastate humanitarian operations worldwide.Gowan provides extraordinary insight into the coming UN Secretary-General race, where Latin American candidates are positioning themselves while carefully navigating the Trump administration's preferences. We explore China's calculated approach to filling potential power vacuums and examine how the U.S.-Russia rapprochement is creating an uncomfortable dynamic for traditional American allies, particularly regarding Ukraine peace negotiations.Our conversation concludes with real-time analysis of the readout of the Trump-Putin call as it hit the host's inbox, providing listeners with expert interpretation of this crucial diplomatic engagement. Whether you're a foreign policy professional or simply concerned about global stability, this episode offers essential context for understanding how the international order is being reshaped before our eyes. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss these vital conversations at the heart of world affairs.Speakers:J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.Richard Gowan (guest). @RichardGowan1 of @crisisgroup on X.References:Alex wrote about Elise Stefanik's confirmation hearing to become the next United States ambassador to the United Nations in Foreign Policy.https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/Richard wrote about Trump's impact on multilateralism in Foreign Policy.https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/03/trump-united-nations-multilateralism-diplomacy/They spoke at length about Richard's recent article on China and Afghanistan for Just Security.https://www.justsecurity.org/107832/us-china-standoff-afghanistan-un/Alex mentioned the "virtual cookies" that she shared during UN week. Those may be found here and here.Connect With Us:Twitter/XInstagramBlueSky

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  1:06:45
• Slovenia’s Ambassador Pulls Back the Curtain on a Surprise Act at the UN

  As the world marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Monday, competing resolutions at the United Nations brought tensions within the international community to the forefront. This episode dives deep into the diplomatic maneuvering and dueling agendas, revealing the complexities that reshape alliances and influence decisions made at the United Nations. As our host explains, the anniversary this week was Act One in a three-act tragedy that culminated in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28.The guest in this episode, Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's UN ambassador who sits on the UN Security Council, offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of the negotiation process and the challenges faced by countries seeking to support Ukraine against ongoing aggression. Listeners are treated to a vivid narrative highlighting the unexpected shift in United States foreign policy and its implications for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. What does it mean when one of the most significant military powers distances itself from traditional allies? The final act played out in the Oval Office on Friday, when Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy was bushwhacked as both the U.S. president and vice president accused him of being disrepectful and unthankful.There is a bonus segment with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski explaining how he was lied to over Shaheed drones by Iran, one of which was on display across from the UN. Speakers:J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.Samuel Zbogar (guest). @Samuel_Zbogar of @SLOtoUNReferences:The host wrote about Slovenia's election to the UN Security Council in Foreign Policy.https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/09/belarus-slovenia-russia-united-nations-security-council-rotating-seat/Alex also wrote about the confirmation hearing of Elise Stefanik for United States Ambassador to the United Nations.https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/We'll add photos and videos of the Iranian Shahed drone display on our social media.Twitter/XInsagramBlueSky

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  1:15:42
• A French Political Scientist Responds to the Trump Shockwave

  Get ready to explore the turbulent waters of transatlantic relations with our guest, French political scientist Celia Berlin. Discover how the Trump administration's controversial actions, including remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, have sent ripples across Europe, particularly in response to the tensions over Ukraine. With President Macron at the helm, rallying European leaders to counter these shifts, Celia provides a nuanced perspective on the strategic and emotional dynamics at play in European capitals as they brace for potentially profound changes in US foreign policy.We'll navigate the shifting political currents within Europe, where figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen are recalibrating their positions in light of global developments. As we dissect the responses from the far-right, including Germany's AfD and France's Reconquête, you'll gain insight into how these parties are juggling admiration for Trump with the real-world implications of his alignment with Kremlin narratives. The episode also delves into JD Vance's incendiary address at the Munich Security Conference, sparking dialogue on free speech, political realignments, and the future of European security.As we round out our discussion, we'll confront the broader implications of a potential second Trump administration on the transatlantic alliance, exploring how European leaders are responding to the existential question of strategic autonomy. From Macron's calls for a European army to the historical context of French skepticism towards NATO, we assess Europe's readiness to assert its significance in global affairs amid unsettling US rhetoric. Immerse yourself in this comprehensive examination of a relationship under strain and the strategies European leaders are employing to navigate these uncharted waters.Speakers:J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.https://foreignpolicy.com/author/j-alex-tarquinio/Célia Belin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and headof its Paris office (guest). @celiabelin on X.https://ecfr.eu/profile/celia-belin/References:The host has quoted the guest in the following Foreign Policy articles.Macron’s China Trip Is a Fool’s Errandhttps://foreignpolicy.com/2023/04/06/macron-france-china-visit-pension-protests/Putin’s War is Shaking Up the French Electionhttps://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/10/russia-war-france-elections-macron/The Education of Pap Ndiayehttps://foreignpolicy.com/2022/07/17/france-politics-culture-war-education-pap-ndiaye-education-minister/

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