In the inaugural episode of the year, former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove convenes a panel of intelligence leaders, including co-host and former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta and Andrew McCabe, former Deputy Director of the FBI. Together, they break down the current state of global affairs and discuss the challenges ahead in 2025—from ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the seismic shifts in the Middle East and what is next for Iran and Syria, and the risks to America and We...
Jan 02, 2025•35 min•Season 27Ep. 23
In the last episode of 2024, Times Radio political editor Kate McCann sits down with Prashant Rao of Semafor and Margot Haddad of France's TF1 to discuss how the year's biggest developments in foreign policy have reshaped the current global political landscape. They share what they believe are the worst and best decisions of 2024, the current state of war conflicts and how they will evolve in 2025, what to expect from a second Trump administration, and the new major players emerging on the globa...
Dec 26, 2024•36 min•Season 27Ep. 22
In this week's episode of One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and Leon Panetta, former United States Secretary of Defense and former CIA Director, sit down with Ambassador John Sullivan. Sullivan is a former Deputy Secretary of State and served as U.S. Ambassador to Russia during the Trump and Biden presidential administrations. They discuss the reality of navigating diplomatic relations with Russia, Sullivan's experience in Moscow at the start of the war in Ukraine, and what the fall of the S...
Dec 19, 2024•31 min•Season 27Ep. 21
The man who used to be known only as C, Sir Richard Dearlove, analyzes the stunning fall of a half century Assad family rule in Syria. He shares insights on who was behind the successful final push to remove the dictator in Damascus and what's next for the nation. Plus, the former spymaster and co-host Christina Ruffini travel to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for a conversation with Ambassador Wendy Sherman, who served as the United States’ last Deputy Secretary of State. She i...
Dec 12, 2024•34 min•Season 27Ep. 20
In this week's episode, One Decision hosts Kasia Madera and resident spymaster, former Chief of Britain's MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, are joined by the New York Times Magazine staff writer Nicholas Casey to uncover the sober reality of the Sudanese civil war. Earlier this year, Casey was embedded with the Sudanese People's Movement Army, a rebel group fighting for democracy. He shares what it was like to report on the world's "forgotten war" and why peaceful intervention in the region has been la...
Dec 05, 2024•37 min•Season 27Ep. 19
In this week's episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini travels with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Rome, where foreign ministers gathered for the final Group of Seven (G7) meeting of the Biden administration. She and resident spymaster Sir Richard Dearlove, the former Chief of Britain's MI6, sit down with Qatari Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Majed al-Ansari. They discuss Qatar's role as a mediator in the Middle Eastern conflict and their stance on foreign defense for Ukraine. ...
Nov 28, 2024•40 min•Season 27Ep. 18
In this week’s episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini and former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta sit down with Ambassador and former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien. O’Brien, who served as National Security Advisor during President Donald Trump’s first administration, shares his thoughts on several topics, including the Cabinet selections of the incoming President, global concern for Ukraine, the Israeli hostage crisis, and more. O’Brien also offers insights ...
Nov 21, 2024•33 min•Season 27Ep. 17
In this week’s episode, One Decision’s Kasia Madera speaks with our resident spymaster, former Chief of Britain’s MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, to talk about what President-Elect Donald Trump’s next term could mean for relations between the United Kingdom and the United States, and what his Cabinet picks could mean for the future of global affairs. Plus, the UK’s former Secretary of State for Defence, Penny Mordaunt, joins the conversation to discuss the state of the UK’s Conservative party, the im...
Nov 14, 2024•38 min•Season 27Ep. 16
In this week's episode, One Decision's Christina Ruffini and guest co-host, Times Radio Political Editor Kate McCann, discuss the reactions in Washington and Europe following former President Donald Trump's historic election to another term in the White House. Also, resident spymaster and co-host, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins the conversation to discuss what we can expect during this transition period, the implications for foreign relations under President-elec...
Nov 07, 2024•38 min
Next week, American voters will decide who will become the next President of the United States: former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris. In this week's episode, One Decision’s Christina Ruffini speaks to Vivian Salama, Wall Street Journal's national politics reporter, to see what she's watching ahead of the election. Later, Christina sits down with her co-host, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta, to discuss what the world can expect following the elec...
Oct 31, 2024•34 min•Season 27Ep. 14
This week, host Christina Ruffini and One Decision's resident spymaster, Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, discuss former President Donald Trump's recent complaint accusing United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party of election interference in support of Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. They also talk about the Israeli intelligence that led to the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Russia's potential interference in Moldova's recent e...
Oct 24, 2024•35 min•Season 27Ep. 13
In this week's episode, One Decision's Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Sir Michael Fallon, the former United Kingdom Defence Minister. They discuss how today's global conflicts mirror those from ten years ago when Sir Fallon oversaw British defense during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as Russia's invasion and subsequent annexation of Crimea. Sir Michael, who served under Prime Minister Theresa May, told One Decis...
Oct 17, 2024•36 min•Season 27Ep. 12
This week, One Decision’s Christina Ruffini sits down with former CIA director and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to discuss legendary Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, War, and the book’s revelations about the rocky relationship between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with former President Donald Trump’s ongoing calls with Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin. Later in the conversation, Admiral William McRaven joins to talk abo...
Oct 10, 2024•40 min•Season 27Ep. 11
This week, One Decision's Sir Richard Dearlove returns to the host seat to interview fellow spymaster and co-host, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta, on the growing crisis in the Middle East following Iran's missile attack against Israel. They discuss the implications of Israel's response, Iran's fragile state and influence in the region, and the role of America's next president in navigating these global crises. Plus, Sir Richard and Secretary Panetta talk about the poss...
Oct 03, 2024•32 min•Season 27Ep. 10
In this bonus episode, One Decision's Christina Ruffini sits down with the Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavsky, and Poland's Ambassador to the United Nations, Krzysztof Szczerski, in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly. They discuss Russia's military threat in Eastern Europe, the strain of illegal migration, international support for Ukraine, and the role of multilateralism in a changing world.
Oct 01, 2024•27 min•Season 27Ep. 9
During the high-level week at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, world leaders are gathering to discuss a world in crisis. One Decision's Christina Ruffini spoke with the Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Taiwan’s Representative to the United States, Alexander Yui. They discussed the escalating threats across the Pacific region and the concerns about the reliability of the United States as an ally. Stay tuned to the One Decision feed for more interviews ...
Sep 26, 2024•32 min•Season 27Ep. 8
One Decision's resident spymaster, former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove, and journalist Kasia Madera break down how Israeli intelligence orchestrated an exploding pager attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon and how Tehran may respond. They also discuss the recent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Plus, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Anne Applebaum joins Richard and Kasia to discuss the future of democracy in the face of growing autocracies in Iran, China, and Venezuela...
Sep 19, 2024•35 min•Season 27Ep. 7
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe joins journalist Kasia Madera and One Decision's resident spymaster, former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove, to discuss efforts by foreign actors such as Russia, China, and Iran to influence American elections, recent warnings from intelligence officials about potential terror attacks, Donald Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin and what a Trump election win—or loss could mean for the United States. Andrew and Sir Richard also talk about their connecti...
Sep 12, 2024•39 min•Season 27Ep. 6
Former CIA Director and United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates joins One Decision's Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss global security challenges facing the West and its allies. Gates describes the challenges as "more perilous than we've probably faced since World War II." They also discuss what's at stake for the Taiwanese, Russia's strategy in Ukraine, Iran's brittle regime, far-right populism in Europe, and whether America should build an Iron Dome...
Sep 05, 2024•38 min•Season 27Ep. 5
This week, One Decision's Sir Richard Dearlove takes over the host seat to interview fellow spymaster and co-host, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta, to discuss the recent rise of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. They also explore what foreign policy would look like in a potential Harris administration, why a ceasefire in Gaza isn't likely, how Saudi Arabia's notorious silence could influence an outcome, and insights into the current stalemate between Russ...
Aug 29, 2024•36 min•Season 27Ep. 4
Former White House national security adviser Ambassador John Bolton sits down with One Decision's Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss the conflict in the Middle East and the current status of the elusive cease-fire deal. Ambassador Bolton also discusses the recent Ukrainian incursion and notes that it represents a significant win for the country. The former Trump national security adviser also looks at how efforts may be mounted to challenge the U.S. election r...
Aug 22, 2024•38 min•Season 27Ep. 3
Retired four-star general and former CIA Director David Petraeus sits down with One Decision's Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. General Petraeus, who commanded United States forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, discusses Ukraine's surprise attack on Russian territory, Tehran's potential response against Israel after the killing of a senior Hamas leader, and how he ranks the Afghanistan withdrawal among top for...
Aug 15, 2024•39 min•Season 27Ep. 2
Former minister, diplomat, and bestselling author Rory Stewart reflects on the root causes of the recent riots and attacks in the United Kingdom that have targeted ethnic minorities, immigration services, and police officers for a week—leading to calls for the Prime Minister to recall parliament. Social media has fanned the flames of unrest, with Elon Musk inserting himself and his role at Twitter/X into a national debate about the regulation of social media and the influence of disinformation a...
Aug 08, 2024•39 min•Season 27Ep. 1
General Wesley Clark served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander during the Yugoslav wars. After a career spanning more than three decades of military service, Clark ran as a Democratic Presidential candidate in 2003–before endorsing John Kerry. One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove spoke to him about the veteran vote, his thoughts on the 2024 election, and, crucially, how the likely nominees, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, might choose to direct America’s fore...
Aug 01, 2024•39 min•Season 26Ep. 6
As Washington focuses on the upcoming 2024 presidential election, guest host Christina Ruffini talks to One Decisions's resident spymaster, Ex-MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove, about Joe Biden's decision not to run for president, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, and the latest news on the investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Plus, Christina and former CIA Director Leon Panetta caught up with Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister,...
Jul 25, 2024•34 min•Season 26Ep. 5
Guest host and correspondent Christina Ruffini speaks with One Decision's resident spymaster's—Ex-MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and former CIA Director Leon Panetta to get their take on this week's shocking assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump and Europe’s anxiety over Trump choosing Ohio United States Senator JD Vance as his vice president, particularly in light of Vance's isolationist views and the potential impact on Ukraine's ability to win the war. Plus, Christina an...
Jul 18, 2024•39 min•Season 26Ep. 4
The NATO alliance solidified support for Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression, pledging an “irreversible path” to membership once the war ends. Guest host Christina Ruffini and One Decision co-host and former United States Defense Secretary Leon Panetta spoke with Sweden's Minister of Defense, Pål Jonson, and Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani on the sidelines of the summit in Washington. They discussed the significance of Sweden and Finland joining the alliance and smaller member co...
Jul 12, 2024•37 min•Season 26Ep. 3
The NATO alliance is meeting in Washington amidst the most dangerous security environment since the Cold War. One Decision teamed up with the International Spy Museum for a live panel discussion in front of hundreds of delegates, press, and political leaders. Our new co-host, former US Defense Secretary and CIA director Leon Panetta sat down with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, along with the US Ho...
Jul 09, 2024•57 min•Season 26Ep. 2
As France prepares to vote in the second round of its parliamentary elections, it appears that Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally may not end up with the majority French President Emmanuel Macron fears—but his troubles are far from over. The Economist's Paris Bureau Chief Sophie Pedder joins One Decision to discuss how the National Rally's recent stunning European election results sent shockwaves across France all the way to the Elysee, prompting Macron to call a snap election that likely ...
Jul 04, 2024•41 min•Season 26Ep. 1
Columbia University Professor and Nobel Laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz is one of the world's best-known economists—and one of the most outspoken. He's locked horns with a fellow Nobel laureate, the neoliberal economist Milton Friedman, and openly criticizes globalization. He sits down with One Decision's resident spymaster, Sir Richard Dearlove, and guest host, BBC anchor Kasia Madera, to discuss his recently published book, The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society. Stiglitz argues that ...
Jun 27, 2024•33 min•Season 25Ep. 6
