Think from KERA What global experts worry about in 2026
Jan 16, 2026
Paul Stares, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations specializing in conflict prevention, dives into rising global tensions and U.S. national security threats. He highlights Venezuela as a key risk, discusses the implications of U.S. military actions, and examines the complexity of U.S. relationships in the Middle East. Stares also addresses the rising risk of domestic violence in the U.S. and the potential for cyber threats to critical infrastructure, exploring the delicate balance between support for Ukraine and maintaining ties with Russia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Regional Fallout From U.S. Military Action
- A U.S. strike in Venezuela could embolden similar actions in the hemisphere, raising fears about Mexico and Cuba.
- Economic and diplomatic fallout would extend to major powers tied to Venezuela like China and Russia.
Own The Aftermath Of Regime Change
- If the U.S. deposes a country's leader, it must accept responsibility for the aftermath and stability.
- Avoid regime change without a plan because governing, economic order, and public safety quickly become U.S. liabilities.
Distinct Drivers In Gaza And West Bank
- Gaza and the West Bank pose different but interconnected risks: Gaza involves rooting out Hamas, West Bank tensions stem from land appropriation.
- Continued settlement expansion in the West Bank makes a viable Palestinian state increasingly unlikely and raises the risk of broader violence.