The Long Game with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer When Washington Smells Weakness
Nov 21, 2025
Jake and Jon dissect Trump’s controversial meeting with Saudi Crown Prince MBS, highlighting both the optics and political implications. They delve into the intertwining of corruption within Zelensky’s government and a U.S. push for Ukrainian peace, stressing its impact on Western support. The duo also explores potential risks in shifting national security focus to immigration enforcement, predicting significant operational trade-offs. Plus, they preview rising tensions between Japan and China, alongside a Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia.
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Sudan Became A Hidden Priority
- Sudan emerged unexpectedly as a potential diplomatic focus from the MBS meeting with implications for U.S.-Saudi cooperation.
- Jon Finer stresses Saudi leverage and U.S. opportunity to press for an end to atrocities.
Peace Plan Smells Of Concessions
- A reported Trump peace plan favors Russian demands and pressures a weakened Zelensky amid a Ukrainian corruption scandal.
- Sullivan and Finer see this as a risky inflection that could force unacceptable territorial and security concessions.
Corruption Could Undermine Support
- The Ukrainian anti-corruption report over energy-sector theft threatens public trust and could erode Western support.
- Jon Finer warns the scandal may fuel calls to reduce aid if Kyiv doesn't enact reforms.