Alternate Shots with Richard Haass and John Ellis Episode 14
Jan 26, 2026
They debate the idea of a new "real estate doctrine" in U.S. foreign policy using Greenland as a case study. They probe a shift from alliance consent to coercion and its effects on credibility. They dissect a controversial Davos speech and rising worries about a leader's mental fitness. The conversation questions a proposed Board of Peace and closes with spirited NFL matchup predictions.
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Allies Are Hedging Against The U.S.
- Haass says Trump's approach raised doubts about America's reliability and pushed allies to hedge and seek self-sufficiency.
- He predicts a less American-centric world as partners pursue variable geometry relationships.
Diplomacy Could Have Solved Greenland
- Haass emphasizes diplomacy could have achieved U.S. aims in Greenland without ownership demands.
- He notes allied cooperation and public-private development would have been straightforward alternatives.
Davos Speech Hurt More Than Helped
- Haass and John Ellis agree Trump's Davos speech was undisciplined, indulgent, and raised questions about his judgment.
- They argue the speech failed to make a coherent foreign-policy case and damaged perceptions of the U.S.