The Rest Is Politics: Leading 155. Mike Pompeo On Russia, Trump, and China
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Sep 28, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director, shares insights on international relations and U.S. foreign policy. He argues that the U.S. is too lenient with Russia and China, citing weakened presidential leadership as a catalyst for Putin's aggression. Pompeo discusses the importance of NATO deterrence during Trump's presidency and addresses the dire state of the two-state solution regarding Israel and Palestine. He warns that China poses the biggest long-term threat and emphasizes the need for strategic economic measures against it.
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Europe's Dependencies Are Self-Created
- Pompeo blames European underinvestment for transatlantic dependencies rather than U.S. policy.
- He frames Trump's pressure as a corrective shock intended to force Europe to spend more on its own defence.
Demand Immediate Defence Spending
- Do not accept long, distant timetables for defence spending; demand faster commitments and immediate action.
- Push allies to accelerate spending rather than defer to far future target years.
Deterrence Requires Credible Action
- Pompeo emphasises outcomes and deterrence over diplomatic hurt feelings or rhetoric.
- He argues that deterrence requires demonstrable power and credible actions, not just soothing language.