RONZHEIMER. Politics and War

From Jerusalem, Paul Ronzheimer speaks with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar about the tense final hours before a possible deal between Israel and Hamas. Sa’ar reveals new details of Donald Trump’s 72-hour hostage plan - and warns that the former US president “won’t have the nerves to wait any longer.” What role does Trump’s impatience play in the fragile peace process? How far is Israel really willing to go in Gaza? And what does this all mean for relations with Europe and Germany, now under pressure over arms deliveries? A gripping conversation about diplomacy under pressure, the limits of trust - and the race against time to free the hostages. If you like the podcast, don’t forget to like and subscribe! Do you have questions, criticism, or topic suggestions? Write to us at ronzheimer@axelspringer.com or use the feedback function on Spotify. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul on X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editorial Team: ⁠⁠⁠Filipp Piatov⁠⁠⁠, Lieven Jenrich Executive Producer: ⁠⁠⁠Daniel van Moll⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, Donald Trump might finally turn away from Vladimir Putin. That’s when the deadline set by the U.S. President for the Russian dictator expires. If Russia does not agree to halt or end the war, American sanctions are looming. But will Trump really take action? Or will he back down again? Paul Ronzheimer discusses this with Kenneth Weinstein, foreign policy expert at the Hudson Institute. If you like the podcast, don’t forget to like and subscribe! Do you have questions, criticism, or topic suggestions? Write to us at ronzheimer@axelspringer.com or use the feedback function on Spotify. ⁠⁠⁠Paul on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Paul on X⁠⁠⁠ Editorial Team: ⁠⁠Filipp Piatov⁠⁠, Lieven Jenrich Executive Producer: ⁠⁠Daniel van Moll⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah of Iran, is a prominent advocate for democracy and freedom in his homeland, currently living in exile. He discusses the precarious state of the Iranian regime and the potential for its collapse. Topics include the civil unrest in Iran, the regime's use of negotiations to buy time, and the ongoing nuclear threat. Pahlavi emphasizes the need for a unified opposition and critiques current international approaches, suggesting that true change requires direct support for the Iranian people.

Tucker Carlson, a political commentator known for his conservative views, joins to share insights on pressing geopolitical issues. He discusses strategies for dealing with Putin and warns about the risks of nuclear war. Carlson also reflects on Trump's influence within the MAGA movement and the Epstein files, linking them to perceptions of corruption in politics. The conversation further explores the complexities of American identity, the discontent with traditional politics, and the disenfranchisement felt by Trump's supporters in a changing socio-economic landscape.

Paul meets the Israeli Foreign Minister for an interview! What does Israel really want to achieve in the war against Iran? What happens if the U.S. stays out? And is there still a chance for diplomacy? If you like the podcast, don’t forget to like and subscribe! Do you have questions, criticism, or topic suggestions? Write to us at ronzheimer@axelspringer.com or use the feedback function on Spotify. ⁠Paul on Instagram⁠ ⁠Paul on X⁠ Editorial Team: Filipp Piatov, Lieven Jenrich Executive Producer: Daniel van Moll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isaac Herzog, President of Israel and longtime public servant, discusses national security and Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. He explains why US involvement matters and how Israel views regional threats. He addresses intelligence findings, timing of action, and the balance between military steps and diplomacy.

Raz Ben Ami, an Israeli woman who survived 54 days as a captive in Gaza, shares a raw first-person account. She recounts the October 7 attack, being taken at gunpoint, life under strict control, and the fear of transit into Gaza. She also speaks about her release, the campaign to free those still held, and her calls for international pressure to help bring everyone home.

Ron Dermer, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs and advisor to Benjamin Netanyahu, discusses Israel's right to respond to massive rocket attacks. He talks about timing and secrecy of potential strikes, tensions with U.S. objections, Iran as the central threat, goals in Lebanon against Hezbollah, and the stakes for regional security and arms support.

Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer and veteran media executive, reacts to October 7th and rising antisemitism. He recounts shock, shifts in public narratives, and critiques political platitudes. He argues for stronger legal and societal responses, debates journalism’s role in wartime, and warns how these developments test democracy and migration policies.

John Harris, Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Politico, veteran Washington journalist. He reflects on the Chicago convention’s energy and what it means for Kamala Harris’s prospects. He talks about media fairness, Republican reactions, polling reliability, race and gender dynamics in swing states, and the high stakes of the September debate.