Can America Still Lead at 250—or Is the World Moving On?

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast
As America turns 250, its allies are asking new questions about US leadership. Mark Urban discusses what's changing, what comes next, and what it means for America's role in the world.
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About The Episode

As the United States marks 250 years of independence, its allies are reassessing America's role in the world. Journalist and military historian Mark Urban joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss US foreign policy, NATO, Europe's security, growing competition with China, and what America's changing role could mean for the international order in the years ahead. 

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About the Experts
Mark Urban
Writer and Columnist, The Sunday Times
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Mark Urban covers foreign affairs, diplomacy, defence and much else for The Sunday Times. He was formerly the diplomatic editor at BBC Newsnight for nine years, where he travelled to wars, summits and peace talks. He is the author of quite a few military history books, and at other times can be found in the mountains.
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Leslie Vinjamuri
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Leslie Vinjamuri headshot
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She is Professor of Practice in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.
Leslie Vinjamuri headshot
Issues US Foreign Policy
Regions Global
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