Ep 35. 8/30/2020

In this episode of Fareed Zakaria GPS Special, airing on August 30th, 2020, host Fareed Zakaria delves into the international implications of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. With less than three months to go until Americans head to the polls, the world is watching closely to see who will come out ahead in what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and uncertain elections in recent memory. Zakaria speaks with a range of experts and analysts to get their take on what a new administration could mean for everything from trade policy to global security.

The episode kicks off with an interview with William Burns, former Deputy Secretary of State and President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Burns shares his insights on the current state of U.S. diplomacy and how that might change depending on who wins the election. He also looks back at his long career in government, sharing anecdotes from his time as a key player in many major diplomatic efforts over the past few decades.

Next up, Zakaria speaks with Kishore Mahbubani, a former diplomat and author of "Has China Won? The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy." Mahbubani discusses the rivalry between the two superpowers, arguing that the United States needs to get its own house in order if it wants to maintain its position as the world's leading economic and military power. He also shares his thoughts on how other countries are reacting to the U.S.-China standoff and what factors will shape the future of the global balance of power.

Another key topic on this episode of Fareed Zakaria GPS Special is the role of COVID-19 in the election. With millions of Americans still out of work and the pandemic continuing to rage across the country, the virus is sure to be a major factor in the minds of voters come November. Zakaria speaks with epidemiologist Michael Osterholm about the latest developments in the fight against COVID-19 and how the election could affect the country's response to the pandemic.

Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion of the impact of the election on U.S. foreign policy. Zakaria speaks with Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, about what a new administration might do differently when it comes to handling key issues such as climate change, human rights, and global conflicts. Power also shares her reflections on her time in government and what advice she would give to the next generation of diplomats.

Throughout the episode, Zakaria provides his own insightful commentary and analysis, weaving together the perspectives of his guests into a thought-provoking and compelling narrative. With so much at stake in this year's election, "Fareed Zakaria GPS Special" offers a valuable window into the complex and rapidly changing landscape of global politics.