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Counterpoint

Counterpoint

By: Foreign Policy
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Every day, experts from around the globe present their arguments for solving the world’s biggest problems. And every day, these experts disagree in small and large ways. At Foreign Policy, our approach is to share a wide range of opinions, side by side, day by day. But what if people could hear those arguments tested in real time, under pressure from an opposing view—by an international cast of diplomats, journalists, academics, and activists? That’s the idea behind Counterpoint, FP’s debate-style podcast. Each episode pits two experts on opposing sides of one key question. Should the United Kingdom rejoin the European Union? Are tariffs the right approach? Is Western aid helping or harming Africa? Some say yes, some say no, and the path forward might just be in the in-between. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum.062646. Copyright 2021, FP Studios, a division of Foreign Policy/The Slate Group LLC, a Graham Holdings company. All rights reserved. Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Has the Middle East Benefitted from the Abraham Accords?

    Has the Middle East Benefitted from the Abraham Accords?
    7 Oct 2026
    It's been six years since the Abraham Accords were signed and like so much in the Middle East, their impact and future are very much an open question. The agreements were originally aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states. But analysts debate whether they have strengthened regional cooperation and security, or contributed to greater instability in the Middle East. Welcome to Counterpoint, where we take one big question facing world leaders and look at it from opposing points of view. In this episode, we’re asking: Has the Middle East benefitted from the Abraham Accords? Arguing in favor is Steven A. Cook, senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, and a columnist at Foreign Policy. Arguing against is Matt Duss, executive vice president at the Center for International Policy and a former foreign policy advisor to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. He recently co-authored the piece “How the Abraham Accords Fueled a New Era of Conflict” with Zuri Linetsky. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. The show is hosted by FP deputy editor Nick Danforth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Is a Confrontational Approach With Iran Necessary?

    Is a Confrontational Approach With Iran Necessary?
    30 Sep 2026
    Last week at the United Nations, U.S. President Donald Trump made clear that another round of war with Iran was on the table. But after more than 200 days of conflict, what else can the United States do to force the Iranian leadership to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon nuclear enrichment? Welcome to Counterpoint, where we take one big question facing world leaders and look at it from opposing points of view. In this episode, we’re asking: Is a confrontational approach to Iran necessary? Arguing in favor is Matt Kroenig, a professor at Georgetown University and former U.S. Defense Department strategist. And to argue against this is Trita Parsi, a co-founder of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and former president of the National Iranian American Council. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. The show is hosted by FP deputy editor Nick Danforth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Can the U.S. and China Build a Stable Relationship?

    Can the U.S. and China Build a Stable Relationship?
    23 Sep 2026
    This week Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Washington to meet Donald Trump, with trade, technology and Taiwan all expected to be on the agenda. It’s the second time the leaders are convening in less than six months, as they try to stabilize the future of U.S.-China relations. Many fear tensions are brewing, but with their tariff war in the past, could it be possible for the world's two biggest economies to work together? Welcome to Counterpoint, where we take one big question facing world leaders and look at it from opposing points of view. In this episode, we’re asking: Can the U.S. and China build a stable relationship? Arguing in favor is Jessica Chen Weiss, professor of China studies at Johns Hopkins University and a former senior advisor at the U.S. State Department. Arguing against it is Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he studies U.S. strategy in Asia and U.S.-China competition. He is also a former staffer at the U.S. National Security Council. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. The show is hosted by FP deputy editor Nick Danforth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
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