Sunday Agenda’s Lidia Curanaj talks with Ambassador about the latest in Iran
In Sunday Agenda’s interview, Ambassador Robert Joseph appeared in a lively and robust exchange with host Lydia Curanaj, offering a deep dive into current global affairs, U.S. diplomacy, and emerging geopolitical fault lines. The entire discussion unfolded over roughly an hour and covered a broad range of topics: the state of U.S. influence in an increasingly multipolar world, the evolving strategic relationship with China, growing instability in regions like Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific, and the internal challenges facing American foreign policy. Amid complex global dynamics, Joseph and Curanaj examined how the United States must adapt and reassert its leadership role.
The program opened with a frank assessment of the current U.S. posture abroad. Joseph, drawing from his extensive background as a former top diplomat at the U.S. State Department, described a world in which American power is being tested on multiple fronts. He expressed concern that adversaries and rivals have taken advantage of perceived vacuums as U.S. leadership waned in recent years. According to Joseph, the erosion of alliances—especially in Europe—and inconsistent rhetorical and policy signals coming from Washington have created strategic gaps that both competitors and crisis zones are eager to exploit. He stressed the importance of concrete action to reinforce partnerships and demonstrate that the United States remains reliable and engaged.
Attention shifted swiftly to China’s significant rise. Lydia Curanaj asked Joseph to analyze how Washington should approach Beijing, particularly in light of economic tensions, growing military capabilities, and China’s assertiveness in regions like the South China Sea and along its border with Taiwan. Joseph emphasized that America should treat China as a competitor rather than an outright adversary, asserting that engagement paired with vigilance is the most responsible path. He noted that while trade, culture, and diplomacy remain necessary tools, these must be balanced with strategic deterrence and unified diplomatic pressure. He argued that building cohesive alliances in the Indo-Pacific—among nations such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India—is essential for crafting a long-term approach to Beijing’s ambitions.
Europe and Eastern Europe came next. Curanaj steered the conversation toward Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the broader security repercussions for NATO. Joseph expressed solidarity with Ukraine, citing it as frontline evidence of unchecked aggression in the world, with serious implications for neighboring states and the rules-based international order. He applauded the Biden administration’s efforts to maintain aid and diplomatic support, while also cautioning that Europe itself must step up with greater defense spending and deeper coordination with NATO. According to Joseph, the alliance’s credibility rests on more than words—it must be supported by tangible military preparedness and shared intelligence frameworks to deter further Russian aggression.
Hostility in other theaters also surfaced in their dialogue. Joseph and Curanaj explored tensions in the Middle East, citing the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict and shifting alliances in the Gulf as factors requiring nuanced diplomacy. Joseph pointed out that Washington needs to balance historic commitments to allies with human rights concerns, while avoiding being drawn into cycles of reactive, short-term responses that exacerbate deeper divides. He urged that diplomatic channels must remain open, regional voices must be heard, and long-lasting frameworks must be developed to promote stability rather than fueling endless conflict.
Beyond hard power and grand strategy, the interview delved into America’s internal challenges and the health of its democracy. Curanaj posed a question about America’s ability to lead from within given rising polarization, growing public disillusionment with democratic institutions, and foreign interference in electoral processes. Joseph raised warning signs about the fragility of domestic consensus and emphasized that U.S. strength overseas is inextricably tied to unity at home. He called for renewed civic engagement, media literacy, and institutional safeguards that can ensure continued public trust. He also highlighted the importance of recruiting diplomats and civil servants with a clear commitment to national values, ensuring that foreign policy decisions reflect both American interests and ethos.
The conversation then turned to new arenas of competition such as cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and artificial intelligence. Joseph and Curanaj acknowledged that these emerging domains are reshaping strategy and security, requiring integrated approaches that bring together military, economic, and diplomatic tools. Joseph noted that adversaries are increasingly using nontraditional methods to undermine democracies, manipulate elections, and degrade public trust. He urged Washington to invest in cyber resilience, build normative standards for emerging technologies, and collaborate closely with allies to set global rules of the road.
Toward the interview’s end, Curanaj asked Joseph to identify a unifying principle that could guide U.S. diplomacy in this turbulent era. He responded by reiterating a broadly shared vision that has informed his career: strengthening the international order based on law, transparency, and mutual benefit. He argued that despite competitiveness, Washington must uphold its reputation as a partner that respects human rights, economic fairness, and collective security. He asserted that leadership rooted in values and backed by strategic coherence would resonate with allies and dissuade rivals.
In closing, the tone of the exchange remained firm yet hopeful. While Joseph did not underestimate the challenges—energetic competition, regional conflicts, internal divisions—he expressed confidence that the United States possesses the tools, traditions, and partnerships necessary to maintain its place in the world. The interview left viewers with a clear takeaway: American leadership cannot rely on nostalgia or complacency. As Joseph underscored, it must be actively cultivated through strategic clarity, institutional resilience, and renewed civic engagement. The hour brought urgently needed perspective, reminding the audience that while global tides are shifting, U.S. diplomacy can remain a driving force for stability if grounded in competence and values.
