Israel and Lebanon agreed to direct negotiations following talks in Washington on Tuesday.

This episode discusses the future of transatlantic relations and the evolution of security policy on both sides of the Atlantic. It examines France’s strategic stance and the implications of potential leadership change. It also looks at the dynamics of U.S. domestic politics – the role of political parties and civil society in curbing Donald Trump’s power, and the significance of the midterm elections. It considers what these processes mean for Europe, especially in the context of Article 5. Joining Marta Prochwicz-Jazowska, Deputy Head of the ECFR Warsaw office, in the discussion will be Thomas Gomart, director of the French Institute of International Relations, and Amanda Sloat, professor at the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University.

To defend allies from Iran, the continent’s powers have mounted a rare show of force. But those efforts have diverted limited resources from other hot spots. Despite refusing to join the attacks on Iran, Europe’s leaders have responded to the widening war in the Middle East by sending warships, fighter jets and air-defense systems to protect bases and allies in the region.

Just as the Greek cities in the Mediterranean did over two thousand years ago, today the United States and China are seeking to control the sea lanes. Europe is watching the ships go by. On July 6, off the coast of Yemen, not far from Djibouti and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Greek and Liberian bulk carrier Magic Seas, loaded with fertilizer and steel, sank after being attacked by drone boats and rocket launchers. The next day, the Eternity C, hit by missile fire, sank, killing some of the crew.

By bombing Iran alongside Israel, Donald Trump has performed a show of force aimed at China and Russia, explains the director of the French Institute of International Relations in an interview.