Clearer Than Truth
The wisdom of former Secretary of State Dean Acheson inspires our podcast. It emphasizes clarity while examining the intricate global issues of today for a diverse audience. In a world where time is limited, this podcast aims to distill complex ideas into straightforward narratives, making them not just comprehensible but in Acheson’s words, “clearer than truth.” The podcast, much like other news-oriented shows, is committed to keeping listeners updated on breaking global events. Airing once every few weeks, it dissects the latest news, featuring insights from experts around the world. From discussions on significant geopolitical developments to the passage of controversial laws, this podcast provides concise yet comprehensive analyses.
Clearer Than Truth
Charles Kupchan
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Charles Kupchan is a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He previously served on the National Security Council under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, helping shape U.S. policy toward Europe.
In this episode, Kupchan explains his concept of “liberal realism” and why he believes the world is entering a new geopolitical era—one defined not by a single dominant power, but by a fragmented, “de-centered” global order. He discusses the decline of multilateral institutions, the uncertain future of NATO, and the growing shift of power from West to East and North to South.
The conversation also explores whether the liberal international order is truly collapsing, what a multipolar world means for global stability, and why democracies must adapt to survive in the digital age. Kupchan offers a sobering look at the future of global cooperation, warning that demand for coordination is rising just as the ability to achieve it is declining.