One Decision

Situation Room Studios
  • 4.6 (68)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Tough decisions rattle us all to the core.  But for our guests on One Decision— the choices they are up against can also shape history.  No pressure!  They take us through all of their doubts, emotions and—sometimes unexpected--consequences. A fresh take on foreign policy. Hear the former head of Mi6, Sir Richard Dearlove alongside international journalists as they analyse, interview, and discuss.

  1. 1D AGO

    Trump's Venezuela Raid. A Warning for Europe

    In this episode of One Decision, host Kate McCann and co-host Sir Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary, speak with former US National Security Advisor to Kamala Harris, Philip Gordon. They dissect the Trump administration’s military actions in Venezuela, including the arrest of President Maduro, and also discuss the US’s threat to take control of Greenland and what these moves could mean for the future of global politics. Gordon begins by offering a candid explanation of what is really driving Donald Trump’s decisions and warns whether America is taking extraordinary risks without a credible plan for what comes next if its strategy fails. Gordon and Wallace argue that the United States is moving away from a rules-based international system and toward a “spheres of influence” approach, aligning the US more closely with the worldviews of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, and question the future of Western foreign policy. They also discuss Europe’s inadequate response, whether divisions between countries have made it hard for Europe to respond effectively, and what steps Europe could take to become less dependent on the U.S to better handle global conflict on its own.  Gordon closes with a discussion on the growth of public fatigue in the United States after decades of global leadership and considers whether this fatigue could limit America’s ability to reclaim its former international role in the post-Trump era. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
  2. In Brief: How Trump Captured Maduro

    3D AGO

    In Brief: How Trump Captured Maduro

    On this week’s One Decision In Brief, host Kate McCann is joined by co-host and former UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace to examine the fallout of the United States’ military raid in Caracas, Venezuela, which led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Sir Ben explains the military execution of the operation, why it achieved its goals, and how it differs from past conflicts with China or Russia. Kate and Ben also consider whether the move points to a wider strategic approach by Donald Trump or to a greater desire to use similar tactics against other countries. The discussion explores the potential consequences for Cuba, Colombia, and Greenland, as well as Europe's response. They question whether the UK and its allies are showing enough strength and determination, and why Greenland could become a new point of tension between Europe, the United States, and Russia. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 min
  3. Ex-Spy Chiefs on What to Watch for in 2026

    JAN 1

    Ex-Spy Chiefs on What to Watch for in 2026

    This week, Sir Richard Dearlove, One Decision’s resident spymaster and former Chief of MI6, sits down for our annual Spy Chiefs roundtable. Tune into this wide-ranging conversation with distinguished former intelligence leaders as they examine global threats and hard choices facing Western governments. Joining Sir Richard are former CENTCOM Commander Gen. Joseph Votel and Andrew McCabe, former Deputy Director of the FBI. Together, they explore the challenges posed by Russia and China’s alliance of convenience, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, and address the disastrous impact of AI-created disinformation and deepfakes.  The intelligence leaders also discuss Chinese espionage across Europe, cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and the growing vulnerability of these systems, and raise legal and constitutional concerns around the conflict in Venezuela. The episode ends with predictions for 2026, including potential regime changes in the Middle East and what's next for the war in Ukraine.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  4. In Brief: China’s National Security Law Explained

    12/30/2025

    In Brief: China’s National Security Law Explained

    On this week’s One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, examine the security risks posed by major Chinese companies like Alibaba. The hosts discuss a recent White House memo alleging that Alibaba provided tech support for Chinese military operations against countries, including the US. They explore what China’s national security laws mean for data access and the dangers posed by its infrastructure control. They also discuss the UK’s experience with Huawei and Europe's concern about commercial dependencies on China. The episode sheds light on the case of imprisoned Hong Kong Democracy activist and British national Jimmy Lai, raising questions about how the West should further engage with Beijing. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min
  5. A Year in Review: Foreign Policy in 2025

    12/25/2025

    A Year in Review: Foreign Policy in 2025

    In this special year-end episode of One Decision, host Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, welcomes a panel featuring Sabrina Singh, former Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary and senior official in the Biden administration, and Jim Sciutto, CNN’s Chief National Security Analyst and anchor of The Brief. They assess the year 2025, which has been arguably one of the most disruptive years in modern foreign policy. The conversation begins addressing global instability, technological change driven by AI, and a shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, and how this shift has shaken allied confidence and raised doubts about U.S. commitments. The panel examines Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran-backed groups across the region, the collapse of the Assad regime, and U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The panel also discusses U.S policy with Ukraine and Russia, the perceived willingness to pressure Ukraine into giving up territory and what that could mean for European security and the ability to deter future aggression. The episode wraps with reflections on the year’s most bizarre moments and the enduring role of political humor and satire during times of geopolitical change. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
  6. In Brief: Havana Syndrome. What is it...And is it Real?

    12/23/2025

    In Brief: Havana Syndrome. What is it...And is it Real?

    In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, dive into a very controversial and perplexing mystery, Havana Syndrome. The hosts break down a range of surveillance devices possibly used in Havana, Cuba, against U.S diplomats and embassy staffers, and explore whether foreign rivals like Russia, China, or Cuba could be responsible. Sir Richard speaks on his intelligence experience, providing real-world examples of Cold War espionage, including Soviet listening devices hidden in embassy walls, and how the accidental use of a laser beam allowed for the interception of private conversations. They examine how advanced eavesdropping tools and listening devices might unintentionally harm U.S. officials and whether the government has done enough to investigate cases or support those affected with long-term trauma.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min
  7. The Threat To China's Superpower Status

    12/18/2025

    The Threat To China's Superpower Status

    This week on One Decision, guest host Mary Alice Parks and Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, sit down with Jon Czin, former Director for China at the National Security Council and current Chair of Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution. In this conversation, the group explores China's growing confidence and its shift from defensive to offensive strategy under the second Trump administration. They examine China's economic posturing, including Xi Jinping's reluctance to craft a stimulus package, Beijing's confidence in its technological advancements, and why tariffs have failed to gain the leverage Washington expected. They also examine the tension between Trump's trade-focused approach and U.S. lawmakers security concerns. The group debates whether China’s assertiveness reflects genuine strength or hides deeper vulnerabilities in its political and economic system, and questions what China’s recent confidence could mean for a potential Taiwan invasion in 2027. The conversation also looks at how China’s rise is shaping global order, including Europe's increasing dependence on China and the risks that come with it, and considers whether the West is truly prepared for what lies ahead. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  8. In Brief: What Ukraine Is Sacrificing for Peace

    12/16/2025

    In Brief: What Ukraine Is Sacrificing for Peace

    In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, assess the most recent face-to-face talks between the US and President Zelensky. They examine what we actually know about the framework of a potential agreement, including the NATO membership being taken off the table, what security guarantees for Ukraine would look like in its absence, why Ukraine may be publicly softening its rhetoric, and how that strategy could work in its favor. The discussion continues with a look at Western intelligence and military support, as Sir Richard outlines what he sees as the most serious obstacle to this peace deal. Kate and Sir Richard then raise concerns about the influence of Donald Trump and the risks of questioning Zelensky’s presidential legitimacy while pushing for an election during times of war. And the hosts look at Switzerland’s subtle announcement indicating a change of its security policy. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Situation Room Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min
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4.6
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Tough decisions rattle us all to the core.  But for our guests on One Decision— the choices they are up against can also shape history.  No pressure!  They take us through all of their doubts, emotions and—sometimes unexpected--consequences. A fresh take on foreign policy. Hear the former head of Mi6, Sir Richard Dearlove alongside international journalists as they analyse, interview, and discuss.

Information

  • Creator
    Situation Room Studios
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © One Decision Podcast
  • Show Website
    One Decision

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