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LSE: The Ballpark | America adrift with Professor Anne-Marie Slaughter

America is undergoing profound change. Demographic transformation, shifting global power dynamics, and a foreign policy establishment in transition are reshaping how the United States sees itself—and how the world responds.
America is undergoing profound change. Demographic transformation, shifting global power dynamics, and a foreign policy establishment in transition are reshaping how the United States sees itself—and how the world responds.
Monday 16 February 2026 | 30 minutes 43 seconds

America is undergoing profound change. Demographic transformation, shifting global power dynamics, and a foreign policy establishment in transition are reshaping how the United States sees itself—and how the world responds.

These shifts raise fundamental questions: What does a more diverse America mean for its global role? As new voices emerge, how do longstanding foreign policy elites adapt, or will they lose influence? Given all these factors, how has the second Trump administration differed in its foreign policymaking? And how are rapid technological changes, including AI, reframing global governance?

To explore these issues, in November 2025, the Phelan US Centre spoke to Professor Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America and a leading thinker on global governance, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy. The conversation ranged from demographic upheaval to America’s evolving relationship with global partners, the legacy of East Coast foreign policy elites, and the challenges America faces in its 250th anniversary year.

This episode was produced by Chris Gilson and Avan Fata.

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