JL;DR

Peter Berkowitz, former Director of Policy Planning at the U.S. State Department, offers an in-depth exploration of the internal dynamics that shape American foreign policy, particularly in relation to Middle Eastern affairs. In his interview with Eylon Levy at the Hudson Institute, Berkowitz critiques the long-standing adherence to the two-state solution and the challenges posed by institutional inertia within the State Department. He discusses the implications of the October 7th Hamas attack and the broader regional threat posed by Iran. Berkowitz argues for a reorientation of U.S. foreign policy to more robustly support Israel and counteract Iranian influence, emphasizing the need for the West to abandon complacency and engage with the complex realities of the Middle East. This conversation provides valuable insights into the ideological divides and decision-making processes that impact international relations and diplomacy.