Diplomacy vs. Power: Lessons from Israel’s War – with Dr. Michael Oren

Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas

Diplomacy is often seen as the key to resolving conflicts, but can it succeed without the strength to back it up? Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, Israel's former Ambassador to the United States, to explore the interplay between diplomacy and power.
Dr. Oren shares his insights on America's reluctance to demonstrate its strength and its growing aversion to military engagement. He discusses how these tendencies have shaped global perceptions of U.S. leadership, the mixed messages they send to allies, and the ripple effects on conflicts like the ongoing war Israel is fighting.
Together, they unpack questions at the heart of modern diplomacy: How can nations balance the use of force with the pursuit of peace? What role does trust play in sustaining alliances? And what does America’s approach to diplomacy signal for its future role on the global stage?
This is a thought-provoking conversation about the limits of diplomacy, the necessity of strength, and the challenges facing Western leadership in an increasingly volatile world.
Additional Resources:
Dr. Michael Oren’s book Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide
Dr Oren: The Diplomatic Whiplash of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/