Derek Davison

Derek Davison is a writer and analyst specializing in international affairs and US foreign policy. He is the publisher of the Foreign Exchanges newsletter, cohost of the American Prestige podcast, and former editor of LobeLog.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a press conference in Jerusalem on March 19, 2026.

US and Iran Exchange Fire, Pentagon Raises an Israeli Spy Threat, a Jihadist-Rebel Alliance Pressures Mali  US and Iran Exchange Fire, Pentagon Raises an Israeli Spy Threat, a Jihadist-Rebel Alliance Pressures Mali 

The World Cup is upon us, so Danny and Derek are showering visiting players with crocheted NATO flags. 

Jun 15, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

Former president of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez is escorted by Members of the Police Special Forces to be extradited to US to face charges of taking bribes from drug traffickers.

HondurasGate and US Power in Latin America—With José Luis Granados Ceja HondurasGate and US Power in Latin America—With José Luis Granados Ceja

Danny and Derek talk to José Luis Granados Ceja, head of the Latin America desk at Drop Site News, about the HondurasGate scandal and US policy in Latin America.

Jun 10, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) welcomes Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the State Department on May 29, 2026.

The US-Iran War Escalates, Israel Expands Its Lebanon Campaign, the CIA Feuds With the Outgoing Intelligence Chief The US-Iran War Escalates, Israel Expands Its Lebanon Campaign, the CIA Feuds With the Outgoing Intelligence Chief

There’s too much Knickerbocker news to fit here, but we do have other stories to report.

Jun 6, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

Mickey Mouse in festive costume interacts with visitors at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China.

Disneyland: Cold War Factory—With Roland Betancourt Disneyland: Cold War Factory—With Roland Betancourt

Danny and Derek speak with Roland Betancourt, Chancellor's Professor of Art History at UC Irvine, about Disneyland and the rise of automation in the US.

Jun 3, 2026 / Podcast / Derek Davison and Daniel Bessner

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre as Israeli forces continued to expand their invasion in south Lebanon.

Israel Escalates Lebanon Strikes, Taiwan Arms Sale Stalls, US Stockpiles Run Low Israel Escalates Lebanon Strikes, Taiwan Arms Sale Stalls, US Stockpiles Run Low

The AP UFC dome is regrettably being held up by producer Jake’s HOA

Jun 1, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

A woman wears a “Trump Was Right ”hat as people pray and sing during the PrayVoteStand Summit at the Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, DC.

The Christian Right Is Weaponizing Scripture—With John Fugelsang  The Christian Right Is Weaponizing Scripture—With John Fugelsang 

Danny and Derek welcome to the show John Fugelsang, author of Separation of Church and Hate, to talk about the rise and influence of right-wing Christianity in the Unite...

May 27, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) meets Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (L) in Tehran, Iran, on May 21, 2026.

Iran Talks Stall, Hezbollah Drones Limit the IDF, Cuba Pretexts Build Iran Talks Stall, Hezbollah Drones Limit the IDF, Cuba Pretexts Build

Danny and Derek have reconciled with their disappointment in the new Star Wars film and can now bring you the news roundup. 

May 24, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

Extraction Behind the Green Transition—With Thea Riofrancos

Extraction Behind the Green Transition—With Thea Riofrancos Extraction Behind the Green Transition—With Thea Riofrancos

Danny and Derek welcome back to the show political scientist Thea Riofrancos to talk about the politics of extraction in the global energy transition. 

May 21, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

Trump-Xi Summit, Iran Ceasefire Breakdown, CIA Mexico Strike

Trump-Xi Summit, Iran Ceasefire Breakdown, CIA Mexico Strike Trump-Xi Summit, Iran Ceasefire Breakdown, CIA Mexico Strike

Danny and Derek fight fake news as they fight their allergies. 

May 15, 2026 / Podcast / Derek Davison and Daniel Bessner

Jeff Bezos at the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Journalism in the Age of Oligarchy—With David Sirota Journalism in the Age of Oligarchy—With David Sirota

Danny and Derek speak with David Sirota, founder and EIC of The Lever, about journalism, independent media, and the consolidation of presidential power. 

May 12, 2026 / Podcast / Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

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