In an appearance on the Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast, Patrick Cronin discusses the legacy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Beijing’s efforts to influence US state and local governments, and Turkey’s decision to allow a Russian ship carrying stolen Ukrainian grain to leave a Turkish port.

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President Donald Trump shakes hands with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as he announces a trade deal with the EU at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 27, 2025, in Turnberry, Scotland. (Andrew Harnik via Getty Images)