Help Wanted, True Leadership: Cliff Kupchan

After his keynote at the 18th Annual Land Investment Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, Eurasia Group Chairman Cliff Kupchan sat down with AFO to discuss the political challenges impacting agriculture and global stability. He highlighted how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted key agricultural exports, worsening inflation already fueled by the pandemic. Kupchan attributed much of this turmoil to a global leadership void, warning that weak international institutions drive instability and conflict. While a potential second Trump term might bring more decisive and unified U.S. policies, Kupchan doubted America would fill the leadership gap, citing its inward focus. Without stronger global governance, he cautioned, crises will deepen, endangering industries like agriculture.