Earlier this month, the Biden administration reached a deal with Iran, a totalitarian Islamic regime, to release five American hostages in exchange for several jailed Iranians and the unfreezing of $6BN. Team Biden claims that this is not a ransom payment, and that Iran cannot use the funds to enable its militant ambitions. What does this deal — and Biden’s approach to Iran — reflect about American foreign policy? Onkar Ghate and Elan Journo discuss the meaning of this deal and the philosophic ideas shaping U.S. policy. Recorded August 31, 2023.