The World Next Week brings a journalist’s perspective to the critical and intriguing stories developing around the globe—from Kyiv, to Pyongyang, to Capitol Hill, to Cannes. TWNW’s hosts have years of experience covering international and Washington news. Before joining CFR, Robert McMahon, managing editor of digital content, reported for the Associated Press and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Carla Anne Robbins, a senior fellow and director of the MIA Program at Baruch College’s Marxe School, was deputy editorial page editor at the New York Times and chief diplomatic correspondent at the Wall Street Journal.
Thu, February 27, 2025
Missing The World Next Week ? Host Robert McMahon shares his favorite CFR resources for news and analysis on foreign policy and global affairs. The Interconnect , a new podcast series from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Stanford Emerging Technology Review, brings together leading minds in cutting-edge technology and foreign policy to explore recent ground-breaking developments, what’s coming over the horizon, and the implications for U.S. innovation leadership. In this featured episode, host Martin Giles sits down with CFR Technologist-in-Residence Sebastian Elbaum and Stanford Emerging Technology Review faculty council member Mark Horowitz to discuss where chip manufacturing is heading, how hardware advances are powering the new artificial intelligence (AI) era, and what the United States should prioritize in order to sustain its leadership in this crucial domain. This episode was originally released by The Interconnect on February 13, 2025. Featured Episode: Chips and the Future of Computing Find Us The Interconnect Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube
Thu, February 20, 2025
Missing The World Next Week ? Host Robert McMahon shares his favorite CFR resources for news and analysis on foreign policy and global affairs. Foreign Affairs invites you to join its editor, Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, as he talks with influential thinkers and policymakers about the forces shaping the world. Whether the topic is the war in Ukraine, the United States’ competition with China, or the future of globalization, The Foreign Affairs Interview offers the kind of authoritative commentary and analysis that you can find in the magazine and on the website. In this featured episode, Dan Kurtz-Phelan speaks with Jason Furman about why the Biden administration’s economic policy fell short—and why both Democrats and Republicans should abandon what he calls their “post-neoliberal delusion.” This episode was originally released by The Foreign Affairs Interview on February 13, 2025. Featured Episode: Why Biden’s Economic Ambitions Fell Short Find Us Foreign Affairs Interview Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube
Fri, February 14, 2025
Emerging technologies are transforming international relations and our country’s economy. So how do we connect science and engineering labs with Washington and the world of business? The Interconnect, a new podcast series from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Stanford Emerging Technology Review, brings together leading minds in cutting-edge technology and foreign policy to explore recent ground-breaking developments, what's coming over the horizon, and the implications for U.S. innovation leadership. In this featured episode, Stanford Emerging Technology Review Faculty Council Member Mark Horowitz and CFR’s technologist-in-residence Sebastian Elbaum discuss where chip manufacturing is heading, how hardware advances are powering the new artificial intelligence (AI) era, and what the United States should prioritize in order to sustain its leadership in this crucial domain. Host Martin Giles , Managing Editor of the Stanford Emerging Technology Review Guests Mark Horowitz , chair of the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford University Sebastian Elbaum , the Technologist in Residence at the Council on Foreign Relations
Thu, February 13, 2025
Missing The World Next Week ? Host Robert McMahon shares his favorite CFR resources for news and analysis on foreign policy and global affairs. Why It Matters is explaining some of the least-understood issues that are shaping our world. Every two weeks, host Gabrielle Sierra speaks to a diverse lineup of guests with the goal of simplifying a complicated global topic. In this featured episode, Adam Segal, the Ira A. Lipman chair in emerging technologies and national security at CFR, explains how tech titans are acting as unilateral decision makers in international relations, upsetting the balance and structure of global power around the world. This episode was originally released by Why It Matters on November 13, 2024. Featured Episode: The New Tech World Order Find Us Why It Matters Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube
Thu, February 06, 2025
Missing The World Next Week ? Host Robert McMahon shares his favorite CFR resources for news and analysis on foreign policy and global affairs. The President’s Inbox goes beyond the headlines as host James M. Lindsay speaks with leading experts about how the United States should respond to global challenges and opportunities that are shaping the future. In this featured episode, Steven A. Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for the Middle East and Africa studies at CFR, shares how the Israel-Hamas cease-fire over Gaza came together, what the agreement requires each side to do, and what could come next. This episode was originally released by The President’s Inbox on January 28, 2025. Featured Episode: The Gaza Cease-Fire, With Steven Cook Find Us The President’s Inbox Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube
Thu, January 30, 2025
Missing The World Next Week ? Host Robert McMahon shares his favorite CFR resources for news and analysis on foreign policy and global affairs. CFR newsletters bring you a wide range of expert insights in an easy-to-read email straight to your inbox. The World This Week , delivered every Friday The Daily News Brief , delivered every weekday morning Think Global Health , delivered every Friday RealEcon , delivered every other Wednesday Check out the full list of newsletters from CFR experts and writers here .
Thu, January 23, 2025
In this live series finale, Bob and Carla discuss the most pressing international news stories with special guest Deborah Amos. President Donald Trump virtually attends the annual Davos summit where he will address corporate and government leaders just three days after his inauguration; the next phase of hostage and prisoner swaps is due as part of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal; a tightly controlled presidential election in Belarus kicks off a new year of consequential elections around the globe; and TikTok is revived in the United States—for now— after President Trump forestalled the app’s initial ban. This episode was originally produced live on January 21, 2025. Mentioned on the Podcast Megan Brenan, “ Americans' Trust in Media Remains at Trend Low, ” Gallup Watch The World Next Week's final episode live podcast taping on YouTube. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/series-finale-trump-addresses-davos-gaza-navigates-cease-fire-2025-elections-loom-and-more
Thu, January 16, 2025
Israel and Hamas reach a cease-fire deal aimed at exchanging hostages and prisoners while seeking a longer-term pause in fighting; the incoming Donald Trump administration weighs ambitious moves on immigration; Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin sign off on a twenty-year partnership agreement; and students in Serbia protest violations of civil rights. Mentioned on the Podcast Antony Blinken, “ U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Biden Record in the Middle East—and What Comes Next, ” Atlantic Council Steven A. Cook, Elliott Abrams, and Elise Labott, “ Virtual Media Briefing: The Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal, ” CFR.org “ Serbia: ‘A Digital Prison’: Surveillance and the Suppression of Civil Society in Serbia, ” Amnesty International For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/israel-hamas-cease-fire-trumps-first-immigration-moves-russia-iran-new-partnership
Thu, January 09, 2025
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, will appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee; the Supreme Court hears arguments over the Joe Biden administration’s imminent banning of TikTok; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation prompts questions on the future of U.S.-Canada trade relations; and Europe’s eastern states confront energy issues after Ukraine stops the flow of Russian gas through its territory. Mentioned on the Podcast Amanda Coletta, “ ‘Hot Mess’: Trudeau’s Turmoil Draws Trump’s Taunts, ” Washington Post Robert Kagan, “ Trump Is Facing a Catastrophic Defeat in Ukraine, ” The Atlantic Adam Segal and Zoë Moore, “ What’s Next for TikTok: Ban, Sell, or Presidential Reprieve? ” CFR.org Varun Sivaram, “ Five Climate Realism Insights on California’s Wildfires, ” CFR.org Trisha Thadani and Will Oremus, “ Meta Embraces Fact-Checking Program That X Users Say Is Like ‘Whack-a-Mole’, ” Washington Post For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/hegseth-faces-senate-hearing-scotus-hears-tiktok-case-canada-weighs-future-leadership-and-more
Thu, December 19, 2024
In this special year-end episode, hosts Bob McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins sit down with the New York Times ’ chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe Steven Erlanger to review the biggest stories of the past year and discuss developments to watch in 2025. They analyze the conflicts and political developments in the Middle East and Europe, President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for his national security team, the state of democracy worldwide, and more. Mentioned on the Podcast James M. Lindsay, “ Ten Elections to Watch in 2025, ” CFR.org National Centers for Environmental Information, “ Monthly Global Climate Report for October 2024, ” NCEI.NOAA.gov For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/world-next-year-wars-new-governments-stormy-weather-watch-2025
Thu, December 12, 2024
Syrians begin the early stages of government formation as global and regional powers scramble to devise a strategy for Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad; Georgians protest their government’s postponement of European Union (EU) membership talks as Romanians look for answers following the cancellation of their presidential election results; the United Kingdom (UK) accedes to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership; and China opens an anti-monopoly case against U.S. chipmaker Nvidia. Mentioned on the Podcast Luke Allnutt et al., “ Romania's 'King Of TikTok' Tied To Alleged Scheme Boosting Far-Right Presidential Candidate, ” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Veronica Anghel, “ Why Romania Just Canceled Its Presidential Election, ” Journal of Democracy Thomas Graham, “ What Assad’s Fall Means for Russia in the Middle East, ” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/syrians-plot-transition-turmoil-georgia-romania-uk-joins-trans-pacific-trade-deal-and-more
Thu, December 05, 2024
Impeachment looms for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose declaration of martial law spurred mass protests; French lawmakers passed the first no-confidence vote in more than sixty years, as the country is set to mark the the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral; Syrian rebels continue a surprise offensive against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime after seizing the cities of Aleppo and Hama; and U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump threatens 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven A. Cook, “ What Syria’s Revived Civil War Means for the Region, ” CFR.org John Deluray, “ Martial Law in South Korea, ” CFR.org Sarah Jeong, “ Six Hours Under Martial Law in Seoul, ” The Verge Brad W. Setser, X For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/turmoil-south-korea-french-government-collapses-syrian-rebels-reignite-conflict-and-more
Thu, November 21, 2024
The White House authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-made, long-range army tactical missile systems (ATACMS) missiles to hit targets within Russian territory; the UN climate change conference (COP29) wraps up in Baku, Azerbaijan, where progress on climate finance has been notably slow; negotiations for a cease-fire continues in the Middle East, with hopes for an agreement between Israel and Hezbollah; and thousands protest for Māori rights throughout New Zealand. Mentioned on the Podcast Clara Fong, “ Understanding the Global Push for Climate Finance ,” CFR.org “ M āori Lawmakers Perform a Haka to Protest against Indigenous Treaty Bill ,” NBC News For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/us-atacms-ukraine-cop29-wraps-cease-fire-negotiations-lebanon-and-more
Thu, November 14, 2024
Tumultuous events have rocked the last four years: the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe’s largest land war in eighty years, and an escalating Middle Eastern conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces. On top of that, the United States faces an intensifying geopolitical struggle with China and Russia. Now, U.S. President Joe Biden is running out of time to secure his legacy while the transition to a second Donald Trump administration comes sharply into focus. The U.S. president-elect has been quickly nominating leaders to his cabinet and receiving calls from foreign leaders. Why It Matters sits down with the hosts of The World Next Week to talk about what the United States–and a closely watching world–should expect in the weeks and months to come as incoming President Trump takes office. Mentioned on this Episode Peter Baker, “ A Four-Decade Secret: One Man’s Story of Sabotaging Carter’s Re-election ,” New York Times Helene Cooper and Maggie Haberman, “ Trump Picks Pete Hegseth, a Veteran and Fox News Host, for Defense Secretary ,” New York Times Abigail Hauslohner and Dan Lamothe, “ Fear, Celebration As Washington Scrutinizes Trump Pick to Run Pentagon ,” Washington Post “ Trumpworld 2.0: Who Is Joining the Trump Administration? ” NBC News For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw-special-why-world-next-week-matters
Thu, November 07, 2024
World leaders express hopes for cooperation with the United States after former President Donald Trump’s comeback election win; Israel faces a deadline to increase humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip or risk restrictions on U.S. military funding; Azerbaijan prepares to host the twenty-ninth UN climate conference (COP29) as concerns grow that climate targets could fall short; and Moldova’s election spurs hopes of European Union ties. Mentioned on the Podcast Clea Caulcutt, Barbara Moens, Nicholas Vinocur, “ Macron to Europe: We Need to Become ‘Omnivores’ After Trump’s Victory ,” Politico Alice Hill, “ COP29 Summit in Baku: What to Expect ,” CFR.org “ Trump and the Future of American Power: A Conversation With Stephen Kotkin ,” Foreign Affairs For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/world-reacts-trump-win-israels-gaza-aid-deadline-nears-azerbaijans-climate-summit-and-more
Fri, November 01, 2024
In this special episode of The World Next Week, hosts Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins discuss how news outlets around the world are reporting on the November 5 U.S. elections and how it reflects on public and government interests. Mentioned on the Podcast American Evolution 2024 , The Straits Times Pierre Breteau, “ 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Try Our Swing State Results Simulator ,” Le Mond e Campaign Notebook, International Edition , Columbia Journalism Review Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart, The Rest is Politics , Goalhanger Emilio Casalicchio, “ Meet the Gun-Toting Brits Who Will Vote for Donald Trump ,” Politico Europe Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci, The Rest Is Politics: US James M. Lindsay, “ Election 2024: How to Respond to the Axis of Autocracies ,” CFR.org The U.S. Election and Foreign Policy, CFR.org “ Why Is the World Obsessed with the U.S. Election? Ask Germany ,” Why It Matters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/twnw-special-surveying-foreign-media-coverage-us-election-2024
Thu, October 24, 2024
France seeks to spur international support for humanitarian aid for Lebanon as fighting grinds on between Israel and Hezbollah; Japan holds a snap general election as Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru hopes to rally the embattled and longtime ruling Liberal Democratic Party; Georgia heads to the polls in an election that could shift the country away from the European Union and firmly into Russia’s orbit; and China and India reach a border deal. Mentioned on the Podcast Mariel Ferragamo, “ What Is the BRICS Group and Why Is It Expanding? ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/france-presses-lebanon-aid-japan-holds-snap-election-georgias-divided-vote-and-more
Thu, October 17, 2024
The summit of the BRICS group begins in Russia, the first meeting since formally welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates into the bloc; European leaders discuss migration after a series of calls for speedier deportations and revised asylum processes; Colombia hosts the UN Biodiversity Summit; and Canada expels six Indian diplomats tied to the murder of a Sikh separatist. Mentioned on the Podcast “ The Drug Lords’ Side-Hustle: Smuggling Macaws, Jaguars and Frogs ,” The Economist “ Living Planet Report 2024 ,” World Wildlife Fund “ A Warning Sign: Where Biodiversity Loss Is Happening Around the World ,” World Wildlife Fund For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/russia-hosts-brics-summit-eu-leaders-talk-migration-un-biodiversity-summit-kicks-and-more
Thu, October 10, 2024
Intelligence officials warn of foreign meddling in the U.S. presidential and congressional elections; Hurricane Milton marks second straight weather blow to the U.S. southeast; this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner is announced in Norway; and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico vows to block Ukraine’s bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Mentioned on the Podcast The U.S. Election and Foreign Policy , CFR.org Virtual Media Briefing: Technology and Electoral Dynamics , Council on Foreign Relations and Brookings Institution “ Malala Yousafzai: Nobel Peace Prize Lecture 2014 ,” Nobel Prize For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/meddling-us-elections-florida-reels-twin-storms-nobel-peace-laureate-be-named-and-more
Thu, October 03, 2024
Hostilities between Iran and Israel reach a new level after Israel’s ground invasion in southern Lebanon and the latest Iranian missile attack on Israel; U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump hold separate town halls to reach undecided Hispanic voters; U.S. President Joe Biden heads to Germany to shore up military support for Ukraine; and Norway considers building a fence on its border with Russia. Mentioned on the Podcast One Year Later: U.S. Policy Options in the Israel-Hamas War , Council on Foreign Relations Virtual Media Briefing: Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East a Year After the Hamas Attack , Council on Foreign Relations For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/iran-israel-escalation-harris-and-trump-seek-hispanic-vote-biden-germany-and-more
Thu, September 26, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies efforts to galvanize greater political and financial support; Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will elect a new leader to become the next prime minister; the United States and Canada each impose a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs); and Sri Lanka’s new president, Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayake, calls for national elections. Mentioned on the Podcast Kimberly Clausing and Mary E. Lovely, “ Why Trump's Tariff Proposals Would Harm Working Americans ,” Peterson Institute for International Economics Joshua Yaffa, “ Volodymyr Zelenskyy Has a Plan for Ukraine’s Victory ,” New Yorker Sheila A. Smith, “ The LDP Leadership Race: Six More Join, a Field of Nine ,” CFR.org Sheila A. Smith, “ The LDP Leadership Race: The Early Birds ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/zelenskyys-diplomatic-drive-japans-new-leader-us-and-canadian-tariffs-chinas-evs-and-more
Thu, September 19, 2024
The UN General Assembly begins its seventy-ninth high-level debate amid questions about its limited role in resolving major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; fears of a wider regional war grow as Hezbollah vows retaliation against Israel after thousands of pagers exploded across Lebanon; U.S. President Joe Biden hosts the leaders of the Quad in Wilmington, Delaware, to strengthen coordination in the Indo-Pacific region; and Russia seeks to add 180,000 troops to its army. Mentioned on the Podcast A Conversation With U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield , Council on Foreign Relations Ronen Bergman, Sheera Frenkel, and Hwaida Saad, “ How Israel Built a Modern-Day Trojan Horse: Exploding Pagers ,” New York Times Natalie Caloca and Paul B. Stares, “ Security Challenges Cloud UN’s Summit of the Future ”, CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/un-meets-tense-times-pager-explosions-rattle-hezbollah-bidens-last-quad-summit-and-more
Fri, September 13, 2024
The U.S. Congress returns from its summer recess to try to pass a budget for federal discretionary programs before the fiscal year ends and avoid a government shutdown; the United States and other Western allies accuse Iran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia, raising concerns over intensified strikes on Ukraine; Hungary faces a second deadline to pay a $221 million fine for breaking European Union asylum law, which President Viktor Orbán remains unwilling to follow; and China gifts Cambodia two newly built Type 056 corvette warships, raising questions about Beijing’s naval ambitions. Mentioned on the Podcast Zongyuan Zoe Liu, “ Tracking China’s Control of Overseas Ports ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/congresss-funding-battle-iran-sends-missiles-russia-orban-defies-eu-and-more
Fri, September 06, 2024
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar prepare another cease-fire proposal after Hamas killed six Israeli hostages and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu demanded control of the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border; Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump hold their first presidential debate; the Toronto International Film Festival showcases independent films spanning from Hungary to Georgia and more; and the United States seizes Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s plane. What to Watch at Toronto International Film Festival Edward Berger, Conclave William Bridges, All of You Brady Corbet, The Brutalist Dea Kulumbegashvili, April Mentioned on the Podcast Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, Shrinking Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence, Ted Lasso For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/gazas-troubled-cease-fire-efforts-harris-and-trump-debate-toronto-international-film-fest
Thu, August 29, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the incursion into Kursk is an important step towards ending the war with Russia, but Ukraine is facing a major test in its own Donbas battlefields; the intensifying mpox outbreak places additional strain on the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding African nations; heightened security tensions spur the United States, keeping nuclear defense planners busy; and the Taliban bans the voices of women and girls in public. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Countries Should Act Faster to Curb the Spread of Mpox ,” The Economist “ If a China and America War Went Nuclear, Who Would Win? ,” The Economist Allison Krugman and Chloe Searchinger, “ Mpox Vaccine Tracker: Millions Pledged, Millions Still to Be Delivered ,” Think Global Health David E. Sanger, “ Biden Approved Secret Nuclear Strategy Refocusing on Chinese Threat ,” New York Times Lara Seligman, “ U.S.-Made F-16 Jet Fighter Crashes in Ukraine ,” Wall Street Journal “ Ukraine’s Attack on Kursk, With Liana Fix ,” The President’s Inbox “ Ukraine Pushes Into Russia, 2024 DNC Begins, Foreign Hacking Targets Trump and Harris, and More ,” The World Next Week For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/stakes-ukraines-kursk-offensive-stopping-mpox-spread-nuclear-arms-race-returns-and-more
Thu, August 22, 2024
This special episode of The World Next Week features a summerlong feast of reading, watching, and listening treats. Deborah Amos, the Ferris Professor of Journalism in Residence at Princeton University and a former international correspondent for National Public Radio, joins CFR’s TWNW hosts Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss good reads they recommend, books they are looking forward to reading, and other entertainment they are enjoying this summer. Mentioned on the Podcast Bob’s Picks Elizabeth Kolbert, H Is for Hope: Climate Change from A to Z Stefan Zweig, The World of Yesterday: Memoirs of a European Carla’s Picks Steve Coll, The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq Peter Pomerantsev, How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler Deborah’s Picks Jayne Anne Phillips, Night Watch Nathan Thrall, A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy Additional Books, Films, Podcasts, Shows and More Mentioned on the Podcast Books Russell Baker, Growing Up Ron Chernow, Grant Elizabeth Kolbert, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Roy Stewart, The Places In Between Films Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel James Bridges, The China Syndrome George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck. Alex Garland, Civil
Thu, August 15, 2024
Ukraine’s surprise incursion of Russia’s Kursk region captures territory and stuns the Kremlin; the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago with concerns of divisions in the party over support for Israel in its war in the Gaza Strip; U.S. intelligence is on high alert after foreign hacking attempts on both former President Donald Trump’s and Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaigns; and Mexico turns down Ukraine’s request for it to uphold warrants to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court. Mentioned on the Podcast Tim Alberta, “ Trump Is Planning for a Landslide Win ,” The Atlantic Kevin Collier, Ken Dilanian, and Dan De Luce, “ FBI Says It's Investigating Efforts to Hack Trump and Biden-Harris Campaigns ,” NBC News Alina Lobzina and Anton Troianovski, “ Ukraine’s Incursion Into Russia Flips the Script on Putin ,” New York Times Jonathan Weisman, “ Worried About a Convention Clash, Democrats Woo Uncommitted Delegates ,” New York Times For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/ukraine-pushes-russia-2024-dnc-begins-foreign-hacking-targets-trump-and-harris-and-more
Thu, August 08, 2024
Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, campaign ahead of the party’s convention; world leaders and diplomats reach out to Iran and Israel to head off a wider regional war after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran spurred retaliation threats; Bangladesh prepares an interim government after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country; and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government responds to anti-immigrant riots across the country. Mentioned on the Podcast Fred Kaplan, “ Kamala Harris Has Been Much More Involved in Foreign Policy Than We Realize ,” Slate Jonathan Masters, “ The U.S. Vice President and Foreign Policy ,” CFR.org Recommended Reading Swift Boats at War in Vietnam , edited by Guy Gugliotta, Neva Sullaway, John Yeoman For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/us-presidential-campaign-picks-iran-mulls-retaliation-bangladeshs-new-government-and-more
Thu, August 01, 2024
The Middle East braces for the possibility of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran-backed forces after the assassinations of Hamas senior leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr; Venezuelans protest the results of the presidential election that grant incumbent President Nicolás Maduro a third term; the Edinburgh Festival Fringe spotlights wide-ranging, new talent; imprisoned journalists in Russia are freed in a major prisoner swap; and militant groups kill troops from Russia’s private military company Wagner Group, including a Wagner commander, in Mali. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven A. Cook, “ Are Israel and Iran Headed for All Out War? ,” CFR.org Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh Festival Fringe App Edinburgh Fringe Festival Recommendation Lists: Independent , Playbill , and Time Out Magazine Kali Robinson, “ What Is Hamas? ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/israel-iran-tensions-escalate-venezuela-election-questioned-edinburgh-fringe-shines-and
Thu, July 25, 2024
Global leaders react to U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination; France ramps up security measures as the Summer Olympics kick off in Paris; Diplomacy continues over a potential Israel-Hamas cease-fire after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the U.S. Congress; and a Russian court sentences two American journalists. Mentioned on the Podcast Charles A. Kupchan, “ Biden’s Legacy: Major Accomplishments but Unfinished Business ,” CFR.org Linda Robinson, “ Vice President Kamala Harris’s Real-World School of Foreign Policy ,” CFR.org “ Politics and Protest at the Olympics ,” CFR.org Suzanne Lynch and Ben Munster, “ ‘Invisible’ Kamala Harris Struggles to Win Over Europe ,” Politico For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/world-reacts-biden-withdrawal-summer-olympics-begin-gaza-diplomacy-after-netanyahus-visit
Thu, July 18, 2024
The world reacts to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the selection of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as former President Donald Trump’s running mate; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress; Cyprus marks fifty years since the Turkish invasion that left the country still split in two; and Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli begins his fourth term in office. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven Cook, “ Netanyahu’s High-Stakes Visit to Washington ,” CFR.org Ross Douthat, “ What J.D. Vance Believes ,” New York Times For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/gop-election-enthusiasm-netanyahu-addresses-us-congress-cyprus-50-years-after-invasion-and
Thu, July 11, 2024
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) wraps its seventy-fifth summit, pledging to keep Ukraine on an “irreversible” path to membership while concerns grow about the future of U.S. commitment; Japan hosts the tenth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting to counter China’s influence in the region; France struggles to form a government as party differences intensify; and President-Elect Masoud Pezeshkian raises hopes for possible change in Iran. Mentioned on the Podcast A Conversation With Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark , Council on Foreign Relations Emmanuel Macron, “ A Letter to the French People ,” Le Parisien Pacific Aid Map , Lowy Institute Ray Takeyh, “ What Could Change Under Iran’s New ‘Reformist’ President? ,” CFR.org Washington Summit Declaration , NATO Sarah Wheaton, “ Orbán’s Humble Pie ,” Politico For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/nato-and-ukraine-beyond-75-japan-hosts-pacific-islands-frances-political-gridlock-and-more
Thu, July 04, 2024
This special episode of The World Next Week features a summerlong feast of reading, watching, and listening treats. Deborah Amos, the Ferris Professor of Journalism in Residence at Princeton University and a former international correspondent for National Public Radio, joins CFR’s TWNW hosts Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss good reads they recommend, books they are looking forward to reading, and other entertainment they are enjoying this summer. Mentioned on the Podcast Bob’s Picks Elizabeth Kolbert, H Is for Hope: Climate Change from A to Z Stefan Zweig, The World of Yesterday: Memoirs of a European Carla’s Picks Steve Coll, The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq Peter Pomerantsev, How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler Deborah’s Picks Jayne Anne Phillips, Night Watch Nathan Thrall, A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy Additional Books, Films, Podcasts, Shows and More Mentioned on the Podcast Books Russell Baker, Growing Up Ron Chernow, Grant Elizabeth Kolbert, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Roy Stewart, The Places In Between Films Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel James Bridges, The China Syndrome George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck. Alex Garland, Civil
Thu, June 27, 2024
France’s governance is at stake as it holds snap elections for its National Assembly, with the far-right National Rally looking to build on its success in the European Parliament elections; the United Kingdom (UK) has its own snap general elections with Keir Starmer and his Labour Party looking to end the fourteen-year rule of the Conservatives; Iran’s snap presidential elections could signal unity of regime hard-liners or glimmers of change; the European Union (EU) plans to impose provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles; and Ukraine strikes more than thirty Russian oil refineries. Mentioned on the Podcast Amanda Chu, Kenza Bryan, and Lukanyo Mnyanda, “ Global Glut Turns Solar Panels into Garden Fencing Option ,” Financial Times Ian Johnston, “ French Voters Juggle Democratic Duty and Summer Getaways ,” Financial Times David Lammy, “ The Case for Progressive Realism ,” Foreign Affairs Matthias Matthijs, “ Pivotal Elections for France—and Europe ,” CFR.org Ray Takeyh, “ Does Iran’s Presidential Election Matter? ,” CFR.org Sergey Vakulenko; Michael Liebreich, Lauri Myllyvirta, and Sam Winter-Levy, “ Should Ukraine Keep Attacking Russian Oil Refineries? ,” Foreign Affairs For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/france-iran-and-uk-hold-snap-elections-eu-pushback-chinese-evs-and-more
Thu, June 20, 2024
A Russian court moves judicial proceedings for detained U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich to Yekaterinburg for a closed-door espionage trial; the success of far-right parties in the European Parliament elections challenges the power of several incumbent European Union (EU) leaders; the Boeing Starliner "Calypso" spacecraft prepares to return from the International Space Station after delays; and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves his war cabinet. Mentioned on the Podcast Silvina Frydlewsky, Georgi Kantchev, and Joe Parkinson, “ The Russian Spies Next Door ,” Wall Street Journal For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/russias-secret-trial-gershkovich-eus-rightward-shift-boeing-space-and-more
Thu, June 13, 2024
Ukraine pushes for wider international support and endorsement of its proposed peace process at Switzerland’s Ukraine peace summit; the UN Security Council deliberates how to assist Sudanese civilians and de-escalate the civil war; diplomatic pressure builds for a U.S.-backed cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip; and Russian ships arrive in Cuban waters for exercises. Mentioned on the Podcast Rory Jones and Summer Said, “ Gaza Chief’s Brutal Calculation: Civilian Bloodshed Will Help Hamas ,” Wall Street Journal Sorensen Distinguished Lecture: A Conversation With Cindy McCain , Council on Foreign Relations For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/ukraine-pushes-peace-summit-sudan-catastrophe-israel-hamas-deal-crossroads-and-more
Thu, June 06, 2024
All twenty-seven European Union (EU) member states vote in European Parliament elections with polls showing right-wing parties poised to gain more seats; the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial democracies meet in Italy with a sizable agenda, including support for Ukraine and trade concerns with China; the United States prepares for an above-normal hurricane season; and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and partner exporters, known as OPEC+, extend oil output cuts. Mentioned on the Podcast Europe’s Migration Dilemma , CFR.org Caroline Kapp and Matthias Matthijs, “ What’s at Stake in the EU Elections? ,” CFR.org Nicholas Vinocur, “ An American’s Guide to the 2024 European Election ,” Politico For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/european-parliament-elections-g7-leaders-50th-summit-powerful-hurricane-season-looming-and
Thu, May 30, 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden faces increasing international and domestic pressures on his policy toward the Israel-Hamas war amid worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip; Western leaders commemorate the eightieth anniversary of D-Day with Russia’s war in Ukraine front of mind; Mexico holds massive general elections that are likely to usher in the country’s first woman president; and North Korea tests new satellite and missiles. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Mexico’s Next President Can Reset Relations With the United States ,” The Economist Shannon K. O'Neil, The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter Eli Stokols and Alexander Ward, “ White House Not Thrilled by Macron’s D-Day Invite to Russia ,” Politico Sue Mi Terry, “ The Coming North Korean Crisis ,” Foreign Affairs For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/bidens-gaza-dilemmas-80-years-d-day-mexicos-milestone-election-and-more
Thu, May 23, 2024
Iran’s regime carefully vets candidates for new presidential elections after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash; Israeli leadership reacts to the International Criminal Court (ICC) request for warrants to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant; South Africa prepares for a general election that could contest the ruling African National Congress’ long-standing majority; and Taiwan inaugurates Lai Ching-te as the new president, aggravating China. Mentioned on the Podcast Elbridge Colby, “ America Must Face Reality and Prioritize China Over Europe ,” Financial Times Virtual Media Briefing: Iran After Raisi and New ICC Charges , Council on Foreign Relations For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/irans-succession-woes-icc-angers-israel-south-africas-election-and-more
Thu, May 16, 2024
Ukraine rushes to push back against a new Russian offensive in its northeast Kharkiv region; U.S. President Joe Biden invites Kenyan President William Ruto for a state visit, the first U.S. state visit for an African leader since 2008; London’s High Court decides on whether to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States to stand trial; and tens of thousands protest in Tbilisi, Georgia, after its parliament passes the controversial “foreign agents” bill. Mentioned on the Podcast Rachel Chason, “ U.S. Threats Led to Rupture of Vital Military Ties, Nigerien Leader Says ,” Washington Post For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/ukraine-tries-halt-russian-advance-biden-woos-kenya-fate-assange-and-more
Thu, May 09, 2024
Israel’s newest military operation in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah stirs concerns of catastrophe for Palestinians in Gaza, and prompts the United States to condition its offensive military aid for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war broke out; Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet in Ankara, Turkey, to continue their diplomatic efforts; the seventy-seventh Cannes Film Festival showcases new films ranging from niche to blockbuster; and Russian President Vladimir Putin orders tactical nuclear weapon drills as a signal to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Mentioned on the Podcast Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice “ Anyone Who’s on the Ground in Gaza is in ‘Danger,’ WFP Chief McCain Says ,” NBC News Jacques Audilard, Emilia Perez Christina Bouri and Diana Roy, “ Few Options for Gazans as Israel Enters Rafah ,” CFR.org Francis Ford Coppola, Megalopolis David Cronenberg, The Shrouds “ Emmanuel Macron In His Own Words ,” Economist Yorgos Lanthimos, Kinds of Kindness George Miller, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga War in Gaza Update: The Rafah Incursion and Negotiations Over Hostage Release and Ceasefire , Council on Foreign Relations “ Why Lithuania is Considering Sending Soldiers to Ukraine ,” Financial Times For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/israels-rafah-plans-greece-and-turkey-boost-diplomacy-cannes-festival-unveils-new-films
Thu, May 02, 2024
In this special episode to mark World Press Freedom Day, Jeffrey Gedmin, cofounder and editor-in-chief of American Purpose and former president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, joins Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss the global state of press freedom. They cover the challenges that a growing number of journalists face in exile or imprisonment, the U.S. role in upholding freedom of the press, and more. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Exile Journalists Map—Fleeing to Europe and North America ,” Reporters Without Borders “ Media Freedom ,” Freedom House 2023 World Press Freedom Index , Reporters Without Borders Journalists: Parnaz Azima Jamal Khashoggi Alsu Kurmasheva Monica Lovinescu Georgi Markov For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/world-press-freedom-day-2024-mounting-threats-renewed-purpose
Thu, April 25, 2024
Secretary of State Antony Blinken wraps his second visit to China as tensions mount over Beijing’s military support of Russia’s war in Ukraine and ongoing threats in the South China Sea; International Workers’ Day on May 1 comes at a time of revived labor activism over wages and inequality; and U.S. President Joe Biden approves a $61 billion foreign aid package providing critical military assistance to Ukraine, potentially improving the situation on the ground in the war with Russia. Mentioned on the Podcast “ 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices ,” Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State “ Global Military Spending Surges Amid War, Rising Tensions and Insecurities ,” Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Max Boot, “ Weapons of War: The Race Between Russia and Ukraine ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/blinken-visits-china-may-day-stirs-workers-rights-concerns-us-resumes-ukraine-aid-and-more
Thu, April 18, 2024
Concerns grow over the widening Middle East conflict after Iran launches three hundred ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel; European Union (EU) leaders discuss how to bolster aid to Ukraine amid an uptick in Russian attacks and the situation unfolding in the Middle East; India kicks off the world’s largest democratic election—spanning more than forty-four days—where the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win again; and warming water temperatures cause a mass bleaching of coral reefs. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven A. Cook, “ Iran Attack Means an Even Tougher Balancing Act for the U.S. in the Middle East ,” CFR.org “ How India’s Imports of Russian Oil Have Lubricated Global Markets ,” Economist Andy Bounds, Laura Dubois, Christopher Miller, “ Germany Urges Dozens of Allies to Send Air Defense Systems to Ukraine ,” Financial Times For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/aftermath-irans-attack-israel-eu-talks-ukraine-indias-massive-election-and-more
Thu, April 11, 2024
Congress returns from recess and grapples with contentious agenda items, including reauthorization of a section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and a Ukraine aid package; Sudan enters a second year of civil war with more than half of the country’s population in need of aid and millions more displaced; and Ecuadorian police breach international law by raiding the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas. Mentioned on the Podcast Regina Garcia Cano and Gabriela Molina, “ Mexico Severs Diplomatic Ties with Ecuador After Police Storm Its Embassy to Arrest Politician ,” Associated Press “ Sudan Crisis Sends Shockwaves Around the Region as Displacement, Hunger, and Malnutrition Soar, ” World Food Program For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/congresss-urgent-agenda-sudans-year-war-ecuador-mexico-embassy-fray-and-more
Thu, April 04, 2024
Rwanda marks thirty years since its genocide against the Tutsis; U.S. President Joe Biden hosts the first trilateral leaders’ summit with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.; music fans celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Swedish pop group ABBA’s Eurovision win; and Ekrem İmamoğlu is elected mayor of Istanbul, in a rebuke to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party. Mentioned on the Podcast Eurovision Winners , Eurovision World Frontline: Ghosts of Rwanda , PBS Mariel Ferragamo, “ Thirty Years After Rwanda’s Genocide: Where the Country Stands Today ,” CFR.org “ Rwanda: Freedom in the World 2024 ,” Freedom House “ Three Decades After Rwanda’s Genocide, the Past is Ever-Present ,” The Economist When Abba Came to Britain , BBC For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/rwanda-30-years-after-genocide-us-japan-philippines-summit-abbas-eurovision-legacy-and
Thu, March 28, 2024
The fallout after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and release of all hostages further reveals a growing strain between the United States and Israel; Russia reels from the ISIS-K terrorist attack on concertgoers near Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberating how to respond; the Cuban government cracks down on recent protests across the country over food shortages and power outages; and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is found to have stayed overnight at the Hungarian embassy in Brasília in February 2024. Mentioned on the Podcast Barak Ravid, “ Netanyahu Cancels Meetings with Biden Officials Over UN Ceasefire Vote ,” Axios For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-and-netanyahu-odds-putin-responds-isis-k-attack-cuba-food-and-electricity-shortages
Thu, March 21, 2024
Senegal holds its postponed presidential election amid fears of democratic backsliding; Slovakia chooses a new president in voting that could bolster Prime Minister Robert Fico’s illiberal tilt; Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan exchange blows after a string of terrorist attacks on Pakistani territory; nuclear energy gets a boost at a first-ever summit in Brussels, Belgium; and the European Union provides Egypt with $8 billion worth of aid. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/senegal-and-slovakia-elections-pakistan-and-afghan-taliban-clash-nuclear-energy-gains
Thu, March 14, 2024
Russia holds its presidential election with the Kremlin aiming to orchestrate a sweeping endorsement of President Vladimir Putin; the U.S. Congress continues its partisan battles over the 2024 budget as concerns of shutdown and aid to allies mount; the U.S. Library of Congress flexes its soft power by awarding Elton John and Bernie Taupin with the Gershwin Prize; and the crisis in Haiti worsens. Mentioned on the Podcast John Bresnahan and Jake Sherman, “ UNRWA Funding Emerges as Sticking Point in FY 2024 Spending Talks ,” Punchbowl Liana Fix and Maria Snegovaya, “ Leadership Change in Russia ,” CFR.org From the Catbird Seat , Library of Congress Thomas Graham, “ Why Russia’s Election Matters to Putin ,” CFR.org Michael Kimmage and Maria Lipman, “ Forever Putinism: The Russian Autocrat’s Answer to the Problem of Succession ,” Foreign Affairs Putin's Approval Ratings , Levada-Center Brett Zongker, “ Elton John & Bernie Taupin = 2024 Gershwin Prize ,” Library of Congress Blog For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/russias-gloomy-elections-us-budget-divisions-elton-john-bernie-taupin-awarded-and-more
Thu, March 07, 2024
Negotiators attempt to establish a six-week cease-fire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas before the start of the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan; Portugal holds a snap parliamentary election with a far-right party gaining traction; international films gain prominence at the ninety-sixth Academy Awards; and Chinese President Xi Jinping breaks with the thirty-year tradition of the premier’s press conference after the National People’s Congress. Mentioned on the Podcast J.A. Bayona, Society of the Snow Ilker Çatak, The Teachers’ Lounge Manohla Dargis, “‘ The Zone of Interest’ Review: The Holocaust, Reduced to Background Noise ,” New York Times Matteo Garrone, Io Capitano Greta Gerwig, Barbie Johnathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest Andrea Kannapell, Hwaida Saad, and Michael D. Shear, “ ‘ We Need a Cease-Fire,’ Biden Says. ” New York Times Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Françoise Mouly, “ Barry Blitt’s ‘Slappenheimer’ ,” New Yorker Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Celine Song, Past Lives Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall Wim Wenders, Perfect Days For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/ramadan-cease-fire-prospects-portugals-snap-election-oscars-go-international-and-more
Thu, February 29, 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers his last State of the Union address before elections to a polarized Congress; Iran holds its first parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections since the 2022 protests sparked by the death of activist Mahsa Amini; Bosnia and Herzegovina marks independence as ethnic divisions fester; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) welcomes Sweden as its newest member state. Mentioned on the Podcast Arash Ghafouri and Alex Vatanka, “ Five Key Takeaways From New Poll Ahead of Iran’s Parliamentary Elections ,” Middle East Institute Andrew Higgins, “ A Land Once Emptied by War Now Faces a Peacetime Exodus ,” New York Times Andrew Osborn and Vladimir Soldatkin, “ Putin Warns West of Risk of Nuclear War, Says Moscow can Strike Western Targets ,” Reuters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-addresses-sotu-iran-holds-elections-bosnias-pipeline-feud-and-more
Thu, February 22, 2024
Ukraine marks the second anniversary of Russia’s large-scale invasion; the World Trade Organization (WTO) holds its thirteenth ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi amid deep uncertainty about progress on dispute settlement system reform; U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Argentina and Brazil to forge stronger U.S.-South America ties; and the World Health Organization raises alarm about the situation at the Gaza Strip’s Nasser Hospital. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Is Anyone Still Afraid of the United States?: A Conversation With Robert Gates ,” Foreign Affairs Inu Manak and Manjari Chatterjee Miller, “ Responsible Consensus at the WTO Can Save the Global Trading System ,” CFR.org Stephanie Nolen, “ War and Illness Could Kill 85,000 Gazans in Six Months ,” New York Times “ Year Three of the Ukraine War, With Miriam Elder and Carla Anne Robbins ,” The President’s Inbox Recommended Reading Keith M. Rockwell, “ A Moment of Truth for the WTO ,” Hinrich Foundation For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/grim-ukraine-war-anniversary-wto-limbo-blinkens-lula-and-milei-tour-and-more
Thu, February 15, 2024
World leaders gather for the sixtieth Munich Security Conference with growing concerns about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cohesion; the African Union holds its annual summit as multiple crises mount, including armed conflict and democratic blacksliding; Kim Jong Un increases aggressive language and acts as North Korea prepares to celebrate the late father and leader Kim Jong Il’s birthday; and former Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is nominated to lead a coalition government as the new prime minister. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Eight Priorities for the African Union in 2024 ,” International Crisis Group “ How We Have Portrayed North Korean Leaders on The Economist’s Covers ,” Economist Joshua Kurlantzick, “ Pakistan’s Election Results: Imran Khan Claims Victory, But He’s Unlikely to Get It ,” CFR.org Munich Security Report 2024 , Munich Security Conference Munich Security Index 2024 , Munich Security Conference Scott A. Snyder, “ Why is North Korea Turning More Aggressive? ” CFR.org Uzair Younus, “ Five Ways Imran Khan’s Party Used Technology to Outperform in Pakistan’s Elections ,” Atlantic Council For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/60th-munich-security-conference-african-unions-conflict-laden-agenda-bellicose-north-korea
Thu, February 08, 2024
Chile works to recover from the devastating wildfire in its central Valparaíso region; the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continues with its 2024 Steadfast Defender exercise, the largest since the Cold War, while uncertainty over members’ commitment grows; Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, holds vast general elections; and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attempts to reach a deal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and hostage release. Mentioned on the Podcast Nicolas Camut and Jakob Hanke Vela, “ As Trump Looms, Top EU Politician Calls for European Nuclear Deterrent ,” Politico Joshua Kurlantzick, “ Indonesia’s Presidential Election: The Old Guard Faces the New ,” CFR.org Brad Setser, “ Mobilizing Russia’s Immobilized Reserves ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/chiles-inferno-nato-ramps-security-exercises-indonesias-presidential-election-and-more
Thu, February 01, 2024
The Joe Biden administration contends with how to respond to a deadly attack on U.S. service members at a base in Jordan while also preventing a wider regional war; a faltering economy clouds festivities as millions of Chinese travel home for Lunar New Year; Pakistan will elect a new prime minister and National Assembly, but lackluster candidates, economic crisis, and unraveling security situation loom over the vote; and Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announce their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States, increasing security concerns in western Africa. Mentioned on the Podcast Noah Berman and Clara Fong, “ Pakistan Is on Edge Ahead of 2024 Elections ,” CFR.org Joshua Kurlantzick, “ Pakistan’s Election Will Have One Major Winner: The Military ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-confronts-iran-chinas-lunar-new-year-economic-slowdown-pakistans-flawed-elections
Thu, January 25, 2024
The Three Brotherhood Alliance and other armed ethnic groups in Myanmar pose a significant threat to regime control as the country enters its third year under junta rule; the European Union (EU) meets for a special summit on military aid for Ukraine, but concerns remain over Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán; Kenya’s high court will decide whether if it is constitutional for Kenya to lead a multinational peacekeeping mission to Haiti; and hundreds of thousands across Germany protest against the Alternative for Germany’s anti-immigration policies. Mentioned on the Podcast Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware, God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America Ebenezer Obadare and Robert I. Rotberg, “ 1100 Kenyans Will Not Save Haiti ,” CFR.org Avinash Paliwal, “ Could Myanmar Come Apart? ,” Foreign Affairs For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/rebels-gain-myanmar-marks-coup-anniversary-eus-ukraine-aid-challenge-kenyas-pending
Thu, January 18, 2024
More than one hundred days into the war in the Gaza Strip, hostilities continue to escalate region-wide, marked by clashes between proxies of Iran and U.S. forces; Sudan’s civil war worsens as a new diplomatic initiative stalls; the Sundance Film Festival celebrates its fortieth anniversary; and the small island nation of Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan. Mentioned on the Podcast Films , Sundance Film Festival 2024 Joshua Kurlantzick, “ Taiwan’s Presidential Election Elicits Strong Response in Indo-Pacific ,” CFR.org Kali Robinson, “ Who Governs the Palestinians? ,” CFR.org Michelle Gavin, “ New Deals Open Old Wounds in the Horn of Africa ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/us-iran-proxy-war-intensifies-sudan-conflict-rages-sundance-film-festival-marks-forty
Thu, January 11, 2024
Taiwan holds its presidential and legislative elections, which have major geopolitical consequences for both the United States and China; tech giant Apple deals with patent infringement allegations while more governments consider regulations on tech; the fifty-fourth World Economic Forum Annual Meeting hosts global business and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland, to address multiple crises such as conflict, climate change, and misinformation; and France appoints Gabriel Attal, the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister. Mentioned on the Podcast Council on Foreign Relations, U.S.-Taiwan Relations in a New Era: Responding to a More Assertive China , 2023 David McCabe and Tripp Mickle, “ U.S. Moves Closer to Filing Sweeping Antitrust Case Against Apple ,” New York Times David Sacks, “ Taiwan’s Status Quo Election ,” Foreign Affairs David Sacks, “ Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election: Analyzing Hou Yu-ih’s Foreign Policy Positions ,” CFR.org David Sacks, “ Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election: Analyzing Ko Wen-je’s Foreign Policy Positions ,” CFR.org David Sacks, “ Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election: Analyzing William Lai’s Foreign Policy Positions ,” CFR.org David Sacks, “ Why China Would Struggle to Invade Taiwan ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/taiwans-pivotal-elections-apple-battles-regulations-davos-addresses-world-risks-and-more
Thu, January 04, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returns to the Middle East as the region reacts to attacks in Iran, Lebanon, and the Red Sea; the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas previews new products and services equipped with artificial intelligence (AI); the U.S. Congress returns from its holiday recess with divisions over migration and defense aid; and the stabbing of South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung stirs fears ahead of elections. Recommended Listening “ The Year of AI and Elections ,” Why It Matters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/mideast-tensions-grow-consumer-electronics-show-spotlights-ai-divided-us-congress-returns
Thu, December 21, 2023
In this special, year-end episode, Nahal Toosi, Politico ’s senior correspondent for foreign affairs and national security, joins Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to review the biggest events of 2023 and the stories to keep an eye on in the coming year. They discuss instability caused by the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s war in Ukraine, the global push for a greener future, challenges to immigration policy, the numerous elections of 2024, U.S. global leadership, and more. Mentioned on the Podcast Matthieu Favas, “ The Green Transition Will Transform The Global Economic Order ,” The Economist For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/world-next-year-stories-watch-2024
Thu, December 14, 2023
Guyana and Venezuela begin discussion on a territorial dispute over the Essequibo region; the Redzikowo U.S. missile defense base in Poland becomes operable; the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds presidential elections; and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny goes missing. Mentioned on the Podcast Will Freeman, “ Will Venezuela invade Guyana? ,” CFR Michelle Gavin, “ The Democratic Republic of Congo Holds Tense Elections: What to Know ,” CFR.org Recommended Reading Jerry Lewis, “ The Nuclear Option ,” Foreign Affairs Carla Anne Robbins, “ Antiballistic Missile System Gets Renewed Support From Clinton ,” Wall Street Journal Carla Anne Robbins, “ Bush's Planned Missile-Shield Program May Violate ABM Treaty 'Within Months’ ,” Wall Street Journal For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/guyana-venezuela-border-dispute-missile-defense-base-poland-drc-elections-and-more
Fri, December 08, 2023
Palestinian civilians find fewer safe places to shelter as Israeli forces expand ground operations south in the Gaza Strip; European Union (EU) leaders discuss prospects for more aid and EU membership for Ukraine; Egypt holds presidential elections amid an economic crisis; and a former senior U.S. diplomat is charged as a spy for Cuba. Mentioned on the Podcast “ How a Sombre Mood Gripped Europe ,” Economist “ How Victor Manuel Rocha Got Away with Spying for Cuba for So Long ,” All Things Considered For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/fighting-resumes-gaza-eu-summits-ukraine-challenge-egypts-elections-and-more
Fri, December 01, 2023
The United Arab Emirates, a major oil and gas producer, hosts the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), where hundreds of world leaders meet to discuss limiting global warming and helping states that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change; Russia arbitrarily detains a journalist with U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; and the World Health Organization asks China for information on a spike in respiratory illness. Mentioned on the Podcast “ CPJ and Partners Call on Blinken to Designate RFE/RL’s Alsu Kurmasheva ‘Wrongfully Detained’ by Russia ,” Committee to Protect Journalists Justin Rowlatt, “ UAE Planned to Use COP28 Climate Talks to Make Oil Deals ,” BBC Recommended Reading RFE/RL’s Idel.Realities, “ Russian Rights Group Memorial Recognizes RFE/RL’s Kurmasheva As Political Prisoner ,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Robert McMahon, “ Russia Is Censoring News on the War in Ukraine. Foreign Media Are Trying to Get Around That ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/cop28-dubai-russia-crackdown-journalists-china-illness-spike-and-more
Thu, November 16, 2023
Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces stalls as the future of U.S. aid remains uncertain; Argentina gears up for its presidential election runoff while inflation rates soar; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrives in Berlin to address refugee flows and the Israel–Hamas war with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; and David Cameron returns to the United Kingdom government as foreign secretary. Mentioned on the Podcast Lucy Fisher, Anna Gross, and Jim Pickard, “ David Cameron Brings Experience and Baggage as He Returns to Politics ,” Financial Times Brad W. Setser, “ Argentina Election Draws Wider Attention to Embattled Economy ,” CFR.org “ Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief on the Breakthrough He Needs to Beat Russia ,” Economist Andrew Wilks, “ Turkey’s Erdogan Says He Trusts Russia as Much as He Trusts the West ,” Associated Press For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/winter-stalemate-ukraine-argentinas-presidential-runoff-turkeys-president-visits-berlin
Fri, November 10, 2023
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit begins in San Francisco with U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping set to meet on the sidelines; French President Emmanuel Macron hosts a humanitarian conference to discuss new aid options for civilians in the Gaza Strip; the Arab League holds an emergency summit in Riyadh at the request of the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia; and the United States and China discuss nuclear arms control. Mentioned on the Podcast Ian Johnson, “ Can a Summit Ease U.S.-China Tensions? ,” CFR.org Inu Manak, “ Unpacking the IPEF: Biden’s Indo-Pacific Trade Play ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-and-xi-apec-macrons-gaza-conference-arab-league-emergency-summit-and-more
Fri, November 03, 2023
Israel’s ground operations in the Gaza Strip intensify as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Israeli leaders amid calls for a pause in fighting; U.S. President Biden hosts the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Summit to discuss regional economic growth and the migration crisis; Congress considers aid to Israel and Ukraine as a government shutdown approaches; and conflict displaces 6.9 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mentioned on the Podcast Center for Preventative Action, “ Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo ,” CFR.org Noël James, “ Women This Week: Sexual Assault Increasing Among Displaced Women in the Congo ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/israel-hamas-war-ground-campaign-biden-hosts-latin-american-leaders-congress-debates
Fri, October 27, 2023
Diplomatic contacts surge ahead of anticipated escalation in the Israel-Hamas war; the United Kingdom (UK) hosts its first artificial intelligence (AI) Safety Summit to develop strategies that mitigate the risks of AI; Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrives in Washington, DC to speak with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan; and Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan possibly faces the death penalty. Mentioned on the Podcast “ The Future of the Israel-Hamas War, With Linda Robinson ,” The President’s Inbox “ The Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question: Vote on Competing Draft Resolutions ,” What's In Blue For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/diplomacy-intensifies-israel-hamas-war-uks-ai-safety-summit-chinas-foreign-minister-visits
Fri, October 20, 2023
As the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues, diplomacy ramps up in the Middle East amid concerns of spreading tensions; Argentina holds an election while its economy suffers record inflation; Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top Russian officials venture abroad to seek allies as their war with Ukraine grinds on; and the death toll from Sudan’s conflict reaches at least nine thousand. Mentioned on the Podcast Keith Bradsher, Anatoly Kurmanaev, and David Pierson, “ Putin Visits China to Bolster Ties With ‘My Friend,’ Xi ,” New York Times Christina Bouri and Diana Roy, “ The Israel-Hamas War: The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza ,” CFR.org Steven A. Cook, “ Will Egypt Play a Role in Easing the Gaza War? ,” CFR.org Steven A. Cook, “ Why the U.S. Tolerates Qatar’s Hamas Ties ,” Foreign Policy Shannon K. O’Neil and Will Freeman, “ Latin America This Week: September 20, 2023 ,” CFR.org “ President Joe Biden: The 2023 60 Minutes Interview ,” 60 Minutes David J. Scheffer, “ What International Law Has to Say About the Israel-Hamas War ,” CFR.org “ The Genocide That No One’s Talking About ,” The Intelligence For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eyes-gaza-argentinas-presidential-vote-putin-seeks-friends-and-more
Fri, October 13, 2023
Israeli and Palestinian casualties rise as fighting between Israel and Hamas continues; Poland holds a pivotal parliamentary election; Australia votes on whether to enshrine representation for Indigenous people in its constitution; and Afghanistan struggles with the aftermath of a 6.3-magnitude earthquake. Mentioned on the Podcast Wojciech Kość, “ Poland’s Ruling Party Publishes Top Secret War Plan as a Campaign Stunt ,” Politico Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam, “ Afghanistan Earthquakes a ‘Disaster on Top of a Disaster’, World Food Programme Says ,” Reuters “ The Israel-Hamas War, With Elliott Abrams and Steven Cook ,” The President’s Inbox Visit CFR.org’s Israeli-Palestinian Conflict page for up-to-date coverage For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/israel-hamas-wars-next-phase-polands-democracy-test-australias-indigenous-voice-referendum
Fri, October 06, 2023
Recent satellite imagery indicates that Russia is preparing to test a new nuclear-powered missile; the UN Human Rights Council votes on new members, with Russia vying to rejoin after its April 2022 suspension; the International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins hearings on torture in Syria; and one hundred thousand ethnic Armenians flee as Azerbaijan asserts control over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. Mentioned on the Podcast Isabel Debre, “ Israeli Arms Quietly Helped Azerbaijan Retake Nagorno-Karabakh, to the Dismay of Region’s Armenians ,” Associated Press Riley Mellen, “ Russia May Be Planning to Test a Nuclear-Powered Missile ,” New York Times David J. Scheffer, “ Ethnic Cleansing Is Happening in Nagorno-Karabakh. How Can the World Respond? ,” CFR.org “ UN Karabakh Mission Told ‘Sudden’ Exodus Means As Few As 50 Ethnic Armenians May Remain ,” UN News For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/russia-tests-new-missile-and-seeks-rejoin-un-human-rights-council-icj-takes-syria-and-more
Fri, September 29, 2023
Important provisions of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) could expire due to partisan divisions, threatening a widely successful initiative; libraries take part in U.S. Banned Books Week in the face of a rising censorship movement; Slovakia holds an early parliamentary election amid concerns that pro-Russia parties will gain power; and Chinese President Xi Jinping and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announce a partnership. Mentioned on the Podcast Michelle Gavin, “ PEPFAR at Twenty ,” CFR.org “ Let Freedom Read Day ,” BannedBooksWeek.org Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow, “ How Much Aid Has the U.S. Sent Ukraine? Here Are Six Charts ,” CFR.org More Perfect , WNYC Studios The Coldest Cast in Laramie , Serial Productions The Rewatchables , The Ringer Peter Wehner, “ The Republican Betrayal of PEPFAR ,” The Atlantic For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/pepfar-reauthorization-struggle-banned-books-week-slovakia-democracy-test-and-more
Fri, September 22, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with U.S. President Joe Biden and members of Congress to ensure continued U.S. military aid amid Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia; the Spanish parliament attempts to choose a prime minister, with both Alberto Núñez Feijóo and serving President Pedro Sánchez reliant on smaller fringe parties to secure a majority; the United Nations observes the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons despite the continuing global prevalence of nuclear weapons; and relations between Canada and India are frayed after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of ordering the death of prominent Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/zelenskyy-washington-spain-tries-form-government-un-spotlights-nuclear-weapons-and-more
Thu, September 14, 2023
One year after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police prompted widespread domestic protests, the Islamic Republic appears to have rebounded while keeping a prominent international profile; the United Nations General Assembly begins its high-level debate week with leaders gathering to attend major summits on Sustainable Development Goals and climate challenges; and Cuba arrests Russian recruiters looking for more fighters. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Who Runs the World?... Not Women ,” Why It Matters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/anniversary-mahsa-aminis-death-un-summits-climate-and-development-russia-recruits-cubans
Thu, September 07, 2023
Leaders of major global economies meet in New Delhi, India for the annual Group of Twenty (G20) summit to solve the most pressing economic challenges; on September 11th, Chile marks fifty years since General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte’s military coup and the United States observes the twenty-second anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks; a possible meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin troubles national security experts; and the European Union struggles with a surge in asylum applications. Mentioned on the Podcast Jack Devine, “ What Really Happened in Chile ,” Foreign Affairs Pablo Larraín, El Conde Francisco O. Mora, “ Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Coup D’état in Chile ,” U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States Scott Snyder, “ The Perils of a Renewed North Korea-Russia Relationship ,” CFR.org The 9/11 Commission Report [PDF], The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/indias-g20-summit-911-chile-and-us-kim-jong-un-and-putin-draw-closer-and-more
Thu, August 31, 2023
Southeast Asian leaders meet in Jakarta, Indonesia for the forty-third Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, working to improve the bloc’s cooperation with external partners; Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, commonly known as AMLO, begins the last year of his six-year term; new COVID-19 variants drive a spike in U.S. cases and hospitalizations; and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s visit to Beijing spurs renewed interest in U.S.-China trade. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/asean-summit-amlos-final-year-covid-19-variants-emerge-and-more
Thu, August 24, 2023
Major technology companies rush to comply with the European Union (EU) Digital Services Act, which makes online platforms responsible for moderating harmful content; questions mount about the Russian private military company Wagner Group after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is reportedly killed in a plane crash; the Taliban enters its third year in power since the U.S. military evacuated from Afghanistan; and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian visits Saudi Arabia as the former rival countries to normalize relations. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Israeli-Saudi Peace Deal, With Steven A. Cook ,” The President’s Inbox Tatiana Stanovaya, “ Putin’s Age of Chaos ,” Foreign Affairs For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eu-crackdowns-big-tech-after-prigozhin-two-years-taliban-and-more
Thu, August 17, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol meet at Camp David to try to strengthen security cooperation against North Korea and coordinate China policies; Ecuador holds a snap election amid political violence; South Africa hosts the fifteenth summit of BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with the goal of expanding the group’s geopolitical influence; and Niger’s crisis worsens as the military junta vows to prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Mentioned on the Podcast Mohamed Bazoum, “ President of Niger: My Country Is Under Attack and I’ve Been Taken Hostage ,” Washington Post Hanna Foreman, Mireya Solís, and Andrew Yeo, “ America’s Window of Opportunity in Asia ,” Foreign Affairs Scott A. Snyder, “ The Trilateral Summit at Camp David: Institutionalizing U.S.-Japan-South Korea Coordination ,” CFR.org Scott A. Snyder and Sheila A. Smith, “ Media Briefing: U.S.-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Summit ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/us-japan-south-korea-summit-ecuadors-snap-election-brics-leaders-meet-and-more
Thu, August 10, 2023
In this special episode of The World Next Week , Rosa Brooks, the Scott K. Ginsburg Chair in Law and Policy and professor at Georgetown University Law Center, joins Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss the books they recommend reading, the books they’re looking forward to reading, and other entertainment they’re enjoying this summer. Mentioned on the Podcast Carla’s Picks Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, American Prometheus: The Triumph And Tragedy Of J. Robert Oppenheimer Caitlin Doughty, From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death Christopher Nolan, “ Oppenheimer ” Bob’s Picks Konstantin Paustovsky, translated by Douglas Smith, The Story of a Life Gabrielle Zevin, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow “ Jonathan GPT Swift on Jonathan Swift ,” Conversations with Tyler Rosa’s Picks Alex Mar, Seventy Times Seven: A True Story Of Murder And Mercy George Black, Empire of Shadows: The Epic Story of Yellowstone John Linson and Taylor Sheridan, “ Yellowstone ” Additional Books, Podcasts, Shows, and Games Mentioned on the Podcast John Adams, Doctor Atomic Edward Berger, “ All Quiet on the Western Front ” Tyler Cowen, “ Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide ” Joan Didion, The White Album Craig Mazin, “ The Last of Us ” Pong Sam Shaw, “ Manhattan ” Frank Spotnitz, “ The Man in the High Castle ” Fred Zinnemann,
Thu, August 03, 2023
A Russian court will deliver the final verdict for opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s trial on “extremism” charges; eight South American heads of state meet in Belém, Brazil to try to strengthen a common policy for Amazon Rainforest protection; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for judiciary reform intensifies; and protesters in Niger direct their anger towards France. Mentioned on the Podcast Mariel Ferragamo, “ The Niger Coup Could Threaten the Entire Sahel ,“ CFR.org Bryan Harris, “ Brazil to Launch ‘Most Ambitious’ Green Transition Package ,” Financial Times Yaniv Kubovich, " Israeli Army Retroactively Cancels Call-ups of Reservists Who Refused to Report for Duty ," Haaretz Dov Lieber, “ Israeli Reservists Start Missing Duty, Threatening Military Unity and Readiness ,” Wall Street Journal Recommended Reading Diana Roy, “ Can Amazon Countries Save the Rain Forest? ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/navalnys-verdict-amazon-cooperation-summit-israels-political-crisis-and-more
Thu, July 27, 2023
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Australia to wrap up a visit aimed at boosting security ties and offsetting Chinese influence; the Colombian government and guerrilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) agree to implement a cease-fire; the formation of a newly elected Thai government remains in limbo as differing factions disagree on who can stand for prime minister; and China’s government removes former Foreign Minister Qin Gang after only seven months of service. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/blinken-visits-south-pacific-colombia-eln-cease-fire-thailands-political-face-and-more
Thu, July 20, 2023
Russia’s rejection of extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative threatens global food security; Spain holds an early general election amid signs of a resurgent populist right; Comic-Con and the media industry cut back on events due to strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA); and a U.S. soldier crosses through the demilitarized zone into North Korea. Mentioned on the Podcast Kali Robinson, “ Russia Killed the Black Sea Grain Deal. These Countries Could Suffer Most. ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/black-sea-grain-blockade-spains-snap-elections-hollywood-strikes-broader-impact-and-more
Thu, July 13, 2023
Leaders from the European Union (EU), Latin America, and the Caribbean meet to renew a strategic partnership on issues including trade and climate change; the U.S. Congress wrestles with unprecedented divisions over the annual National Defense Authorization Act; thirty-two soccer teams land in Australia and New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup; and grim days appear likely for the Wagner Group amid a post-rebellion crackdown from the Kremlin. Mentioned on the Podcast Jon Wertheim, “ Australia and New Zealand Are Eager to Show a More Inclusive Version of Themselves ,” Sports Illustrated For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eu-latin-america-and-caribbean-summit-us-defense-spending-conflicts-womens-world-cup-down
Thu, July 06, 2023
In this special episode of The World Next Week , Rosa Brooks, the Scott K. Ginsburg Chair in Law and Policy and professor at Georgetown University Law Center, joins Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss the books they recommend reading, the books they’re looking forward to reading, and other entertainment they’re enjoying this summer. Mentioned on the Podcast Carla’s Picks Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, American Prometheus: The Triumph And Tragedy Of J. Robert Oppenheimer Caitlin Doughty, From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death Christopher Nolan, “ Oppenheimer ” Bob’s Picks Konstantin Paustovsky, translated by Douglas Smith, The Story of a Life Gabrielle Zevin, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow “ Jonathan GPT Swift on Jonathan Swift ,” Conversations with Tyler Rosa’s Picks Alex Mar, Seventy Times Seven: A True Story Of Murder And Mercy George Black, Empire of Shadows: The Epic Story of Yellowstone John Linson and Taylor Sheridan, “ Yellowstone ” Additional Books, Podcasts, Shows, and Games Mentioned on the Podcast John Adams, Doctor Atomic Edward Berger, “ All Quiet on the Western Front ” Tyler Cowen, “ Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide ” Joan Didion, The White Album Craig Mazin, “ The Last of Us ” Pong Sam Shaw, “ Manhattan ” Frank Spotnitz, “ The Man in the High Castle ” Fred Zinnemann,
Thu, June 29, 2023
Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to assert control and stability after the coup attempt by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin; NATO prepares for its summit in Vilnius, Lithuania with mounting questions about Ukrainian membership; hundreds of thousands attend Denmark’s Roskilde music festival that highlights the power of art in society; and Zambia secures a deal to restructure its $6 billion in sovereign debt. Mentioned on the Podcast Liana Fix, “ For Europe, Time to Plan for a Post-Putin Russia ,” CFR.org Stephen Sestanovich, “ How Should NATO Think About Ukrainian Membership After Russia’s Coup Attempt? ,” CFR.org Michelle Zauner, Crying in H Mart Music Selections Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul, “ Blenda ” Villano Antillano and Pedró, “ Reina de la Selva ” Bad Bunny and Rosalía, “ LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE ” Burna Boy, “ Ye ” Japanese Breakfast, “ Be Sweet ” Rina Sawayama, “ XS ” Rema and Selena Gomez, “ Calm Down ” For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/russias-post-rebellion-moves-natos-vilnius-summit-europes-21st-century-woodstock-and-more
Thu, June 22, 2023
Heads of state from the European Union’s twenty-seven members meet in Brussels to discuss support for Ukraine and new initiatives to coordinate defense, economics, and migration; the Biden administration takes part in events marking the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade , which continues to draw international scrutiny; Guatemala holds its general election with voters concerned about poverty, crime, and political corruption; and the UN pledges $1.5 billion in aid to Sudan as fighting continues. Mentioned on the Podcast “ Abortion Law: Global Comparisons ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eu-leaders-summit-biden-marks-abortion-ruling-anniversary-guatemalas-election-and-more
Thu, June 15, 2023
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken finally heads to China amid hopes that U.S.-China tensions will subside; U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit to focus on expanded, strategic economic ties; Ukraine presses on with its long-awaited counteroffensive; and four indigenous children survive forty days in the Amazon after a plane crash. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/blinkens-rescheduled-china-trip-modis-state-visit-us-ukraines-counteroffensive-and-more
Thu, June 08, 2023
Canada’s unprecedented wildfire season overwhelms Canadian firefighters, and many in the eastern United States deal with dangerous levels of smoke; the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries releases its monthly oil report as Saudi Arabia seeks to boost prices; Germany hosts NATO’s largest air defense exercise as a signal to Russia; and Ukraine rushes to respond to the humanitarian and security crises caused by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/canadas-wildfires-opec-oil-report-natos-largest-air-drill-and-more
Thu, June 01, 2023
The International Atomic Energy Association reports on the nuclear-powered submarines that the United States and the United Kingdom will provide to Australia within the AUKUS alliance; world leaders and defense officials meet in Singapore for Asia’s premier security event– the Shangri-La Dialogue; U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wraps up his Nordic tour with his final stop in Helsinki, meeting with Finnish officials to discuss North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) priorities; and NATO sends additional troops to Kosovo to respond to ethnically-charged clashes. Mentioned on the Podcast Frank Capra, Lost Horizon Thomas L. Friedman, “ NATO or Tomato? ,” New York Times Valona Tela, “ Kosovo ‘Tactical Game’ Is A Strategic Blunder, Security Expert Charles Kupchan Warns Amid Balkan Violence ,” Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty “ Turkey’s Election [Twitter Spaces] ,” Council on Foreign Relations For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/australian-submarine-deal-asian-security-summit-blinken-finland-and-more
Thu, May 25, 2023
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his opponent Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu face off in Turkey’s runoff election; U.S. government leaders contend with a looming deadline to avoid a disastrous default; president-elect Bola Tinubu is sworn in as Nigeria contends with an economic crisis; Evan Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention is extended; and Sudan struggles to find a lasting solution to the conflict between the military and a paramilitary group, exacerbating its humanitarian crisis. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven Cook, “ Here’s How to Read Turkey’s Election Results—So Far ,” CFR.org Mariel Ferragamo and Diana Roy, “ What Is the Extent of Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis? ,” CFR.org Ebenezer Obadare, “ Why Buhari Failed ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/turkeys-runoff-election-debt-ceiling-dangers-nigerias-tinubu-inaugurated-president-and
Thu, May 18, 2023
The Arab League summit marks the return of Syria and its president, Bashar al-Assad; Japan hosts the leaders of the Group of Seven democracies in Hiroshima, Japan, with concerns over China and Russia at the fore; the UN Security Council discusses sanctions on North Korea amid the country’s missile buildup; and migration slows at the southern U.S. border after the lifting of Title 42. Mentioned on the Podcast “ After Twelve Years of Blood, Assad’s Syria Rejoins the Arab League ,” The Economist Recommended Reading Kali Robinson, “ Syria Is Normalizing Relations With Arab Countries. Who Will Benefit? ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/syria-returns-arab-league-g7-summit-japan-un-discussions-north-korea-and-more
Thu, May 11, 2023
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces off with opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in Turkey’s presidential election; Thais vote in their first general election since 2019; the Black Sea grain deal faces possible expiration; international film makers step forward at the Cannes Film Festival; and Ukraine fends off Russia’s recent drone attack. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven Cook, “ What if Kemal Kilicdaroglu Wins Turkey’s Election? ,” Foreign Policy For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/momentous-elections-turkey-and-thailand-black-sea-grain-initiative-and-more
Thu, May 04, 2023
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea; major pandemic-related U.S. immigration policies such as Title 42 end, straining an already overwhelmed southern border; the director of national intelligence and the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency brief a Senate panel on the top international threats to U.S. national security; and the U.S. Congress debates a plan to prevent default. Mentioned on the Podcast Paul B. Stares, “ Conflicts to Watch in 2023 ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/south-korea-japan-summit-us-border-policy-changes-us-annual-threat-assessment-and-more
Thu, April 27, 2023
Iran and Russia aim to broker a rapprochement between Syria and Turkey; the Israeli Knesset begins its summer session in the face of mass protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial reforms; Pope Francis makes a three-day visit to Hungary, where he is expected to raise concerns about migration and the war in Ukraine; and a cease-fire fails to put an end to conflict in Sudan. Mentioned on the Podcast George Lucas, Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/syria-turkey-relations-israels-ongoing-domestic-tensions-pope-visits-hungary-and-more
Thu, April 20, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden hosts South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol for a state visit, marking the seventy-year U.S.-South Korean alliance; people worldwide celebrate Earth Day with pledges to take environmental action; and the UN Security Council discusses its mission to Haiti and plans to stabilize the turbulent country. Mentioned on the Podcast Earthday.org Rocio Cara Labrador and Diana Roy, “ Haiti’s Troubled Path to Development ,” CFR.org Scott Snyder, “ How to Prepare for the Future After Seven Decades of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-hosts-south-koreas-president-earth-day-un-addresses-haiti-and-more
Thu, April 13, 2023
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group wrap up their joint spring meetings, where the focus is on restructuring debt for low-income countries; expected Republican presidential candidates convene at a National Rifle Association Leadership Forum amid ongoing mass shooting concerns; and the United Nations discusses the prospects for national elections in Libya, as the country continues to grapple with sharp divisions. Mentioned on the Podcast “ A Conversation With David Malpass ” Brad W. Setser, “ The World Bank Stepped Up During the Pandemic ,” CFR.org Ian Shapira, “ Before Trump’s Wild Shifts on the NRA, Ronald Reagan Took on the Gun Lobby ,” Washington Post “ The IMF Faces a Nightmarish Identity Crisis ,” The Economist For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/imf-and-world-bank-spring-meetings-nra-ila-leadership-forum-un-libya-and-more
Thu, April 06, 2023
China’s President Xi Jinping woos France’s President Emmanuel Macron, while Macron urges Xi to bring “Russia back to reason” on Ukraine; Northern Ireland’s Good Friday peace agreement turns twenty-five; and as Iran celebrates National Nuclear Technology Day, its enriched uranium stocks grow. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven Erlanger and Matina Stevis-Gridneff, “ China’s Ambassador to the E.U. Tries to Distance Beijing From Moscow ,” New York Times Barak Ravid, “ Scoop: U.S. Discussing Freeze-for-Freeze Approach to Iran Nuclear Program ,” Axios For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/macron-goes-china-good-friday-agreement-turns-25-irans-nuclear-technology-day-and-more
Thu, March 30, 2023
Turkey’s presidential candidates officially kick-off their campaigns ahead of May elections; Russia begins its term as president of the UN Security Council; and Walt Disney World wraps up its fiftieth anniversary celebration amid legal disputes with the Florida state government. Mentioned on the Podcast Will Freeman and Ariana Rios, “ How Peru’s Crisis Could Send Shockwaves Through the Region ,” CFR.org Rone Tempest, “ Protesters Block Euro Disneyland : France: Irked by U.S. Trade Policies, Farmers Use Tractors to Keep Cars and Buses Out of the Park ,” Los Angeles Times “ U.S. Immigration Policy, With Edward Alden ,” The President’s Inbox For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/turkish-presidential-campaigning-begins-russias-cloudy-security-council-presidency-disney
Thu, March 23, 2023
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China to discuss Brazil-China economic ties; millions of people around the world switch off their lights for 60 minutes to celebrate Earth Hour; and the United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Zambia co-host the second Summit for Democracy. Mentioned on the Podcast Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report Michelle Gavin, “ Zimbabwe Limps Toward Elections ,” CFR.org Joshua Kurlantzick, “ Thailand’s Parliament Has Been Dissolved: Elections Loom, But Will They Be Free? ,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/brazils-lula-visits-china-earth-hour-second-summit-democracy-and-more
Thu, March 16, 2023
The UN Security Council decides whether to renew the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan; on its twentieth anniversary, Americans and Iraqis take stock of the U.S. invasion of Iraq; and the future of the Ukraine-Russia Black Sea Grain Initiative, a vital food export agreement, is decided. Mentioned on the Podcast Max Boot, “ What the Neocons Got Wrong ,” Foreign Affairs Peter Feaver, Christopher Gelpi, and Jason Reifler, “ The Strange Case of Iraq Syndrome ,” Foreign Affairs Sebastian Mallaby, “ What the Silicon Valley Bank Bailout Teaches Us, ” Washington Post For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/un-afghanistan-twenty-years-us-invasion-iraq-black-sea-grain-initiative-and-more
Thu, March 09, 2023
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss migration, trade, security, and other issues; the world enters the fourth year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic; and Academy Award-nominated films spotlight international issues. Mentioned on the Podcast Colm Bairéad, The Quiet Girl Edward Berger, All Quiet on the Western Front Lukas Dhont, Close Sara Dosa, Fire of Love Stanley Kubrick, Paths of Glory Lewis Milestone, All Quiet on the Western Front Santiago Mitre, Argentina, 1985 Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front Daniel Roher, Navalny Jerzy Skolimowski, EO Simon Lereng Wilmont, A House Made of Splinters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/uk-france-summit-3-years-covid-19-pandemic-foreign-films-oscars-and-more
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