A second wave explosion went off in Lebanon on Wednesday, just one day after Hezbollah pagers exploded across the country and injured thousands. Though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, the Israeli defense minister said a ‘new phase’ of war has begun as Israeli troops move to the north. Then, with far-right parties in control of…

Following the killing of 6 hostages held by Hamas, protests pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu to bring the hostages' home continued this week in Israel. As the Israel-Hamas conflict approaches the one-year mark, talks to return the hostages have stalled, as has progress on a cease-fire deal. Then, Russian forces began a counter-offensive against …

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited Beijing this week for high-level talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, laying the groundwork for another Xi-Biden summit. Meanwhile, clashes between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea have sparked fears of a wider conflict. Then, the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France…

Matt Kaminski, Ken Moriyasu, and Macarena Vidal join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to look at the key takeaways from the Democratic National Convention and views from abroad on the euphoria overwhelming Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Then, what would foreign policy look like in a Harris administration? Plus, Blinken leaves the Middle East with …

Two weeks into their most significant incursion since the war began, Ukrainian forces continue to advance further into Russia’s Kursk region. What does this offensive mean for Putin’s image, and how far will it go? Then, a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks resumes this week without participation from Hamas, raising fears for an Iranian attack on Is…

Following misinformation about a deadly knife attack on a children's dance class, anti-immigrant riots fueled by far-right groups continue in Britain. Then, a mass uprising forced Bangladesh's’ Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country. Plus, tension and fears of a wider regional war have increased following Israel’s assassination…

The largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history between the US and Russia took place this week. Why now and what does it mean? Then, Iran is calling for revenge and warns of regional war with Israel, following Israeli airstrikes that assassinated a key Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in the heart of Tehran. Plus, protests have erupted in Venezuela a…

Poised to be the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris has kicked off her campaign after Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race. How does her nomination change the race, and what impact will she have on foreign policy? Then, as the Israel-Hamas war continues into its ninth month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits DC to discuss…

Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump announced he would be selecting Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate. What does Vance’s background look like, and what does the Trump-Vance ticket mean for the world? Then, as war in Gaza continues, Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Biden in Washington DC next week and…

NATO leaders met this week in Washington, DC to discuss several topics on the 75th anniversary of the summit. Hot topics included Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the rise of China, and political challenges many alliance members are facing at home. Then, a look at the French and British election results and what they mean for the future of Europe. Plu…

As the UK and French snap elections loom, Matt Kaminski, Sylvie Kauffmann, and Giles Whittell join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to discuss the impact and implications of these elections on Europe, the West, and the world at large. Then, looking ahead at NATO’s 75th anniversary and what we can expect at the upcoming NATO Summit.…

Last weekend, Ukraine held its first peace summit with an aim of presenting a peace plan between Ukraine and Russia. More than 100 countries and international organizations were present, but despite strong support from the West, Russia and China were absent, and key global powers refused to sign the Ukraine peace document. Then, Putin’s visit to No…

Voters in 27 countries of the European Union took to the polls last week to elect the next European Parliament. While the far-right parties made major gains in France, Germany, and Italy, the centrists held on for a clear victory. How will these results impact the EU and its member states? Meanwhile, Italy hosts the G7 Summit this week as leaders c…

Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and the former mayor of Mexico City, is set to become the first female president in the 200-year history of Mexico’s republic. What does her victory mean for Mexico? Then, in another major election across the globe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third term, though opposition parties gained seats in…

Far-right parties are on the rise and dominating the polls in Europe. With elections happening in June, can a far-right European Union really happen? Then, dozens of civilians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, further isolating Israel on the international stage and increasing pressure on the Biden administration to pull back support. Pl…

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a surprise announcement this week calling for a general election on July 4. Why the sudden decision, and what will follow for the United Kingdom? Then, the International Criminal Court is applying for arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and three Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity…

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin met this week in a show of unity, tightening Russia’s strategic alliance with China. What are the geopolitical implications of their “new era” partnership? Then, thousands of Ukrainians have fled border towns in the northeast Kharkiv region as Russian troops advance in new offensive. Plus, the fallout …

This week, a special edition of World Review – a conversation with ADM Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations, about the U.S. Navy’s role in this increasingly complex and uncertain world. ADM Franchetti is the first woman to ascend to the top leadership of the U.S. Navy and the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A surface wa…

The United States and Saudi Arabia are nearing a historic deal that could potentially reshape Middle East geopolitics with implications for regional security, diplomatic relations, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meanwhile, last week French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech issuing a stark warning that Europe faces the poss…

This week on World Review, Bobby Ghosh, Susan Glasser, and Stefan Kornelius join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to discuss what’s next in Ukraine after Congress approved a $60 billion military aid package. Will this aid boost make an immediate impact? Plus, a look at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s trip to China, followed by Secretary of State Antony Bl…

Yasmeen Abutaleb, Anton La Guardia, and Peter Spiegel join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to analyze the implications of Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel earlier this week and discuss what’s next as tensions boil, sparking fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, after months of delay, House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced …

This week, President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Kishida to discuss Ukraine, AI and security in East Asia emphasizing the Japan-US alliance. Then, Biden criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as the Israel-Hamas war enters its sixth month, deepening the Israel-US rift. Plus, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen concluded her trip to Chi…

The World Central Kitchen has suspended operations in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike killed 7 aid workers. Another Israeli airstrike in Damascus is igniting fears of retaliatory strikes from Iran. Meanwhile, Turkey's nationwide local elections dealt Turkish President Erdogan's ruling AK Party a major electoral defeat, signaling a change in Turkey’…

Last week’s attack on Crocus City Hall was Russia’s deadliest terror attack in almost two decades, killing at least 137 people. The Islamic State took responsibility for the attack, yet Putin suggested Ukraine and the West had a role, connecting it to the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council approved a Gaza ceasefire resol…

The number and severity of humanitarian crises are multiplying and intensifying. To talk about why this is happening and what can be done, the Council’s Ivo Daalder spoke with David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom for a special edition of World Review…

Voting in Russia's presidential election has already begun and continues through this weekend. What will another six years of Putin in power mean for the world? Then, exacerbated by Israel restricting the flow of aid, the Gaza Strip is on the brink of famine. Will the Netanyahu government shift course following intense international pressure, inclu…

Results from Super Tuesday set the stage for a Biden-Trump rematch this November. What does that mean for the world? Germany vows to investigate after a leaked recording emerges between top-ranking German officers on the country’s Russia-Ukraine war strategy, exposing divisions among Western Allies. And pressure mounts for a cease-fire in Gaza befo…

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, Ukraine is fighting for the country’s survival and is desperate for international military aid. Anton La Guardia, Catherine Philp, and Yaroslav Trofimov join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to discuss Ukraine’s future, and current European and U.S. perspectives on the two-year ann…

The sudden death of Alexei Navalny has strengthened Putin’s impunity. With the death toll nearing 30,000, the WHO warns that the Gaza Strip is now a “death zone.” Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes expand in the region as a new cease-fire deal is underway. World leaders and defense officials met in Munich last week, exposing concerns over the U.S. commi…

Former President Donald Trump faces backlash following recent comments suggesting Russia invade NATO nations, reigniting fears that his re-election would weaken the defense alliance. Tensions continue to grow between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s invasion of Rafah looms. And following controversial parliament…

Due to the struggling war effort, President Zelensky is considering replacing Ukraine's military and political leadership. Meanwhile, in Washington, Congress is beginning to search for alternative routes to pass aid to Ukraine. Amid heightened tensions, Blinken heads to the Middle East to discuss a possible cease-fire and hostage deal. Northern Ire…

President Biden vowed to retaliate after a drone strike in Jordan killed three U.S. soldiers but does not want to seek a wider war in the region. U.S. and China held talks in Thailand stabilizing relations between the two countries as a sense of crisis fades. Farmer protests are spreading across Europe over rising costs, unfair competition, and sub…

Tens of thousands protest in Germany against the country’s far-right AfD party, following a report that extremists discussed plans for the mass deportation of immigrants. Despite increasing criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his opposition to a two-state solution. Then, in a historic break, North Korea drops from its cons…

Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, Deborah Amos, and Yaroslav Trofimov join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to discuss the global impact of Taiwan’s presidential election. Then, how Russia's war with Ukraine has formed a new “axis of evil.” Plus, key takeaways from hearings at the International Court of Justice on South Africa's genocide case against Israel.…

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Israel during a trip across the Middle East, in an effort to reduce tensions in the region. Meanwhile, groups backed by Iran have escalated attacks in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and on international ships in the Red Sea. Plus, how Taiwan's upcoming election could shake up U.S.-China relations even mor…

Major foreign policy issues continue to unfold around the world, from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to Israel's war with Hamas. More than 60 countries head to the polls this year, including Taiwan, which the U.S. and China are following closely. Plus, populism is on the rise globally. Susan Glasser, Stefan Kornelius, and Peter Spiegel join the Cou…

From Ukraine to Gaza, Yasmeen Abutaleb, Carla Anne Robbins, and Nahal Toosi join World Review with Ivo Daalder to discuss the events that shaped our world this year, and what lies ahead in the pivotal 2024 election year that could shape global order. Plus, is U.S. pressure on Israel working?By Yasmeen Abutaleb, Carla Anne Robbins, Nahal Toosi, Ivo Daalder

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a plea to Congress for more U.S. aid to fight Russia, though chances of passing a deal hang in the balance. The divide between President Joe Biden and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu widens after Biden warns that Israel is losing international support for its war against Hamas. And Poland elects a…

The Israeli military expanded its offensive into southern Gaza, displacing many Palestinians who already fled northern Gaza. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, so does international criticism of Israel’s response. Republicans in the U.S. Senate block aid to Ukraine in protest over border security improvements. Plus, the rapid rise of A.I. and what…

As the temporary truce in Gaza extends into the seventh day, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure the release of all Israeli hostages and continue Israel’s assault on Gaza. The War in Ukraine is headed toward a stalemate until one side can rebuild and generate a meaningful offensive. And the U.N.'s COP28 Summit begins this week in Dubai, wit…

Despite international outcry for a ceasefire, the Israel-Hamas war rages on as Israel’s ground offensive escalates. Friction between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu widens as they try to find common ground over the future of Gaza. And with U.S.-China relations at a 40-year low, Biden meets with China's President Xi in …

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under increasing pressure for one of the worst security failures in Israel’s history. With support dwindling, he issued a rare public apology but ultimately blamed Israeli defense and intelligence officials. Meanwhile, accusations that Israel and Hamas are violating international law prompted ICC Prosecut…

A widening conflict looms over the Middle East, with clashes at the Israel-Lebanon border and air strikes in Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank. The US has placed its forces on high alert, and the EU is calling for increased security amid concerns over a rise in antisemitic attacks. What could a potential escalation of the Israel-Hamas war mean for the…

As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, global protests have erupted following a Gaza Strip hospital explosion. The US embassy and Saudi Arabia have urged their citizens in Lebanon to leave amid clashes at the Israel-Lebanon border. Egypt is allowing the flow of aid into Gaza but its foreign ministry has also warned of consequences of Israeli escalation.…

Since Hamas attacked Israel on Saturday, killing at least 1,200 people and kidnapping about 150, including Americans, the atrocities continue to grow. At least 1,400 Palestinians have been killed in the violence, and Israel has massed troops on the border with Gaza, placing the territory under siege. This week — James Harding, Prashant Rao and Naha…

Bipartisan support for U.S. military assistance in Ukraine is declining. Meanwhile, what does Kevin McCarthy’s ouster mean for the future of Ukraine funding? Plus, tensions have escalated between Serbia and Kosovo, with some warning things could turn violent. And frictions between Canada and India have deepened over the murder of a Canadian Sikh. T…

Thousands of ethnic Armenians are fleeing their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan launched a military offensive last week, leaving the future of the region in question. We take a look at how this decades-long conflict will affect geopolitics from China to Europe to the Middle East. The U.S. continues to work toward a normalization deal bet…

The disappearance of China’s defense minister General Li and former foreign minister Qun Gang raises questions about a potential purge in Xi’s government. Global leaders gathered for the annual meeting at the U.N. General Assembly to discuss their highest priorities. Plus, how did the U.S. and Iran reach a $6 billion prisoner swap deal? The Council…

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead after a plane crash in Russia. All eyes are on the BRICS summit as the debate over expansion continues. US officials are becoming increasingly critical of Ukraine's counteroffensive strategy. And finally, the Saudi government has committed crimes against humanity at its border. The Council's Ivo Daalde…

Biden aims to deepen trilateral ties with South Korea and Japan to create a united front against North Korea and China. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made massive investments in the AI business, raising concerns about potential human rights abuses. Plus, China’s economy appears to be faltering, leaving many wondering how the CCP government will res…