Explore every episode of the podcast World Review with Ivo Daalder

Key Topics

• Susan Glasser says Trump is a "double-down" president, not a pullback one, and asks what can actually constrain him after the midterm rebuke.
• Shashank says oversight and hearings are mostly transparency and harassment tools, and that budget power is stronger. He adds that a Senate map hard to flip in 2028 could block Republican appointees for years.
• JD Vance's written break with the Iran war is discussed, along with Shashank's view that a major Iran strike now looks less likely. Shashank also lays out the options of muddling through, walking away, or a weak deal.
• Stefanie Bolzen reports a muted, cautious European reaction. She cites the Pentagon posture review expected by December, the Turnberry trade framework review, and White House pressure on Lithuania over Belarus potash sanctions.
• The panel discusses Israel as a growing divide inside both parties, especially among younger voters. It also covers generational change in Congress and the Democratic field for 2028.
• The panel considers how Putin and Xi might respond to a weakened Trump. This includes Ukraine and Russia risks, Kushner's European security proposal, and Taiwan and the US-China trade truce, with Shashank expecting about six months of stability.
   

Links

Shashank Joshi - https://mediadirectory.economist.com/people/shashank-joshi/

Stefanie Bolzen - https://www.politico.com/staff/stefanie-bolzen

Susan Glasser - https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/susan-b-glasser

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

This week on World Review, guest host Bobby Ghosh sits in for Ivo Daalder for a look at elections and selections.

Israel's election (2:00): Neither Netanyahu's bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot's reaches the 61 seats needed to govern, and Arab parties win a record 19. The panel discusses the stalemate, fraud claims, fears of renewed war with Iran, and how the global south sees the result.

Serbia's election (18:30): A student-led movement wins a majority, ending Aleksandar Vučić's 14-year rule. The guests weigh how protesters become governors, what Brussels can offer, and lessons from Hungary.

UN Secretary-General race (38:16): Richard Gowan explains straw polls and vetoes, the sidelining of frontrunner Rebecca Grynspan, and the controversial late bid of the UAE's Lana Nusseibeh. They cover concerns over Sudan and China's hesitation.

Guests: Catherine Philp (The Times of London), Yannis Palaiologos (Kathimerini), Richard Gowan (International Crisis Group).
World Review is a Belfast Center for Science and International Affairs podcast from Harvard Kennedy School.

Key Topics

• Protests over the cost of living and failing public services escalated into major riots in France.
• France’s political deadlock and rising debt have intensified debate over pensions and the country’s future.
• Young people feel squeezed by housing costs and a system that protects older generations.
• Declining trust in democracy is fueling support for more radical political movements.
• The panel questions whether U.S. deals with Russia could weaken pressure on Moscow.
• A possible summit on Ukraine without Ukraine raises concerns about its sovereignty and influence.
• Ukraine’s strikes on Russian infrastructure are discussed as a source of strategic leverage.
• European support remains important to Ukraine’s ability to resist pressure.
• Brazil’s runoff election reflects voter anger over crime, corruption, and weak economic growth.
• China’s growing economic role and Trump’s influence are reshaping politics across Latin America.

Links

Yaroslav Trofimov - https://www.wsj.com/news/author/yaroslav-trofimov
Eduardo Porter - https://www.theguardian.com/profile/eduardo-porter
Steven Erlanger - https://www.nytimes.com/by/steven-erlanger

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• U.S. pressure on Ukraine — How Trump’s approach to Zelensky and Ukraine is shaping the war and diplomatic negotiations.
• Intelligence and Starlink support — Why intelligence-sharing, targeting, and communications can be as critical as weapons on the battlefield.
• U.S.–Russia relations and the diesel deal — The implications of reported U.S. energy dealings with Moscow for sanctions, oil markets, and Putin’s position.
• Europe’s support for Ukraine — Whether European countries can sustain support and compensate if U.S. backing weakens.
• NATO’s security challenges — Alliance cohesion, hybrid threats, and the changing demands of collective defense.
• U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy — How political pressures in Washington, including the midterms, may influence decisions abroad.
• Houthi attacks and Saudi Arabia’s security — The impact of attacks on airports and energy infrastructure.
• Drones and asymmetric warfare — How lower-cost weapons challenge conventional military defenses.
• Red Sea security and global trade — The risks that regional conflict poses to shipping routes and supply chains.
• The future of U.S. alliances — How uncertainty about American commitments is affecting the calculations of partners in Europe, Ukraine, and the Gulf.

 

Links

Carla Anne Robbins - https://www.cfr.org/experts/carla-anne-robbins

Shona Murray - https://events.euronews.com/euronews-on-air/speaker/1136912/shona-murray
Elise Labott - https://substack.com/@eliselabott

Michael Shear - https://www.nytimes.com/by/michael-d-shear

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

The panel assesses the Middle East after years of regional war, asking whether Israel’s military gains have come at the expense of lasting security, political stability, and international support. They also discuss how the conflict has reshaped American politics and weakened confidence in U.S. leadership across the region.

The conversation then turns to Ukraine, where battlefield developments, pressure on civilian infrastructure, and proposed business deals with Russia raise new questions about the path to peace. Finally, the group considers the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in Congo and whether a more inward-looking U.S. response could leave both America and the world less prepared.

Links

Matthew Kaminski - https://cepa.org/author/matthew-kaminski/
Anton Troianovski - https://www.nytimes.com/by/anton-troianovski
Yasmeen Abutaleb - https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/yasmeen-abutaleb/

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

China, Iraq, and Brexit: three shifts with global consequences

Ivo Daalder is joined by Ken Moriyasu, Carla Anne Robbins, and Giles Whittell to examine the strategy and symbolism behind three major international stories. The panel discusses Xi Jinping’s Washington visit and how the language around World War II could support Beijing’s preferred historical narrative. They consider whether the White House understood the significance of its messaging, and what the summit reveals about the wider U.S.-China relationship. The conversation then turns to the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. The guests explore whether the move benefits Iran, what it could mean for Iraq’s security and the fight against ISIS, and how American allies might interpret Washington’s changing commitments. Finally, they look at Britain’s revived Brexit debate. With economic growth and trade increasingly central to the discussion, the panel considers what renewed EU ties could mean for the UK—and what rejoining would require.

In this episode:

• Xi’s visit and the politics of historical narratives
• U.S.-China competition and strategic messaging
• The consequences of the U.S. exit from Iraq
• Iran’s influence, Iraqi security, and the ISIS threat
• Britain’s changing debate about Brexit and EU membership
• What these stories suggest about U.S. global priorities

Guests:

 Ken Moriyasu, Carla Anne Robbins, and Giles Whittell

Key Topics

• What Trump’s UN speech and meeting with Xi tell us about the current state of diplomacy
• How seriously to take Europe’s warnings about Russian threats
• The challenges NATO faces in deterring—and responding to—gray-zone attacks
• Whether Germany’s far-right gains foreshadow a wider European trend
• Why cultural identity and distrust of established parties are reshaping politics

Links

Karen DeYoung - https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/karen-deyoung/

Steve Erlanger - https://www.nytimes.com/by/steven-erlanger

Jamie Dettmer - https://www.politico.eu/staff/jamie-dettmer-3/

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• Martin Wolf argues that the Fed’s move is politically significant as much as economically justified, because Donald Trump’s demand for 1 percent rates is, in his words, “insane.”
• Missy Ryan adds that Trump’s economic focus seems centered less on inflation itself and more on the stock market and the AI boom, especially with the midterms looming.
• Peter Spiegel links Fed policy to the broader debt and tech borrowing picture, arguing that AI spending may be helping prop up markets even as it pushes rates higher.
• The panel debates whether higher rates can really fight a global inflation environment shaped by war, oil prices, and supply shocks.
• On Canada and Europe, Peter Spiegel says Mark Carney’s approach is partly symbolic but politically powerful, since it has helped rally Canadian patriotism against Trump.
• Missy Ryan stresses that Canada’s stance is rooted in sovereignty and values, but also constrained by how tightly integrated the Canadian and U.S. economies remain.
• Martin Wolf argues Europe is in a very different position from Canada because most of its trade is internal, and it could survive even a major rupture with the United States.
• The discussion returns repeatedly to the question of permanence: is Trump’s approach a temporary disruption, or a long-term reordering of U.S. alliances and trade policy?
• In the Saudi segment, Missy Ryan describes the Houthi conflict and the Iran war as a destabilizing force that has widened old regional fractures and exposed U.S. limits.
• Peter Spiegel raises the possibility that Gulf states may respond by diversifying security ties and increasing their own defense spending, even if China is not yet able to replace the United States.
• Martin Wolf suggests that if the United States becomes unreliable, regional powers may eventually move closer to Iran and a broader regional balance of power, rather than count on Washington.
• The episode closes on oil prices, with Wolf arguing that while the market could still worsen, it has so far adjusted better than expected and may not reach the catastrophic levels many feared.

Links

Missy Ryan - https://www.theatlantic.com/author/missy-ryan/

Martin Wolf - https://www.ft.com/martin-wolf

Peter Spiegel - https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/peter-spiegel/

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• Nicholas Burns recounts being the new U.S. ambassador to NATO when the attacks happened and describes the urgent push to invoke Article V for the first time in NATO history.
• Meghan L. O’Sullivan explains how 9/11 helped push a generation of foreign policy professionals into government and public service, including her own move from Brookings to the State Department.
• Juliette Kayyem recalls being on maternity leave and on an Amtrak train to New York when the attacks unfolded.
• The group discusses how 9/11 changed the American national security mindset from treating terrorism as a niche issue to making it a central organizing concern.
• O’Sullivan breaks down the evolution of the phrases “you’re with us or against us” and “the war on terror,” arguing that both became more problematic over time than they were at the moment they were first used.
• Burns emphasizes that NATO allies were unified immediately after the attacks and that Canada was the first country to raise the idea of invoking Article V.
• The guests contrast the diplomatic and alliance-based response to 9/11 with the later turn toward preemption, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• O’Sullivan explains why the Iraq invasion cannot be understood apart from the post-9/11 atmosphere, even if the Iraq-9/11 connection itself was not proven.
• Kayyem describes the creation of homeland security as a major structural shift, from fragmented local and federal systems to a more centralized architecture with FEMA, the FBI, state homeland security advisors, and fusion-style coordination.
• The panel argues that domestic terrorism, political violence, technology, and radicalization now pose different challenges than the international terrorism focus that dominated the years after 9/11.
• Burns warns that the State Department and broader foreign policy bureaucracy have been weakened, arguing that America needs experienced diplomats and allies more than ever.
• The conversation closes with a shared lesson: America is strongest when it relies on friends, coordinates across institutions, and resists making the military the sole organizing principle of foreign policy.

Links

Juliette Kayyem - https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty/juliette-kayyem

Meghan L. O'Sullivan - https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty/meghan-osullivan

Nicholas Burns - https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty/nicholas-burns

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• The Venezuela oil deal is framed as a huge geopolitical gamble, with claims of 65 billion barrels and a U.S. stake in a private Venezuelan company.
• Nahal Toosi explains why the deal is surrounded by legal, constitutional, and practical doubts, including questions about infrastructure, financing, and corruption.
• Alex Ward argues the deal reflects a Trump-era foreign policy that treats oil and regime change as spoils of victory, not just strategic assets.
• Shashank Joshi notes that Europeans see echoes of earlier resource anxieties, from Greenland to the Falklands, and worry about a broader collapse of principle in U.S. policy.
• The panel raises the possibility that the Venezuela arrangement could create incentives to delay democratic transition and keep an anti-democratic regime in place.
  The military segment focuses on the strain caused by extended deployments in the Middle East, especially the impact on munitions stockpiles, carrier availability, and long-term maintenance.
• Joshi cites the depletion of Patriot interceptors and the ripple effects in Ukraine, where reduced interceptor capacity may be affecting defense against Russian missile attacks.
• Toosi warns that the U.S. is simultaneously damaging its diplomatic, development, trade, and military advantages, leaving Congress and Pentagon leadership slow to respond.
• On Russia, Alex Ward says Ratcliffe’s Moscow trip appears to be both a warning and a broader attempt to preserve a back-channel with Russian intelligence.
• Joshi and Toosi discuss Russian hybrid risk, including the concern that Moscow may test NATO without triggering a classic Article 5-style response.

Links

Nahal Toosi - https://www.politico.com/staff/nahal-toosi

Alexander Ward - https://www.wsj.com/news/author/alexander-ward

Shashank Joshi - https://mediadirectory.economist.com/people/shashank-joshi/

Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topicas

• Canada’s resistance to U.S. tariffs and what it means for Prime Minister Mark Carney
• Whether economic pressure can succeed against Iran where military action has not
• The weakening of U.S. leverage when allies are no longer willing to cooperate
• How Trump’s approach is changing the transatlantic relationship
• What fragmentation in Europe and the Gulf means for future global power

Links

Prashant Rao - https://www.semafor.com/author/prashant-rao

Matina Stevis-Gridneff - https://www.nytimes.com/by/matina-stevis-gridneff

Anton La Guardia - https://mediadirectory.economist.com/people/anton-la-guardia/
Ivo Daalder - https://www.ivodaalder.com/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• Artificial intelligence as a world-changing technology
• The promise and risks of AI
• AI’s potential to improve science and medicine
• Power, agency, and democracy in the AI era
• The US-China race for AI dominance
• China’s centralized approach to AI development
• Europe’s role in AI governance and sovereignty
• Why infrastructure and data centers matter for AI
• The tension between innovation and regulation
• Safety concerns from AI lab leaders themselves
• How AI could affect jobs, markets, and national security
• The need for transparency, accountability, and public oversight
• How political backlash could shape future AI policy
• The possibility of global AI guardrails and coordination

Links

• Sebastian Mallaby — https://www.cfr.org/experts/sebastian-mallaby
• Evan Osnos — https://www.evanosnos.com/
• Marietje Schaake — https://cyber.fsi.stanford.edu/people/marietje-schaake
• Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
• World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Show Notes

In this episode, Ivo Daalder is joined by Steve Erlanger, Christopher Miller, and Carla Anne Robbins for a wide-ranging conversation about three tests of U.S. power: Iran, Ukraine, and Cuba. The discussion begins with Iran, where the panel explores whether Tehran is outlasting Washington in a long war of patience and why sanctions and military threats may not produce the outcome the U.S. wants.The conversation then turns to Ukraine, where listeners hear how Ukrainians are adapting to modern warfare, why air defense remains critical, and how shortages of Patriot interceptors are reshaping the battlefield. The panel also examines the uncertainty around U.S. support and the broader lessons Kyiv is teaching the West about decentralized warfare.Finally, the episode looks at Cuba, where pressure, collapse talk, and regime-change logic collide with the reality of blackouts, shortages, and no clear post-collapse plan. Across all three cases, the central question remains: what happens when the U.S. escalates before deciding what success actually looks like?

Iran and Oman appear to have reached a tentative agreement over the Strait of Hormuz, but is it a genuine diplomatic breakthrough or simply a pause in a much larger geopolitical conflict? At the same time, Europe is grappling with renewed migration pressures in Ceuta and record-breaking heat that underscores the growing political and economic consequences of climate change.

Host Giles Whittell is joined by Adam Cancryn (CNN), Shona Murray (Euronews), and Kim Willsher (The Observer) to connect these stories and explore what they reveal about the shifting global landscape. The panel examines President Trump's approach to Iran, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential impact on global energy markets. They also discuss Europe's response to increasing migration, the political tensions within the European Union, and the ways climate-related disasters are becoming central to policy debates.

Together, they explore how international crises increasingly shape domestic politics, influence elections, and test alliances across Europe and the United States. From energy security and border policy to climate resilience and transatlantic relations, this episode provides the context behind the headlines and explains why these interconnected challenges will continue to shape global affairs in the months ahead.

Key Topics

• The details and potential consequences of the US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement and its departure from previous non-proliferation standards
• The strategic importance of the Iran war, nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, and regional reactions to new US policies
• The Trump administration's approach to tariffs aimed at combating forced labor and their impact on international trade
• UK’s post-election foreign policy outlook under Prime Minister Burnham, focusing on relations with Europe, the US, and support for Ukraine
• NATO defense commitments, international defense spending, and how UK’s role in security continues to shape global stability
• The influence of the UK’s domestic political landscape on its foreign policy and international partnerships

Links

• Hugh Tomlinson — https://x.com/hughtomlinson
• Felicia Schwartz — https://x.com/felschwartz?lang=en
• Robbie Gramer — https://x.com/robbiegramer
• Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
• World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

In this episode, we take a critical look at FIFA, global sports politics, and the way major international events can reveal deeper institutional problems.

Key Topics

• Criticism of FIFA leadership and governance
• How scandals reveal an organization’s true priorities
• The political meaning of the World Cup and other major sporting events
• Large events can temporarily distract from deeper structural failures.
• Leadership is best judged under crisis, not during calm moments.
• Institutions often protect reputation before they protect integrity.

Links

• Mehreen Khan – https://x.com/MehreenKhn?lang=en
• Edward Luce – https://x.com/EdwardGLuce
• Bobby Ghosh – https://bobbyghosh.substack.com/
• Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
• World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

In this episode of World Review, we explore the shifting dynamics shaping global security, from tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S.-Iran brinkmanship to the political and military challenges facing Ukraine. The conversation also examines Gaza’s stalled recovery efforts and the role leadership style plays in both diplomacy and war.

Key topics include:

• Escalation risks in the Middle East
• Internal debates over U.S. military strategy
• Ukraine’s drone warfare innovation and leadership disputes
• Gaza reconstruction obstacles
• How trust, coalition-building, and execution shape international outcomes

The episode offers a sharp look at how geopolitics, technology, and political decision-making collide in real time.

Key Topics

• Renewed fighting between the United States and Iran
• Whether the Strait of Hormuz could become a toll-based choke point
• NATO unity, Trump’s unpredictability, and Europe’s response
• Greenland tensions and the future of transatlantic relations
• Russia’s fuel crisis, drone strikes, and domestic pressure on Putin
• The broader shift toward rearmament and a more fragmented world order

 

Links

Karin Axelsson - https://politiken.dk/person/7961_Karin_Axelsson

Anna Sauerbrey - https://ces.fas.harvard.edu/people/anna-sauerbrey

Peter Spiegel - https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/peter-spiegel/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• How the American experiment of government based on consent and inalienable rights ignited global movements and reshaped societies, from Europe to Asia.
• The complex legacy of America’s post-1945 institutional order, the Marshall Plan, NATO, United Nations, and whether this framework still works or if it's fundamentally broken.
• The rise of competing models like China’s authoritarian capitalism and the implications for democracies worldwide.
• Why America’s internal struggles, polarization, and quest for national self-redefinition threaten its ability to lead and inspire future generations.
• The risks and opportunities of a world where the U.S. steps back, and other nations forge a new, possibly more interdependent, global order.

Links

Zanny Minton Beddoes - https://mediadirectory.economist.com/people/zanny-minton-beddoes/

James Harding - https://observer.co.uk/contributor/james-harding

Sylvie Kauffmann - https://www.lemonde.fr/en/signataires/sylvie-kauffmann/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• The evolving political landscape in the UK a decade after Brexit, including public sentiment and potential reintegration into the EU
• The current state of Iran's nuclear deal negotiations, sanctions, and regional power dynamics
• Ukraine's recent large-scale strikes on Crimea targeting Russian military infrastructure and the implications for the ongoing war

Links

Catherine Philp - https://www.thetimes.com/profile/catherine-philp

Yaroslav Trofimov - https://www.wsj.com/news/author/yaroslav-trofimov

Yannis Palaiologos - https://def-ix.delphiforum.gr/speaker/12656901759
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• Geopolitical implications of the World Cup and its representation of global powers.
• Economic analysis of hosting the World Cup and its impact on host countries.
• FIFA's political dynamics and relationships with global leaders.
• Cultural and national identity shifts in international football.
• Stories of players with diverse backgrounds representing different nations.

Links

Giles Whittell - https://x.com/GWhittell
Mehreen Khan - https://x.com/MehreenKhn
Gideon Rachman - https://x.com/gideonrachman
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics
 

• The implications of SpaceX's IPO valued at trillions in the context of AI's environmental and geopolitical impact
• How the US's withdrawal from NATO commitments and reconsideration of missile deployments reflect shifting transatlantic relations
• The ongoing US-Iran negotiations and their impact on regional stability and global diplomacy
• The rise of AI and its regulatory challenges, including oversight, ethical concerns, and potential societal upheavals
• The influence of US policy on European defense, sovereignty, and the transatlantic alliance dynamics

Links

Stefanie Bolzen - https://x.com/StefanieBolzen
Adam Cancryn - https://x.com/adamcancryn
James Harding - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/contributor/james-harding?type=listen

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics
 

• The evolving situation with Iran and Israel, including negotiations and proxy conflicts
• Ukraine's recent territorial gains and the shifting momentum in the war against Russia
• The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, highlighting US and global response deficiencies
• The impact of US political dynamics on foreign aid and international policy
• The significance of vaccine development and global health infrastructure gaps

Links

Carla Anne Robbins - https://www.cfr.org/experts/carla-anne-robbins

Yasmeen Abutaleb - https://www.reuters.com/authors/yasmeen-abutaleb/

Bobby Ghosh - https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/APEY-AVaoBA/bobby-ghosh

Christopher Miller - https://www.ft.com/christopher-miller

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics
 

• Iran's potential nuclear agreement and regional implications
• Europe's diplomatic paralysis and its impact on Ukraine and Russia
• The Vatican's moral challenge to AI and the political repercussions
• Europe's defense posture and NATO readiness amid escalating threats
• U. S. tech industry influence and regulatory debates on AI

Links

Shona Murray - https://events.euronews.com/euronews-on-air/speaker/1136912/shona-murray

Michael Shear - https://www.nytimes.com/by/michael-d-shear

Susan Glasser - https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/susan-b-glasser
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics
 

• The implications of the US indicting Cuba's former president Raul Castro and what regime change might look like
• The impact of President Trump's summit with Xi Jinping on Taiwan’s security and US strategic ambiguity
• The political crisis in Britain, the decline of the Labour Party, and the future of UK leadership
• How European countries view US and China strategies in the context of Taiwan and broader global influence
• The potential for a shifting European posture towards closer integration with the EU and re-evaluating Brexit

Links

Philip Stephens - philipstephens.net

Karen DeYoung - washingtonpost.com/people/karen-deyoung

Anton LaGuardia - economist.com/people/anton-la-guardia

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — 

belfercenter.org

World Review with Ivo Daalder — 

belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics
 

• The symbolism and outcomes of President Trump's meeting with President Xi in Beijing
• Russia's economic and military challenges amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine
• The strategic stalemate in the Persian Gulf and its global implications
• The evolving U.S.-China relationship and its impact on global geopolitics
• Iran's nuclear ambitions and the potential for diplomatic resolutions
• The role of symbolism in international diplomacy
• The impact of U.S. domestic politics on foreign policy
• Europe's response to shifting global power dynamics

Links

Yannis Palaiologos - 

insidestory.gr

Carla Robbins - 

cfr.org/experts/carla-anne-robbins

Jamil Anderlini - 

politico.eu/staff/jamil-anderlini

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — 

belfercenter.org

World Review with Ivo Daalder — 

belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics
 

• The emergence of war crimes trials in Syria and their impact on societal reconciliation
• The break between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over oil production and regional influence
• The decline of US-European relations amid troop withdrawals, trade disputes, and strategic disagreements
• The instability in Lebanon and the implications for Israeli and Lebanese relations
• The evolving nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, including Iran's regional posture and Israel's security
• The influence of U.S. policy decisions, including Syria’s oil pipelines and the Iran nuclear negotiations

Links

Deborah Amos - journalism.princeton.edu/people/deborah-amos-2018

Steven Erlanger - nytimes.com/by/steven-erlanger

Felicia Schwartz - politico.com/staff/felicia-schwartz

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — 

belfercenter.org

World Review with Ivo Daalder — 

belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

• The Iran War stalemate and dual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the mounting pressure on both sides to reach a deal
• Iran's hardliners consolidating power and the growing likelihood the regime pursues nuclear weapons as a deterrent
• King Charles III's address to a joint session of Congress and its surprising ability to unite a deeply divided chamber
• The diplomatic lesson of royalty and why pomp and circumstance may be more effective than elected leaders in dealing with Trump
• Germany's unprecedented defense spending surge and what it means for NATO, European autonomy, and the transatlantic relationship
• Trump's threats to withdraw US troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain, and whether they signal policy or political posturing
• The economic toll of the Iran War on European publics, with inflation rising and governments increasingly vulnerable to far-right challengers
• Europe's fundamental challenge of broad agreement on what needs to be done, paired with near-total failure to agree on how to do it
• The AFD surpassing Merz's CDU in German polls for the first time, signaling deepening public discontent
• The limits of strategic autonomy and why Germany's reliance on American nuclear guarantees and weapons systems keeps it tethered to NATO and Washington

• The evolving ceasefire and military dynamics in Ukraine, including the Western response and Ukraine's increasing technological resilience
• Lebanon’s fragile ceasefire extension, Hezbollah's role, and opportunities for strengthening Lebanese sovereignty
• Iran’s nuclear ambitions, domestic fractures, and the prospects for a diplomatic resolution amid US-Iran tensions
• The impact of US foreign policy, regional alliances, and the importance of strategic patience and expertise
• Ukraine’s military remains strong, with signs of a shift in the battlefield, including increasing drone attacks deep inside Russia
• Europe is rethinking its security posture, increasingly looking towards Ukraine’s resilience and local defense capabilities
• Lebanon’s internal political landscape offers a window for US and European allies to support state-building and disarmament efforts
• Iran faces multiple asymmetries—geographical, military, and trust-related—that complicate negotiations and potential agreements
• US influence in the Middle East is waning, highlighting the need for regional actors to diversify alliances and strengthen capabilitiesThe Iran ceasefire and US naval blockade: what's holding and what isn't

Key Topics

• The Iran ceasefire and US naval blockade: what's holding and what isn't
• US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan: prospects for a deal and the limits of unilateral diplomacy
• Europe's divided response: the Paris talks between Macron and Starmer and the question of inserting Europeans into the negotiations
• The Strait of Hormuz as Iran's ultimate leverage — and what "open" really means for trapped mariners
• Viktor Orbán's stunning defeat in Hungary: the economy, corruption, and the cohesion funds that sealed his fate
• Peter Magyar and TISA: how new is Hungary's new direction, and what does it mean for the EU and Ukraine?
• Orbán's fall as a setback for Putin, Trump, and the global far-right populist network
• Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV: the politics of attacking the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics
• Hispanic and Catholic voters: the political costs of the President vs. Pope standoff
• The limits of populism: from Budapest to Washington, is the far right losing its popular touch?

Links

• Christina Ruffini — https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/AX7AZxLijDQ/christina-ruffini
• Karin Axelsson — https://politiken.dk/person/7961_Karin_Axelsson
• Jamie Dettmer — politico.eu/author/jamie-dettmer
• Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org
• World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• The fragile Iran ceasefire: achievements and uncertainties
• US presidential objectives and their evolution during the Iran conflict
• NATO's membership challenges amid US skepticism and strategic disagreements
• The influence of domestic politics on international alliances
• The strategic implications of the Strait of Hormuz closure
• The future of transatlantic relations and alliance cohesion
• Pakistan’s mediating role and regional power shifts
• The impact of US military actions on Middle Eastern geopolitics
• Broader implications for global stability post-Ukraine and Afghanistan

 

Links

David Luhnow - wsj.com/news/author/david-luhnow

Michael Birnbaum - washingtonpost.com/people/michael-birnbaum

Catherine Philp - thetimes.com/profile/catherine-philp

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - belfercenter.org/

World Review with Ivo Daalder - belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

The real implications of the Strait of Hormuz closing—how it’s causing energy shocks, economic disruptions, and geopolitical shifts.

Why Israel’s military campaign, despite overwhelming strength, might be eroding its long-term security stability.

The calculus shaping Gulf leaders’ fears and hopes amid rising regional tensions.

Inside the secret strategies and political dilemmas that threaten to turn localized conflicts into larger regional or even global crises.

Hosted by Harvard’s Belfer Center, this episode offers powerful insights into international security, regional politics, and the broader implications for global stability.

 

Links

Bobby Ghosh - bobbyghosh.substack.com

Gideon Rachman - ft.com/gideon-rachman

Isabel Coles - observer.co.uk/contributor/isabel-coles

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - belfercenter.org/

World Review with Ivo Daalder - belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• President Trump's claims of Iran begging for a deal and the US military's posture in the Gulf
• The rift between the US and Europe, NATO's limited involvement, and European responses
• The impact of recent European elections on future political directions
• The emerging global payment systems bypassing traditional US sanctions
• The broader implications of US and European foreign policy strategies

Links

Edward Luce - ft.com/edward-luce

Peter Speigel - https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/peter-spiegel/

Stefanie Bolzen - welt.de/autor/stefanie-bolzen/

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - belfercenter.org/

World Review with Ivo Daalder - belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• The escalation of the Iran war entering its fourth week, with detailed analysis of Iran’s military capabilities, sanctions, and the potential for reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• The impact of the Iran conflict on US-China relations, including the fate of the planned US summit with Xi Jinping and China's strategic positioning amid military pressures
• The US approach to Cuba, including the potential for regime change, economic sanctions, and the long-term implications of current US policies
• The role of Middle Eastern Gulf states in the conflict, their vulnerabilities, and their shifting alliances with the US and Israel
• The broader geopolitical landscape, including the exhaustion of military resources and the strategic calculations of adversaries like Russia and China

Links

Karen DeYoung - washingtonpost.com/people/karen-deyoung

Robbie Gramer - wsj.com/news/author/robbie-gramer

Yaroslav Trofimov - wsj.com/news/author/yaroslav-trofimov

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - belfercenter.org/

World Review with Ivo Daalder - belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics

• The strategic objectives and possible endgame of Israel’s multi-front military campaign
• The impact of U.S. political shifts and unilateral military actions on global credibility
• Iran’s resilience, nuclear ambitions, and the regional threat after recent conflicts
• The European response and evolving alliances amid U.S. disengagement
• How global energy markets, especially oil prices, are influenced by the war
• Russia’s position and benefits stemming from Western distraction
• The role of drone warfare and military preparedness in modern conflicts
• The implications for nuclear proliferation in the region
   

Links

Susan Glasser - newyorker.com/contributors/susan-b-glasser

Carla Robbins - cfr.org/experts/carla-anne-robbins

Steven Erlanger - nytimes.com/by/steven-erlanger

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - belfercenter.org/

World Review with Ivo Daalder - belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

Key Topics
Iran war escalation and regional reactions
The role of AI in military operations and security
Energy sector disruptions due to Middle East conflict

 

Nahal Toosi | politico.com/author/nahal-toosi

Anton La Guardia | economist.com/our-people/anton-la-guardia

Prashant Rao | semaphore.co/author/prashant-rao

Topic Breakdown

Ukraine war stalemate and future prospects
Impact of US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs
US strategy towards Cuba and regime change efforts

Chapters

00:00 The Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine
10:07 Trump's Legal Setbacks and Economic Implications
19:53 Cuba's Political Landscape and U.S. Strategy

Guest links

Politico - https://www.politico.com/author/felicia-schwartz
The Observer - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/author/giles-whittell
The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/by/michael-d-shear
Harvard Kennedy School - Belfer Center - https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/belfer

In this episode, we explore the current state of international relations, focusing on the potential for conflict with Iran, the evolving situation in Syria following U.S. troop withdrawals, and the broader geopolitical strategies involving Europe and the Middle East. Our panel of expert journalists provides detailed analysis, timestamps key moments, and discusses the implications for global stability.

Main Topics:

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's tariffs 

The risk of military confrontation with Iran and regional dynamics
US troop withdrawals and the future of Syria’s political landscape

U.S.-Europe relations, trade policies, and ideological influences
The impact of internal US politics on foreign policy decisions
The role of Iran's leadership, IRGC, and potential regime changes

In this episode of "World Review," Ivo Daalder, Alexander Ward of the Wall Street Journal, Steven Erlanger of the New York Times, and Karin Axelsson of Politiken explore significant geopolitical developments as of February 14, 2026. 

You’ll discover how European leaders are fiercely defending their version of the rules-based order against American actions they see as disruptive, from Greenland to NATO. They dive into the underlying threats: Russia’s military posture, China’s ambitions, and the battle over global influence. They unpack the sharp differences between Vance and Rubio, illustrating the disconnect between external threats and internal priorities driving U. S. and European policies.
We break down the shifting perceptions around NATO’s core threat focus, the debate over strategic autonomy, and the future of transatlantic trust. Why do Europeans feel they must defend a world order that the U.S. seems ready to abandon? What’s ultimately at stake if this fragile alliance fractures? And, crucially, what happens next — will we see a rupture or a pivotal opportunity to rebuild? 

If you’re curious about how global powers are recalibrating their relationships amid chaos, and what that means for the future of international stability, this episode is your essential guide. Perfect for policymakers, students of geopolitics, or anyone wondering whether the old rules still matter — or if a new order is emerging in real time.

In this episode of "World Review," Ivo Daalder explores significant geopolitical developments as of February 6, 2024. The discussion begins with Iran's nuclear negotiations in Oman, highlighting the shift in focus towards nuclear issues and regional tensions. The episode examines the impact of US military posturing and the potential influence of former President Trump on these negotiations. The conversation then shifts to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, analyzing evolving strategies and the realities on the ground. Europe's strategic autonomy is a key theme, with discussions on de-risking from the US and China, digital sovereignty, and economic resilience. The transatlantic relationship is scrutinized, focusing on trust, cooperation, and strategic autonomy. Additionally, the episode delves into how technological regulation and AI are reshaping dynamics between Europe and the US. The challenges faced by the United Kingdom post-Brexit and its alliances with the US are also addressed. Throughout the episode, timestamps guide listeners through these complex topics, providing a structured overview of the geopolitical landscape. For those seeking a deeper understanding, resources such as America Abroad Substack, London Times, and Bloomberg Brussels Bureau are recommended. This episode offers valuable insights into the intricate web of global strategies and relationships.

In this episode of World Review, substitute host Carla Anne Robbins, along with journalists Karen DeYoung and Philip Stevens, delves into the intricate dynamics of current global tensions. The discussion begins with the U.S. military's strategic positioning near Iran, examining whether this is a move towards deterrence or a precursor to conflict. The conversation then shifts to Europe's evolving stance on China, highlighting a shift from cautious engagement to strategic de-risking and diversification.
The episode also covers the geopolitical significance of Greenland, exploring recent agreements and NATO's Arctic strategy. The guests analyze the implications of U.S. relations with Venezuela and Cuba, focusing on the broader geopolitical consequences of recent actions. Additionally, the episode touches on the upcoming Xi-Trump summit and its potential impact on U.S.-China relations.
Listeners will gain insights into the broader implications of these developments for global power dynamics, including the strategic recalibration of European nations and the potential for new alliances. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the complex geopolitical landscape, offering valuable perspectives on the future of international relations and security.

In this episode of World Review, Carla Anne Robbins leads a discussion with journalists Stefanie Bolzen, Robbie Grammer, and Prashant Rao on the latest global developments. President Trump's Greenland deal remains uncertain, causing diplomatic tensions.

The Board of Peace is seen as a challenge to the UN's authority.

Global economy shows resilience despite US tariffs.

European allies express distrust towards Trump's foreign policies.

The US Congress debates reclaiming foreign policy powers.

Trump's approach to diplomacy is seen as unpredictable and brash.

The Board of Peace includes controversial member countries.

Economic growth is driven by AI investments.

European countries face internal political challenges.

The global trade landscape is shifting around US policies.

Ivo Daalder discusses the week's major global events with Yasmeen Abutaleb, Gideon Rachman, and Chris Miller on this episode of World Review. The conversation covers the escalating tensions in Iran, the geopolitical implications of Greenland, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The panel examines President Trump's foreign policy strategies, the credibility of security guarantees, and the potential for international intervention. They also explore the challenges of regime change and the role of global powers in shaping outcomes.

Join Ivo Daalder and a panel of leading journalists as they explore the latest geopolitical developments. The episode kicks off with a discussion on Venezuela, where President Trump's military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro has sparked international debate. The conversation then shifts to Greenland, where Trump's interest in acquiring the territory raises questions about modern imperialism. Finally, the panel examines the protests in Iran, highlighting the economic struggles and political tensions fueling the unrest. With insights from Felicia Schwartz, Bobby Ghosh, and Yaroslav Trofimov, this episode provides a nuanced understanding of these complex issues.

Join Ivo Daalder in a special edition of World Review as he engages with NATO's Deputy Secretary General, Radmila Šekerinska, at the Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School. This episode explores NATO's strategic responses to contemporary challenges, including hybrid threats and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussion highlights NATO's adaptability, the importance of collective security, and the alliance's commitment to supporting Ukraine. Key topics include the Baltic Sentry initiative, NATO's defense spending strategies, and the role of innovation in modern warfare. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of NATO and global security.

Key Takeaways:

• NATO's strategic adaptations to hybrid threats.
• The significance of collective security in the alliance.
• Insights into NATO's support for Ukraine and defense spending.

In this episode of World Review, Ivo Daalder is joined by Nahal Toosi, Alex Ward, and Giles Whittell to discuss the latest developments in global politics. The panel examines the U.S. blockade on Venezuelan oil and its implications for the Maduro regime. They also explore the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine and the potential for a ceasefire by Christmas. The conversation touches on President Trump's foreign policy strategies, including his claims of ending multiple conflicts. The episode concludes with a discussion on the shifting focus of U.S. military strategy and its impact on international relations.

In this episode of World Review, host Ivo Daalder is joined by Anna Sauerbrey, Ken Moriyasu, and Anton LaGuardia to dissect the latest U.S. national security strategy. The panel discusses the document's unexpected brevity and its significant implications for international relations. Key topics include the U.S.'s shifting stance towards Europe, the strategic balance with China, and the emphasis on the Western Hemisphere. The conversation highlights the document's controversial nature, with insights into how it is perceived across different regions. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of the strategy's potential impact on global geopolitics.

Join Ivo Daalder in this episode of World Review as he navigates the intricate web of global politics with esteemed journalists Carla Anne Robbins, Steven Erlanger, and Matt Kaminski.

Delve into the ongoing Ukraine conflict, where diplomatic efforts seem to stall amidst geopolitical tensions. Explore the controversial U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, raising questions about legality and international relations. The discussion also shifts to Europe, examining the Trump administration's contentious approach and its impact on transatlantic alliances. As European defense spending rises, the panel analyzes the broader implications for global security.

With insights from seasoned journalists, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and dynamics shaping today's international landscape. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the complexities of diplomacy and the ever-evolving world stage.

A highly contentious 28-point US peace plan, reportedly drafted by President Trump's Peace Envoy Steve Witkoff and a Russian envoy, was presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, aiming to end the war by giving Russia significant concessions while offering Ukraine a security guarantee and the US financial benefits. Immediately following the plan's delivery, Vice President JD Vance reportedly issued an ultimatum, telling Zelensky to accept the proposal as is by Thursday or face a complete cessation of US military aid. The plan was swiftly met with surprise and alarm from European allies, who saw it as an unacceptable capitulation, violating the principle of sovereignty and calling into question Washington's commitment to collective security. Analysts suggested the timing of this aggressive push was likely an effort to secure a foreign policy win for President Trump amidst domestic political challenges, while capitalizing on a significant corruption scandal currently weakening President Zelensky's administration.

Ivo Daalder announces World Review's new home at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Every Friday, Ivo and leading journalists and analysts cut through the noise to explain the global stories shaping our world — clearly, honestly, and without jargon. If you’re looking for sharper insight and deeper context, you’re in the right place. Welcome to the new World Review.