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PODCAST

World Review with Ivo Daalder

Global events move fast—World Review helps you keep up. Each Friday, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder brings together leading journalists and experts to break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next. A Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs podcast from Harvard Kennedy School. ivodaalder.substack.com

news news commentary

All Episodes

43:09

Germany Gets Serious, Israel Breaks Ceasefire, Trump...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/03/21

This week, Germany bets big on its future as parliament approves Friedrich Merz’s bold €1 trillion push for defense and infrastructure, shattering borrowing limits to counter Russia and cut reliance on the US. Is the debt gamble worth it? In the Middle East, Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza shatters a fragile ceasefire, killing more than 400 and igniting protests in Jerusalem. Political maneuver or military necessity? And Iran is back in President Trump’s crosshairs, having been warned over Houthi

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44:59

Putin Stalls Ceasefire & Europeans See Trump as a Threat

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/03/14

This week Russia hints at openness to a cease-fire in Ukraine but with tough conditions—stalling tactic or real breakthrough? Meanwhile, European allies increasingly see President Trump as a growing security threat, raising questions about reliance on the US and the impact on nuclear deterrence. And a judge rules President Trump overstepped by freezing USAID funds but stops short of ordering the revival of canceled programs. How is the dismantling of US foreign aid affecting the world’s most

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42:55

Trump’s Trade War, China’s Warning, and Europe’s...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/03/07

This week before delivering his address to Congress, President Trump sparked a trade war with America’s three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—triggering swift retaliatory tariffs and rattling global markets. Meanwhile, during China’s National People’s Congress annual meeting, Premier Li Qiang announced increased defense spending, reaffirmed Taiwan reunification plans, and declared readiness to fight "any type" of war in response to Trump’s tariffs. And after last week's fiery

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41:19

Germany Moves Right, US Abandons Ukraine, and Gaza...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/02/28

The center barely held in Germany, as Germany moved sharply to the extremes, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) doubling its support in just four years. Can Germany retake the lead in Europe, which is now more urgent than ever? Meanwhile, President Trump continued to walk away from Ukraine, siding with Russia at the UN and forcing Kyiv into signing a mineral agreement for little in return. How will this significant break impact the future of US foreign policy? Then, looking ahead, the

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44:07

US-Russia Reset, New Gaza Plans, and Xi’s Big Tech Bet

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/02/21

US and Russian negotiators met in Saudi Arabia this week and, in a stunning reset, agreed to re-establish normal relations and work together to end the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, from Mar-a-Lago President Trump blamed Ukraine for the war and called President Volodymyr Zelensky “a dictator.” What does this shift mean for Ukraine, NATO, and US security commitments? Then, we examine Arab states’ alternate plans for Gaza—what do they propose, are any of them viable, and what will the impact be on the

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32:18

Leaders meet in Munich to discuss future of NATO and...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/02/14

As world leaders gather in Munich this week for their annual security conference, Ukraine will once again take center stage – though mainly because of the two people who won’t be there. Presidents Trump and Putin discussed the war and committed to work towards peace in a phone call, but didn’t commit to involving Ukraine in the talks. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told his counterparts in Brussels that the U.S. had other interests and Europe needed to take care of its own security. A new

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42:04

Trump’s Gaza Plan, USAID Overhaul, and Tariffs

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/02/07

President Trump’s proposal for US control of Gaza and relocating its population sparked global backlash this week and was deemed unrealistic and illegal. Top administration officials are now walking back elements of the proposal, insisting US troops won’t be used to clear the territory and relocation would be temporary. Is this just another Trump negotiation tactic as some have suggested? Meanwhile, the administration, with Elon Musk’s support, is dismantling USAID, placing thousands on leave and

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41:14

Trump’s World—The Return of Great Power Politics

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/01/31

Donald Trump’s first week in office has ushered in a new era in America’s relationship with the world. Pax Americana out; Great Power Competition is in. Whether it is buying Greenland, controlling Panama, threatening tariffs on Colombia, Mexico, Canada, and China, Trump wields American power to get what he wants. That creates both new opportunities. And new dangers. James Lindsay of the Council on Foreign Relations and Matt Kaminski of Politico join Ivo Daalder for a discussion of Trump’s World in

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41:56

Europe and Asia Respond to Trump’s Return

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/01/24

On Monday, European leaders watched the inauguration of President Trump from Davos and fretted about his threats to impose sweeping tariffs, his demands for significant increases in European defense spending, and the possibility he may shift America’s stance toward Ukraine. He already has followed through on withdrawing from the Paris climate agreements and the World Health Organization. Soon after the inauguration, newly sworn in Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with foreign ministers of the Quad

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41:16

Biden’s Foreign Policy Legacy and What Trump is...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/01/17

President Biden entered office with ambitious foreign policy goals and is leaving a complicated legacy. Though he navigated the global COVID-19 pandemic, rallied allies to support Ukraine, and implemented policies to address climate change, challenges such as the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, record illegal border crossings, the war in Gaza, and high inflation marred his term. The Gaza cease-fire that looks eminent mirrors a Biden proposal, yet Donald Trump has claimed credit for the deal. Will

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43:56

Trump's Expansionist Ambitions and Tech Titans'...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2025/01/10

In this episode, we unpack the first major global stories of 2025. Donald Trump’s expansionist rhetoric this week toward Greenland and Panama reflects his “America First” doctrine and risks violating international law, alienating allies, and deepening global tensions. How serious is he? Meanwhile, tech titans Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg stir misinformation controversies. What does Musk hope to gain by targeting European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with unverified

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43:43

Syria’s Revolution, Europe’s Support for Ukraine, and...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/12/20

In our final episode of 2024, we’ll dig into the stories that are not only dominating the headlines this week but also will command attention well into 2025. First, how is the Syrian revolution already reshaping the Middle East and how will it affect the balance of power in the region? Then, European leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte, gathered in Brussels this week ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration to discuss support for

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39:59

The End of the Assad Regime

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/12/13

This week we saw the end of one of the world’s most brutal dictatorships with the swift and unexpected fall of the Assad Regime in Syria. The Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former Al Qaeda affiliate that broke with the group years ago, has formed a transitional government that is pledging inclusivity while emphasizing accountability for former regime abuses. Meanwhile, Israel launched extensive airstrikes targeting military assets, while Turkey clashed with US-backed Kurdish forces in

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40:42

South Korea's Martial Law, France's No-Confidence...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/12/06

Political chaos reigned this week as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared and then lifted martial law within hours amid public outrage, parliamentary backlash, and mounting calls for his impeachment. Meanwhile, France’s political upheaval came with the passing of a no-confidence measure against Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his cabinet on Wednesday, leaving the government in caretaker mode without an approved budget. And in a swift offensive that exploited regional instability and the

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41:08

1,000 Days of Ukraine War, Global Summits, and RFK...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/11/22

This week marked the 1,000 day of the Ukraine War. We'll unpack recent developments, including Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time, intensified Russian attacks near Kurakhove, the pause in operations at the US embassy in Kyiv, and Russia's updated nuclear deterrence doctrine. Then world leaders met this week in Azerbaijan for the UN Climate Summit, Peru for the APEC Summit, and in Brazil for the G20. How did Trump's victory affect the dynamics

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40:51

Trump's Cabinet Picks Point to Significant Shifts in...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/11/15

This week, we’ll analyze what Donald Trump’s early picks for key positions reveal about his approaches to foreign policy, national security, and international economic policy. We’ll explore who may benefit from his return to office—including potential gains for Russia, Israel, Gulf states, and the Global South—as well as those who may face setbacks, such as Ukraine and US allies in Europe and Asia. Will China suffer economic upheaval or take advantage of political opportunities? Finally, we’ll

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42:20

Trump's Election Victory: Reactions, Implications,...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/11/08

This week, Americans overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump to become the 47th president of the United States. While the polls predicted a tight race, they underestimated Trump's support, and he soared back to the White House along with large Republican gains in the House and Senate. Susan Glasser, James Harding, and Peter Speigel join World Review with Ivo Daalder to discuss the implications of Trump’s victory for the US and the world. How did Trump break the 'blue wall' and defeat Kamala Harris by

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42:31

Japan's Snap Election, Gaza Humanitarian Crisis,...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/11/01

Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party faced a major setback in Sunday's snap elections after failing to obtain a majority of seats in the Lower House for the first time in 15 years. How will this shocking parliamentary loss affect the long-standing party, and what will it mean for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s future? Then, aid entering Gaza is at its lowest since the start of the war, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Plus, North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to the Kursk region

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43:54

Gaza After Sinwar, Biden's Farewell Tour,...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/10/18

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, architect of the October 7 attack, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza earlier this week. How will Hamas respond, and how will this affect the war and its eventual end? Then, President Joe Biden is expected to visit Germany this week and Angola later this year (his first visit to Africa as president). In what are seen as farewell trips, President Biden will discuss conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and alliances and partnerships

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42:02

Gaza War Anniversary, Latest from Ukraine, Mexico's...

World Review with Ivo Daalder ·

2024/10/11

In the year since October 7, the war that began with Hamas attacking Israel has spread from Gaza to the West Bank and Lebanon. Now at the center of global attention, the Middle East faces its biggest crisis yet with no end in sight. Matt Kaminski, David Luhnow, and Catherine Philp join World Review with Ivo Daalder to look back at lessons learned and not learned from the Israel-Hamas war. Plus, the latest news from Ukraine and what challenges lie ahead for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who

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171 results

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