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
American elections and their impact on the world
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...Elections in Serbia and Israel, and the selection of the new UN Secretary-General
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 Se...
France Burns. Trump Backs Putin. Brazil Votes.
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 sour...Midterms & Squeezing Ukraine, Putin to the Rescue?, The Saudi Front
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. domesti...October 7 Three Years on, U.S. Oil Deal with Putin, Ebola Outbreak Spreads
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 co...
Xi is Feted, US Leaves Iraq, Reversing Brexit
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 bene...
Trump's Busy Week, Russia Threatens, The Far Right Wins in Europe
Key Topics
What Trump’s UN speech and meeting with Xi tell us about the current state of diplomacyHow seriously to take Europe’s warnings about Russian threatsThe challenges NATO faces in deterring—and responding to—gray-zone attacksWhether Germany’s far-right gains foreshadow a wider European trendWhy cultural identity and distrust of established parties are reshaping politicsLinks
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...
The Fed Raises Rates, Carney Swoons Europe, and the Saudis Confront the Houthis
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 i...25 Years After 9/11 — A Look Back
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...Venezuela Oil Deal, A Depleted Military, and the CIA Warns Moscow
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...US Canada Trade War, Economic D-Day, Trump's Playbook Falters
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 powerLinks
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/peo...
How AI is Changing the World
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 possib...Iran, Ukraine, Cuba: Success? Failure? Stalemate?
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...
Hormuz Truce Deal, Ceuta Cracks the EU, Europe Bakes
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...
U.S.–Saudi Nuclear Deal, More Tariffs, New British Government
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 t...Looking Back at the World Cup: Politics, Nations and Who Gains Financially
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 Gh...The Strait is Closed Again, Gaza Forgotten, Ukraine's Internal Division
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 outcomesThe episode offers a sharp look at h...
Iran War Resumes, NATO Lives Another Day, Russia Fuel Crisis
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-spie...
America at 250 – What the U.S. Means to the World
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...Brexit Turns 10, Iran Deal Delay, Ukraine Turning Point in Crimea
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 warLinks
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...
The Politics and Economics of the World Cup
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
Iran Deal Redux, Europe and U.S. Decouple, The AI Revolution
Key Topics
Links
Stefanie Bolzen - https://x.com/StefanieBolzen
Adam Cancryn - https://x.com/adamcancryn
...
Iran Frozen War? Ukraine's Gains, Ebola U.S. AWOL
Key Topics
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...
Iran Deal or No Deal, Will Europe Lead in Ukraine, The Pope Takes on AI
Key Topics
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...
Is Cuba next? Will Taiwan fall? British Politics in Crisis.
Key Topics
Links
Philip Stephens - philipstephens.net
Ka...
Trump in Beijing, Russia in Trouble, Stalemate in the Strait
Key Topics
Links
Yannis Palaiologos -
insidestory.gr
Carla Robbins - ...
Justice in Syria, the UAE Saudi Break-up, and Tensions Across the Atlantic
Key Topics
Links
Deborah Amos - journalism.princeton.edu/people/debor...
Iran War Stalemate. The King Takes Washington. Germany Rearms.
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...
Iran War Ceasefire, Lebanon & Israel Talks, Ukraine’s New Vibe
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 p...
Iran: Blockade or Negotiate, Hungary Earthquake, President vs. Pope
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...Iran War Fragile Ceasefire, Strategic Mistakes, NATO Lives Another Day
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 - w...
Trump's Speech Leaves Many Questions, Impact of the Strait's Closure, Israel's Security Strategy
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...
Iran: Diplomacy or escalation? The big rift in NATO. Europe's fragmented politics.
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 strategiesLinks
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...
Iran War Escalation?, Trump's China Summit Off, Is Cuba Next?
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 Is...The Iran War: When Does it End? What's the Global Impact? Israel’s Many Wars
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 regionLinks
Susan Glasser - newyork...
Iran War Goals Uncertain; War Consequences Spread; Pentagon vs Claude
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
Year 5 in Ukraine, Tariff shock, Is Cuba's time finally running out?
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...
War in Iran? Peace in Syria? MAGA goes European
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 and America Meet in Europe—Rupture, Rift, Revival?
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...
Iran - Strike or Talk; Is Peace a Real Possibility in Ukraine; Middle Powers and Trade
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...
