The World Next Week

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers his last State of the Union address before elections to a polarized Congress; Iran holds its first parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections since the 2022 protests sparked by the death of activist Mahsa Amini; Bosnia and Herzegovina marks independence as ethnic divisions fester; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) welcomes Sweden as its newest member state. Mentioned on the Podcast Arash Ghafouri and Alex Vatanka, “Five Key Takeaways From New Poll Ahead of Iran’s Parliamentary Elections,” Middle East Institute Andrew Higgins, “A Land Once Emptied by War Now Faces a Peacetime Exodus,” New York Times Andrew Osborn and Vladimir Soldatkin, “Putin Warns West of Risk of Nuclear War, Says Moscow can Strike Western Targets,” Reuters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-addresses-sotu-iran-holds-elections-bosnias-pipeline-feud-and-more

Ukraine marks the second anniversary of Russia’s large-scale invasion; the World Trade Organization (WTO) holds its thirteenth ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi amid deep uncertainty about progress on dispute settlement system reform; U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Argentina and Brazil to forge stronger U.S.-South America ties; and the World Health Organization raises alarm about the situation at the Gaza Strip’s Nasser Hospital. Mentioned on the Podcast “Is Anyone Still Afraid of the United States?: A Conversation With Robert Gates,” Foreign Affairs Inu Manak and Manjari Chatterjee Miller, “Responsible Consensus at the WTO Can Save the Global Trading System,” CFR.org Stephanie Nolen, “War and Illness Could Kill 85,000 Gazans in Six Months,” New York Times “Year Three of the Ukraine War, With Miriam Elder and Carla Anne Robbins,” The President’s Inbox Recommended Reading Keith M. Rockwell, “A Moment of Truth for the WTO,” Hinrich Foundation For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/grim-ukraine-war-anniversary-wto-limbo-blinkens-lula-and-milei-tour-and-more

World leaders gather for the sixtieth Munich Security Conference with growing concerns about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cohesion; the African Union holds its annual summit as multiple crises mount, including armed conflict and democratic blacksliding; Kim Jong Un increases aggressive language and acts as North Korea prepares to celebrate the late father and leader Kim Jong Il’s birthday; and former Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is nominated to lead a coalition government as the new prime minister. Mentioned on the Podcast “Eight Priorities for the African Union in 2024,” International Crisis Group “How We Have Portrayed North Korean Leaders on The Economist’s Covers,” Economist Joshua Kurlantzick, “Pakistan’s Election Results: Imran Khan Claims Victory, But He’s Unlikely to Get It,” CFR.org Munich Security Report 2024, Munich Security Conference Munich Security Index 2024, Munich Security Conference Scott A. Snyder, “Why is North Korea Turning More Aggressive?” CFR.org Uzair Younus, “Five Ways Imran Khan’s Party Used Technology to Outperform in Pakistan’s Elections,” Atlantic Council For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/60th-munich-security-conference-african-unions-conflict-laden-agenda-bellicose-north-korea

Chile works to recover from the devastating wildfire in its central Valparaíso region; the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continues with its 2024 Steadfast Defender exercise, the largest since the Cold War, while uncertainty over members’ commitment grows; Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, holds vast general elections; and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attempts to reach a deal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and hostage release. Mentioned on the Podcast Nicolas Camut and Jakob Hanke Vela, “As Trump Looms, Top EU Politician Calls for European Nuclear Deterrent,” Politico Joshua Kurlantzick, “Indonesia’s Presidential Election: The Old Guard Faces the New,” CFR.org Brad Setser, “Mobilizing Russia’s Immobilized Reserves,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/chiles-inferno-nato-ramps-security-exercises-indonesias-presidential-election-and-more

The Joe Biden administration contends with how to respond to a deadly attack on U.S. service members at a base in Jordan while also preventing a wider regional war; a faltering economy clouds festivities as millions of Chinese travel home for Lunar New Year; Pakistan will elect a new prime minister and National Assembly, but lackluster candidates, economic crisis, and unraveling security situation loom over the vote; and Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announce their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States, increasing security concerns in western Africa. Mentioned on the Podcast Noah Berman and Clara Fong, “Pakistan Is on Edge Ahead of 2024 Elections,” CFR.org Joshua Kurlantzick, “Pakistan’s Election Will Have One Major Winner: The Military,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-confronts-iran-chinas-lunar-new-year-economic-slowdown-pakistans-flawed-elections

The Three Brotherhood Alliance and other armed ethnic groups in Myanmar pose a significant threat to regime control as the country enters its third year under junta rule; the European Union (EU) meets for a special summit on military aid for Ukraine, but concerns remain over Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán; Kenya’s high court will decide whether if it is constitutional for Kenya to lead a multinational peacekeeping mission to Haiti; and hundreds of thousands across Germany protest against the Alternative for Germany’s anti-immigration policies. Mentioned on the Podcast Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware, God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America Ebenezer Obadare and Robert I. Rotberg, “1100 Kenyans Will Not Save Haiti,” CFR.org Avinash Paliwal, “Could Myanmar Come Apart?,” Foreign Affairs For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/rebels-gain-myanmar-marks-coup-anniversary-eus-ukraine-aid-challenge-kenyas-pending

More than one hundred days into the war in the Gaza Strip, hostilities continue to escalate region-wide, marked by clashes between proxies of Iran and U.S. forces; Sudan’s civil war worsens as a new diplomatic initiative stalls; the Sundance Film Festival celebrates its fortieth anniversary; and the small island nation of Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan. Mentioned on the Podcast Films, Sundance Film Festival 2024 Joshua Kurlantzick, “Taiwan’s Presidential Election Elicits Strong Response in Indo-Pacific,” CFR.org Kali Robinson, “Who Governs the Palestinians?,” CFR.org Michelle Gavin, “New Deals Open Old Wounds in the Horn of Africa,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/us-iran-proxy-war-intensifies-sudan-conflict-rages-sundance-film-festival-marks-forty

Taiwan holds its presidential and legislative elections, which have major geopolitical consequences for both the United States and China; tech giant Apple deals with patent infringement allegations while more governments consider regulations on tech; the fifty-fourth World Economic Forum Annual Meeting hosts global business and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland, to address multiple crises such as conflict, climate change, and misinformation; and France appoints Gabriel Attal, the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister. Mentioned on the Podcast Council on Foreign Relations, U.S.-Taiwan Relations in a New Era: Responding to a More Assertive China, 2023 David McCabe and Tripp Mickle, “U.S. Moves Closer to Filing Sweeping Antitrust Case Against Apple,” New York Times David Sacks, “Taiwan’s Status Quo Election,” Foreign Affairs David Sacks, “Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election: Analyzing Hou Yu-ih’s Foreign Policy Positions,” CFR.org David Sacks, “Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election: Analyzing Ko Wen-je’s Foreign Policy Positions,” CFR.org David Sacks, “Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election: Analyzing William Lai’s Foreign Policy Positions,” CFR.org David Sacks, “Why China Would Struggle to Invade Taiwan,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/taiwans-pivotal-elections-apple-battles-regulations-davos-addresses-world-risks-and-more

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returns to the Middle East as the region reacts to attacks in Iran, Lebanon, and the Red Sea; the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas previews new products and services equipped with artificial intelligence (AI); the U.S. Congress returns from its holiday recess with divisions over migration and defense aid; and the stabbing of South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung stirs fears ahead of elections. Recommended Listening “The Year of AI and Elections,” Why It Matters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/mideast-tensions-grow-consumer-electronics-show-spotlights-ai-divided-us-congress-returns

In this special, year-end episode, Nahal Toosi, Politico’s senior correspondent for foreign affairs and national security, joins Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to review the biggest events of 2023 and the stories to keep an eye on in the coming year. They discuss instability caused by the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s war in Ukraine, the global push for a greener future, challenges to immigration policy, the numerous elections of 2024, U.S. global leadership, and more. Mentioned on the Podcast Matthieu Favas, “The Green Transition Will Transform The Global Economic Order,” The Economist For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/world-next-year-stories-watch-2024

Guyana and Venezuela begin discussion on a territorial dispute over the Essequibo region; the Redzikowo U.S. missile defense base in Poland becomes operable; the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds presidential elections; and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny goes missing. Mentioned on the Podcast Will Freeman, “Will Venezuela invade Guyana?,” CFR Michelle Gavin, “The Democratic Republic of Congo Holds Tense Elections: What to Know,” CFR.org Recommended Reading Jerry Lewis, “The Nuclear Option,” Foreign Affairs Carla Anne Robbins, “Antiballistic Missile System Gets Renewed Support From Clinton,” Wall Street Journal Carla Anne Robbins, “Bush's Planned Missile-Shield Program May Violate ABM Treaty 'Within Months’,” Wall Street Journal For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/guyana-venezuela-border-dispute-missile-defense-base-poland-drc-elections-and-more

Palestinian civilians find fewer safe places to shelter as Israeli forces expand ground operations south in the Gaza Strip; European Union (EU) leaders discuss prospects for more aid and EU membership for Ukraine; Egypt holds presidential elections amid an economic crisis; and a former senior U.S. diplomat is charged as a spy for Cuba. Mentioned on the Podcast “How a Sombre Mood Gripped Europe,” Economist “How Victor Manuel Rocha Got Away with Spying for Cuba for So Long,” All Things Considered For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/fighting-resumes-gaza-eu-summits-ukraine-challenge-egypts-elections-and-more

The United Arab Emirates, a major oil and gas producer, hosts the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), where hundreds of world leaders meet to discuss limiting global warming and helping states that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change; Russia arbitrarily detains a journalist with U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; and the World Health Organization asks China for information on a spike in respiratory illness. Mentioned on the Podcast “CPJ and Partners Call on Blinken to Designate RFE/RL’s Alsu Kurmasheva ‘Wrongfully Detained’ by Russia,” Committee to Protect Journalists Justin Rowlatt, “UAE Planned to Use COP28 Climate Talks to Make Oil Deals,” BBC Recommended Reading RFE/RL’s Idel.Realities, “Russian Rights Group Memorial Recognizes RFE/RL’s Kurmasheva As Political Prisoner,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Robert McMahon, “Russia Is Censoring News on the War in Ukraine. Foreign Media Are Trying to Get Around That,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/cop28-dubai-russia-crackdown-journalists-china-illness-spike-and-more

Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces stalls as the future of U.S. aid remains uncertain; Argentina gears up for its presidential election runoff while inflation rates soar; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrives in Berlin to address refugee flows and the Israel–Hamas war with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; and David Cameron returns to the United Kingdom government as foreign secretary. Mentioned on the Podcast Lucy Fisher, Anna Gross, and Jim Pickard, “David Cameron Brings Experience and Baggage as He Returns to Politics,” Financial Times Brad W. Setser, “Argentina Election Draws Wider Attention to Embattled Economy,” CFR.org “Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief on the Breakthrough He Needs to Beat Russia,” Economist Andrew Wilks, “Turkey’s Erdogan Says He Trusts Russia as Much as He Trusts the West,” Associated Press For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/winter-stalemate-ukraine-argentinas-presidential-runoff-turkeys-president-visits-berlin

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit begins in San Francisco with U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping set to meet on the sidelines; French President Emmanuel Macron hosts a humanitarian conference to discuss new aid options for civilians in the Gaza Strip; the Arab League holds an emergency summit in Riyadh at the request of the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia; and the United States and China discuss nuclear arms control. Mentioned on the Podcast Ian Johnson, “Can a Summit Ease U.S.-China Tensions?,” CFR.org Inu Manak, “Unpacking the IPEF: Biden’s Indo-Pacific Trade Play,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-and-xi-apec-macrons-gaza-conference-arab-league-emergency-summit-and-more

Israel’s ground operations in the Gaza Strip intensify as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Israeli leaders amid calls for a pause in fighting; U.S. President Biden hosts the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Summit to discuss regional economic growth and the migration crisis; Congress considers aid to Israel and Ukraine as a government shutdown approaches; and conflict displaces 6.9 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mentioned on the Podcast Center for Preventative Action, “Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” CFR.org Noël James, “Women This Week: Sexual Assault Increasing Among Displaced Women in the Congo,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/israel-hamas-war-ground-campaign-biden-hosts-latin-american-leaders-congress-debates

Diplomatic contacts surge ahead of anticipated escalation in the Israel-Hamas war; the United Kingdom (UK) hosts its first artificial intelligence (AI) Safety Summit to develop strategies that mitigate the risks of AI; Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrives in Washington, DC to speak with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan; and Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan possibly faces the death penalty. Mentioned on the Podcast “The Future of the Israel-Hamas War, With Linda Robinson,” The President’s Inbox “The Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question: Vote on Competing Draft Resolutions,” What's In Blue For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/diplomacy-intensifies-israel-hamas-war-uks-ai-safety-summit-chinas-foreign-minister-visits

As the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues, diplomacy ramps up in the Middle East amid concerns of spreading tensions; Argentina holds an election while its economy suffers record inflation; Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top Russian officials venture abroad to seek allies as their war with Ukraine grinds on; and the death toll from Sudan’s conflict reaches at least nine thousand. Mentioned on the Podcast Keith Bradsher, Anatoly Kurmanaev, and David Pierson, “Putin Visits China to Bolster Ties With ‘My Friend,’ Xi,” New York Times Christina Bouri and Diana Roy, “The Israel-Hamas War: The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza,” CFR.org Steven A. Cook, “Will Egypt Play a Role in Easing the Gaza War?,” CFR.org Steven A. Cook, “Why the U.S. Tolerates Qatar’s Hamas Ties,” Foreign Policy Shannon K. O’Neil and Will Freeman, “Latin America This Week: September 20, 2023,” CFR.org “President Joe Biden: The 2023 60 Minutes Interview,” 60 Minutes David J. Scheffer, “What International Law Has to Say About the Israel-Hamas War,” CFR.org “The Genocide That No One’s Talking About,” The Intelligence For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eyes-gaza-argentinas-presidential-vote-putin-seeks-friends-and-more

Israeli and Palestinian casualties rise as fighting between Israel and Hamas continues; Poland holds a pivotal parliamentary election; Australia votes on whether to enshrine representation for Indigenous people in its constitution; and Afghanistan struggles with the aftermath of a 6.3-magnitude earthquake. Mentioned on the Podcast Wojciech Kość, “Poland’s Ruling Party Publishes Top Secret War Plan as a Campaign Stunt,” Politico Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam, “Afghanistan Earthquakes a ‘Disaster on Top of a Disaster’, World Food Programme Says,” Reuters “The Israel-Hamas War, With Elliott Abrams and Steven Cook,” The President’s Inbox Visit CFR.org’s Israeli-Palestinian Conflict page for up-to-date coverage For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/israel-hamas-wars-next-phase-polands-democracy-test-australias-indigenous-voice-referendum

Recent satellite imagery indicates that Russia is preparing to test a new nuclear-powered missile; the UN Human Rights Council votes on new members, with Russia vying to rejoin after its April 2022 suspension; the International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins hearings on torture in Syria; and one hundred thousand ethnic Armenians flee as Azerbaijan asserts control over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. Mentioned on the Podcast Isabel Debre, “Israeli Arms Quietly Helped Azerbaijan Retake Nagorno-Karabakh, to the Dismay of Region’s Armenians,” Associated Press Riley Mellen, “Russia May Be Planning to Test a Nuclear-Powered Missile,” New York Times David J. Scheffer, “Ethnic Cleansing Is Happening in Nagorno-Karabakh. How Can the World Respond?,” CFR.org “UN Karabakh Mission Told ‘Sudden’ Exodus Means As Few As 50 Ethnic Armenians May Remain,” UN News For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/russia-tests-new-missile-and-seeks-rejoin-un-human-rights-council-icj-takes-syria-and-more

Important provisions of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) could expire due to partisan divisions, threatening a widely successful initiative; libraries take part in U.S. Banned Books Week in the face of a rising censorship movement; Slovakia holds an early parliamentary election amid concerns that pro-Russia parties will gain power; and Chinese President Xi Jinping and Syrian President ​​Bashar al-Assad announce a partnership. Mentioned on the Podcast Michelle Gavin, “PEPFAR at Twenty,” CFR.org “Let Freedom Read Day,” BannedBooksWeek.org Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow, “How Much Aid Has the U.S. Sent Ukraine? Here Are Six Charts,” CFR.org More Perfect, WNYC Studios The Coldest Cast in Laramie, Serial Productions The Rewatchables, The Ringer Peter Wehner, “The Republican Betrayal of PEPFAR,” The Atlantic For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/pepfar-reauthorization-struggle-banned-books-week-slovakia-democracy-test-and-more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with U.S. President Joe Biden and members of Congress to ensure continued U.S. military aid amid Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia; the Spanish parliament attempts to choose a prime minister, with both Alberto Núñez Feijóo and serving President Pedro Sánchez reliant on smaller fringe parties to secure a majority; the United Nations observes the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons despite the continuing global prevalence of nuclear weapons; and relations between Canada and India are frayed after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of ordering the death of prominent Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/zelenskyy-washington-spain-tries-form-government-un-spotlights-nuclear-weapons-and-more

One year after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police prompted widespread domestic protests, the Islamic Republic appears to have rebounded while keeping a prominent international profile; the United Nations General Assembly begins its high-level debate week with leaders gathering to attend major summits on Sustainable Development Goals and climate challenges; and Cuba arrests Russian recruiters looking for more fighters. Mentioned on the Podcast “Who Runs the World?... Not Women,” Why It Matters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/anniversary-mahsa-aminis-death-un-summits-climate-and-development-russia-recruits-cubans

Leaders of major global economies meet in New Delhi, India for the annual Group of Twenty (G20) summit to solve the most pressing economic challenges; on September 11th, Chile marks fifty years since General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte’s military coup and the United States observes the twenty-second anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks; a possible meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin troubles national security experts; and the European Union struggles with a surge in asylum applications. Mentioned on the Podcast Jack Devine, “What Really Happened in Chile,” Foreign Affairs Pablo Larraín, El Conde Francisco O. Mora, “Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Coup D’état in Chile,” U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States Scott Snyder, “The Perils of a Renewed North Korea-Russia Relationship,” CFR.org The 9/11 Commission Report [PDF], The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/indias-g20-summit-911-chile-and-us-kim-jong-un-and-putin-draw-closer-and-more

Southeast Asian leaders meet in Jakarta, Indonesia for the forty-third Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, working to improve the bloc’s cooperation with external partners; Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, commonly known as AMLO, begins the last year of his six-year term; new COVID-19 variants drive a spike in U.S. cases and hospitalizations; and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s visit to Beijing spurs renewed interest in U.S.-China trade. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/asean-summit-amlos-final-year-covid-19-variants-emerge-and-more

Major technology companies rush to comply with the European Union (EU) Digital Services Act, which makes online platforms responsible for moderating harmful content; questions mount about the Russian private military company Wagner Group after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is reportedly killed in a plane crash; the Taliban enters its third year in power since the U.S. military evacuated from Afghanistan; and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian visits Saudi Arabia as the former rival countries to normalize relations. Mentioned on the Podcast “Israeli-Saudi Peace Deal, With Steven A. Cook,” The President’s Inbox Tatiana Stanovaya, “Putin’s Age of Chaos,” Foreign Affairs For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eu-crackdowns-big-tech-after-prigozhin-two-years-taliban-and-more

U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol meet at Camp David to try to strengthen security cooperation against North Korea and coordinate China policies; Ecuador holds a snap election amid political violence; South Africa hosts the fifteenth summit of BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with the goal of expanding the group’s geopolitical influence; and Niger’s crisis worsens as the military junta vows to prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Mentioned on the Podcast Mohamed Bazoum, “President of Niger: My Country Is Under Attack and I’ve Been Taken Hostage,” Washington Post Hanna Foreman, Mireya Solís, and Andrew Yeo, “America’s Window of Opportunity in Asia,” Foreign Affairs Scott A. Snyder, “The Trilateral Summit at Camp David: Institutionalizing U.S.-Japan-South Korea Coordination,” CFR.org Scott A. Snyder and Sheila A. Smith, “Media Briefing: U.S.-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Summit,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/us-japan-south-korea-summit-ecuadors-snap-election-brics-leaders-meet-and-more

In this special episode of The World Next Week, Rosa Brooks, the Scott K. Ginsburg Chair in Law and Policy and professor at Georgetown University Law Center, joins Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss the books they recommend reading, the books they’re looking forward to reading, and other entertainment they’re enjoying this summer. Mentioned on the Podcast Carla’s Picks Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, American Prometheus: The Triumph And Tragedy Of J. Robert Oppenheimer Caitlin Doughty, From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” Bob’s Picks Konstantin Paustovsky, translated by Douglas Smith, The Story of a Life Gabrielle Zevin, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow “Jonathan GPT Swift on Jonathan Swift,” Conversations with Tyler Rosa’s Picks Alex Mar, Seventy Times Seven: A True Story Of Murder And Mercy George Black, Empire of Shadows: The Epic Story of Yellowstone John Linson and Taylor Sheridan, “Yellowstone” Additional Books, Podcasts, Shows, and Games Mentioned on the Podcast John Adams, Doctor Atomic Edward Berger, “All Quiet on the Western Front” Tyler Cowen, “Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide” Joan Didion, The White Album Craig Mazin, “The Last of Us” Pong Sam Shaw, “Manhattan” Frank Spotnitz, “The Man in the High Castle” Fred Zinnemann, “From Here to Eternity” For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw-special-what-read-summer-2023 This episode first aired: July 6, 2023

A Russian court will deliver the final verdict for opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s trial on “extremism” charges; eight South American heads of state meet in Belém, Brazil to try to strengthen a common policy for Amazon Rainforest protection; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for judiciary reform intensifies; and protesters in Niger direct their anger towards France. Mentioned on the Podcast Mariel Ferragamo, “The Niger Coup Could Threaten the Entire Sahel,“ CFR.org Bryan Harris, “Brazil to Launch ‘Most Ambitious’ Green Transition Package,” Financial Times Yaniv Kubovich, "Israeli Army Retroactively Cancels Call-ups of Reservists Who Refused to Report for Duty," Haaretz Dov Lieber, “Israeli Reservists Start Missing Duty, Threatening Military Unity and Readiness,” Wall Street Journal Recommended Reading Diana Roy, “Can Amazon Countries Save the Rain Forest?,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/navalnys-verdict-amazon-cooperation-summit-israels-political-crisis-and-more

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Australia to wrap up a visit aimed at boosting security ties and offsetting Chinese influence; the Colombian government and guerrilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) agree to implement a cease-fire; the formation of a newly elected Thai government remains in limbo as differing factions disagree on who can stand for prime minister; and China’s government removes former Foreign Minister Qin Gang after only seven months of service. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/blinken-visits-south-pacific-colombia-eln-cease-fire-thailands-political-face-and-more

Russia’s rejection of extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative threatens global food security; Spain holds an early general election amid signs of a resurgent populist right; Comic-Con and the media industry cut back on events due to strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA); and a U.S. soldier crosses through the demilitarized zone into North Korea. Mentioned on the Podcast Kali Robinson, “Russia Killed the Black Sea Grain Deal. These Countries Could Suffer Most.,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/black-sea-grain-blockade-spains-snap-elections-hollywood-strikes-broader-impact-and-more

Leaders from the European Union (EU), Latin America, and the Caribbean meet to renew a strategic partnership on issues including trade and climate change; the U.S. Congress wrestles with unprecedented divisions over the annual National Defense Authorization Act; thirty-two soccer teams land in Australia and New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup; and grim days appear likely for the Wagner Group amid a post-rebellion crackdown from the Kremlin. Mentioned on the Podcast Jon Wertheim, “Australia and New Zealand Are Eager to Show a More Inclusive Version of Themselves,” Sports Illustrated For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eu-latin-america-and-caribbean-summit-us-defense-spending-conflicts-womens-world-cup-down

In this special episode of The World Next Week, Rosa Brooks, the Scott K. Ginsburg Chair in Law and Policy and professor at Georgetown University Law Center, joins Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss the books they recommend reading, the books they’re looking forward to reading, and other entertainment they’re enjoying this summer. Mentioned on the Podcast Carla’s Picks Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, American Prometheus: The Triumph And Tragedy Of J. Robert Oppenheimer Caitlin Doughty, From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” Bob’s Picks Konstantin Paustovsky, translated by Douglas Smith, The Story of a Life Gabrielle Zevin, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow “Jonathan GPT Swift on Jonathan Swift,” Conversations with Tyler Rosa’s Picks Alex Mar, Seventy Times Seven: A True Story Of Murder And Mercy George Black, Empire of Shadows: The Epic Story of Yellowstone John Linson and Taylor Sheridan, “Yellowstone” Additional Books, Podcasts, Shows, and Games Mentioned on the Podcast John Adams, Doctor Atomic Edward Berger, “All Quiet on the Western Front” Tyler Cowen, “Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide” Joan Didion, The White Album Craig Mazin, “The Last of Us” Pong Sam Shaw, “Manhattan” Frank Spotnitz, “The Man in the High Castle” Fred Zinnemann, “From Here to Eternity” For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw-special-what-read-summer-2023

Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to assert control and stability after the coup attempt by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin; NATO prepares for its summit in Vilnius, Lithuania with mounting questions about Ukrainian membership; hundreds of thousands attend Denmark’s Roskilde music festival that highlights the power of art in society; and Zambia secures a deal to restructure its $6 billion in sovereign debt. Mentioned on the Podcast Liana Fix, “For Europe, Time to Plan for a Post-Putin Russia,” CFR.org Stephen Sestanovich, “How Should NATO Think About Ukrainian Membership After Russia’s Coup Attempt?,” CFR.org Michelle Zauner, Crying in H Mart Music Selections Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul, “Blenda” Villano Antillano and Pedró, “Reina de la Selva” Bad Bunny and Rosalía, “LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE” Burna Boy, “Ye” Japanese Breakfast, “Be Sweet” Rina Sawayama, “XS” Rema and Selena Gomez, “Calm Down” For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/russias-post-rebellion-moves-natos-vilnius-summit-europes-21st-century-woodstock-and-more

Heads of state from the European Union’s twenty-seven members meet in Brussels to discuss support for Ukraine and new initiatives to coordinate defense, economics, and migration; the Biden administration takes part in events marking the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which continues to draw international scrutiny; Guatemala holds its general election with voters concerned about poverty, crime, and political corruption; and the UN pledges $1.5 billion in aid to Sudan as fighting continues. Mentioned on the Podcast “Abortion Law: Global Comparisons,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/eu-leaders-summit-biden-marks-abortion-ruling-anniversary-guatemalas-election-and-more

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken finally heads to China amid hopes that U.S.-China tensions will subside; U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit to focus on expanded, strategic economic ties; Ukraine presses on with its long-awaited counteroffensive; and four indigenous children survive forty days in the Amazon after a plane crash. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/blinkens-rescheduled-china-trip-modis-state-visit-us-ukraines-counteroffensive-and-more

Canada’s unprecedented wildfire season overwhelms Canadian firefighters, and many in the eastern United States deal with dangerous levels of smoke; the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries releases its monthly oil report as Saudi Arabia seeks to boost prices; Germany hosts NATO’s largest air defense exercise as a signal to Russia; and Ukraine rushes to respond to the humanitarian and security crises caused by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/canadas-wildfires-opec-oil-report-natos-largest-air-drill-and-more

The International Atomic Energy Association reports on the nuclear-powered submarines that the United States and the United Kingdom will provide to Australia within the AUKUS alliance; world leaders and defense officials meet in Singapore for Asia’s premier security event– the Shangri-La Dialogue; U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wraps up his Nordic tour with his final stop in Helsinki, meeting with Finnish officials to discuss North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) priorities; and NATO sends additional troops to Kosovo to respond to ethnically-charged clashes. Mentioned on the Podcast Frank Capra, Lost Horizon Thomas L. Friedman, “NATO or Tomato?,” New York Times Valona Tela, “Kosovo ‘Tactical Game’ Is A Strategic Blunder, Security Expert Charles Kupchan Warns Amid Balkan Violence,” Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty “Turkey’s Election [Twitter Spaces],” Council on Foreign Relations For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/australian-submarine-deal-asian-security-summit-blinken-finland-and-more

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his opponent Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu face off in Turkey’s runoff election; U.S. government leaders contend with a looming deadline to avoid a disastrous default; president-elect Bola Tinubu is sworn in as Nigeria contends with an economic crisis; Evan Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention is extended; and Sudan struggles to find a lasting solution to the conflict between the military and a paramilitary group, exacerbating its humanitarian crisis. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven Cook, “Here’s How to Read Turkey’s Election Results—So Far,” CFR.org Mariel Ferragamo and Diana Roy, “What Is the Extent of Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis?,” CFR.org Ebenezer Obadare, “Why Buhari Failed,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/turkeys-runoff-election-debt-ceiling-dangers-nigerias-tinubu-inaugurated-president-and

The Arab League summit marks the return of Syria and its president, Bashar al-Assad; Japan hosts the leaders of the Group of Seven democracies in Hiroshima, Japan, with concerns over China and Russia at the fore; the UN Security Council discusses sanctions on North Korea amid the country’s missile buildup; and migration slows at the southern U.S. border after the lifting of Title 42. Mentioned on the Podcast “After Twelve Years of Blood, Assad’s Syria Rejoins the Arab League,” The Economist Recommended Reading Kali Robinson, “Syria Is Normalizing Relations With Arab Countries. Who Will Benefit?,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/syria-returns-arab-league-g7-summit-japan-un-discussions-north-korea-and-more

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces off with opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in Turkey’s presidential election; Thais vote in their first general election since 2019; the Black Sea grain deal faces possible expiration; international film makers step forward at the Cannes Film Festival; and Ukraine fends off Russia’s recent drone attack. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven Cook, “What if Kemal Kilicdaroglu Wins Turkey’s Election?,” Foreign Policy For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/momentous-elections-turkey-and-thailand-black-sea-grain-initiative-and-more

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea; major pandemic-related U.S. immigration policies such as Title 42 end, straining an already overwhelmed southern border; the director of national intelligence and the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency brief a Senate panel on the top international threats to U.S. national security; and the U.S. Congress debates a plan to prevent default. Mentioned on the Podcast Paul B. Stares, “Conflicts to Watch in 2023,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/south-korea-japan-summit-us-border-policy-changes-us-annual-threat-assessment-and-more

Iran and Russia aim to broker a rapprochement between Syria and Turkey; the Israeli Knesset begins its summer session in the face of mass protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial reforms; Pope Francis makes a three-day visit to Hungary, where he is expected to raise concerns about migration and the war in Ukraine; and a cease-fire fails to put an end to conflict in Sudan. Mentioned on the Podcast George Lucas, Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/syria-turkey-relations-israels-ongoing-domestic-tensions-pope-visits-hungary-and-more

U.S. President Joe Biden hosts South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol for a state visit, marking the seventy-year U.S.-South Korean alliance; people worldwide celebrate Earth Day with pledges to take environmental action; and the UN Security Council discusses its mission to Haiti and plans to stabilize the turbulent country. Mentioned on the Podcast Earthday.org Rocio Cara Labrador and Diana Roy, “Haiti’s Troubled Path to Development,” CFR.org Scott Snyder, “How to Prepare for the Future After Seven Decades of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/biden-hosts-south-koreas-president-earth-day-un-addresses-haiti-and-more

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group wrap up their joint spring meetings, where the focus is on restructuring debt for low-income countries; expected Republican presidential candidates convene at a National Rifle Association Leadership Forum amid ongoing mass shooting concerns; and the United Nations discusses the prospects for national elections in Libya, as the country continues to grapple with sharp divisions. Mentioned on the Podcast “A Conversation With David Malpass” Brad W. Setser, “The World Bank Stepped Up During the Pandemic,” CFR.org Ian Shapira, “Before Trump’s Wild Shifts on the NRA, Ronald Reagan Took on the Gun Lobby,” Washington Post “The IMF Faces a Nightmarish Identity Crisis,” The Economist For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/imf-and-world-bank-spring-meetings-nra-ila-leadership-forum-un-libya-and-more

China’s President Xi Jinping woos France’s President Emmanuel Macron, while Macron urges Xi to bring “Russia back to reason” on Ukraine; Northern Ireland’s Good Friday peace agreement turns twenty-five; and as Iran celebrates National Nuclear Technology Day, its enriched uranium stocks grow. Mentioned on the Podcast Steven Erlanger and Matina Stevis-Gridneff, “China’s Ambassador to the E.U. Tries to Distance Beijing From Moscow,” New York Times Barak Ravid, “Scoop: U.S. Discussing Freeze-for-Freeze Approach to Iran Nuclear Program,” Axios For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/macron-goes-china-good-friday-agreement-turns-25-irans-nuclear-technology-day-and-more

Turkey’s presidential candidates officially kick-off their campaigns ahead of May elections; Russia begins its term as president of the UN Security Council; and Walt Disney World wraps up its fiftieth anniversary celebration amid legal disputes with the Florida state government. Mentioned on the Podcast Will Freeman and Ariana Rios, “How Peru’s Crisis Could Send Shockwaves Through the Region,” CFR.org Rone Tempest, “Protesters Block Euro Disneyland : France: Irked by U.S. Trade Policies, Farmers Use Tractors to Keep Cars and Buses Out of the Park,” Los Angeles Times “​​U.S. Immigration Policy, With Edward Alden,” The President’s Inbox For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/turkish-presidential-campaigning-begins-russias-cloudy-security-council-presidency-disney

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China to discuss Brazil-China economic ties; millions of people around the world switch off their lights for 60 minutes to celebrate Earth Hour; and the United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Zambia co-host the second Summit for Democracy. Mentioned on the Podcast Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report Michelle Gavin, “Zimbabwe Limps Toward Elections,” CFR.org Joshua Kurlantzick, “Thailand’s Parliament Has Been Dissolved: Elections Loom, But Will They Be Free?,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/brazils-lula-visits-china-earth-hour-second-summit-democracy-and-more

The UN Security Council decides whether to renew the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan; on its twentieth anniversary, Americans and Iraqis take stock of the U.S. invasion of Iraq; and the future of the Ukraine-Russia Black Sea Grain Initiative, a vital food export agreement, is decided. Mentioned on the Podcast Max Boot, “What the Neocons Got Wrong,” Foreign Affairs Peter Feaver, Christopher Gelpi, and Jason Reifler, “The Strange Case of Iraq Syndrome,” Foreign Affairs Sebastian Mallaby, “What the Silicon Valley Bank Bailout Teaches Us,” Washington Post For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/un-afghanistan-twenty-years-us-invasion-iraq-black-sea-grain-initiative-and-more

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss migration, trade, security, and other issues; the world enters the fourth year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic; and Academy Award-nominated films spotlight international issues. Mentioned on the Podcast Colm Bairéad, The Quiet Girl Edward Berger, All Quiet on the Western Front Lukas Dhont, Close Sara Dosa, Fire of Love Stanley Kubrick, Paths of Glory Lewis Milestone, All Quiet on the Western Front Santiago Mitre, Argentina, 1985 Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front Daniel Roher, Navalny Jerzy Skolimowski, EO Simon Lereng Wilmont, A House Made of Splinters For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/uk-france-summit-3-years-covid-19-pandemic-foreign-films-oscars-and-more