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

<description>&lt;p&gt;Topic Breakdown&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ukraine war stalemate and future prospects&lt;br&gt;
 Impact of US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs&lt;br&gt;
 US strategy towards Cuba and regime change efforts&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00 The Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine&lt;br&gt;
 10:07 Trump's Legal Setbacks and Economic Implications&lt;br&gt;
 19:53 Cuba's Political Landscape and U.S. Strategy&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Guest links&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Politico - https://www.politico.com/author/felicia-schwartz&lt;br&gt;
 The Observer - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/author/giles-whittell&lt;br&gt;
 The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/by/michael-d-shear&lt;br&gt;
 Harvard Kennedy School - Belfer Center - https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/belfer&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

In this episode of World Review, Ivo Daalder and guests Michael Shear, Felicia Schwartz, and Giles Whittel provide an in-depth analysis of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the implications of the US Supreme Court's decision on tariffs, and the complex US strategy towards Cuba. They discuss the current state of global geopolitics, economic policies, and US foreign relations.

Year 5 in Ukraine, Tariff shock, Is Cuba's time finally running out?

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

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;
 Main Topics:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's tariffs &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The risk of military confrontation with Iran and regional dynamics&lt;br&gt;
 US troop withdrawals and the future of Syria’s political landscape&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;U.S.-Europe relations, trade policies, and ideological influences&lt;br&gt;
 The impact of internal US politics on foreign policy decisions&lt;br&gt;
 The role of Iran's leadership, IRGC, and potential regime changes&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

This episode of World Review provides a comprehensive analysis of current geopolitical tensions, including the US-Iran standoff, the evolving situation in Syria, and the impact of US-European relations in the age of MAGA. Ivo Daalder is joined by Bobby Ghosh, Matthew Kaminski, and Liz Sly, who discuss the implications of military movements, diplomatic strategies, and regional dynamics shaping the future of the Middle East and beyond.

War in Iran? Peace in Syria? MAGA goes European

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.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;br /&gt;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? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Europe and America are at a tipping point — as the rules-based order that has defined the past 80 years faces unprecedented disruption. In this eye-opening episode recorded at The Munich Security Conference, Ivo Daalder, Alexander Ward, Steven Erlanger, and Karin Axelsson unpack the deep tensions shaping today’s geopolitics, revealing why the very foundations of alliances, values, and strategies are being questioned like never before.

Europe and America Meet in Europe—Rupture, Rift, Revival?

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.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

In this episode of World Review, Ivo Daalder and a panel of experts discuss the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding US-Iran negotiations, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and Europe's evolving foreign policy. The conversation highlights the complexities of international relations, the impact of individual leaders on global dynamics, and the shifting strategies of European nations as they seek to reduce dependence on the US and assert their strategic autonomy.

Iran - Strike or Talk; Is Peace a Real Possibility in Ukraine; Middle Powers and Trade

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.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;br /&gt;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.&lt;br /&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

In this episode of World Review, substitute host Carla Anne Robbins is joined by esteemed journalists Karen DeYoung and Philip Stevens to unravel the complexities of escalating Middle East tensions. They explore the implications of U.S. military posturing near Iran, Europe's strategic shifts, and the broader global power dynamics. Discover how these developments could reshape international security and diplomacy, offering critical insights into the uncertain road ahead.

Iran – What’s the Mission; Derisking from the US; “Donroe Doctrine” One Month Later

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

World Review with Ivo Daalder

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