The World Next Week

In this special year-end episode, hosts Bob McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins sit down with the New York Times’ chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe Steven Erlanger to review the biggest stories of the past year and discuss developments to watch in 2025. They analyze the conflicts and political developments in the Middle East and Europe, President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for his national security team, the state of democracy worldwide, and more.   Mentioned on the Podcast   James M. Lindsay, “Ten Elections to Watch in 2025,” CFR.org   National Centers for Environmental Information, “Monthly Global Climate Report for October 2024,” NCEI.NOAA.gov   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/world-next-year-wars-new-governments-stormy-weather-watch-2025

Syrians begin the early stages of government formation as global and regional powers scramble to devise a strategy for Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad; Georgians protest their government’s postponement of European Union (EU) membership talks as Romanians look for answers following the cancellation of their presidential election results; the United Kingdom (UK) accedes to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership; and China opens an anti-monopoly case against U.S. chipmaker Nvidia.   Mentioned on the Podcast   Luke Allnutt et al., “Romania's 'King Of TikTok' Tied To Alleged Scheme Boosting Far-Right Presidential Candidate,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty   Veronica Anghel, “Why Romania Just Canceled Its Presidential Election,” Journal of Democracy   Thomas Graham, “What Assad’s Fall Means for Russia in the Middle East,” CFR.org For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/syrians-plot-transition-turmoil-georgia-romania-uk-joins-trans-pacific-trade-deal-and-more

Impeachment looms for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose declaration of martial law spurred mass protests; French lawmakers passed the first no-confidence vote in more than sixty years, as the country is set to mark the the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral; Syrian rebels continue a surprise offensive against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime after seizing the cities of Aleppo and Hama; and U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump threatens 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations.   Mentioned on the Podcast   Steven A. Cook, “What Syria’s Revived Civil War Means for the Region,” CFR.org   John Deluray, “Martial Law in South Korea,” CFR.org   Sarah Jeong, “Six Hours Under Martial Law in Seoul,” The Verge   Brad W. Setser, X   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/turmoil-south-korea-french-government-collapses-syrian-rebels-reignite-conflict-and-more 

The White House authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-made, long-range army tactical missile systems (ATACMS) missiles to hit targets within Russian territory; the UN climate change conference (COP29) wraps up in Baku, Azerbaijan, where progress on climate finance has been notably slow; negotiations for a cease-fire continues in the Middle East, with hopes for an agreement between Israel and Hezbollah; and thousands protest for Māori rights throughout New Zealand.   Mentioned on the Podcast   Clara Fong, “Understanding the Global Push for Climate Finance,” CFR.org   “Māori Lawmakers Perform a Haka to Protest against Indigenous Treaty Bill,” NBC News   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/us-atacms-ukraine-cop29-wraps-cease-fire-negotiations-lebanon-and-more  

Tumultuous events have rocked the last four years: the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe’s largest land war in eighty years, and an escalating Middle Eastern conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces. On top of that, the United States faces an intensifying geopolitical struggle with China and Russia. Now, U.S. President Joe Biden is running out of time to secure his legacy while the transition to a second Donald Trump administration comes sharply into focus. The U.S. president-elect has been quickly nominating leaders to his cabinet and receiving calls from foreign leaders. Why It Matters sits down with the hosts of The World Next Week to talk about what the United States–and a closely watching world–should expect in the weeks and months to come as incoming President Trump takes office.   Mentioned on this Episode   Peter Baker, “A Four-Decade Secret: One Man’s Story of Sabotaging Carter’s Re-election,” New York Times    Helene Cooper and Maggie Haberman, “Trump Picks Pete Hegseth, a Veteran and Fox News Host, for Defense Secretary,” New York Times   Abigail Hauslohner and Dan Lamothe, “Fear, Celebration As Washington Scrutinizes Trump Pick to Run Pentagon,” Washington Post   “Trumpworld 2.0: Who Is Joining the Trump Administration?” NBC News   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw-special-why-world-next-week-matters