This week, President Trump’s whirlwind tour of the Middle East sees him striking arms deals and declaring an end to nation-building, even as he engages in tense discussions with former jihadist-turned-Syrian leader Ahmed al-Shara. Meanwhile, in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators prepare for the first peace talks in three years — without Putin, Trump, or Zelenskyy at the table. Russia’s battlefield bluster contrasts with its costly, minimal gains, raising questions about its true leverage, and Zelenskyy argues that Putin's absence signals an unwillingness to seek peace. And finally, a temporary truce in the US-China trade war cools tensions, but economists warn that the economic fallout is far from over. Matt Kaminski, Prashant Rao, and Anna Sauerbrey join guest host Carla Anne Robbins on World Review to discuss this week’s diplomacy, deals, and doubts.  

This week, Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits Moscow for a Victory Day parade and meetings meant to showcase and strengthen a strategic alliance. Both Xi and Russian President Putin have taken aim at US economic and military policies and are presenting themselves as a counterbalance to Western influence. Meanwhile, India launches airstrikes against Pakistani targets after a deadly Kashmir attack, prompting Pakistan to down multiple Indian aircraft and raising fears of wider conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. And in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveils plans for a sweeping military operation in Gaza, involving a large-scale ground offensive, forced relocations of Palestinian civilians, and indefinite control of contested territories. Anton La Guardia, Elise Labott, and Lee Hockstader join Ivo Daalder this week on World Review to offer insights and analysis on major global developments.

This week marks the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term. From dismantling key alliances and trade agreements to sidelining democratic values and global institutions, are Trump's actions rapidly unraveling the post-WWII world order and 80 years of American-led international leadership? What does this mean for US influence, global stability, and the trust of allies? Stefanie Bolzen, Bobby Ghosh, and Philip Stephens join Ivo Daalder on World Review this week for a candid conversation about this pivotal moment in history. They’ll also discuss updates on European defense, the Iran nuclear deal, and Canada’s election results.

This week, after President Trump floated a plan for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, Moscow launched its deadliest strike on Kyiv since last summer. While the attack drew rare criticism from Trump, the administration has offered Kyiv only vague assurances about the country’s future security under the proposed plan that was presented as an ultimatum. Meanwhile, a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists has sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nuclear-armed nations engaging in retaliatory diplomatic and economic measures amid fears of further conflict. And in Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces growing scrutiny as reports of internal dysfunction, security leaks, rapid staff turnover, and impulsive decision-making rock the Pentagon. Ravi Agrawal, Steven Erlanger, and Carla Anne Robbins join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top global news stories on World Review.

This week, the Trump administration quietly eased tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods, a move critics say exposes weakness in the US trade war stance. Meanwhile, President Trump has refused to secure the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was unlawfully deported to a prison in El Salvador, escalating showdown between the president and the judiciary. And in Berlin, Germany’s new coalition government is already on shaky ground, as leaders of the conservative Christian Democratic bloc and center-left Social Democratic Party clash over policy priorities, leaving Europe’s largest economy in political limbo. Leonard Hockstader, Andrew Roth, and Felicia Schwartz join Ivo Daalder on World Review to breakdown this week’s power plays and shifting policies and discuss what they mean for global balance.

A dramatic escalation in the US-China trade war sent markets reeling this week and raised fears of a prolonged economic standoff between the world’s two largest economies. Both sides seem to be playing a game of chicken, unveiling new rounds of retaliatory tariffs almost daily. And American businesses and consumers, as well as American allies and trading partners, are struggling with tariff whiplash, wondering how to adjust to policy swings with little warning or consistency. Meanwhile, diplomats are scrambling to prepare for renewed talks over Iran’s nuclear program set to begin this weekend. Some are hopeful for a breakthrough while others are skeptical that real progress can be made amid rising regional tensions and growing domestic political pressures. Prashant Rao, Liz Sly, and Giles Whittell join Ivo Daalder on World Review to discuss the impact of this week's unpredictable economic policies and rising geopolitical tensions. 

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement on Thursday sent shockwaves through global markets and sparked promises of retaliation from both adversaries and allies. And earlier this week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Asia signaled a shift in US military strategy, with key meetings in Japan and the Philippines that could reshape alliances in the region. Meanwhile, in France, the political landscape was thrown into chaos after Marie Le Pen was barred from running for office following a guilty verdict for embezzlement—an unprecedented ruling that raised questions about democracy and could redefine the country’s far-right movement. Suzanne Lynch, Ken Moriyasu, and Gideon Rachman join Ivo Daalder to unpack this week’s top global news stories on World Review.

This week, news that top Trump administration officials discussed operational details of a US attack on the Houthis in an unsecure Signal group chat raised profound questions about the administration’s security procedures, as well as demonstrating what those officials really think about Europe. Meanwhile, the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul and presidential candidate of Turkey’s main opposition party, has led to massive protests throughout the country by citizens fearing the end of democracy. Then, Vice President Vance announced an uninvited visit to Greenland to “check out what’s going on with the security there,” increasing tensions between the island, Denmark, and the United States. Steve Erlanger, Matt Kaminski, and Nahal Toosi join Ivo Daalder on World Review to discuss the week's top news stories.

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 attacks and given a two-month deadline to strike a nuclear deal. Will tensions explode? Bobby Ghosh, Stefan Kornelius, Catherine Philp join Ivo Daalder on World Review to weigh the risks, motivations, and consequences of this week’s geopolitical power plays. 

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 vulnerable populations and what impact is it already having on America’s global influence and security? Susan Glasser, Anton La Guardia, and Philip Stephens join Ivo Daalder this week on World Review to break it all down.