The war in Ukraine intensifies as Russia hurls missiles at civilians and critical infrastructure across the country. OPEC scales back oil production, with big repercussions for Saudi Arabia’s complicated US relationship. And North Korea moves closer to its first nuclear test in five years with the threat of conflict on the peninsula rising. Elise Labott, Stefan Kornelius, and Peter Spiegel join Ivo Daalder on World Review to discuss the fallout. 

This week: continued setbacks for Russia in Ukraine within territory Putin claims to have annexed, along with an update on global attitudes on the conflict. We’ll also turn to the UK in the aftermath of the Truss government’s disastrous mini-budget proposal, and what it could portend for the rest of her premiership. Finally, we’ll round out with a discussion on the US and China’s protracted efforts to secure global supply chains for critical microchip components. 

Continued protests after Mahsa Amini’s death have sparked government reprisals in Iran. Europe realigns against China in the wake of myriad economic, political, and human rights concern. And Putin’s mobilization faces a chaotic start with administrative errors, street demonstrations, and a mass exodus of draft-eligible Russians. Council President Ivo Daalder examines the long term implications for the world at large with Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, Jamil Anderlini, and Bobby Ghosh. 

This week, the UN General Assembly meets in New York to discuss a world “in peril”—made all the more so by Vladimir Putin’s decision to mobilize for more war. Elections in Sweden and Italy impact the future of far-right politics in Europe, and with growing civil unrest in Iran, prospects for a revived nuclear deal may be fading. Join Ivo and Steve Erlanger, Kim Ghattas, Peter Spiegel to unpack.

As Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping meet in Uzbekistan, does their nations' partnership truly have “no limits”? What does Queen Elizabeth II’s passing mean for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and Britain’s global role? And what might Ukrainian gains on the battlefield mean for the war's outcome and for continued Western support of Kyiv? Elise Labott, Philip Stephens, and Giles Whittell join Council President Ivo Daalder to discuss.  

The evolution of the United States and China relationship has global ramifications. From the war in Ukraine and Asia Pacific security to climate change and economic growth, solutions to a host of global challenges could hinge on the ability of the world’s two superpowers to manage their differences constructively. Kevin Rudd, a former Australian prime minister who has studied, lived in, and worked with China for more than forty years, joins Council President Ivo Daalder to demystify both nations’ geopolitical objectives and consider what it will take to avoid a catastrophic conflict.

Caroline de Gruyter, Gideon Rachman, and Prashant Rao join Ivo Daalder to reflect on the life and legacy of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev before a look at the EU’s move to tighten visa rules for Russian tourists. Plus, if UK favorite Liz Truss succeeds Boris Johnson, how will she measure up with foreign policy? 

Ukraine marks its Independence Day six months since the start of Russia’s invasion. What shape has this brutal war left either side in, and where does the conflict go from here? Plus, extreme heat and record-breaking droughts have left countries around the world scorched and in short food supply as weather extremes become the norm. And finally, how to read the countervailing barrage of criticism, and upswell of support for Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin facing criticism over “partygate” videos. 

One year after the bungled withdrawal from Afghanistan, the World Review team looks at competing narratives about what happened and why—and where it leaves the Afghan people. Also this week: Zaporizhzhia’s nuclear plant has become a new frontline of the war to control Ukraine, and fuel for skyrocketing anxiety for EU leaders fearful of a serious nuclear incident. Plus—an Iran deal is in the offing.  

This week: far from standing down in the Taiwan Strait, China has pledged to regularly patrol the area and remain ready for combat. How might this aggressive stance play out in the wake of Nancy Pelosi’s visit, and what position should the United States take in plotting a path forward? Then, elections in Kenya and what low turnout means for the future of democracy.

Joining us – Emily Feng of NPR, Nirmal Ghosh of The Straits Times, and James Harding of Tortoise Media

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