Audio Briefs
Audio Briefs brings you CSIS publications in audio form. Listen to short, spoken-word summaries from CSIS experts about their latest reports, or hear a full audio version of any CSIS commentary. Produced by Marla Hiller and Lauren Adler.
Episodes
“The Self-Reliance Dividend: The Imperative of Syrian Refugees' Economic Inclusion”: Audio Brief with Will Todman
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Will Todman on his report, The Self-Reliance Dividend: The Imperative of Syrian Refugees' Economic Inclusion.
“The Terrorism Threat to the 2026 Midterm Elections: What the Data Tells Us”: Audio Brief with Riley McCabe
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Riley McCabe on his brief with Daniel Byman, “The Terrorism Threat to the 2026 Midterm Elections: What the Data Tells Us.”
“U.S. and Allied Burden Sharing: A Progress Report”: Audio Brief with Jerry McGinn
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Jerry McGinn on his report with Celia Barrie, U.S. and Allied Burden Sharing: A Progress Report.
“Injecting the Free Market into Spectrum Use for Space Applications”: Audio Brief with Clayton Swope
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Clayton Swope on his report, Injecting the Free Market into Spectrum Use for Space Applications.
Beyond the Rome Talks: Pilot Zones, Hezbollah, and Rebuilding State Authority in South Lebanon
An audio version of "Beyond the Rome Talks: Pilot Zones, Hezbollah, and Rebuilding State Authority in South Lebanon," a new commentary by CSIS’s Paul Salem. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The United States’ Accelerating Memory Chip Crunch: Implications for Tech and AI Leadership
An audio version of "The United States’ Accelerating Memory Chip Crunch: Implications for Tech and AI Leadership," a new critical questions by CSIS’s Lauryn Williams. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Six Reasons Why the United States Is Low on Munitions
An audio version of "Six Reasons Why the United States Is Low on Munitions," a new commentary by CSIS’s Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
A Far-Right Breakthrough? Germany’s AfD on the Brink of State-Level Governance
An audio version of "A Far-Right Breakthrough? Germany’s AfD on the Brink of State-Level Governance," a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Donatienne Ruy and Emma Buelte. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The Kyndryl-Solvinity Case: A Barometer for Investment Security Reviews?
An audio version of "The Kyndryl-Solvinity Case: A Barometer for Investment Security Reviews?," a new commentary by CSIS’s Emily Benson and Lexi Linafelter. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Autonomy and Affordable Mass in Latin America and the Caribbean
An audio version of "Autonomy and Affordable Mass in Latin America and the Caribbean," a new commentary by CSIS’s Henry Ziemer. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Tariff Follies Scene 47
An audio version of "Tariff Follies Scene 47," a new commentary by CSIS’s William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
What the CMMC Pause Means for the Defense Industrial Base
An audio version of "What the CMMC Pause Means for the Defense Industrial Base," a new critical questions by CSIS' Jerry McGinn and Oliver Buntin. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Taiwan Needs an AI Cyber Shield Now to Defend Against Invasion
An audio version of "Taiwan Needs an AI Cyber Shield Now to Defend Against Invasion," a new commentary by CSIS’s Andrew Faulhaber. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Japan’s Defense Industry Charts an Uncertain Global Path
An audio version of "Japan’s Defense Industry Charts an Uncertain Global Path," a new commentary by CSIS’s Alek Jovovic and Awais Hanif. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Is U.S. Haiti Policy an Opportunity for Success?
An audio version of "Is U.S. Haiti Policy an Opportunity for Success?," a new commentary by CSIS’s Georges A. Fauriol and Mary Speck. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Red Kraken: The Coming Age of Agentic Cyber Strategy
An audio version of "Red Kraken: The Coming Age of Agentic Cyber Strategy," a new commentary by CSIS’s Benjamin Jensen and Emily Harding. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Come Hague or High Seas: China’s Environmental Legacy in the South China Sea
An audio version of "Come Hague or High Seas: China’s Environmental Legacy in the South China Sea," a new commentary by CSIS’s Monica Sato. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Why the United States and Iran Keep Fighting While They Negotiate
An audio version of "Why the United States and Iran Keep Fighting While They Negotiate," a new commentary by CSIS’s Emily Harding. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Will the U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Proceed?
An audio version of "Will the U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Proceed?," a new commentary by CSIS’s Michael Ratney. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
How the U.S. Can Survive a Large-Scale AI Cyberattack
An audio version of "How the U.S. Can Survive a Large-Scale AI Cyberattack," a new commentary by CSIS’s Andrew Faulhaber. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Tracking Global Compulsory Licensing Trends in Biopharmaceuticals
An audio version of "Tracking Global Compulsory Licensing Trends in Biopharmaceuticals," a new commentary by CSIS’s Alexander Kersten and Shruti Sharma. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Section 232 Explained
An audio version of "Section 232 Explained," a new commentary by CSIS’s William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
What Do the Election Security Documents Say About Chinese Interference in U.S. Elections?
An audio version of "What Do the Election Security Documents Say About Chinese Interference in U.S. Elections?," a new critical questions by CSIS’s Emily Harding. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
AI Strategies and the Informal Economy: Africa’s Job Creation Test
An audio version of "AI Strategies and the Informal Economy: Africa’s Job Creation Test," a new commentary by CSIS’s Ayantola Alayande, Catherine Nzuki, and Aaron Stanley. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
World Cup 2026: North America Missed the Goal
An audio version of "World Cup 2026: North America Missed the Goal," a new commentary by CSIS’s Andrew I. Rudman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Understanding President Trump’s New Tariffs on Canadian Imports
An audio version of "Understanding President Trump’s New Tariffs on Canadian Imports," a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Christopher Gundermann, Hugh Grant-Chapman, and Diego Marroquín Bitar. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Elbows Up: The Price of Economic Coercion Against Canada
An audio version of "Elbows Up: The Price of Economic Coercion Against Canada," a new commentary by CSIS’s Philip Luck. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Bolstering Pacific Resilience: A New Paradigm for Engagement by U.S. Allies and Partners
An audio version of "Bolstering Pacific Resilience: A New Paradigm for Engagement by U.S. Allies and Partners," a new Commentary by CSIS’s Kathryn Paik. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Is the Iran War Entering a Dangerous New Phase?
An audio version of "Is the Iran War Entering a Dangerous New Phase?," a new commentary by CSIS’s Mona Yacoubian. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Ending Forced Labor: Comparing EU and U.S. Approaches
An audio version of "Ending Forced Labor: Comparing EU and U.S. Approaches," a new commentary by CSIS’s Samira Rafaela and Kelly Fay Rodríguez. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
America’s Unproven Productivity Boom, and the Cost of Misreading the Data
An audio version of "America’s Unproven Productivity Boom, and the Cost of Misreading the Data," a new commentary by CSIS’s Philip Luck. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Playbook or Rental? U.S. Counter-Drone Defense and the 2026 World Cup
An audio version of "Playbook or Rental? U.S. Counter-Drone Defense and the 2026 World Cup," a new commentary by CSIS’s Alexei Hoffman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The NATO Ankara Summit: Delivery over Drama
An audio version of "The NATO Ankara Summit: Delivery over Drama," a new commentary by CSIS’s Jonathan Burchell. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Protecting Human Rights at the World Cup: Progress on Paper, Gaps on the Ground
An audio version of "Protecting Human Rights at the World Cup: Progress on Paper, Gaps on the Ground," a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Gretchen Scott and Andrew Friedman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
“Rebuilding to Reconquer: Can Russia’s Defense Firms Deliver?”: Audio Brief with Maria Snegovaya
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Maria Snegovaya on her brief with Tina Dolbaia, Nicholas Fenton, and Max Bergmann, "Rebuilding to Reconquer: Can Russia’s Defense Firms Deliver?”
The Trade Transparency Challenge
An audio version of "The Trade Transparency Challenge," a new commentary by CSIS’s William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
What the Iran War Is Costing Joint Gulf-U.S. Ambitions for AI
An audio version of "What the Iran War Is Costing Joint Gulf-U.S. Ambitions for AI," a new commentary by CSIS’s Joseph A. Farsakh. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Reflections from URC 2026: Ukraine’s Reconstruction Has Become Wartime Resilience
An audio version of "Reflections from URC 2026: Ukraine’s Reconstruction Has Become Wartime Resilience," a new commentary by CSIS’s Sergiy Tsivkach. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The Hormuz Energy Crisis Generates a Tailwind for Nuclear Energy in Northeast Asia
An audio version of "The Hormuz Energy Crisis Generates a Tailwind for Nuclear Energy in Northeast Asia," a new commentary by CSIS’s Jane Nakano. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Understanding Russia-Iran Collaboration in Cyberspace
An audio version of "Understanding Russia-Iran Collaboration in Cyberspace," a new commentary by CSIS’s Nikita Shah and Justin Sherman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
War Costs Make Up a Third of the $87.6 Billion Supplemental Request
An audio version of "War Costs Make Up a Third of the $87.6 Billion Supplemental Request," a new commentary by CSIS’s Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
“Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Terrorism”: Audio Brief with Dan Byman
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Dan Byman on his brief with V.S. Subrahmanian, “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Terrorism.”
Formula 1 on the Front Lines
An audio version of "Formula 1 on the Front Lines," a new commentary by CSIS’s Emily Harding and Cynthia R. Cook. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Large Load Reform: How Prepared Are U.S. Grid Operators for the AI Era?
An audio version of "Large Load Reform: How Prepared Are U.S. Grid Operators for the AI Era?," a new commentary by CSIS’s Joseph Majkut, Alexander Garcia, Chelsey Gilchrist, and Malik Jaffal. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The Next Phase of USMCA
An audio version of "The Next Phase of USMCA," a new commentary by CSIS’s William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Keeping Aluminum in Allied Hands: The Stakes of Alcoa’s South Africa Bet
An audio version of "Keeping Aluminum in Allied Hands: The Stakes of Alcoa’s South Africa Bet," a new commentary by CSIS’s Gracelin Baskaran. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
China’s SLBM Test Underscores the Importance of a Ballistic Missile Launch Notification Agreement
An audio version of "China’s SLBM Test Underscores the Importance of a Ballistic Missile Launch Notification Agreement," a new commentary by CSIS’s Joseph Rodgers, Bonny Lin, and Leon Li. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Russian Attitudes Are Shifting as the War’s Effects Come Home
An audio version of "Russian Attitudes Are Shifting as the War’s Effects Come Home," a new Commentary by CSIS’s Maria Snegovaya and Jade McGlynn. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
What Does NATO Defense Spending Look Like Heading into the Ankara Summit?
An audio version of "What Does NATO Defense Spending Look Like Heading into the Ankara Summit?," a new critical question by CSIS’s Seamus P. Daniels. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Make the Ankara Summit About European Defense Autonomy
An audio version of "Make the Ankara Summit About European Defense Autonomy," a new commentary by CSIS’s Max Bergmann and Otto Svendsen. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
How the Iran War Weighs on the U.S.-Saudi Partnership and Prospects for Normalization with Israel
An audio version of "How the Iran War Weighs on the U.S.-Saudi Partnership and Prospects for Normalization with Israel," a new commentary by CSIS’s Michael Ratney and Abdullah Alhenaki. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The United States Has Opted Not to Extend the USMCA
An audio version of "The United States Has Opted Not to Extend the USMCA," a new commentary by CSIS’s by Diego Marroquín Bitar, Kellie Meiman Hock, Eric Miller, Juan Carlos Baker, and William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
What to Know About Chinese AI Models
An audio version of "What to Know About Chinese AI Models," a new critical questions by CSIS’s Yasir Atalan. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Reflecting on U.S. Development Policy on the United States’ 250th Anniversary
An audio version of "Reflecting on U.S. Development Policy on the United States’ 250th Anniversary," a new commentary by CSIS’s Hadeil Ali. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Europe Should Center Anti-Corruption in Its Democratic Resilience Efforts
An audio version of "Europe Should Center Anti-Corruption in Its Democratic Resilience Efforts," a new commentary by CSIS’s Donatienne Ruy. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
What a Fragile U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Means for Energy and Beyond
An audio version of "What a Fragile U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Means for Energy and Beyond," a new commentary by CSIS’s Raad Alkadiri, Clayton Seigle, Jon B. Alterman, Mona Yacoubian, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
“Russian Blood and Treasure: The Ballooning Costs of Putin’s War”: Audio Brief with Seth Jones and Riley McCabe
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Seth Jones and Riley McCabe on their brief, “Russian Blood and Treasure: The Ballooning Costs of Putin’s War.”
The Heat Tax: India, South Asia, and the New Economics of Heat Readiness
An audio version of "The Heat Tax: India, South Asia, and the New Economics of Heat Readiness," a new commentary by CSIS’s Anjali Kaur. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Don’t Let the USMCA Drift Away
An audio version of "Don’t Let the USMCA Drift Away," a new commentary by CSIS’s Diego Marroquín Bitar. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Venezuela Suffered Its Worst Earthquake in Decades: What Comes Next?
An audio version of "Venezuela Suffered Its Worst Earthquake in Decades: What Comes Next?," a new commentary by CSIS’s by Henry Ziemer and Joseph Ruelas. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Anthropic and the Export Control Dilemma
An audio version of "Anthropic and the Export Control Dilemma," a new commentary by CSIS’s William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Lebanon in the Shadow of the U.S.-Iran MOU: Risks and Opportunities
An audio version of "Lebanon in the Shadow of the U.S.-Iran MOU: Risks and Opportunities," a new commentary by CSIS’s Paul Salem. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The Greenspan Lesson for the AI Race
An audio version of "The Greenspan Lesson for the AI Race," a new commentary by CSIS’s Karl Smith. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
After Maduro: Human Trafficking and the Vulnerability of Venezuelan Migrants in Colombia
An audio version of "After Maduro: Human Trafficking and the Vulnerability of Venezuelan Migrants in Colombia," a new commentary by CSIS’s Juliana Rubio and Kaela Werchniak. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Managing DRC’s Ebola Crisis
An audio version of "Managing DRC’s Ebola Crisis," a new commentary by CSIS’s J. Stephen Morrison and Michaela Simoneau. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
G7 Critical Minerals Ambitions and Iran's Natural Resources
An audio version of "G7 Critical Minerals Ambitions and Iran's Natural Resources," a new critical question by CSIS’s Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
New Activity at Possible Chinese Intelligence Facilities in Cuba
An audio version of "New Activity at Possible Chinese Intelligence Facilities in Cuba," a new commentary by CSIS’s Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., and Aidan Powers-Riggs. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Irregular Warfare: Winning the Cognitive Domain
An audio version of "Irregular Warfare: Winning the Cognitive Domain," a new commentary by CSIS’s Erol Yayboke with Nickolas Wilcox. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Iran Won the Negotiation, Even Though It Lost the War
An audio version of "Iran Won the Negotiation, Even Though It Lost the War," a new commentary by CSIS’s Emily Harding. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
After the Supermajority: Ethiopia’s Trajectory Following the 2026 Election
An audio version of "After the Supermajority: Ethiopia’s Trajectory Following the 2026 Election," a new critical question by CSIS’s Aaron Stanley. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The Customs Executive Order: Dealing with Downstream Consequences
An audio version of "The Customs Executive Order: Dealing with Downstream Consequences," a new commentary by CSIS’s William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Industrial Athleticism: Calibrating Defense Production to Address Evolving Threats
An audio version of "Industrial Athleticism: Calibrating Defense Production to Address Evolving Threats," a new commentary by CSIS’s Alek Jovovic and A.J. Dilts. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Southbound Diplomacy: Assessing Taiwan’s “Integrated Diplomacy” on the 10th Anniversary of the New Southbound Policy
An audio version of "Southbound Diplomacy: Assessing Taiwan’s “Integrated Diplomacy” on the 10th Anniversary of the New Southbound Policy," a new commentary by CSIS’s Henrietta Levin and Daniel Castro Bonilla. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The Department of Commerce Restricted Access to Anthropic’s Latest Models. What Comes Next?
An audio version of "The Department of Commerce Restricted Access to Anthropic’s Latest Models. What Comes Next?," a new critical question by CSIS’s Kate Koren, Kevin Kurland, and Aalok Mehta. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Energy Considerations for EXIM Reauthorization
An audio version of "Energy Considerations for EXIM Reauthorization," a new critical question by Ray Cai. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The United States and Iran Announce a Deal to End the War | State of Play
An audio version of "The United States and Iran Announce a Deal to End the War | State of Play," a new Commentary by CSIS’s Will Todman and Mona Yacoubian. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Eurasia’s Shifting Balance of Influence: An Opening for the United States?
An audio version of "Eurasia’s Shifting Balance of Influence: An Opening for the United States?," a new commentary by CSIS’s Tina Dolbaia and Leah Kieff. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
Who Are G7’s Top Performers?
An audio version of "Who Are G7’s Top Performers?," a new Commentary by CSIS’s Victor Cha. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The Cyber Threat to the 2026 World Cup
An audio version of "The Cyber Threat to the 2026 World Cup," a new commentary by CSIS’s Nikita Shah. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
The 2026 World Cup: Sports and Conflict
An audio version of "The 2026 World Cup: Sports and Conflict," a new commentary by CSIS’s Victor Cha and Andy Lim. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.
