New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy | Podcasts
Official podcasts from the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, featuring expert analysis, interviews, and conversations on global affairs, security, and international policy.
Episodes
Global Hotspots: Examining the consequences of Brazil's first round of elections
On today's episode, Milos Maggiore, Jared Jeter, and Andrew Loftesnes unpack the results from Brazil's first round of elections. Elsewhere, in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia launched an air campaign in support of a Yemeni government counteroffensive against the Houthi rebels, while the U.S. is reportedly preparing for a possible resumption of large-scale strikes against Iran. In the Indo-Pacific, E
Global Hotspots: Q3 Review and Q4 2026 Outlook
In this special edition of Global Hotspots, Milos Maggiore, Jared Jeter, Andrew Loftesnes, and Sebastian Dittgen break down some of the key incidents that happened over this past quarter and look at some of the major trends we can expect as 2026 comes to a close.
Conflicts in the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine are expected to intensify, and several other countries will trend toward destabilization
Global Hotspots: Ethiopian Insurgent Groups Join Forces
In this week's episode Milos Maggiore, Jared Jeter, and Andrew Loftesnes are joined by in-house guest Sebastian Dittgen to examine growing instability in Ethiopia, as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front joins forces with other insurgent groups and raises new questions about the country’s security trajectory.
Also in this episode:
• U.S.-China: Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping extend the tr
Global Hotspots | Canada and the EU: What Associate Membership Could Mean
In this week’s episode, Milos Maggiore, Jared Jeter, and Andrew Loftesnes examine the European Union’s invitation for Canada to become an “associate member,” what closer Canada–EU ties could mean for both sides, and the early reactions to the proposal.
Elsewhere in this week’s Global Hotspots, the team analyzes major geopolitical developments across the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific:
Global Hotspots: Middle East escalation by the Yemeni Houthis
On today's episode, Milos Maggiore, Eugene Chausovsky, and Jared Jeter discuss the implications of recent Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, Chinese aid to Iran, and how both of these affect the wider U.S.-Iran conflict.
Elsewhere, in the Russia-Ukraine war, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner traveled to Ukraine and Russia to discuss peace efforts, while Ukraini
Why the Balkans? Episode 2: Albania's "Flamingo Revolution" Ft. Gresa Hasa
In this episode of Why the Balkans?, host Tanya Domi is joined by Gresa Hasa to unpack Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution” – a wave of youth-led political activism that has challenged the country’s political establishment and sparked questions about the future of democracy in Albania.
They explore what drove the movement, what it reveals about Albania’s younger generation and political landscape, and
Global Hotspots: Exploring the Deteriorating U.S.-Canada relationship
On today's episode, we turn again to the Americas to explore the ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S., looking beyond the recent trade escalation and looking at what could be impacted in the long-run between both countries.
Elsewhere, Germany formally accused Russia of a recent attempted drone attack on the Leipzig airport, while Ukraine vowed to increase drone attacks against Russian in
Global Hotspots Outlook: U.S.-Canada Trade Negotiations Break Down
This week, the U.S. and Canada announced 50% tariffs on each other’s imports following a breakdown in trade talks, while the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit challenging the creation of a federal list of voters, granting the federal government the ability to invalidate votes it deems ineligible.
In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow t
Global Hotspots: Trump Threatens Oman and Orders Force Withdrawals from South Korean Drills
Milos Maggiore, Andrew Loftesnes, and Jared Jeter look at some of the key developments from the week, including President Trump's threats against anyone trading with Iran, and the news that U.S./South Korean military drills were substantially reduced following directives from Trump.
Elsewhere, in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia threatened to retaliate against the United Kingdom after Ukrainian
Why the Balkans? Episode 1: Kosovo’s Political Deadlock: What Comes Next? Ft. Ramadan Ilazi
In our first episode of Why the Balkans?, Tanya Domi is joined by Ramadan Ilazi, Head of Research at the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), to unpack Kosovo’s ongoing political deadlock. They examine why Kosovo continues to struggle to form a government after elections, what the impasse reveals about its political system, and what it means for the country’s relationship with the EU and th
Global Hotspots: The Mecca Pact and a New Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan Bloc
In this week's episode, Shahad Turkistani, Analyst at New Lines Institute, returns to break down the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, the trilateral pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan on 7 August, which commits all three to treat an armed attack on any one of them as an attack on all.
Additionally this week, Milos Maggiore and Andrew Loftesnes discuss developments in the Middle East,
Global Hotspots: Exploring the possibility of Hamas disarmament
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump called off a planned strike against Iran and hailed progress in negotiations between Israel and Hamas while Israeli forces clashed with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In the Indo-Pacific, China and the U.S. imposed reciprocal targeted tariffs and sanctions, while Chinese traders resumed purchases of U.S. soybeans. In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian strikes on Kyi
Global Hotspots: Examining the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal with Shahad Turkistani
This week, we are joined by our colleague Shahad Turkistani to examine in more detail the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal. In other developments, Saudi Arabia joined the U.S. in conducting airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, drawing retaliatory strikes against Saudi energy infrastructure as regional hostilities expanded, while a Hezbollah drone strike threatened the Lebanese-Israeli ceasefire
Global Hotspots: Unpacking the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal and the ASEAN summit
This week, a new front opened in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran as the Yemeni al-Houthi rebel group fired on Saudi oil tankers attempting to cross the Bab al-Mandeb. Meanwhile, Israel began returning control of occupied Lebanese territory to the Lebanese army.
In the Indo-Pacific, China conducted two days of live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait and clashed with Philippine vessels in the S
Global Hotspots Outlook: US and Iran Conflict Re-escalates
This week, the U.S. renewed strikes against Iran and a naval blockade of Iranian ports, while Israel and Lebanon held negotiations in Rome.
In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. confirmed it had started to sell minimal amounts of Nvidia H200 microchips to China, and Taiwan announced an additional $100 billion investment in the United States’ advanced chip industry. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the U.S.
Global Hotspots: Q3 Forecast - Bolivia, Sahel, Sudan, Morocco, DRC
In this second episode reviewing our recently published 2026 Q3 Forecast report, our team focuses on Bolivia, Sudan, and the DRC among some of the countries not covered in part 1, providing an outlook on the domestic and international situation related to these countries going into the third quarter.
Global Hotspots: Q3 Forecast - Americas, Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and Russia/Ukraine
In this episode, our team highlights our recently published 2026 Q3 Forecast report on geopolitical hotspots around the world and their implications on global connectivity themes like trade, technology, energy, and climate. In part 1 of this podcast, we focus on the US/Americas, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and the Russia/Ukraine war, discussing the most important events from the past three
Global Hotspots: Iran Ceasefire Update and Ukraine's Ultimatum to Belarus
This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded Belarus remove military equipment from their shared border, while Ukrainian forces continued attacking energy and transport infrastructure near Moscow and in Crimea. In the Indo-Pacific, China sanctioned two critical minerals companies in the U.S., while U.S. AI company Anthropic accused Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba of copying its sof
Global Hotspots: Unpacking the U.S./Iran Ceasefire Deal
This week, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding paving the way for a ceasefire and two months of negotiations aimed at settling their conflict.
Meanwhile, Israel stated it would continue to occupy territory in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. In the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan’s opposition leader met with members of the U.S. Congress in Washington, while the U.K. and Japan agreed to b
Contours: Gender Policy Podcast, Women and Power
Riley Sullivan sits down with Linda Robinson, Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss the dynamics of democracy, gender equality, and women's leadership, as well as her new book, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism.
Global Hotspots: Strait of Hormuz Closed; Ethiopian Elections Impact
This week, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after it and the U.S. traded strikes. Elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel continued its bombing campaign against Lebanon.
In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. sanctioned Chinese entities for their role in supporting Iran, while Chinese President Xi Jinping met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang for the first time in seven years. In the Russia-Uk
Global Hotspots: Trump Confirms Netanyahu Quarrel; Ukraine Hits St. Petersburg
This week, the U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes amid continued diplomacy, while Israel continued its ground operations in Lebanon despite a conditional ceasefire agreement between them. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. set out new guidance designed to close loopholes that allowed China to receive advanced AI chips, while U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pushed for increased allied defense spendi
Global Hotspots: U.S.-Cuba Tensions Simmer as Tech Takes Center Stage in Indo-Pacific
This week, the United States and Iran traded airstrikes as peace negotiations continued, while Israel intensified strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon despite the recent ceasefire extension.
In the Indo-Pacific, Nvidia pledged an annual $150 billion investment in Taiwan while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India in an attempt to shore up ties within the Quad framework.
In tran
How Do We Measure Illicit Economies? | Crime Beat Conversations featuring Henry Ziemer
How do we measure the size of illicit economies, and what can seizure data actually tell us about the effectiveness of enforcement policies?
In this episode of Crime Beat Conversations, Rafaella Lispschitz speaks with Henry Ziemer, Fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), about the challenges of measuring illicit markets and evaluating interdic
Global Hotspots: Putin Meets Xi in Beijing and a new Ebola Strain in DRC
This week, Iran stated it was reviewing the latest peace proposal from the United States after the U.S. delayed planned strikes, while Pakistan deployed 8,000 troops to Saudi Arabia in the event of renewed hostilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, while U.S. President Donald Trump stated willingness to discuss renewed arms sales to Taiwan, prom
Global Hotspots: Trump Meets Xi in Beijing
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a long-anticipated summit in which the leaders discussed trade relations, the Iran war, and Taiwan.
In the Middle East, Trump rejected a peace proposal by Iran, while representatives from Lebanon and Israel met in Washington, D.C., for a new round of discussions on Hezbollah’s disarmament.
In th
Global Hotspots: U.S. Peace Proposal for Iran, and Troop Withdrawal from Germany
This week, Iran considered a one-page peace proposal sent by the United States that would end hostilities, while Israel issued new evacuation orders for southern Lebanon and bombed Beirut despite an ongoing ceasefire.
In the Indo-Pacific, China gave conflicting advice to its banks on how to respond to U.S. sanctions, citing a violation of international law, while the EU took steps to reduce its te
Global Hotspots Outlook: U.S. Sanctions China over Iran
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian peace proposal and ordered an extension of the blockade on Iranian ports, while Israel resumed military operations in Lebanon. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. sanctioned a Chinese importer of Iranian oil, threatening more sanctions against China’s banking sector, while Beijing blocked Meta’s acquisition of a Chinese AI company. In the Russia
Global Hotspots: Outlook on the U.S.-Iran Ceasefire and Japanese Force Posturing
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump extended the ongoing ceasefire with Iran, while Iran rejected negotiations with U.S. Vice President JD Vance as the U.S. continued its blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. In the Indo-Pacific, Japan removed export bans on lethal weapons, marking a shift in its pacifist policy, while Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te canceled a trip to Eswatini, a
Global Hotspots Outlook: U.S. Blockades Iran Amid Renewed Diplomacy
This week, the United States imposed a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing two-week ceasefire observed by the U.S., , with talks to extend it and resume diplomatic negotiations in Pakistan currently underway. In the Indo-Pacific, the in the South China Sea, while China eased some trade restrictions against Taiwan following last week’s negotiations with In the Russi
Global Hotspots Outlook: US and Iran Reach Tenuous Ceasefire
This week, the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire following President Donald Trump’s threats of targeting Iran's power plants and other infrastructure, while Israel escalated its bombing campaign against Lebanon. In the Indo-Pacific, South Korea met with representatives from Gulf countries to discuss securing energy supplies, and Taiwan’s opposition leader visited China, stalling Taipei’
Contours: Gender Policy Podcast, Women and War in Ukraine
Student Fellow Riley Sullivan is joined by Dr. Kseniya Sotnikova, Ax:son Johnson Fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), to discuss women's roles in the war in Ukraine.
Learn more about Dr. Sotnikova: https://cepa.org/author/kseniya-sotnikova/
Learn more about New Lines' work on CRSV: https://newlinesinstitute.org/project/crsv/
Learn more about New Lines' work on Ukraine: http
Crime Beat Conversations: China-Cartel Nexus, Featuring Adam Rousselle
In this episode of Crime Beat Conversations, Rafaella Lipschitz talks to Adam Rousselle, illicit finance expert and founder of Between the Lines, to discuss Chinese money-laundering networks and their role as the financial backbone of Latin America’s drug cartels.
They explore how China’s internal capital flight pressures have produced a shadow financial architecture that connects Chinese elites t
Global Hotspots: 2026 Q2 Forecast (Part 2)
In this episode, we continue to highlight our recently published 2026 Q2 forecast report on geopolitical hotspots around the world and their implications on global connectivity themes like trade, technology, energy, and climate. We discuss the internal destabilization happening in Iran, and review some of the main events that happened in Venezuela, the US, Afghanistan/Pakistan, and in conflicts in
Global Hotspots: 2026 Q2 Forecast (Part 1)
This podcast highlights our recently published 2026 Q2 Forecast report on geopolitical hotspots around the world and their implications on global connectivity themes like trade, technology, energy, and climate. In part 1 of this podcast, we discuss our outlook for global hotspots like the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while in part 2 we cover the US/Americas and hotsp
Global Hotspots: The U.S. and Iran trade diplomatic offers as military strikes continue
This week, the United States and Iran traded proposals for a diplomatic settlement to their war, with Pakistan working as an intermediary, while the U.S. sent an additional 2,000 troops to the region for a possible ground operation into Iran. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there was “irrefutable evidence” of Russian intelligence aid to Iran, whi
Global Hotspots Outlook: Energy and Economic Disruptions Grow Amid Iran Conflict
This week, the conflict in Iran intensified as the U.S. bombed military facilities on Iran’s Kharg Island and Israel bombed key Iranian energy facilities, with Iran responding with attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf. Israel also committed troops for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon.
In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump formally postponed a summit with Chinese President
Global Hotspots Outlook: U.S./Iran War Disrupts Global Energy Markets
This week, the U.S. and Israel continued their military campaigns against Iran and Lebanon, while Tehran vowed to block oil exports from the region, leading to worldwide repercussions in the energy sector.
Despite the strikes, China stated it would likely go ahead with an upcoming summit with President Donald Trump at the end of March, while the South Korean parliament approved the $350 billion i
Global Hotspots Outlook: War between U.S., Israel, and Iran Goes Global
This week, the United States and Israel launched air- and naval-based attacks against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with strikes against neighboring Gulf states and by closing the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, talks between Russia and Ukraine have been postponed as the war detracted from diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi. In the Indo-Pacific, China held its annu
Global Hotspots Outlook: U.S. and Iran Meet Amid Military Buildup
This week, tensions between Iran and the U.S. continued to rise despite ongoing negotiations, with Iran threatening repercussions if the U.S. were to attack and Israel threatening Lebanon with strikes against civilian infrastructure if Hezbollah acted in defense of Iran. In the Indo-Pacific, China restricted rare earth exports to Japan, and U.S. aerospace manufacturers warned of dwindling rare ear
Global Hotspots Outlook: U.S. Gears Up for Iran Military Operations
This week, the U.S. continued its buildup of naval and air forces near Iran for a potential military operation, while Iranian officials reported progress in diplomatic talks. In the United States, the Supreme Court invalidated tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, dealing a major blow to the administration’s trade policy. In the Russia/Ukr
Crime Beat Conversations: Mexican Cartel Splits and Alliances, Featuring Stefano Ritondale
In this episode of Crime Beat Conversations, Rafaella Lipschitz sat down with Stefano Ritondale again, to discuss the dynamics of the Sinaloa cartel civil war and emerging alliances between Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa cartel, and CJNG, Sinaloa’s historic rival. Stefano breaks down how the Sinaloa civil war has reframed how we should understand Mexican cartel alliances. We examine some o
Global Hotspots Outlook: Japan's Takaichi Secures Election Victory
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, after which Trump insisted that negotiations with Iran would continue, while Israel is reportedly preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza against Hamas.
In the Indo Pacific, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering constitutional reform following her party’s victory in parliament
Global Hotspots Outlook: U.S. and Iran Hold Talks Amid Rising Tensions
This week, the U.S. and Iran held talks in Oman over Iran’s nuclear program amid rising tensions following U.S. forces shooting down an Iranian reconnaissance drone in the Arabian Sea. In the U.S., the federal government reopened after a partial shutdown following commitments by the Trump administration to reduce the number of federal law enforcement officers in Minnesota. In the Indo-Pacific, the
Global Hotspots Outlook: Trump Considers Iran Strikes
This week, in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump continued to weigh options for possible intervention in Iran and ordered military assets to be deployed in the region. In the U.S., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer continued to negotiate a deal that would avert a U.S. government shutdown in exchange for restrictions on immigration enforcement, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Global Hotspots: At Davos, Trump Walks Back Greenland Threats
This week, world leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, an event dominated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, which he later walked back following discussions with NATO. In the Middle East, Trump inaugurated his “Board of Peace” and ordered the Department of Defense to draw up plans for a possible intervention in Iran. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, top U
Global Hotspots: U.S. Pressures Iran on Protests; Greenland Diplomacy Ramps Up
This week, the White House ramped up pressure on Iran as the regime’s protest crackdown led to thousands of protestors dead according to varying accounts. Denmark and Greenland sent their top diplomats to negotiate with the U.S. over Greenland’s status, while European countries have sent small troop contingents to the island ahead of planned joint military exercises to assess how to ensure the cou
Global Hotspots: U.S.-Venezuela Intervention and Worldwide Ripple Effects
This week, the United States conducted a major military operation against Venezuela resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, with implications throughout the Americas and globally. In the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to intervene militarily in Iran as the country faces large-scale anti-government protests, while Saudi Arabia conducted strikes agains
Armenia-Azerbaijan Diplomacy and Regional Connectivity Implications, Part 2
In this episode of the New Lines Contours Podcast, host Eugene Chausovsky sits down with Farid Shafiyev, the chairman of the Center of Analysis and International Relations and former ambassador for Azerbaijan to Canada and Czechia. Together, they discuss the developments over the last year in diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the economic interests foreign powers have in the reg
Armenia-Azerbaijan Diplomacy and Regional Connectivity Implications, Part 1
In this episode of the New Lines Contours Podcast, host Eugene Chausovsky sits down with Richard Giragosian, the founding director of the Regional Studies Center and a guest lecturer for the NATO Defense College in Rome. Together, they discuss the developments over the last year in diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the influence foreign powers have in the region, and how the Sou
Global Hotspots: Review and Forecast of Venezuela, DRC, Sudan, and Gen Z Protests
In the last Global Hotspots episode of 2025, Milos and Andrew sit down with New Lines student fellows Ashley Nunes and Sebastian Dittgen. Together, they discuss analytical hotspots New Lines analysts tracked in 2025, including Venezuela, the DRC, and the wave of Gen Z protests around the globe.
Read the 2026 Forecast - https://newlinesinstitute.org/analytical-products/2026-annual-forecast/
Marxi
Global Hotspots: 2026 Annual Forecast
A global adaptation to a new state of the world driven by the White House’s approach to international relations will headline 2026. Efforts to de-escalate the war in Ukraine will persist and gain some traction. In the Middle East, the fragile ceasefire in Gaza will hold as tensions among Israel, Syria, and Iran continue to mount. A U.S.-China trade truce will keep the Indo-Pacific relatively stabl
Global Hotspots: 2025 in Review
A global adaptation to a new strategic environment will define 2026, driven by the White House’s approach to international relations. Though Washington will continue pursuing de-escalation in select conflict zones, the year ahead will be marked by persistent geopolitical frictions, intensifying hybrid competition, and acute humanitarian pressures.
Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https
The Unfinished Revolution: Syria’s Past and Future, 1 Year After Assad
In this episode, host Zara Farouk speaks with Syrian author and political dissident Yassin al-Haj Saleh about the long-term consequences of authoritarianism, the failures of the international community, and the evolution of political activism in exile. Their conversation reflects on lessons from the Syrian struggle and the possibilities for justice and renewal.
Global Hotspots: U.S. Ramps Up Diplomacy on Russia-Ukraine Conflict
These past two weeks, the U.S. ramped up diplomatic efforts with Russia and Ukraine to bring an end to the conflict, while Russian shadow fleet vessels were allegedly struck by Ukrainian drones. In the Middle East, Hamas transferred the remains of a hostage to Israel, while Lebanon confirmed it would conduct deconfliction talks with Israel following pressure from the United States. In the Indo-Pac
Global Hotspots: Trump Meets with Saudi Crown Prince to Sign New Bilateral Deal
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, approving the sale of F-35 fighter jets and designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally. The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution to implement Trump’s 20-point peace plan in Gaza, while clashes between Israel and Hamas continued. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. removed reciprocal tariffs from several i
Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism: Untangling the Conflation
In this episode of the Bridging the Gap podcast series, Rachel Nelson sits down with Ben Lorber, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates and co-author of "Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism." They discuss how antisemitism has evolved in the context of Israel–Palestine and the most recent war in Gaza, the debate over defining and identifying it, a
Global Hotspots: U.S.-Syria Diplomacy Progresses Amid Middle East Turbulence
This week in the Middle East, clashes between Hamas and the Israel Defense Forces hindered implementation of the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire, while U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Washington. In the Russia/Ukraine war, Russian forces continued their drive to capture the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk and seized three villages in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia oblast,
Global Hotspots: U.S. Pushes Postwar Plan for Gaza
This week, in the Middle East the U.S. presented the U.N. Security Council with a draft resolution advancing the implementation of the “Board of Peace” as part of the Israel/Gaza ceasefire agreement, while Iran stated it would not engage in negotiations with the U.S. so long as Washington backs Israel. In the Indo-Pacific, China has started to remove tariffs and trade barriers following last week’
What the PKK Ceasefire Means for Türkiye’s Kurds
With the PKK announcing disarmament, New Lines' own Zara Farouk speaks with, Ceylan Akca, a DEM Party Politician in Türkiye's Grand National Assembly. Together, they explore whether this moment marks a true turning point or another pause in a long, unfinished struggle and what comes next for Kurdish rights, representation, and reconciliation in Türkiye.
Global Hotspots: U.S. Reaches Deals With China, Indo-Pacific States in Asia Summits
This week, in the Indo-Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, where they agreed on new trade concessions following a weeklong series of meetings that saw the U.S. upgrading trade ties with regional allies. In the Middle East, Israel and Hamas traded ceasefire violation accusations following Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strikes on Gaza that resulte
Global Hotspots: U.S. and EU Sanction Russia Amid Diplomatic Setbacks
This week, the U.S. imposed sanctions against two Russian oil companies following the cancellation of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, while the EU passed sanctions against Russian energy infrastructure and vessels. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. and Australia signed a new critical minerals deal ahead of an upcoming meeting between Trump and Chines
Global Hotspots: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Faces Challenges
This week, in the Middle East, Israel and Hamas started implementing the first phase of their ceasefire deal, although violations and delays were reported. In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to increase tariffs on Chinese imports ahead of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and said India confirmed it would halt Russian oil purchases. In the Russia/Ukraine
U.S.-Based Charities are Funding Israeli Settlements
In this episode of the Bridging the Gap podcast, host Rachel Nelson talks with Matthew Petti, an assistant editor at Reason whose work has appeared in outlets including the BBC, The Intercept, and New Lines Magazine. They discuss the covert funding of Israeli settlements by U.S.-registered charities, specifically what projects and purchases they are financing, how their work exacerbates violent co
Global Hotspots: Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire Deal
This week, in the Middle East, Israel and Hamas agreed to implement the first phase of a U.S.-led ceasefire deal following its signing in Egypt, while U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he may travel to Israel in the coming days. In the Indo-Pacific, China expanded restrictions on rare earth exports and added sanctions against foreign defense companies, while North Korea celebrated the 80th
Global Hotspots: U.S. Launches New Peace Proposal for Israel-Gaza War
This week, Israel accepted a U.S. proposal to end the war in Gaza that has received support from Qatar and Egypt, while U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order providing safety guarantees to Qatar. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Trump is considering providing Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles and targeting intelligence, and G7 countries pledged to coordinate measures against nat
Global Hotspots: Q4 Forecast Outlook
The fourth quarter of 2025 will be headlined by the potential for military escalation in the Middle East, including increased Israeli operations in Gaza and the expansion of Israel’s targeting of Iran-aligned groups throughout the region.
In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the fourth quarter will be marked by hybrid escalation in the form of additional Western tariffs and sanctions against Russia as
Why Did the U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan Fail?
In this episode of the Contours Podcast, host Robert Kremzner sits down with John Nagl and Jonathan Schroden, experts in irregular warfare and the American experience in Afghanistan. Together, they go over the strategic, operational, and tactical failure of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, how the Afghanistan withdrawal can inform future withdrawals, and President Donald Trump’s call to re-oc
Global Hotspots: Israel Faces Diplomatic Fallout Amid Gaza City Offensive
This week, Israel initiated its full ground invasion of Gaza City, while the United Arab Emirates and other Arab states warned they may reconsider their diplomatic ties with Israel. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. and China agreed on a framework deal regarding the sale of Chinese social media app TikTok, extending its deadline, while China ordered its companies to stop buying microchips from U.S. ch
Inside the State Department: U.S. Policy on Israel and Palestine and the Future of Middle East Peace
In this episode of the Bridging the Gap Podcast, Rachel Nelson sits down with Andrew P. Miller, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP) and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. They discuss his experience shaping U.S. policy towards Israel/Palestine, including sanctions ta
Global Hotspots: Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar; Russian Drones Shot Down in Poland
This week, in the wake of an Israeli air attack targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar, Doha called for an emergency summit to convene next week. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, NATO forces shot down Russian drones that crossed into Polish airspace from Ukraine, with Poland subsequently triggering NATO’s Article 4 consultation process. In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that th
A Gendered Analysis of Aggression and International Law
In this episode of Gendering Geopolitics, New Lines’ own Emily Prey sits down with renowned international lawyers Louise Arimatsu and Christine Chinkin, authors of the New Lines report “A Gendered Analysis of Aggression and International Law.” Among other topics, their discussion touches on how gender is used to justify aggression; the gaps in international law regarding slow, non-spectacular viol
Global Hotspots: China Highlights Ties with Russia and North Korea at Key Summits
This week, China hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation security forum, attended by 20 foreign leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and representatives of Ukraine’s allies in a new round of discussions on Ukrainian security guarantees, while U.S. Presi
The Withdrawal of UNIFIL from Lebanon
In this episode of the New Lines Countours podcast, Director Caroline Rose sits down with New Lines Senior Fellow Faysal Itani to discuss the potential withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL). Together, they discuss the role that UNIFIL has played over the previous decades, the challenges that the interim force faces, and what the Lebanese security landscape may look lik
Gendering Geopolitics: Peacebuilding Through Ancestral Wisdom
In this episode of Gendering Geopolitics, New Lines Associate Analyst Amari Jones sits down with Nyamal Tutdeal, a globally recognized South Sudanese-Ethiopian-American peace architect who has transformed conflict into healing through her blend of academic excellence and ancestral wisdom. Together, they explore the intersection of identity, power, and peacebuilding, and how Nyamal’s unique approac
Global Hotspots: Iran Faces European Nuclear Snapback Sanctions
This week in the Middle East, France, Germany, and the U.K. triggered a mechanism to reimpose sanctions against Iran following Tehran’s noncompliance with nuclear inspections, while Israel intensified shelling in Gaza City ahead of its anticipated occupation. In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump played host to his South Korean counterpart at the White House, while Seoul called for stre
Lebanese Logic: Hezbollah On the Outs
In this episode of the Contours Lebanese Logic Podcast, host Faysal Itani sits down with Non-Resident Senior Fellow Dania Arayssi. Together, they discuss the recent effort by the Lebanese government and military to disarm Hezbollah, including how likely the effort is to succeed, and what the future landscape of power looks like in the country.
Between Autonomy and Authority: Syria’s New Power Balance After the SDF–Damascus Deal
In this episode of Strategic Crossroads, host Zara Farouk sits down with journalist and analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg to unpack the landmark March agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government. Together they explore what this deal means for Kurdish self-rule, the future of gender parity in governance, and the mounting pressures on Syrian minority communities such as th
Global Hotspots: U.S. Coordinates Security Guarantees for Ukraine with Europe
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump held meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders to advance a peace deal with Russia, while Russian attacks continued across Ukraine. In the Indo-Pacific, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled to India for trade talks as bilateral relations thawed, while Trump threatened to impose tariffs on semiconductor imports within
Global Hotspots: All Eyes on Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump prepared for his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, holding calls with European leaders, and warning that Russia may face severe consequences if negotiations falter. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. and China have agreed to extend the deadline for the mutual reimposition of tariffs by another 90 days as negotiations continue. Beiji
