CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department

youtube.comBattle for Brazil: The First-Round Election Results ExplainedOn October 4, Brazilians cast their votes in what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and polarized elections in recent history. Flávio Bolsonaro, the right-wing senator and son of former…

Why did Flávio Bolsonaro come out ahead of Lula in Brazil's first round? With a runoff on October 25, Henry Ziemer asks Pedro Siemsen Giestas what's driving the race, from corruption scandals to a more conservative Congress. New episode of 35 West below 🎧 www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSiQ...

buff.lyThe Future of U.S.-UK Defense Cooperation with UK Secretary of Defence Wes StreetingAs Europe rearms and the United States shifts more of the burden to its allies, what should defense cooperation between Washington and London look like? Please join the CSIS Europe, Russia, and…

ICYMI | @erep.csis.org hosted UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting in partnership with the British Embassy and RUSI, to explore how the U.S. and the UK can adapt to a changing security landscape. Watch the event here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=herX...

csis.orgBehind the Headlines: What Motivates and Moves Japanese Elite Opinion on Nuclear Weapons AcquisitionA CSIS Japan Chair survey shows that the majority of Japanese strategic elites oppose nuclear weapons acquisition despite a worsening security environment—but these attitudes could shift if South…

New analysis by @japan.csis.org goes behind the headlines to understand the factors motivating opinion among the Japanese Elite when it comes to nuclear weapons acquisition. Full report below. www.csis.org/analysis/beh...

buff.lyMiddle East Futures: U.S. Policy in an Emerging Regional Order | CSIS EventsJoin the CSIS Middle East Program for an expert panel examining U.S. policy in an emerging regional order.

TODAY at 11:30 AM EDT: @mideast.csis.org explores U.S. policy in an emerging regional order. Tune in for the expert panel discussion to launch Middle East Futures, feat. Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Paul Salem, Daniel B. Shapiro, & Mona Yacoubian. 🔗 Register here: www.csis.org/events/middl...

buff.lyThe State of U.S.-China Relations Ahead of the Trump-Xi Summit: A Conversation with Demetri Sevastopulo and Xiangwei Wang | ChinaPower | CSIS PodcastsWe discuss the current state of U.S.-China relations and what to watch for at the Trump-Xi summit in Washington, D.C.

🎧 Demetri Sevastopulo and Xiangwei Wang joined China Power to assess the current state of bilateral relations and key issues expected to shape the Trump-Xi summit in Washington — including trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and Iran. Full episode below. buff.ly/lRlrSlB

22 Sept

🎧 Max + Lexi discuss Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union address. Plus, Emily Benson joins @erep.csis.org to discuss the uneasy state of U.S.-EU tech relations. Listen to The Eurofile below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=abSq...

buff.lyWhere Crises Converge: Russia's Role in the Middle East | Russian Roulette | CSIS PodcastsMax Bergmann is joined by Hanna Notte and Natasha Hall to map the escalation risks, assess Russia's shifting military and diplomatic footprint in Syria under the new government of Ahmed al-Sharaa,…

17 Sept

Where do the wars in Ukraine & the Middle East intersect? Hanna Notte & Natasha Hall join @erep.csis.org's Max Bergmann on #RussianRoulette to map escalation risks, Russia's footprint in Syria & what a surprise CIA visit to Moscow signals. Listen below. www.csis.org/podcasts/rus...

buff.lyThe Middle East at a “Hinge Moment”The Middle East has entered a hinge moment—the old order dying, a new one yet to emerge. As the region’s own actors, fortified by newfound agency, compete to shape this unsettled interval, many…

17 Sept

New analysis by @mideast.csis.org explores how the Iran war and Gulf realignment are reshaping the Middle East — and what this "hinge moment" means for the region's future. Learn more below. buff.ly/KNm4Tow

surveymonkey.comState of Play Audience SurveyTake this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

14 Aug

The White House released a report on the Great Transshipment Scam, noting that tariffs aimed at China didn’t shrink the U.S. trade deficit — they relocated it. @diegotmec.bsky.social (Americas Program) examines how AI-enabled tracing can catch what a tariff wall can’t: www.csis.org/analysis/vis...

CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department reposted

Will Todman

@willtodman.bsky.social

28 July

State of Play just turned one! To help us improve, I'd be so grateful if you'd share your views by completing this very short survey. And you can enter a draw to win a State of Play mug, which we'll ship to you: www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofpla...

t.coAI Strategies and the Informal Economy: Africa’s Job Creation Test | CSISAfrican nations have implemented AI strategies that focus on their formal sectors, leaving the informal economy behind.

23 July

💡 African nations have implemented AI strategies that focus on their formal sectors. In a new CSIS Africa Program publication, Ayantola Alayande, @cnzuki.bsky.social, and Aaron Stanley explore what AI policy frameworks for the informal sector can contain. t.co/ljwitrjA8L

csis.orgWas This World Cup More Political? | State of Play | CSIS EventsPlease join CSIS experts to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.

16 July

HAPPENING TODAY | Was the 2026 FIFA World Cup the most political tournament yet? ⚽ Join @csis.org experts @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, Enoh T. Ebong, and @willtodman.bsky.social during a live State of Play recording. 📅 July 16 | 3:00 PM EDT 🔗

csis.orgThe Middle East’s Economic Outlook: Risks, Resilience, and the Path Ahead | CSIS EventsPlease join the CSIS Middle East Program for a discussion with Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

15 July

HAPPENING TODAY 7/15 @3pm ET | Join us for a conversation about the IMF's July World Economic Outlook with Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, and @myacoubian.bsky.social, @mideast.csis.org Director and Senior Adviser. Tune in here: buff.ly/lYzG446

csis.orgWas This World Cup More Political? | State of Play | CSIS EventsPlease join CSIS experts to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.

15 July

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was about more than what happened on the pitch. ⚽ Join @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, Enoh T. Ebong & @willtodman.bsky.social for a discussion tomorrow, July 16th at 3pm EDT, exploring the tournament's geopolitical implications. Register:

csis.orgWas This World Cup More Political? | State of Play | CSIS EventsPlease join CSIS experts to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.

14 July

⚽Did the 2026 FIFA World Cup reveal more than just the world's best footballers? Join @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, and Enoh Ebong and host @willtodman.bsky.social as they unpack how geopolitics, soft power, trade, & diplomacy shaped the tournament. Register:

csis.orgWas This World Cup More Political? | State of Play | CSIS EventsPlease join CSIS experts to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.

13 July

Join @csis.org experts @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, and Enoh T. Ebong and host @willtodman.bsky.social on July 16 at 3pm EDT assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play. www.csis.org/index%2Ephp/...

csis.orgSaudi Vision 2030 at TenTen years after its launch, Vision 2030 remains Saudi Arabia's roadmap for resilience. The Iran war reinforced—not weakened—the case for economic diversification, with AI, digital infrastructure, and…

6 July

📖 10 years after the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, what has changed and what challenges remain? Read the latest CSIS @mideast.csis.org's report assessing the kingdom's economic transformation, reforms, and the road ahead. www.csis.org/analysis/sau...

foreignpolicy.comEveryone Lost the War With IranMonths of fighting revealed that multiple countries can impose costs, but none can impose order.

2 July

CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative recently released new ship-tracking data which shows that China’s coast guard presence at Scarborough Shoal has doubled again in 2026 to reach all-time highs, leading to dangerous encounters with Philippine law enforcement.

CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department reposted

Will Todman

@willtodman.bsky.social

16 June

The conventional wisdom taking hold is that the United States and Israel lost. But I argue in @foreignpolicy.com that the war has left every major actor further from their preferred strategic end state. Iran, Arab Gulf states, Russia, and even China lost too. foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/16/i...

15 June

Join us this Thursday 6/18 at 2 PM ET @geopolitics.csis.org @willtodman.bsky.social with the @korea.csis.org @victordcha.bsky.social, @japan.csis.org @kristigovella.bsky.social, Henry A. Kissinger Chair Michael Green, and @poni.csis.org @heatherwilly.bsky.social 🔗 www.csis.org/events/futur...

26 May

HAPPENING TODAY | Join us at 2pm ET for a dialogue with @victordcha.bsky.social, @luissimonn.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @kristigovella.bsky.social, @epejsova.bsky.social, @michitotsuruoka.bsky.social, and Nick Szechenyi on the evolving geopolitical landscape in 2026. buff.ly/ewodYQb

25 May

Join us TOMORROW for the 2026 @csis.org - @csds.bsky.social Transatlantic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific, feat. @victordcha.bsky.social @luissimonn.bsky.social @maxbergmann.bsky.social @kristigovella.bsky.social, @epejsova.bsky.social @michitotsuruoka.bsky.social and Nick Szechenyi. buff.ly/ewodYQb

22 May

Join @victordcha.bsky.social, @luissimonn.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @kristigovella.bsky.social, @epejsova.bsky.social, @michitotsuruoka.bsky.social, and Nick Szechenyi on 5/26 for the 2026 @csis.org - @csds.bsky.social Transatlantic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific. buff.ly/ewodYQb

21 May

Join us on 5/26 for the 6th iteration of the @csis.org - @csds.bsky.social Transatlantic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific where experts explore how America's NATO and Indo-Pacific allies will navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape in 2026. Click here for more info: buff.ly/ewodYQb

20 May

You're invited to the 2026 @csis.org - @csds.bsky.social Transatlantic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific. 📅 5/26 at 2 PM ET 📍 Hybrid 🔗 buff.ly/ewodYQb

20 May

Join us as @victordcha.bsky.social @luissimonn.bsky.social @maxbergmann.bsky.social @kristigovella.bsky.social @epejsova.bsky.social @michitotsuruoka.bsky.social and Nick Szechenyi examine how America's NATO and Indo-Pacific allies will navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape in 2026.

13 May

New analysis by the CSIS Africa Program | Somalia’s political future and the security of global shipping lanes are becoming increasingly intertwined. A new CSIS commentary examines piracy, federal tensions, and why May 15 could prove consequential well beyond the region. www.csis.org/analysis/wha...

5 May

Join the CSIS Americas Program and UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua Chair Jan-Michael Simon for a special event to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nicaragua. 📆May 29, 2026 10:00-11:30 AM ET 📍Hybrid (Online or CSIS Headquarters) 🔗 www.csis.org/events/nicar...

2 May

On Monday, May 4th at 10 AM ET, the @japan.csis.org will convene voices from Tokyo - Itsunori Onodera, Fumitake Fujita, and Asei Ito - to examine strategic priorities and the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Register here: www.csis.org/events/whats...

csis.orgThe Sudan War in 10 ChartsSudan's civil war has entered its fourth year as the world's largest, most underfunded, and most overlooked humanitarian crisis.

21 Apr

Sudan’s civil war has now entered its fourth year with its two main factions locked in a grinding war of attrition. In 10 charts, CSIS Scholars offer snapshots of the magnitude, brutality, and international implications of the Sudan war. www.csis.org/analysis/sud...

bit.lyCan Gen Z Protests Reshape Governance in Africa?Across Africa, Gen Z–led protests are redefining political engagement. But can this new wave of activism move beyond disruption to deliver lasting institutional change?

14 Apr

💡 New Analysis | Khasai Makhulo & Oge Onubogu ask the question, "Can Gen Z Protests Reshape Governance in Africa?" Across Africa, Gen Z–led protests are redefining political engagement. But can this new wave of activism move beyond disruption to lasting change? Read: bit.ly/4tHqhEm

10 Apr

With polls opening for Hungary's high-stakes election on April 12, @erep.csis.org expert @donatienneruy.bsky.social offers four scenarios that could unfold as the nation decides its path forward. Read: www.csis.org/analysis/wha...

9 Apr

Decarbonization is no longer just a climate goal in Europe––it's a security imperative. New analysis by @erep.csis.org's @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @steinbergf.bsky.social call upon the EU to take bold economic action in the face of the war in Iran. Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/eur...

🎙️ Don't miss our recent episodes of State of Play where @csis.org experts analyze geopolitical developments from Iran to Russia to Cuba to Japan. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

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buff.lyIs Cuba Next? | State of Play | CSIS PodcastsRyan Berg and Carrie Filipetti join Will to discuss President Trump’s goals in Cuba, his range of options, and the risks and benefits of regime change.

💡Is Cuba Next? Ryan Berg, Carrie Filipetti, and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss President Trump’s goals in Cuba, his range of options, and the risks and benefits of regime change. buff.ly/Xb9fNDw

buff.lyWould Regime Change Solve the Iran Challenge? | State of Play | CSIS PodcastsJon Alterman, Daniel Byman, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will Todman on a live episode of State of Play.

💡Would Regime Change Solve the Iran Challenge? Jon Alterman, Daniel Byman, @myacoubian.bsky.social, and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss the risks of regime change in Iran, the lessons to draw from other regime change efforts in the Middle East and beyond, and more. buff.ly/L1H2qwy

🎙️ Don't miss our recent episodes of State of Play where @csis.org experts analyze geopolitical developments from Iran to Russia to Cuba to Japan. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

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buff.lyHow did Japan Navigate Trump's Pressure on Iran? | State of Play | CSIS PodcastsNick Szechenyi joins Will to discuss what Takaichi had hoped to achieve in her visit, how she handled Trump's pressure, and the playbook she's developing for U.S. allies.

💡How did Japan Navigate Trump's Pressure on Iran? Nick Szechenyi and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss what Prime Minister Takaichi had hoped to achieve in her visit, how she handled Trump's pressure, and the playbook she's developing for U.S. allies. buff.ly/LgJivu6

buff.lyAre Russia and China Benefitting from the War with Iran? | State of Play | CSIS PodcastsWill is joined by Bonny Lin and Maria Snegovaya to discuss both China and Russia's strategic openings and costs in the war with Iran.

💡Are Russia and China Benefitting from the War with Iran? Bonny Lin, Maria Snegovaya, and @willtodman.bsky.social explore the implications of the war with Iran for China and Russia. buff.ly/yLVeRGI

🎙️ Don't miss our recent episodes of State of Play where @csis.org experts analyze geopolitical developments from Iran to Russia to Cuba to Japan. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

buff.lyWhat Are the Hidden Costs of the War with Iran? | State of Play | CSIS PodcastsEmily Harding, Caitlin Welsh, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will to discuss the short- and long-term implications of the war with Iran.

💡What Are the Hidden Costs of the War with Iran? Emily Harding, Caitlin Welsh, @myacoubian.bsky.social, and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss the short- and long-term implications of the war that are getting less attention, and what can be done to mitigate their worst effects. buff.ly/dCj7xtB

csis.orgUSMCA Review 2026: Six Scenarios for North America’s FutureCSIS Americas Program Fellow Diego Marroquín Bitar and Senior Adviser and Scholl Chair Emeritus William Alan Reinsch explore and update a set of six potential scenarios for the future of the USMCA…

27 Mar

@diegotmec.bsky.social, fellow with the CSIS Americas Program and Bill Reinsch, senior adviser and Scholl Chair emeritus with @est.csis.org explore and update a set of six potential scenarios for the future of the USMCA free trade agreement. Read their full analysis: csis.org/analysis/usm...

buff.lyThe Eurofile Live Podcast: Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition | CSIS EventsPlease join the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and The Eurofile podcast for a conversation about the European Union's competitiveness and energy transition agenda with Teresa Ribera,…

27 Mar

Join @erep.csis.org for a new episode of The Eurofile today at 3:30 PM ET. @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @donatienneruy.bsky.social, and @teresaribera.ec.europa.eu will discuss transatlantic relations and the European Union's economic and climate agenda. www.csis.org/events/eurof...

csis.orgInsights on U.S.–China Technology Competition | CSIS EventsThe CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a timely discussion on major geopolitical flashpoints shaping today’s world.

23 Mar

Join us on Friday, March 27 for a timely discussion on U.S.–China technological competition and the major geopolitical flashpoints shaping today’s world. Speakers: @victordcha.bsky.social, Jason Hsu, Ted Wittenstein, Kate Koren, and Andrew Makridis. RSVP here: www.csis.org/events/insig...

amti.csis.orgAntelope Reef Could Now Be the Largest Island in the South China Sea | Asia Maritime Transparency InitiativeMedia reporting in early 2026 has highlighted new Chinese dredging and landfill activity at Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands. This is the first significant artificial island-building Beijing has…

20 Mar

Just Released: AMTI released satellite imagery showing that Antelope Reef is now one of China’s largest islands in the South China Sea, reaching a record-breaking 1,450 acres of land reclamation. Read more here: amti.csis.org/antelope-ree...

bit.lyCSIS Africa Program Bi-Monthly NewsletterPeople, Trade, and Security

16 Mar

The CSIS Africa Program just relaunched their newsletter Africa Policy Pulse! Published bimonthly, it reviews the evolving geopolitical landscape, what it means for the African continent, and U.S.–Africa relations. Read the latest edition: bit.ly/4s7yxxc

CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department reposted

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies

@csis.org

12 Mar

Today, CSIS announces retired Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, the 19th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been named our next CEO, succeeding John Hamre, who announced last year that he will retire after 26 years of transformational leadership. Read more: bit.ly/4b383Ha

amti.csis.orgAll Together Now: China’s Militia in 2025 | Asia Maritime Transparency InitiativeSatellite imagery analysis indicates that China’s maritime militia—consisting both of professional militia and the civilian members of the “Spratly Backbone Fishing Fleet”—deployed in record-high…

23 Feb

See the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative’s latest data that highlights China’s maritime militia presence in the South China Sea which reached a record high in 2025, with deployments increasingly concentrated at Mischief and Whitsun reefs. amti.csis.org/all-together...

csis.orgCan middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says? | State of Play | CSIS PodcastsChris Hernandez-Roy and Kristi Govella join Will to discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan could do this, what it might look like, and what the risks are.

29 Jan

Tune into our latest episode of State of Play where @kristigovella.bsky.social, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, and @willtodman.bsky.social answer the question: "Can middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says?" Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

csis.orgUnderstanding Global South Perspectives on Taiwan | CSIS EventsThe CSIS Freeman Chair convened an international task force on to evaluate Global South perspectives on Taiwan and cross-Strait issues. This event reveals what task force members found, and why…

27 Jan

Join the CSIS Freeman Chair tomorrow 1/28 at 9:00 am ET for a virtual discussion analyzing opportunities for Taiwan to enhance engagement with the Global South, Global South perspectives on cross-Strait issues, and more. More info here: www.csis.org/events/under...

csis.orgExamining Major Elements Driving Investment Uncertainty in the 2026 USMCA Review | CSIS EventsJoin us for a hybrid event examining how double taxation and Mexico’s judicial overhaul are undermining investment certainty in North America— causing friction in the trading bloc just as the 2026…

20 Jan

Join the CSIS Americas discussion TOMORROW (Jan 21, 10-11 am ET) on the major factors shaping investment uncertainty as the 2026 USMCA review approaches. Click here for more info: www.csis.org/events/exami...