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Ivo Daalder

@ivodaalder.bsky.social
3.9K followers 640 following 549 posts

Former US Amb @NATO. Now Senior Fellow @BelferCenter. Host World Review Podcast. Author America Abroad Substack. Policy Wonk. Dog lover. Baseball fan. New Chicagoan. Old Dutchman.

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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This week: How Anthropic turned to religious leaders to create a “moral” agent; a former head of US intel worries about China misreading the US and a former UK head of intel worries about Putin; and a look at how Russia is preparing for Doomsday. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 81)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Latest Diplomatic Cable: UK PM Burnham opens the door to Britain rejoining the EU. Economics is the true driving force, but Trump’s Washington is making the choice clearer by the day. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/the-diplom...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
The Diplomatic Cable 007: From Brexit to BackIn?
Burnham says Brexit has done more harm than good and puts rejoining the EU on the table. It is Carney's middle-power project arriving in London, and a break with Washington.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Europe wants more meetings to address the Russian hybrid threat. Instead, it should task NATO’s commander to develop a menu of options that is announced publicly. No need to tell Russia how and when it will respond; only that it will respond. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/the-diplom...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
The Diplomatic Cable 006: Europe Needs a Menu, Not Another Meeting
Von der Leyen wants an EU version of NATO's Article 4. Europe's real gap is pre-agreed responses, and only NATO's command can supply them.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
This week: China’s oil average, what Congress needs to know about AI. concerns about Ukraine, and what lies behind the German far-right’s ascendence. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 80)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
On World Review this week: Trump claims victory while the world knows he’s losing. Europe frets about Russia but doesn’t know what to do. What do German far-right victories mean for Europe. With Karen DeYoung, @stevenerlanger.bsky.social, Jamie Dettmer newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: Trump's Busy Week, Russia Threatens, The Far Right Wins in Europe
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
European warnings about the Russian threat point to two real worries: an accident that kills scores or a miscalculation that triggers a war. Both can be avoided by sending Putin a clear message: “We see what you are doing. Don’t. We will respond.” open.substack.com/pub/ivodaald...
open.substack.com
The Diplomatic Cable 005: Is the Russian Threat to Europe Real?
Avoiding an accidental strike or miscalculation by Putin, Europe needs to unite behind a clear message: We see what you are doing. We will respond. Don’t risk a war you won’t want and can’t win.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
New Diplomatic Cable: A look at how Xi has Trump’s number and what Trump can do about it before it is too late. First step: don’t go to Andrews to meet Xi’s plane. It’s no sign of respect; it’s a sign of deference that Xi will see as weakness. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/the-diplom...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
The Diplomatic Cable 004: Mr. President, Xi Has Your Number
A regular update on events in the world
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Seven months to get a Greenland deal we could have had in days. Greenland stays part of Denmark. No American flag. US security comes from alliances and treaties, not owned territory. On the @bbcnewsunofficial.bsky.social : newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/seven-mont...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
Seven Months to Get Back Where We Started
On the BBC: the Greenland deal, and why the new Russia sanctions won't change Putin's math
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Seven months to get a Greenland deal we could have had in days. Greenland stays part of Denmark. No American flag. US security comes from alliances and treaties, not owned territory. On the BBC: newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/seven-mont...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
Seven Months to Get Back Where We Started
On the BBC: the Greenland deal, and why the new Russia sanctions won't change Putin's math
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
On World Review: Will the Fed rate rise steady the economy? Is Carney’s swoon in Europe for real? Has the Middle East become a tinderbox? Find out by listening to my conversation with Martin Wolf, @spiegelpeter.bsky.social , and @missy-ryan.bsky.social . newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: Fed Raises Rates. Carney Swoons Europe. Saudis Confront Houthis.
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
My latest Diplomatic Cable: Congress has just given Trump another blank check to cash in the way he wants rather than they attend. Punishing Russia is the necessary, but this is the wrong way to do it. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/the-diplom...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
The Diplomatic Cable 003: Congress Hands Trump New Tariff Weapon
A regular update on events in the world
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Russia’s escalation is getting more brazen. NATO needs to respond. Here is how. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/enough-sho...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
Enough. Shoot Them Down.
Russia’s targeting of a train line that carried European dignitaries from Ukraine to Poland is the latest provocation to demand a concerted response.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Before 9/11 CIA Director Tenet warned his “hair is on fire.” AI executives are now doing the same in warning about their technology. But like in 2001, the White House, led by Trump, isn’t listening. We may all pay a much bigger price. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/the-diplom...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
The Diplomatic Cable 002: Avoiding an AI 9/11
A regular update on events in the world
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
This week -- a look at what we learned -- and didn't learn -- after 9/11. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 78)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I’m in the same place I was exactly 25 years ago: on a plane from Europe back to the United States. Looking back on that day, the days that followed, is to realize the mistakes we made, the opportunities we lost, and the lessons we failed to learn. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/25-years-a...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
25 Years Ago Today
Reflections on the day America was attacked -- what came after -- from the same spot I found myself 25 years ago today.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This week, a special World Review looks back 25 years, to the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, and their aftermath, with 3 Belfer colleagues. open.substack.com/pub/ivodaald...
open.substack.com
World Review: 25 Years After 9/11 — A Look Back
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
There is something profoundly wrong with a society in which the producers of a technology they say can kill all humanity nevertheless accelerate the production of that technology and governments are standing by doing nothing. www.axios.com/newsletters/...
axios.com
Axios AM - ⚡ Insiders warn AI could kill all humans
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A new feature on America Abroad — The Diplomatic Cable. Number 001 addresses the Witkoff-Kushner visit to Moscow and Kyiv. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/the-diplom...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
The Diplomatic Cable 001: Witkoff and Kushner Visit Moscow and Kyiv
A regular update on events in the world
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Witkoff and Kushner are going to Moscow to present gifts of better economic relations if the war ends. It’s not going to work, I tell CNN in an in-depth interview earlier today. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/putin-gets...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
Putin Gets a Three-Day Break From Bombing. That's Not a Peace Plan.
I talked to Bianna Golodryga about the Witkoff and Kushner visit to Moscow and why peace was not likely at hand.
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Reposted by Ivo Daalder
Buitenhof @buitenhof.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Zondag in #buitenhof @ministerocw.bsky.social Rianne Letschert; oud-ambassadeur bij de NAVO @ivodaalder.bsky.social; oud-minister van Justitie en Veiligheid Ferdinand Grapperhaus; schijfster Connie Palmen. 12:10 op NPO1. Lees meer: bit.ly/buitenhof-6-...
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
This week: When 10 “Manhattan Projects” compete, even an AI Hiroshima won’t lead to global regulation, “civilizations” takes over the MAGA Right, John Roberts’ institutionalism, and (NEW!) my favorite video and podcasts. Enjoy! newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 76)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
This week on World Review: Canada goes to war, the US returns to economic pressure, and Trump’s coercive playbook is faltering. With Matina Stevis-Gridnef, @prashantrao.bsky.social and @antonlaguardia.bsky.social. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: US Canada Trade War, Economic D-Day, Trump's Playbook Falters
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
When you send the CIA Director to Moscow, standard diplomacy has already failed. I sat down with @BloombergTV to break down Ratcliffe’s trip and why personal rapport is no substitute for strategy. Watch the clip & read my full post 👇 newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/sending-th...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
Sending the CIA Director to Moscow Shows Washington Is Flying Blind
My interview with Bloomberg TV on why the CIA Director went to Moscow, what it shows about the US approach to Russia, and more.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Joined @CNN to break down the growing alignment between Russia, North Korea, China, & Iran. Trump says Kim Jong-Un respects him, but dictators follow hard power, not personal rapport. Watch the clip 🧵👇 youtu.be/H4II7TBwXuY?...
youtu.be
While Trump Kisses Up to Kim Jong-Un, North Korea Sends Troops to Ukraine
YouTube video by Ivo Daalder
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
This week, an interview with Carlos the Jackal, a deep look at Xi Jinping, AI and China, and an extraordinary and chilling account of what it is like to be an intelligence officer in this administration who happens to be transgender. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 75)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I spoke with @eosnos.bsky.social, Sebastian Mallaby, and @marietjeschaake.bsky.social about how AI is changing the World. An often-chilling conversation about the technology, the people behind it, and how very different societies are trying to cope. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: How AI Is Changing the World
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
America's enemies have Trump's number — they've played him like a fiddle at every turn. Rather than push back against our enemies, Trump takes it out on our friends. There’s a lesson here for allies: Bullies stop hitting when you hit back. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/they-have-...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
They Have Trump's Number
America's enemies have Trump's number — they've played him like a fiddle at every turn. Rather than push back against our enemies, Trump takes it out on our friends.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
A new Pentagon questionnaire sent to America's 31 NATO allies puts fealty above common interests, divides the allies among themselves, weakens collective defense, and ultimately could destroy NATO. open.substack.com/pub/ivodaald...
open.substack.com
This is How NATO Dies
A new Pentagon questionnaire sent to America's 31 NATO allies puts fealty above common interests, divides the allies among themselves, weakens collective defense, and ultimately could destroy NATO.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
This week — the dangers of AI are becoming clearer, the CIA may be behind the droning of a fishing boat, what Trump can learn from Putin on deception, and how America is losing power. Enjoy! newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 74)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
This week on World Review: Iran. Ukraine. Cuba. And the question in each case is the same: Success? Failure? Or Stalemate? newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: Iran, Ukraine, and Cuba. Failure? Success? Or Stalemate?
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Reposted by Ivo Daalder
The DSR Network @thedsrnetwork.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Are we being too laissez-faire in our approach to artificial intelligence? @ivodaalder.bsky.social and Graham Allison join @djrothkopf.bsky.social to explore the terrifying implications of hands-off policymaking. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d... youtu.be/XGPIRTig0iI
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
A belated post on what caught my eye this week: A build up of assets around Cuba, the US-China competition, and how Venezuela’s failed earthquake response traces back to years of corruption and incompetence. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 73)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
031
Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Ask Ivo this month: Why Iran has Trump's number (same playbook as NK, China, Russia) — and why a Fields Medal winner just walked away from math to work on AI safety instead. And much more. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/ask-ivo-th...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
Ask Ivo: The Age of Impunity, Iran's Playbook, and a Fields Medalist Who's More Scared of AI Than Proud of It
The full video of my "Ask Ivo" section earlier today
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Nuclear weapons got strict global controls. But when it comes to AI — a technology its own builders call equally dangerous — there are none. open.substack.com/pub/ivodaald...
open.substack.com
We Don’t Let Companies Own Nuclear Weapons. Why AI?
The people who understand AI best are the ones most frightened by it. But they’re racing ahead developing a technology that can destroy us all. The time to control AI like nuclear technology is now.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
On World Review this week, the deal that may give Saudi Arabia a bomb. Trump pleads for labor rights to sell new tariffs. And can Andy Burnham avoid the fate of his 6 predecessors? With @RobbieGramer, @felschwartz, and @Hugh__Tomlinson. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: The US-Saudi Nuke Deal. More Tariffs. A New UK Government
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
This week: Elon Musk gets testy; Biden aids reflect on the Gaza War, Trump ignores security to get his plane, and a Marine-Reporter reflects on Afghanistan. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 71)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
World Review looks back at the largest, most-watched, and financially most-profitable World Cup ever. Americans fell in love, Cinderellas didn’t get to the ball, & money changed everything. W/ @ghoshworld.bsky.social @edwardluce.bsky.social, Mehreen Khan. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: A Look Back at the World Cup —Politics, Nationalism, and Financial Gains
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
This week on World Review: Iran has Trump is boxed in; the big dream of turning Gaza into the Rivera has died; and Zelensky ousts the man who brought Ukraine the drones. With @kaminskimk.bsky.social, @eliselabott.bsky.social, and @alexward.bsky.social. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: The Strait is Closed Again. What Happened to Gaza? Ukraine's Internal Division
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Chicago has the 2nd worst air quality in the world (Minneapolis is 1st). So we’re 😷 up!
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Here’s what caught my eye this week: Rahm Emanuel’s speech telling Israel the hard truth, as only a true friend can. How the US response to Venezuela’s earthquake pales in comparison to the Haiti earthquake. And how Europe lost faith in Trump’s America. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 69)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
In case you missed it, Chloe decided that should wanted to be on @pbsnews.org as well. Watch: youtu.be/96RvUkhkzr4?...
youtu.be
PBS NewsHour -- NATO Summit Outcome
YouTube video by Ivo Daalder
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The one concrete result coming out of NATO's Ankara Summit is agreement not to have another meeting so long as Trump is President. My take on why the summit was a wasted opportunity. In @politico.eu www.politico.eu/article/nato...
politico.eu
NATO’s Ankara summit was a wasted opportunity
Europe could have used the meeting to show the U.S. how it will take the lead — instead it just agreed to buy a bunch of stuff.
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Reposted by Ivo Daalder
The DSR Network @thedsrnetwork.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Lieutenant General @markhertling.bsky.social and former Ambassador to NATO @ivodaalder.bsky.social join @djrothkopf.bsky.social and @edwardluce.bsky.social to discuss the NATO summit in Turkey and the future of the alliance. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t... youtu.be/CnwCjrUO2QA
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I joined @eliselabott.bsky.social to dissect what had happened at the NATO Summit. The meeting wasn’t much; but underneath it all we’re seeing the emergence of a more European NATO. That’s good thing—so long as Washington doesn’t decide it can now walk away. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/a-more-eur...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
A More European NATO — and Why America Should Want One
A recording from Ivo Daalder and Elise Labott's live video
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Will European allies be able to placate Trump? Doubtful. But they will certainly try. My interview on @AJEnglish youtu.be/8YczZuJ4RHM
youtu.be
Al Jazeera -- Previewing the NATO Summit
YouTube video by Ivo Daalder
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Here's what Trump can do to help end Russia's war on Ukraine: Share the US intelligence assessment that Russia is losing with Vladimir Putin. My interview with @BBCWorld youtu.be/zt-_lAv6pms
youtu.be
BBC World News -- Ukraine at the NATO Summit
YouTube video by Ivo Daalder
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
What can we expect from the NATO Summit today? Here's my take for @SquawkCNBC cnb.cx/4gqUX9S
cnb.cx
Ivo Daalder on his expectations for NATO summit
Ivo Daalder, former US Ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama, joins CNBC's 'Squawk Box' to discuss the NATO summit as it kicks off in Turkey, what to expect from President Trump, and more.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I previewed the NATO Summit on Bloomberg TV. And also talked about Ukraine and what it means for the World Cup when one party doesn’t play by the rules. newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/low-bar-no...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
Low Bar, No Rules
My interview on Bloomberg's "Balance of Power" on what to expect from the NATO Summit this week, whether negotiations to end Russia's war on Ukraine, and FIFA's red card fiasco.
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Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Here’s what caught my eye this week: The edits in Jefferson’s original draft Declaration of Independence, how most people get Thucydides wrong, and how impunity is rising (with the US leading the western world). newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/what-caugh...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
What Caught My Eye (no. 68)
Some interesting articles and podcasts that caught my eye this week
060
Ivo Daalder @ivodaalder.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
As America turns 250, how does the rest of the world see America? Watch or listen to this special edition of World Review, where I tackle this question with three renowned journalists and editors. Happy Birthday, America! newsletter.ivodaalder.com/p/world-revi...
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
World Review: America at 250 — What the US Means to the World
A synopsis of this week's edition of World Review
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