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Leslie Vinjamuri

@leslievinjamuri.bsky.social
2.4K followers 153 following 101 posts

President and CEO Chicago Council on Global Affairs; also Professor of Practice @SOAS University of London

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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
America’s European allies are caught in the crosshairs, struggling to hang together while calculating their response to the US war effort— and to maintain a veneer of independencehttps://globalaffairs.org/commentary/analysis/war-middle-east-ushers-world-might-makes-right
globalaffairs.org
War in the Middle East Ushers in a World of 'Might Makes Right'
The US-led postwar international order is being tested in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz and in the shrewd calculations of governments from New Delhi to Helsinki.
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
My latest writing for the @ChicagoCouncil on Global Affairs. From Davos to Munich to the Board of Peace, recent events have made clear that the West is scrambling. It is an open question as to whether the West will hold together and can remain relevant. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
From Munich to the Board of Peace, the Trump Administration Struggles to Reassure its Transatlantic Partners; The Supreme Court Pushes Back
The United States and Europe are scrambling to reform their partnership. It is an open question as to whether the transatlantic partnership can continue to be an anchor for international order as the ...
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
This week, American Enterprise Institute's @kschake.bsky.social joined Council President & CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to discuss how the relationship between between America's civilian leaders and its military is evolving. Watch the full conversation: bit.ly/4qOEMVp
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Henning Hoff @henninghoff.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
And we’re live — @munsecconf.bsky.social starts in 4 days. Great contributions by @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social Anne-Marie Slaughter @james-rogers.bsky.social @jpuglierin.bsky.social @claudmajor.bsky.social Patrick Keller @nicolange.bsky.social @joerglau.bsky.social Sophie Eisentraut & columnists
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The Trump administration's recently released National Defense Strategy "wholly ignores one of the primary stressors in the global security environment: climate change," write Council Senior Nonresident Fellow @busbyj2.bsky.social and Greg Pollock. They explore the implications in @foreignpolicy.com:
bit.ly
Trump’s National Defense Strategy Tries to Imagine Climate Change Away
Sycophancy and ideology have replaced realistic assessments of dangers.
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Recently, the Council welcomed our 2026 cohort of Emerging Leaders, together with many program alumni. We are excited to kick off a new season of programming! Special thanks to Ashish Lal for supporting this event, and to Endy Zemenides and the Hellenic American Leadership Council for hosting!
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Last night in Davos, Council President and CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social joined a dinner co-hosted with Aon, the @ifrc.org, the World Bank, and the @iom.int, focused on reimagining humanitarian finance and reducing volatility in forced migration.
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
My latest, will Davos go to Detroit? globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
Could a Dublin-Detroit-Davos Corridor Be an Engine for a Renewal of the Transatlantic Partnership?
News that the World Economic Forum may come down from the mountain is symbolic of the end of an era but also signals the beginning of new thinking about internationalism. In Davos, Trump, Carney, and ...
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Senator Durbin speaks live now at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs about transatlantic relations. The Senator travelled to Denmark as part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation. Media raises multiple questions about ICE m.youtube.com/watch?v=5BN5...
m.youtube.com
Press Briefing with US Senator Durbin on Greenland and Arctic Security
YouTube video by Chicago Council on Global Affairs
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
LIVE NOW: IL Senator @durbin.senate.gov holds a press conference at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs to discuss his recent bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to Denmark. Tune in now: bit.ly/4pOjsih
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
💯💯
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
My latest. This time on Greenland. Hope you will give it a read. In deploying troops to Greenland, Europeans are handing the president a gift: a pretense for backing down. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
Through 'Operation Arctic Endurance,' NATO Allies Signal a United Front Against Trump
After repeatedly threatening to acquire Greenland, US President Donald Trump is facing backlash from Americans and US allies. Where does it leave the transatlantic partnership?
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Which armed conflicts will define 2026? And what forces—whether local, regional, or global—will shape their trajectories? On 2/5, @crisisgroup.org President and CEO @comfortero.crisisgroup.org joins @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to discuss what to watch in the year ahead. brnw.ch/21wZ7TH
Promotional graphic for the Council's 2/5 event "10 Conflicts to Watch: A Conversation with Comfort Ero," featuring event details and speaker headshots over a dark blue background.
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Violent crackdowns, internet shutdowns, and a rising death toll. I spoke with Azadeh Moaveni of @nyu_journalism and @sanamvakil.bsky.social of @chathamhouse.org on the Deep Dish podcast this week about these developments and more in Iran. brnw.ch/21wZ7LC
brnw.ch
Iran's Protests: Can the Regime Survive?
What's driving unrest in Iran—is this time different?
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
How are recent conflicts stress-testing global alliances? This week, former US Ambassador to NATO and Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Julianne Smith joined @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social for a conversation on the future of alliances in today’s changing world.
Leslie Vinjamuri and Julianne Smith onstage.Leslie Vinjamuri and Julianne Smith onstage.John DeBlasio speaking onstage.A group of student attendees posing for a photo.
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
I am thrilled to welcome Dr Evan Medeiros to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social as Distinguished Nonresident Fellow on China. Medeiros is currently the Penner Family Chair at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service brnw.ch/21wZ5A4
brnw.ch
China Scholar Evan Medeiros Joins the Chicago Council on Global Affairs
January 14, 2026
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
"You can feel this palpable sense of nervousness and anxiety on the other side of the pond," Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Ambassador Julianne Smith says of the current state of the transatlantic relationship. Watch her conversation with @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social ➡️ brnw.ch/21wZ3yC
Leslie Vinjamuri and Julianne Smith speak on the Council stage
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
There is little evidence that what we had come to assume was and should be the top geopolitical priority for the United States, namely managing the China challenge, is actually the top priority. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
Trump 2.0 Enters 2026 in Full Force
Trump’s first foreign policy moves of the new year included invading Venezuela, threatening to coerce Greenland into becoming a US territory, and withdrawing the US from 66 international organizations...
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
From US threats over Greenland and Arctic tensions to instability in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere, America's alliances are facing new pressures. On 1/13, Julianne Smith joins @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to discuss how these actions are testing US alliances. brnw.ch/21wYU7l
A promo graphic for the Council's 1/13 event "The Future of Alliances in a Changing World," featuring event details and speaker headshots over a blue background.
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Looking forward to speaking with Ambassador Julie Smith on Tuesday.
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Rachel Bronson @rb312.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Some initial thoughts by me and some super smart colleagues @global-affairs.bsky.social
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
"This is a US that cares about geopolitical competition," the Council's @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social tells @cnn.com. "It's also willing to push the boundaries of what we have come to see as normal, expected, legitimate, international behavior." More on the US intervention in Venezuela ⤵️
youtu.be
Venezuela and Trump's Vision for the Western Hemisphere
YouTube video by Chicago Council on Global Affairs
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by US military forces on Saturday amid a "large-scale strike" against the country. What comes next? Chicago Council experts assess the immediate and long-term stakes for the region and the world. ⤵️
globalaffairs.org
What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Means for the Region and the World
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale strike. Experts assess what the unprecedented US intervention means for Venezuela, US foreign policy, and regional and...
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
"When oil trading begins on Sunday night..it will be the first test of whether Trump’s exhortations that the United States will “run” Venezuela will inspire confidence." Read our latest expert analysis by @rb312.bsky.social globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Means for the Region and the World
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale strike. Experts assess what the unprecedented US intervention means for Venezuela, US foreign policy, and regional and...
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
We continue to add new expert commentary to this link. Latest piece by @CooleyOnEurasia on the implications for Russia and China. Note that Venezuela is China's largest debtor in Latin America. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Means for the Region and the World
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale strike. Experts assess what the unprecedented US intervention means for Venezuela, US foreign policy, and regional and...
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
This one well worth reading
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
I had not even considered this but ..
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Paul Heer @pauljcheer.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
"The Trump administration’s attack on Venezuela gives Beijing another opening to portray China as a more responsible international actor than the United States."
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
If drug trafficking, an illegitimate electoral victory, or control of oil is the new bar for a US military takeover, we are in for quite a rough ride in 2026. My comment, alongside that of several colleagues @global-affairs.bsky.social globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Means for the Region and the World
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale strike. Experts assess what the unprecedented US intervention means for Venezuela, US foreign policy, and regional and...
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Read @busbyj2.bsky.social "Washington’s capacity to manage and support a transition in Venezuela is suspect given the downscaling of diplomacy and development assets at State, the dissolution of USAID, and the reorientation of the Department of Defense" globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Means for the Region and the World
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale strike. Experts assess what the unprecedented US intervention means for Venezuela, US foreign policy, and regional and...
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
"Beijing has had an “all-weather strategic partnership” with Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro in particular, based in large part on China’s need for oil and Venezuela’s need for investment" Read Paul Heer of the @global-affairs.bsky.social Chicago Council globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Means for the Region and the World
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale strike. Experts assess what the unprecedented US intervention means for Venezuela, US foreign policy, and regional and...
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
What led to this moment in Venezuela? @ceprdc.bsky.social's Francisco Rodríguez joined Council President & CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on the Deep Dish podcast last fall to unpack the forces shaping the crisis—and how they have informed Trump's approach. 🎧: globalaffairs.org/commentary/p...
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Read commentary by @global-affairs.bsky.social experts at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Lord Jim O'Neill, @dandrezner.bsky.social, Paul Heer, and more. On Venezuela, Trump, and what to expect. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Means for the Region and the World
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a large-scale strike. Experts assess what the unprecedented US intervention means for Venezuela, US foreign policy, and regional and...
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Daniel Drezner @dandrezner.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
<— Honored to have been a guest on @gideonrachman.bsky.social’s last FT podcast of 2025, also featuring @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social and @jamescrabtree.bsky.social. www.ft.com/content/1e62...
ft.com
Transcript: 2025 — a year of chaos and confusion
Gideon Rachman talks to Leslie Vinjamuri, Dan Drezner and James Crabtree
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Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Find the full series here, with excellent contributions from @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social Julie Smith, Jim O'Neill, @dandrezner.bsky.social @profpaulpoast.bsky.social and many others. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
Predictions and Reflections on America at 250
Experts share how changes in American leadership, alliances, and global engagement shaped the nation’s first 250 years—and what the current moment reveals about the next.
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Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Pleased to contribute to @global-affairs.bsky.social series reflecting on the US at 250. I wrote about the US & Europe's unshared futures, & ask whether their future will be based on democracy, human rights & rule of law - or on the nativism the US seeks to export globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
The Unshared Futures of the United States and Europe
America and Europe have been bound together for more than 250 years. Whose ideology will define their future?
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Predictions and Reflections on America at 250. Contributions from leading thinkers in the US and Europe globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
Predictions and Reflections on America at 250
Experts share how changes in American leadership, alliances, and global engagement shaped the nation’s first 250 years—and what the current moment reveals about the next.
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Thursday we will host Dr Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, India's premier think tank, for a conversation on India's global role globalaffairs.org/events/third...
globalaffairs.org
The Third Way: India's Role in a World in Transition
Samir Saran and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss India's distinctive foreign policy strategy and its implications for the global order.
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
As India becomes more of a key player in global affairs, what lies ahead for the global order? Join Observer Research Foundation President Samir Saran and Council President and CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on 12/18 as they discuss India's policy strategy and global implications. brnw.ch/21wXBFm
Promotional graphic for the Council's 12/18 event "The Third Way: India's Role in a World in Transition," featuring event details and headshots of Samir Saran and Leslie Vinjamuri.
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Are the US and China already locked into a cold war? Earlier this week, University of Chicago's John Mearsheimer and @harvardkennedy.bsky.social's Rana Mitter, and @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social analyzed that question and more in a dynamic conversation on the US-China relationship. brnw.ch/21wXE4o
Leslie Vinjamuri, Rana Mitter, and John Mearsheimer onstage at the Chicago Council Conference Center.Pin Ni speaking at the Chicago Council Conference Center.An audience member asks a question into a microphone.John Mearsheimer meets an attendee.
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Kori Schake 🎃 @kschake.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Important dissention on the legality of strikes
nbcnews.com
Top military lawyer raised legal concerns about boat strikes
The lawyer at U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the operations against alleged drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela, disagreed that the strikes are legal and was overruled, according to six sources...
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Craig Kafura @ckafura.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Really enjoyed being on @global-affairs.bsky.social Deep Dish podcast this week with @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social and Andrew Oros of @stimsoncenter.bsky.social to discuss the changing demographics of East Asia and what it means for our future. Give it a listen: brnw.ch/21wXt8f
brnw.ch
Are Changing Demographics the Next Global Power Shift?
China, Japan, and South Korea are aging fast. What does that mean for global stability?
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Roland Paris @rolandparis.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
I was happy to join Leslie Vinjamuri (@leslievinjamuri.bsky.social) of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Professor Robert Howse from NYU’s Law School on this week’s Deep Dish podcast to discuss "Trump - Canada's Friend or Foe?" Listen: brnw.ch/21wX4N6
brnw.ch
Trump—Canada's Friend or Foe?
As new tariffs, increased geopolitical tensions and a shifting rules-based order challenge the closest of allies, how will Canada and the US redefine their relationship?
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Tariffs, Trump, and Trudeau’s legacy. On Deep Dish this week, I talked with @howserob from @nyulaw and @rolandparis from @uOttawaGSPIA and @ChathamHouse about how these factors impact the global leadership of Canada. brnw.ch/21wX4N7
brnw.ch
Trump—Canada's Friend or Foe?
As new tariffs, increased geopolitical tensions and a shifting rules-based order challenge the closest of allies, how will Canada and the US redefine their relationship?
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Estonian President Alar Karis joins Council President & CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on the Council stage to discusses Estonia's experience navigating digital transformation and geopolitical pressures in an increasingly complex world. 💻 WATCH: brnw.ch/21wX0e7
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Tariffs, tech controls, and the CCP Plenum. On Deep Dish this week, I talked with @georgetownsfs’s Professor Evan Medeiros about what these means in the context of the US-China relationship and China’s global ambitions. brnw.ch/21wWGem
brnw.ch
Inside China’s Global Ambitions
China is plotting their next five years at their fourth plenum. What does this mean for the US, and the world?
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
@sanamvakil.bsky.social and @DanByman joined me to talk about the Phase One Deal. Video link here www.youtube.com/live/EzP2FsA...
youtube.com
Rapid Response Live Stream: Israel-Hamas Phase One Deal
YouTube video by Chicago Council on Global Affairs
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Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
After two years of bloodshed, an end to the war in Gaza may be in sight. Join @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social, @sanamvakil.bsky.social, Sanam Vakil, and Daniel Byman as they unpack the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal and the challenges ahead. Tune in to the live stream at 3 p.m. CT today ➡️ brnw.ch/21wWuzM
a graphic showing the speakers for the rapid response event
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
The UN is turning 80 at a moment of crisis: wars, budget cuts, and an antagonistic US president. I had the privilege of speaking with two UN experts, @crisisgroup.org’s @richardgowan1.bsky.social and @kofiannanfdn.bsky.social's Corinne Momal-Vanian. Listen: brnw.ch/21wW44w
brnw.ch
80th Birthday Blues: UN's Fight to Stay Relevant
Budget cuts, global crises, and a disengaged US, Deep Dish explores the UN at a pivotal moment and whether it can still deliver.
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Leslie Vinjamuri @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
The UN is turning 80 at a moment of crisis: wars, budget cuts, and an antagonistic US president. I had the privilege of speaking with two UN experts, @crisisgroup.org’s @richardgowan1.bsky.social and @kofiannanfdn.bsky.social's Corinne Momal-Vanian. Listen: brnw.ch/21wW44w
brnw.ch
80th Birthday Blues: UN's Fight to Stay Relevant
Budget cuts, global crises, and a disengaged US, Deep Dish explores the UN at a pivotal moment and whether it can still deliver.
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