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Will Todman

@willtodman.bsky.social
1.5K followers 299 following 126 posts

Chief of Staff @geopolitics.csis.org and senior fellow @mideast.csis.org. Host of State of Play pod. Conflict, governance, and displacement in the MENA region. Views my own. www.csis.org/people/will-todman

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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 25/09/2026
LIVE NOW | State of Play host @willtodman.bsky.social is joined by CSIS's leading China expert for a rapid analysis of the Trump-Xi summit and what it means for the future of U.S.-China relations. Watch: bit.ly/4hy073M
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What Did Trump and Xi Agree to at the White House? | State of Play | CSIS Events
The summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping is expected to cover trade, investment, AI, the war with Iran, and Taiwan. CSIS’s leading China experts will provide a rapid assessment of its outcomes i...
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 11/09/2026
An opinon poll found that Filipinos have the most positive view of President Trump of the 36 countries surveyed. Amb. Negroponte & Greg Poling join @willtodman.bsky.socialn to assess the force behind Filipinos' positive attitudes towards the U.S in State of Play. Listen: bit.ly/46jmpQC
csis.org
Is the U.S.-Philippines Alliance Really at a Historic High? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
On the sidelines of the Manila Strategy Forum, Amb. John Negroponte and Greg Poling join Will to assess the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, the drivers of Filipinos' positive attitudes towa...
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 27/08/2026
Will President Trump’s pressure on Canada break the USMCA? Chris Hernandez-Roy & @diegotmec.bsky.social join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss whether Canada can withstand U.S. pressure & what U.S.-Canada tensions mean for the future of free trade in North America. Listen: bit.ly/4xseJY6
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Will Trump’s Pressure on Canada Break the USMCA?  | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Will talks with Chris Hernandez-Roy and Diego Marroquin Bitar to discuss if Canada can withstand U.S. pressure, what lies ahead, and what U.S.-Canada tensions mean for the future of free trade in Nort...
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 17/08/2026
Did Iran attack U.S. water systems? Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran. Listen: bit.ly/3SijvIm
csis.org
Did Iran Attack U.S. Water Systems? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join Will Todman to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 15/08/2026
ICYMI | On a new episode of State of Play, Christopher Hernandez Roy and William LeoGrande join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump administration’s strategy on Cuba is evolving, how Cuban leaders are responding, and if we are nearing an inflection point. Listen: bit.ly/4bIO8gI
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Is Cuba Nearing an Inflection Point? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
President Trump is ramping up economic pressure on Cuba and has instructed U.S. intelligence agencies to find a new leader who could work with the United States.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 14/08/2026
Is Cuba nearing an inflection point? In a new State of Play, Christopher Hernandez-Roy and William LeoGrande join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump administration’s strategy on Cuba is evolving and how Cuban leaders are responding. Listen: bit.ly/4bIO8gI
csis.org
Is Cuba Nearing an Inflection Point? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
President Trump is ramping up economic pressure on Cuba and has instructed U.S. intelligence agencies to find a new leader who could work with the United States.
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
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...
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State of Play Audience Survey
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Korea Chair @korea.csis.org · 17/07/2026
Was This World Cup More Political? ⚽🏆 On the newest State of Play episode hosted by @geopolitics.csis.org @willtodman.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, and Enoh Ebong discuss host-nation diplomacy, FIFA's impact, and more. Watch it here:
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department @geopolitics.csis.org · 13/07/2026
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.org
Was This World Cup More Political? | State of Play | CSIS Events
Please join CSIS experts to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · 29/06/2026
The June U.S.-Iran framework deal calls for a 60-day ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play with @myacoubian.bsky.social, Michal Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and Paul Salem as they unpack the regional implications: www.csis.org/events/trump...
csis.org
Trump's Iran Deal: What Comes Next? | State of Play | CSIS Events
CSIS Middle East Program experts unpack the latest U.S.-Iran deal.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 19/06/2026
ICYMI | CSIS experts join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play for an analysis on the outcomes and optics of the G7 summit, and what it means for the future of the G7. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEfOCkmyns
csis.org
Was the G7 Summit in France a Success? | State of Play | CSIS Events
Please join CSIS experts for a rapid analysis of the outcomes of the G7 Summit.
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
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...
foreignpolicy.com
Everyone Lost the War With Iran
Months of fighting revealed that multiple countries can impose costs, but none can impose order.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Japan Chair @japan.csis.org · 12/06/2026
Will Japan & Korea go nuclear? Join us 6/18 for the release of new survey findings & analysis by @victordcha.bsky.social (@korea.csis.org), @kristigovella.bsky.social, Michael Green, @heatherwilly.bsky.social (@poni.csis.org), & @willtodman.bsky.social (@geopolitics.csis.org) 🔗https://bit.ly/4gf6QPQ
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Korea Chair @korea.csis.org · 29/05/2026
🎙️OUT NOW | State of Play | Is Something Big About to Happen with North Korea? Moderated by @willtodman.bsky.social @csis.org, @victordcha.bsky.social, Tom Christensen, and Edgard Kagan discuss the potential Xi-Kim summit, evolving China and DPRK relations, and more. Listen here: shorturl.at/1E9f3
youtu.be
Is Something Big About to Happen with North Korea?
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
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Reposted by Will Todman
Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Interesting insights from @myacoubian.bsky.social and @willtodman.bsky.social based on their recent trip to Qatar. @mideast.csis.org www.csis.org/analysis/how...
csis.org
How Arab Gulf States View the Emerging Iran Deal
A prospective deal between the United States and Iran could shape the contours of an emerging order in the Middle East. Gulf states are paying attention.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 27/04/2026
LIVE NOW: @mideast.csis.org welcomes H.E. Haneen Sayed, Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon, to discuss the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and how the U.S.-Iran war could impact Lebanon's longstanding socioeconomic challenges. Watch here: bit.ly/4cJz7uL
csis.org
Navigating Lebanon’s Multiple Crises: A Conversation with Lebanon's Minister of Social Affairs H.E. Haneen Sayed | CSIS Events
Please join the CSIS Middle East Program for a discussion with Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon H.E. Haneen Sayed.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 22/04/2026
In a new live episode of State of Play, @mideast.csis.org experts @myacoubian.bsky.social, Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and @willtodman.bsky.social examine how the Iran war impacts the future of the region. Watch the episode here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7reu3Wpcos
youtube.com
Has the Iran war transformed the Middle East's future? | State of Play
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · 05/04/2026
In this video, @willtodman.bsky.social unpacks some of the most important implications that we will see if the Houthis block Bab al-Mandab. www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5...
youtube.com
After Hormuz: Will the Houthis Block Another Chokepoint?
On March 28th, Iran's Yemeni proxy joined the war in the Middle East, firing missiles at Israel. But they have not yet played one of the most important cards still at their disposal – attacking…
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 03/04/2026
Bab al-Mandab is the Middle East’s most critical maritime chokepoint after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. @willtodman.bsky.social explains how a disruption of both straits would constitute an unprecedented shock to global trade and energy markets. Read more: bit.ly/4tJLjCH
csis.org
The Houthi Threat: Is Trump Underestimating One of Iran’s Key Remaining Cards?
The Houthis have entered the war in Iran. Whether they choose to block Bab al-Mandab or not could have significant consequences for the global economy.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 02/04/2026
A disruption of both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab would shock global trade and energy markets. @willtodman.bsky.social explains the costly risk of a potential Houthi attack on Bab al-Mandab: www.csis.org/analysis/houthi-threat…
csis.org
The Houthi Threat: Is Trump Underestimating One of Iran’s Key Remaining Cards?
The Houthis have entered the war in Iran. Whether they choose to block Bab al-Mandab or not could have significant consequences for the global economy.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department @geopolitics.csis.org · 02/04/2026
🎙️ 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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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 01/04/2026
CSIS's @willtodman.bsky.social unpacks the most urgent implications we will see if the Houthis block Bad al-Mandeb. Watch more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5-mTd8AY
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 17/03/2026
"The greatest threat to Syria’s recovery may lie in the war’s long-term trajectory," writes @mideast.csis.org expert @willtodman.bsky.social. "The conflict increasingly appears headed toward a stalemate." Read the full analysis:: www.csis.org/analysis/war-iran-thre…
csis.org
The War with Iran Threatens Syria’s Recovery
Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has a strategy for Syria's recovery. The war with Iran could jeopardize that.
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Grateful to @chrismurphyct.bsky.social for sharing my piece. Far too few people are talking about what the war with Iran means for Syria’s recovery in the longer term.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 13/03/2026
"For now, the direct impact of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran on Syria has been limited," writes @mideast.csis.org expert @willtodman.bsky.social. "Yet the conflict is quietly testing the foundations of Syria’s recovery strategy." Read more: bit.ly/4sBKJpH
csis.org
The War with Iran Threatens Syria’s Recovery
Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has a strategy for Syria's recovery. The war with Iran could jeopardize that.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 13/03/2026
Following President Trump's remarks that the Cuban government will fall “pretty soon” and that “it may not be a friendly takeover," Ryan Berg and Carrie Filipetti join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss the president’s goals in Cuba. Listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVXmkWoruMg
youtube.com
Is Cuba Next?
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
NEW: The greatest threat to Syria’s recovery may lie in the war’s long-term trajectory. For Sharaa, a stalemate would be the worst possible outcome. His recovery strategy depends on a stable region that encourages investment and economic integration. www.csis.org/analysis/war...
csis.org
The War with Iran Threatens Syria’s Recovery
Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has a strategy for Syria's recovery. The war with Iran could jeopardize that.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 12/03/2026
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
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Japan Chair @japan.csis.org · 29/01/2026
Tune into this week's @geopolitics.csis.org State of Play episode where @kristigovella.bsky.social, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan can build a new world order. Listen here: bit.ly/45BELw8
csis.org
Can middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Chris 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.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department @geopolitics.csis.org · 29/01/2026
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.org
Can middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Chris 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.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 23/01/2026
"The Syrian Democratic Forces overplayed its hand in negotiations with the Syrian transition government, but now President Ahmed al-Sharaa risks similar overreach," write @mideast.csis.org experts‬ @myacoubian.bsky.social and @willtodman.bsky.social. Read more: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
csis.org
How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds
Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.
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CSIS Korea Chair @korea.csis.org · 22/01/2026
Thank you everyone for coming to our book launch for China's Weaponization of Trade. Thanks to @willtodman.bsky.social, Melanie Hart, @bethanyallen.bsky.social and @victordcha.bsky.social for an important conversation on economic coercion, and a shoutout to all our interns who worked on the book!
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 15/01/2026
On the latest episode of State of Play, 12 CSIS experts join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss their predictions for geopolitical developments in the year ahead. Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...
csis.org
What are CSIS experts' boldest geopolitical predictions in 2026? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
12 CSIS experts join Will to share significant developments in different parts of the world in 2025, and predictions for 2026.
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
As 2025 draws to a close, @victordcha.bsky.social and Dr. Tom Wright of @brookings.edu joined me on State of Play to discuss the biggest geopolitical shifts of the year and what they are watching out for in 2026. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnZo...
youtube.com
Did Trump remake the global order in 2025?
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · 11/12/2025
One year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria stands at a pivotal moment. The resilience of Syrians has opened space for freedom, but deep divisions and fragile institutions threaten progress. A new brief from Mona Yacoubian and @willtodman.bsky.social here: www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
csis.org
Syria’s Promise and Challenges One Year After Assad’s Fall
A year after Assad’s fall, the promise of a new Syria hinges on the transitional government’s ability to garner domestic and international support.
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Thanks so much for joining, Maria!
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Reposted by Will Todman
msnegovaya.bsky.social @msnegovaya.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
New State of Play episode out now! @maxbergmann.bsky.social and I join @willtodman.bsky.social to unpack the new U.S. NSS, recent diplomacy on Ukraine, what to expect from possible ceasefire talks,and how tensions in transatlantic relations could shape any future deal. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...
csis.org
Where now for Europe and Ukraine after the NSS? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya join Will to discuss what we should expect from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Drawing on insights from our trip to Syria, @myacoubian.bsky.social and I discuss the remarkable achievements and daunting challenges of Syria's transition. We also provide key recommendations for the U.S. government. www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
csis.org
Syria’s Promise and Challenges One Year After Assad’s Fall
A year after Assad’s fall, the promise of a new Syria hinges on the transitional government’s ability to garner domestic and international support.
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Korea Chair @korea.csis.org · 01/11/2025
@willtodman.bsky.social hosts @victordcha.bsky.social and @brianthart.bsky.social from @csis.org on the latest episode of @geopolitics.csis.org State of Play, breaking down whether President Trump’s Asia trip met expectations and U.S.-China relations. 🎧 Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjEZ...
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Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS Korea Chair @korea.csis.org · 31/10/2025
@willtodman.bsky.social hosts @victordcha.bsky.social and @brianthart.bsky.social from @csis.org on the latest episode of @geopolitics.csis.org State of Play, breaking down whether President Trump’s Asia trip met expectations and U.S.-China relations. 🎧 Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjEZ...
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CSIS Korea Chair @korea.csis.org · 06/10/2025
How are allies and partners responding to "America First" policies? @geopolitics.csis.org experts explain 7 strategies adopted to respond to the second Trump term. cc @victordcha.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @henriettalevin.bsky.social, @willtodman.bsky.social
youtu.be
7 Strategies to Deal with "America First"
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
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CSIS Global Food & Water Security Program @foodwater.csis.org · 07/10/2025
The formal confirmation of famine in Gaza is testing the credibility & effectiveness of global institutions. Director Caitlin Welsh joins @myacoubian.bsky.social & @willtodman.bsky.social to unpack the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, global institutions, & more. 🎧 Listen here: cs.is/4h0fy35
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CSIS Korea Chair @korea.csis.org · 02/10/2025
Monday, October 6, 2025 │ 9:00-11:00 AM ET Join @geopolitics.csis.org experts for the launch of a new @csis.org compendium on the ways U.S. allies and partners have responded to the Trump administration. Register here: www.csis.org/events/responding-trumps-new-foreign-policy-paradigm
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
New: @myacoubian.bsky.social and Caitlin Welsh joined me to discuss the global reverberations of the Gaza war as we approach the third anniversary of October 7th. We discuss the atrophying of international institutions, and early signs of their reform or reimagining. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 18/09/2025
On the latest episode of State of Play, CSIS's Mark Cancian and Ryan Berg join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss what the U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean tells us about changing U.S. priorities. Listen in: www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 09/09/2025
Why did Israel strike Doha on September 9? How did Qatar and other countries in the region react? And what does this mean for mediation efforts in the Middle East? @mideast.csis.org experts @myacoubian.bsky.social and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss: www.csis.org/analysis/isr...
csis.org
Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar
On September 9, the Israeli Defense Forces announced that the Israeli Air Force conducted an assassination attempt against Hamas leaders in Doha. This comes as Israel is escalating its efforts to forc...
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Is President Trump really pushing PM Modi to embrace China? To discuss the longer-term trajectory of China-India ties and what it means for the United States, Henrietta Levin and Rick Rossow joined me this week: youtu.be/HP8itY3rW28?...
youtu.be
Are U.S. tariffs bringing India and China together?
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
This is a metaphor for something… 🐀
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CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department @geopolitics.csis.org · 28/08/2025
On the latest episode of State of Play, "Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better?", @victordcha.bsky.social and @maxbergmann.bsky.social join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Trump. Listen here: buff.ly/XqHwRlf
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Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Will, Victor Cha & Max Bergmann explore what allies learn from Trump at summits and his patterns with autocrats.
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Will Todman @willtodman.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
This week, we discuss what President Lee told @victordcha.bsky.social over dinner about how he approached President Trump, how Putin ruined @maxbergmann.bsky.social's summer holiday, and what patterns are emerging about how strongmen are dealing with President Trump. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...
csis.org
Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Will, Victor Cha & Max Bergmann explore what allies learn from Trump at summits and his patterns with autocrats.
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