China's zero-COVID Failures, Ukraine, and Macron vs. Le Pen

Results from Super Tuesday set the stage for a Biden-Trump rematch this November. What does that mean for the world? Germany vows to investigate after a leaked recording emerges between top-ranking German officers on the country’s Russia-Ukraine war strategy, exposing divisions among Western Allies. And pressure mounts for a cease-fire in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Council’s Ivo Daalder dives in with James Harding, Matt Kaminski, and Anna Sauerbrey on World Review.

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, Ukraine is fighting for the country’s survival and is desperate for international military aid. Anton La Guardia, Catherine Philp, and Yaroslav Trofimov join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to discuss Ukraine’s future, and current European and U.S. perspectives on the two-year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The sudden death of Alexei Navalny has strengthened Putin’s impunity. With the death toll nearing 30,000, the WHO warns that the Gaza Strip is now a “death zone.” Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes expand in the region as a new cease-fire deal is underway. World leaders and defense officials met in Munich last week, exposing concerns over the U.S. commitment to Ukraine and Kyiv’s ability to win the war. The Council's Ivo Daalder hosts World Review with Deborah Amos, Karen DeYoung, and Steve Erlanger for a discussion on these issues.

Former President Donald Trump faces backlash following recent comments suggesting Russia invade NATO nations, reigniting fears that his re-election would weaken the defense alliance. Tensions continue to grow between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s invasion of Rafah looms. And following controversial parliamentary elections, Pakistan heads toward a coalition government. CFR’s Carla Anne Robbins guest-hosts World Review with Yasmeen Abutaleb, Prashant Rao, and Peter Spiegel to discuss these issues.

Due to the struggling war effort, President Zelensky is considering replacing Ukraine's military and political leadership. Meanwhile, in Washington, Congress is beginning to search for alternative routes to pass aid to Ukraine. Amid heightened tensions, Blinken heads to the Middle East to discuss a possible cease-fire and hostage deal. Northern Ireland appointed Sinn Fein’s Michelle O'Neill, its first nationalist leader. The Council’s Ivo Daalder dives in with Laura Barrón-López, and Philip Stephens on World Review.

President Biden vowed to retaliate after a drone strike in Jordan killed three U.S. soldiers but does not want to seek a wider war in the region. U.S. and China held talks in Thailand stabilizing relations between the two countries as a sense of crisis fades. Farmer protests are spreading across Europe over rising costs, unfair competition, and subsidy costs. With several upcoming European elections approaching Ravi Agrawal, Susan Glasser, and Giles Whittell join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to discuss what this means for the future of climate polices and more on this week’s World Review. 

Tens of thousands protest in Germany against the country’s far-right AfD party, following a report that extremists discussed plans for the mass deportation of immigrants. Despite increasing criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his opposition to a two-state solution. Then, in a historic break, North Korea drops from its constitution the commitment to unification with South Korea. The Council's Ivo Daalder hosts World Review with Stefan Kornelius, Peter Spiegel, and Carla Anne Robbins to discuss these issues.

Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, Deborah Amos, and Yaroslav Trofimov join the Council’s Ivo Daalder to discuss the global impact of Taiwan’s presidential election. Then, how Russia's war with Ukraine has formed a new “axis of evil.” Plus, key takeaways from hearings at the International Court of Justice on South Africa's genocide case against Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Israel during a trip across the Middle East, in an effort to reduce tensions in the region. Meanwhile, groups backed by Iran have escalated attacks in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and on international ships in the Red Sea. Plus, how Taiwan's upcoming election could shake up U.S.-China relations even more. Karen DeYoung, Steve Erlanger, and Prashant Rao join World Review with Ivo Daalder to examine these issues.

Major foreign policy issues continue to unfold around the world, from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to Israel's war with Hamas. More than 60 countries head to the polls this year, including Taiwan, which the U.S. and China are following closely. Plus, populism is on the rise globally. Susan Glasser, Stefan Kornelius, and Peter Spiegel join the Councils' Ivo Daalder to discuss stories that will dominate the headlines in 2024.