This week, after President Trump floated a plan for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, Moscow launched its deadliest strike on Kyiv since last summer. While the attack drew rare criticism from Trump, the administration has offered Kyiv only vague assurances about the country’s future security under the proposed plan that was presented as an ultimatum. Meanwhile, a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists has sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nuclear-armed nations engaging in retaliatory diplomatic and economic measures amid fears of further conflict. And in Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces growing scrutiny as reports of internal dysfunction, security leaks, rapid staff turnover, and impulsive decision-making rock the Pentagon. Ravi Agrawal, Steven Erlanger, and Carla Anne Robbins join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top global news stories on World Review.

This week, the Trump administration quietly eased tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods, a move critics say exposes weakness in the US trade war stance. Meanwhile, President Trump has refused to secure the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was unlawfully deported to a prison in El Salvador, escalating showdown between the president and the judiciary. And in Berlin, Germany’s new coalition government is already on shaky ground, as leaders of the conservative Christian Democratic bloc and center-left Social Democratic Party clash over policy priorities, leaving Europe’s largest economy in political limbo. Leonard Hockstader, Andrew Roth, and Felicia Schwartz join Ivo Daalder on World Review to breakdown this week’s power plays and shifting policies and discuss what they mean for global balance.

A dramatic escalation in the US-China trade war sent markets reeling this week and raised fears of a prolonged economic standoff between the world’s two largest economies. Both sides seem to be playing a game of chicken, unveiling new rounds of retaliatory tariffs almost daily. And American businesses and consumers, as well as American allies and trading partners, are struggling with tariff whiplash, wondering how to adjust to policy swings with little warning or consistency. Meanwhile, diplomats are scrambling to prepare for renewed talks over Iran’s nuclear program set to begin this weekend. Some are hopeful for a breakthrough while others are skeptical that real progress can be made amid rising regional tensions and growing domestic political pressures. Prashant Rao, Liz Sly, and Giles Whittell join Ivo Daalder on World Review to discuss the impact of this week's unpredictable economic policies and rising geopolitical tensions.

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement on Thursday sent shockwaves through global markets and sparked promises of retaliation from both adversaries and allies. And earlier this week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Asia signaled a shift in US military strategy, with key meetings in Japan and the Philippines that could reshape alliances in the region. Meanwhile, in France, the political landscape was thrown into chaos after Marie Le Pen was barred from running for office following a guilty verdict for embezzlement—an unprecedented ruling that raised questions about democracy and could redefine the country’s far-right movement. Suzanne Lynch, Ken Moriyasu, and Gideon Rachman join Ivo Daalder to unpack this week’s top global news stories on World Review.

This week, news that top Trump administration officials discussed operational details of a US attack on the Houthis in an unsecure Signal group chat raised profound questions about the administration’s security procedures, as well as demonstrating what those officials really think about Europe. Meanwhile, the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul and presidential candidate of Turkey’s main opposition party, has led to massive protests throughout the country by citizens fearing the end of democracy. Then, Vice President Vance announced an uninvited visit to Greenland to “check out what’s going on with the security there,” increasing tensions between the island, Denmark, and the United States. Steve Erlanger, Matt Kaminski, and Nahal Toosi join Ivo Daalder on World Review to discuss the week's top news stories.

This week, Germany bets big on its future as parliament approves Friedrich Merz’s bold €1 trillion push for defense and infrastructure, shattering borrowing limits to counter Russia and cut reliance on the US. Is the debt gamble worth it? In the Middle East, Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza shatters a fragile ceasefire, killing more than 400 and igniting protests in Jerusalem. Political maneuver or military necessity? And Iran is back in President Trump’s crosshairs, having been warned over Houthi attacks and given a two-month deadline to strike a nuclear deal. Will tensions explode? Bobby Ghosh, Stefan Kornelius, Catherine Philp join Ivo Daalder on World Review to weigh the risks, motivations, and consequences of this week’s geopolitical power plays.

This week Russia hints at openness to a cease-fire in Ukraine but with tough conditions—stalling tactic or real breakthrough? Meanwhile, European allies increasingly see President Trump as a growing security threat, raising questions about reliance on the US and the impact on nuclear deterrence. And a judge rules President Trump overstepped by freezing USAID funds but stops short of ordering the revival of canceled programs. How is the dismantling of US foreign aid affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations and what impact is it already having on America’s global influence and security? Susan Glasser, Anton La Guardia, and Philip Stephens join Ivo Daalder this week on World Review to break it all down.

This week before delivering his address to Congress, President Trump sparked a trade war with America’s three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—triggering swift retaliatory tariffs and rattling global markets. Meanwhile, during China’s National People’s Congress annual meeting, Premier Li Qiang announced increased defense spending, reaffirmed Taiwan reunification plans, and declared readiness to fight "any type" of war in response to Trump’s tariffs. And after last week's fiery Trump-Zelensky clash, the US has paused arms and intelligence support for Ukraine. Can a European “coalition of the willing” step up as America pulls back? Ravi Agrawal, Ken Moriyasu, and Anna Sauerbrey join guest host Carla Anne Robbins on World Review to unpack this week’s top global news stories.