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.

The center barely held in Germany, as Germany moved sharply to the extremes, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) doubling its support in just four years. Can Germany retake the lead in Europe, which is now more urgent than ever? Meanwhile, President Trump continued to walk away from Ukraine, siding with Russia at the UN and forcing Kyiv into signing a mineral agreement for little in return. How will this significant break impact the future of US foreign policy? Then, looking ahead, the fragile ceasefire in Gaza is approaching a critical deadline. With the first phase of the truce set to expire Saturday, how far apart are Israel and Hamas from agreement on proceeding to the next phase? Stefanie Bolzen, Andrew Roth, and Giles Whittell join Ivo Daalder on this week’s World Review to analyze these pressing issues that could have lasting global consequences.

US and Russian negotiators met in Saudi Arabia this week and, in a stunning reset, agreed to re-establish normal relations and work together to end the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, from Mar-a-Lago President Trump blamed Ukraine for the war and called President Volodymyr Zelensky “a dictator.” What does this shift mean for Ukraine, NATO, and US security commitments? Then, we examine Arab states’ alternate plans for Gaza—what do they propose, are any of them viable, and what will the impact be on the region’s dynamics? Finally, we turn to Beijing, where China’s President Xi Jinping met with top entrepreneurs at a big tech summit. Will Xi be able to boost investor confidence and promote high-tech industries while ensuring businesses align with government priorities? Bobby Ghosh, Prashant Rao, and Liz Sly join guest host Carla Anne Robbins on this week’s World Review to analyze shifting alliances and intensifying global power struggles.

As world leaders gather in Munich this week for their annual security conference, Ukraine will once again take center stage – though mainly because of the two people who won’t be there. Presidents Trump and Putin discussed the war and committed to work towards peace in a phone call, but didn’t commit to involving Ukraine in the talks. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told his counterparts in Brussels that the U.S. had other interests and Europe needed to take care of its own security. A new Council report explains how Europe can do so. To discuss how these transatlantic tensions will play in Munich, Stefan Kornelius and Steven Erlanger join Ivo Daalder in Munich for a special episode of World Review, recording on the sidelines of the year’s most important security conference.

President Trump’s proposal for US control of Gaza and relocating its population sparked global backlash this week and was deemed unrealistic and illegal. Top administration officials are now walking back elements of the proposal, insisting US troops won’t be used to clear the territory and relocation would be temporary. Is this just another Trump negotiation tactic as some have suggested? Meanwhile, the administration, with Elon Musk’s support, is dismantling USAID, placing thousands on leave and possibly merging it into the State Department. How will this move impact US soft power and national security? Lastly, after pausing tariffs on Mexico and Canada, Trump claimed victory as both nations pledged to secure the border and crackdown on fentanyl trafficking and organized crime. The 10% China tariff, however, remains intact. How real or effective is Trump's follow through on one of his biggest campaign promises? David Luhnow, Peter Spiegel, and Nahal Toosi join Ivo Daalder this week on World Review to unpack these issues and more.