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Podcast

State of Play

The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together CSIS’s leading regional experts to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order.
 

State of Play is produced by Cera Baker.

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All State of Play Podcast Episodes

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State of Play

Is Something Big About to Happen with North Korea?

Victor Cha, Tom Christensen, and Edgard Kagan join Will to discuss a reported visit of Xi Jinping to North Korea.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Thomas J. Christensen, Victor Cha, and Edgard D. Kagan — May 29, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

What did the Trump-Xi Summit Achieve?

Edgard Kagan, Scott Kennedy, and Bonny Lin joined Will to discuss how successful the Trump-Xi summit was.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Bonny Lin, Scott Kennedy, and Edgard D. Kagan — May 15, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Is a Cold Peace with North Korea Possible?

Victor Cha and Sydney Seiler join Will to discuss what a better U.S.- North Korea strategy would look like.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman and Victor Cha — May 7, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Will Orban’s Defeat Transform Europe?

Donatienne Ruy joins Will to discuss Péter Magyar’s landslide victory and if this will be a game changer for Europe.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman and Donatienne Ruy — April 13, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Has the Iran war upended U.S.-China negotiations?

Scott Kennedy and Brian Hart join Will to assess the war's impact on President Trump and Xi Jingping's summit.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Scott Kennedy, and Brian Hart — April 9, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

What Are the Hidden Costs of the War with Iran?

Emily Harding, Caitlin Welsh, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will to discuss the short- and long-term implications of the war with Iran.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Emily Harding, Mona Yacoubian, and Caitlin Welsh — March 25, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

How did Japan Navigate Trump's Pressure on Iran?

Nick Szechenyi joins Will to discuss what Takaichi had hoped to achieve in her visit, how she handled Trump's pressure, and the playbook she's developing for U.S. allies.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman and Nicholas Szechenyi — March 20, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Are Russia and China Benefitting from the War with Iran?

Will is joined by Bonny Lin and Maria Snegovaya to discuss both China and Russia's strategic openings and costs in the war with Iran.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Bonny Lin, and Maria Snegovaya — March 17, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS