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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

Will Trump’s Pressure on Canada Break the USMCA? 

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 North America.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, and Diego Marroquín Bitar — August 27, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Did Iran Attack U.S. Water Systems?

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.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams — August 17, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Is Cuba Nearing an Inflection Point?

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.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman and Christopher Hernandez-Roy — August 13, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Was This World Cup More Political?  

Max Bergmann, Victor Cha, and Enoh Ebong join Will to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Max Bergmann, Victor Cha, and Enoh T. Ebong — July 17, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Have Politics Jeopardized the Ebola Response? 

Steve Morrison and Michaela Simoneau of the CSIS Global Health Policy Center join Will to discuss the degree to which politics have hampered the response to Ebola. 

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, J. Stephen Morrison, and Michaela Simoneau — July 2, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Was the G7 Summit in France a Success?

Victor Cha, Kristi Govella, Phil Luck, and Caitlin Welsh join Will to assess how meaningful the outcomes of the G7 Summit were.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — June 17, 2026

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State of Play

Trump's Iran Deal: What Comes Next?

U.S. and Iran announce a framework deal with a 60‑day ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. CSIS experts analyze its winners, challenges ahead, and its impact on the Middle East.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — June 15, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
State of Play

Is Ukraine Turning the Tide?

Will speaks with Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya about their recent trip to Kyiv and if the shifting balance of power means the war may finally end soon.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Max Bergmann, and Maria Snegovaya — June 4, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS