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Will Todman

@willtodman

Chief of Staff @geopolitics.csis.org and senior fellow @mideast.csis.org. Host of State of Play pod. Conflict, governance, and displacement in the MENA region. Views my own. https://www.csis.org/people/will-todman

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10.10.2023
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Latest posts by Will Todman @willtodman

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Can middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts Chris Hernandez-Roy and Kristi Govella join Will to discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan could do this, what it might look like, and what the risks are.

Tune into this week's @geopolitics.csis.org State of Play episode where @kristigovella.bsky.social, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan can build a new world order.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/45BELw8

29.01.2026 20:49 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Can middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts Chris Hernandez-Roy and Kristi Govella join Will to discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan could do this, what it might look like, and what the risks are.

Tune into our latest episode of State of Play where @kristigovella.bsky.social, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, and @willtodman.bsky.social answer the question: "Can middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says?"

Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

29.01.2026 18:15 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.

"The Syrian Democratic Forces overplayed its hand in negotiations with the Syrian transition government, but now President Ahmed al-Sharaa risks similar overreach," write @mideast.csis.org experts‬ @myacoubian.bsky.social and @willtodman.bsky.social.

Read more: www.csis.org/analysis/how...

23.01.2026 13:00 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Thank you everyone for coming to our book launch for China's Weaponization of Trade. Thanks to @willtodman.bsky.social, Melanie Hart, @bethanyallen.bsky.social and @victordcha.bsky.social for an important conversation on economic coercion, and a shoutout to all our interns who worked on the book!

22.01.2026 19:29 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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What are CSIS experts' boldest geopolitical predictions in 2026? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts 12 CSIS experts join Will to share significant developments in different parts of the world in 2025, and predictions for 2026.

On the latest episode of State of Play, 12 CSIS experts join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss their predictions for geopolitical developments in the year ahead.

Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

15.01.2026 17:00 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Did Trump remake the global order in 2025?
Did Trump remake the global order in 2025? YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies

As 2025 draws to a close, @victordcha.bsky.social and Dr. Tom Wright of @brookings.edu joined me on State of Play to discuss the biggest geopolitical shifts of the year and what they are watching out for in 2026. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnZo...

31.12.2025 15:26 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Syria’s Promise and Challenges One Year After Assad’s Fall A year after Assad’s fall, the promise of a new Syria hinges on the transitional government’s ability to garner domestic and international support.

One year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria stands at a pivotal moment. The resilience of Syrians has opened space for freedom, but deep divisions and fragile institutions threaten progress. A new brief from Mona Yacoubian and @willtodman.bsky.social here: www.csis.org/analysis/syr...

11.12.2025 20:59 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks so much for joining, Maria!

10.12.2025 21:44 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Where now for Europe and Ukraine after the NSS? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya join Will to discuss what we should expect from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.

New State of Play episode out now! @maxbergmann.bsky.social and I join @willtodman.bsky.social to unpack the new U.S. NSS, recent diplomacy on Ukraine, what to expect from possible ceasefire talks,and how tensions in transatlantic relations could shape any future deal.
www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

10.12.2025 19:29 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 1
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Syria’s Promise and Challenges One Year After Assad’s Fall A year after Assad’s fall, the promise of a new Syria hinges on the transitional government’s ability to garner domestic and international support.

Drawing on insights from our trip to Syria, @myacoubian.bsky.social and I discuss the remarkable achievements and daunting challenges of Syria's transition. We also provide key recommendations for the U.S. government.

www.csis.org/analysis/syr...

08.12.2025 13:47 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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@willtodman.bsky.social hosts @victordcha.bsky.social and @brianthart.bsky.social from @csis.org on the latest episode of @geopolitics.csis.org State of Play, breaking down whether President Trump’s Asia trip met expectations and U.S.-China relations.

🎧 Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjEZ...

01.11.2025 13:30 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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@willtodman.bsky.social hosts @victordcha.bsky.social and @brianthart.bsky.social from @csis.org on the latest episode of @geopolitics.csis.org State of Play, breaking down whether President Trump’s Asia trip met expectations and U.S.-China relations.

🎧 Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjEZ...

31.10.2025 21:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
7 Strategies to Deal with "America First"
7 Strategies to Deal with "America First" YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies

How are allies and partners responding to "America First" policies?

@geopolitics.csis.org experts explain 7 strategies adopted to respond to the second Trump term.

cc @victordcha.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @henriettalevin.bsky.social, @willtodman.bsky.social

06.10.2025 21:03 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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The formal confirmation of famine in Gaza is testing the credibility & effectiveness of global institutions.

Director Caitlin Welsh joins @myacoubian.bsky.social & @willtodman.bsky.social to unpack the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, global institutions, & more.

🎧 Listen here: cs.is/4h0fy35

07.10.2025 13:02 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Monday, October 6, 2025 β”‚ 9:00-11:00 AM ET

Join @geopolitics.csis.org experts for the launch of a new @csis.org compendium on the ways U.S. allies and partners have responded to the Trump administration.

Register here:
www.csis.org/events/responding-trumps-new-foreign-policy-paradigm

02.10.2025 17:03 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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New: @myacoubian.bsky.social and Caitlin Welsh joined me to discuss the global reverberations of the Gaza war as we approach the third anniversary of October 7th. We discuss the atrophying of international institutions, and early signs of their reform or reimagining. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

02.10.2025 15:16 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

On the latest episode of State of Play, CSIS's Mark Cancian and Ryan Berg join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss what the U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean tells us about changing U.S. priorities.

Listen in: www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

18.09.2025 18:00 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar On September 9, the Israeli Defense Forces announced that the Israeli Air Force conducted an assassination attempt against Hamas leaders in Doha. This comes as Israel is escalating its efforts to forc...

Why did Israel strike Doha on September 9? How did Qatar and other countries in the region react? And what does this mean for mediation efforts in the Middle East?

@mideast.csis.org experts @myacoubian.bsky.social and @willtodman.bsky.social discuss: www.csis.org/analysis/isr...

09.09.2025 21:04 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 1
Are U.S. tariffs bringing India and China together?
Are U.S. tariffs bringing India and China together? YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies

Is President Trump really pushing PM Modi to embrace China? To discuss the longer-term trajectory of China-India ties and what it means for the United States, Henrietta Levin and Rick Rossow joined me this week: youtu.be/HP8itY3rW28?...

06.09.2025 13:06 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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This is a metaphor for something… πŸ€

30.08.2025 20:00 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts Will, Victor Cha & Max Bergmann explore what allies learn from Trump at summits and his patterns with autocrats.

On the latest episode of State of Play, "Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better?", @victordcha.bsky.social and @maxbergmann.bsky.social join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Trump.
Listen here: buff.ly/XqHwRlf

28.08.2025 20:56 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts Will, Victor Cha & Max Bergmann explore what allies learn from Trump at summits and his patterns with autocrats.

This week, we discuss what President Lee told @victordcha.bsky.social over dinner about how he approached President Trump, how Putin ruined @maxbergmann.bsky.social's summer holiday, and what patterns are emerging about how strongmen are dealing with President Trump. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

28.08.2025 20:00 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Are U.S.-Japan relations at a turning point? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts Kristi Govella and Nick Szechenyi join to discuss whether U.S.-Japan ties are shifting amid tariffs and political change.

On a new episode of State Of Play, @willtodman.bsky.social is joined by @japan.csis.org experts Dr. @kristigovella.bsky.social and Nick Szechenyi to discuss whether U.S.-Japan relations are shifting amid tariff negotiation, turbulent Japanese politics, and more.
Listen here:

07.08.2025 16:00 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Experts React: Starvation in Gaza CSIS experts react to Gaza’s descent into mass starvation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, international and domestic pressure on Israel, and more.

NEW: @mideast.csis.org and @foodwater.csis.org experts react to Gaza’s descent into mass starvation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, international and domestic pressure on Israel, and more.

🧡Read their insights: www.csis.org/analysis/exp...

29.07.2025 13:44 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Experts React: Starvation in Gaza CSIS experts react to Gaza’s descent into mass starvation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, international and domestic pressure on Israel, and more.

β€œFor now, international and domestic pressure is producing a change in Israel’s tactics, not strategy, in Gaza.” My latest alongside @csis.org colleagues www.csis.org/analysis/exp...

28.07.2025 23:31 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., @mideast.csis.org hosts the Syrian Minister of Health, Musaab Nazzal Al-Ali, and other experts for a discussion on opportunities and challenges to rebuilding Syria's public health sector.

Watch here: www.csis.org/events/stabi...

28.07.2025 19:00 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Last week, I met an aid worker recently back from Gaza. | Will Todman Last week, I met an aid worker recently back from Gaza. The accounts they shared were even more harrowing than I imagined. Today on NewsNation, I discussed the current state of ceasefire negotiations,...

I spoke on NewsNation about the Gaza ceasefire negotiations yesterday, and I shared an account I heard from an aid worker in Gaza about a Palestinian mother, which I'll never forget: www.linkedin.com/posts/willto...

22.07.2025 13:27 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Following escalating sectarian violence in southern Syria, Israel struck various Syrian government targets on July 16, 2025.
Mona Yacoubian and I explore their implications for Syria and the wider region. www.csis.org/analysis/vio...

19.07.2025 19:43 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

On the latest episode of State of Play, @willtodman.bsky.social is joined by Ryan Berg and Henrietta Levin to discuss China's absence from the BRICS summit and the evolving vision of China's alternative world order.

Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

12.07.2025 17:00 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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China’s World Order: Does BRICS Still Matter?Β  | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts After Xi skips BRICS summit, experts join Will to ask: Does BRICS still matterβ€”and how is China challenging the U.S.?

NEW🎧: After Xi skipped the BRICS summit in Brazil, Ryan Berg and Henrietta Levin discuss if BRICS still matters, how it fits into China’s alternative world order, and other ways China is competing with the U.S. in Latin America and beyond. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

10.07.2025 14:27 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0