The coup that ousted Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum in a late July follows a string of similar military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. Landry Signé discusses how Niger and other democracies in the Sahel have struggled to build systems of accountability and deliver public services, and the need for international, regional, and local alignment to strengthen economic security. Show notes and transcript: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-underlies-the-coup-in-niger  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

The coup that ousted Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum in a late July follows a string of similar military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. Landry Signé discusses how Niger and other democracies in the Sahel have struggled to build systems of accountability and deliver public services, and the need for international, regional, and local alignment to strengthen economic security. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-underlies-the-coup-in-niger" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-underlies-the-coup-in-niger</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What underlies the coup in Niger?

Israel's Knesset passed a bill that strips Israel's Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable. The so-called "reasonableness bill" passed with a 64 to 0 vote after all members of the Knesset's governing coalition voted for it and all members of the opposition left the chamber. Passage of the bill has sparked turmoil in the country. Natan Sachs, director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings and a senior fellow in Foreign Policy, discusses what's happening in Israel. Show notes and transcript: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-the-supreme-courts-affirmative-action-ruling-affect-college-admissions  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Israel's Knesset passed a bill that strips Israel's Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable. The so-called "reasonableness bill" passed with a 64 to 0 vote after all members of the Knesset's governing coalition voted for it and all members of the opposition left the chamber. Passage of the bill has sparked turmoil in the country. Natan Sachs, director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings and a senior fellow in Foreign Policy, discusses what's happening in Israel. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-the-supreme-courts-affirmative-action-ruling-affect-college-admissions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-the-supreme-courts-affirmative-action-ruling-affect-college-admissions</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

Israel's Supreme Court reform crisis

The Supreme Court's decision ending race-based admissions policies at colleges and universities leaves in place other forms of affirmative action like legacy preferences and early admissions — affirmative action policies that disproportionately benefit white students, says Katharine Meyer. Meyer looks at how underrepresented student enrollment dropped in states that previously banned race-based affirmative action, and how some have tried to increase student diversity through race-neutral methods. Show notes and transcript:  https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-the-supreme-courts-affirmative-action-ruling-affect-college-admissions  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

The Supreme Court's decision ending race-based admissions policies at colleges and universities leaves in place other forms of affirmative action like legacy preferences and early admissions — affirmative action policies that disproportionately benefit white students, says Katharine Meyer. Meyer looks at how underrepresented student enrollment dropped in states that previously banned race-based affirmative action, and how some have tried to increase student diversity through race-neutral methods. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-the-supreme-courts-affirmative-action-ruling-affect-college-admissions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-the-supreme-courts-affirmative-action-ruling-affect-college-admissions</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

How will the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling affect college admissions?

This weekend's fast-moving but short-lived revolt by Wagner Group mercenaries led by Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves many unanswered questions about what this signals for Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power, what will happen to the Wagner Group after this, and the ramifications for Russia's war on Ukraine. In a discussion moderated by Susan Glasser, Angela Stent, Michael O'Hanlon, and Constanze Stelzenmüller try to make sense of what happened, how to interpret it, and the longer-term implications for Russian stability and European security.  Show notes and transcript: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/putin-imperiled-what-to-know-about-the-wagner-groups-russian-revolt/  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

This weekend's fast-moving but short-lived revolt by Wagner Group mercenaries led by Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves many unanswered questions about what this signals for Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power, what will happen to the Wagner Group after this, and the ramifications for Russia's war on Ukraine. In a discussion moderated by Susan Glasser, Angela Stent, Michael O'Hanlon, and Constanze Stelzenmüller try to make sense of what happened, how to interpret it, and the longer-term implications for Russian stability and European security.  Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/putin-imperiled-what-to-know-about-the-wagner-groups-russian-revolt/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/putin-imperiled-what-to-know-about-the-wagner-groups-russian-revolt/</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

Putin imperiled? What to know about the Wagner Group's Russian revolt

Aaron Klein explains the U.S. SEC's lawsuit against cryptocurrency companies Binance and Coinbase, the current state of crypto regulation, and the continuing debate over cryptocurrency's core purpose. Show notes and transcript: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/what-do-the-secs-lawsuits-signal-for-the-future-of-cryptocurrency/  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Aaron Klein explains the U.S. SEC's lawsuit against cryptocurrency companies Binance and Coinbase, the current state of crypto regulation, and the continuing debate over cryptocurrency's core purpose. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/what-do-the-secs-lawsuits-signal-for-the-future-of-cryptocurrency/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/what-do-the-secs-lawsuits-signal-for-the-future-of-cryptocurrency/</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What do the SEC's lawsuits signal for the future of cryptocurrency?

The potential security implications of China's corporate control of TikTok's parent company ByteDance have scaled up in recent years as U.S.-China relations have soured and China has expanded its domestic social, political, and economic controls. But Congress' potential answer — the RESTRICT Act — has its flaws. Cam Kerry examines TikTok's challenges, other ways to address the security concerns beyond an outright ban, and the need for comprehensive privacy legislation. Show notes and transcript:  https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-is-congress-handling-the-tiktok-conundrum/  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

The potential security implications of China's corporate control of TikTok's parent company ByteDance have scaled up in recent years as U.S.-China relations have soured and China has expanded its domestic social, political, and economic controls. But Congress' potential answer — the RESTRICT Act — has its flaws. Cam Kerry examines TikTok's challenges, other ways to address the security concerns beyond an outright ban, and the need for comprehensive privacy legislation. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-is-congress-handling-the-tiktok-conundrum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-is-congress-handling-the-tiktok-conundrum/</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

How is Congress handling the TikTok conundrum?

Jimmy Carter

With former President Jimmy Carter in hospice care, Bill Galston looks back at Carter's administration and his "exemplary and influential" post-presidential dedication to good works, and reflects on the dynamics that shape how we think about presidents' successes and failures. Show notes and transcript:  https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-will-we-remember-jimmy-carters-presidential-legacy  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

With former President Jimmy Carter in hospice care, Bill Galston looks back at Carter's administration and his "exemplary and influential" post-presidential dedication to good works, and reflects on the dynamics that shape how we think about presidents' successes and failures. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-will-we-remember-jimmy-carters-presidential-legacy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-will-we-remember-jimmy-carters-presidential-legacy</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

How will we remember Jimmy Carter's presidential legacy?

President Erdoğan "has been one of the symbols of democracy's global decline" and Turkey's upcoming elections will have consequences not only for Turkey, but the world, says Aslı Aydintaşbaş.  In the latest episode of The Current, Aydintaşbaş assesses how public opinion of Erdoğan has shifted after the recent devastating earthquake and why the political opposition has coalesced around Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.  Show notes and transcript:  https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/whats-at-stake-in-turkeys-elections  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

President Erdoğan "has been one of the symbols of democracy's global decline" and Turkey's upcoming elections will have consequences not only for Turkey, but the world, says Aslı Aydintaşbaş.  In the latest episode of The Current, Aydintaşbaş assesses how public opinion of Erdoğan has shifted after the recent devastating earthquake and why the political opposition has coalesced around Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.  Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/whats-at-stake-in-turkeys-elections" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/whats-at-stake-in-turkeys-elections</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What's at stake in Turkey's elections?

Former CEO of MasterCard Ajay Banga has been nominated to be the next president of the World Bank following the early resignation of outgoing President David Malpass. Homi Kharas explains the challenges ahead for the World Bank to integrate climate change into its economic development agenda and how Banga's background in large-scale financial services may be brought to bear to expand the bank's efforts. Show notes and transcript: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/who-is-ajay-banga-us-nominee-for-world-bank-president/  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Former CEO of MasterCard Ajay Banga has been nominated to be the next president of the World Bank following the early resignation of outgoing President David Malpass. Homi Kharas explains the challenges ahead for the World Bank to integrate climate change into its economic development agenda and how Banga's background in large-scale financial services may be brought to bear to expand the bank's efforts. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/who-is-ajay-banga-us-nominee-for-world-bank-president/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/who-is-ajay-banga-us-nominee-for-world-bank-president/</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

Who is Ajay Banga, US nominee for World Bank president?

In his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued "a strident call for calm" over recent escalating violence, while also voicing concerns over Prime Minister Netanyahu's efforts to weaken Israel's Supreme Court. Natan Sachs discusses the new hardline government, what changes to the judiciary could mean for Israel's democracy, and where the U.S. could potentially have influence. Transcript and show notes: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-is-the-us-weighing-in-with-israels-new-hardline-government/  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

In his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued "a strident call for calm" over recent escalating violence, while also voicing concerns over Prime Minister Netanyahu's efforts to weaken Israel's Supreme Court. Natan Sachs discusses the new hardline government, what changes to the judiciary could mean for Israel's democracy, and where the U.S. could potentially have influence. Transcript and show notes: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-is-the-us-weighing-in-with-israels-new-hardline-government/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/how-is-the-us-weighing-in-with-israels-new-hardline-government/</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

How is the US weighing in with Israel's new hardline government?

The Current brings you smart, timely, and quick analysis from Brookings experts on breaking news and changing policies. In under ten minutes, learn not only what happened, but why, and how to make sense of it.

After the U.S. reached its debt limit last week, Secretary Janet Yellen announced that the Treasury will engage in extraordinary measure to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its debt, but it remains to be seen how and when Congress will take action. Brookings experts David Wessel, Bill Gale, Molly Reynolds, Wendy Edelberg explain the debt ceiling, the economic ramifications of default, and the politics of finding a solution. Transcript and show notes: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/whats-happening-with-the-debt-ceiling-again/ 

After the U.S. reached its debt limit last week, Secretary Janet Yellen announced that the Treasury will engage in extraordinary measure to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its debt, but it remains to be seen how and when Congress will take action. Brookings experts David Wessel, Bill Gale, Molly Reynolds, Wendy Edelberg explain the debt ceiling, the economic ramifications of default, and the politics of finding a solution. Transcript and show notes: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/whats-happening-with-the-debt-ceiling-again/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/whats-happening-with-the-debt-ceiling-again/</a>

What's happening with the debt ceiling (again)?

On the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Élysée, Constanze Stelzenmüller and Tara Varma examine the French-German cooperative framework, and France and Germany's role as a driver for European partnership, leadership, and answering the challenge of Russia's war in Ukraine. Transcript and show notes: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/60-years-later-can-france-and-germany-fulfill-the-ambitions-of-the-treaty-of-elysee/  Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

On the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Élysée, Constanze Stelzenmüller and Tara Varma examine the French-German cooperative framework, and France and Germany's role as a driver for European partnership, leadership, and answering the challenge of Russia's war in Ukraine. Transcript and show notes: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/60-years-later-can-france-and-germany-fulfill-the-ambitions-of-the-treaty-of-elysee/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/60-years-later-can-france-and-germany-fulfill-the-ambitions-of-the-treaty-of-elysee/</a> Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a>. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

60 years later, can France and Germany fulfill the ambitions of the Treaty of Élysée?

In Moore v. Harper, the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case from North Carolina about whether state legislatures have unrestricted powers in how they administer federal elections, including the drawing of congressional district maps. Russell Wheeler explains the independent state legislature theory at the heart of the case, and what the Court's ruling could mean for partisan gerrymandering and the future of how states run elections. Show notes and transcript: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/moore-v-harper-who-has-the-power-to-set-state-election-rules/  Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

In Moore v. Harper, the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case from North Carolina about whether state legislatures have unrestricted powers in how they administer federal elections, including the drawing of congressional district maps. Russell Wheeler explains the independent state legislature theory at the heart of the case, and what the Court's ruling could mean for partisan gerrymandering and the future of how states run elections. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/moore-v-harper-who-has-the-power-to-set-state-election-rules/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/moore-v-harper-who-has-the-power-to-set-state-election-rules/</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

Moore v. Harper: Who has the power to set state election rules?

China's 20th Party Congress demonstrated that none of Beijing's recent troubles, from public anger over COVID lockdowns to economic slowdowns and rising international tensions, have dented President Xi Jinping's grip on power, says Patricia Kim. In this episode, Kim examines what leadership personnel changes and Xi's domestic focus on national security mean for China's near-term trajectory. Show notes: https://brook.gs/3Tw0ttk  Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

China's 20th Party Congress demonstrated that none of Beijing's recent troubles, from public anger over COVID lockdowns to economic slowdowns and rising international tensions, have dented President Xi Jinping's grip on power, says Patricia Kim. In this episode, Kim examines what leadership personnel changes and Xi's domestic focus on national security mean for China's near-term trajectory. Show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/3Tw0ttk" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3Tw0ttk</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What does Xi Jinping's power move mean for China?

Amid a host of challenges, the three major priorities of this year's United Nations General Assembly will be Russia's war against Ukraine, climate change, and food shortages. Bruce Jones explains the sideline diplomacy happening in New York, and the rising tension between Western countries' focus on geopolitics and the global South's need for progress on climate change. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3QKpJdj  Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Amid a host of challenges, the three major priorities of this year's United Nations General Assembly will be Russia's war against Ukraine, climate change, and food shortages. Bruce Jones explains the sideline diplomacy happening in New York, and the rising tension between Western countries' focus on geopolitics and the global South's need for progress on climate change. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://brook.gs/3QKpJdj" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3QKpJdj</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What’s on the agenda at the UN General Assembly?

One year after the U.S. troop withdrawal, Afghanistan faces a collapsed economy, humanitarian crisis, and a Taliban regime essentially unchanged from that of 1996-2001. Madiha Afzal discusses the Taliban's restrictions on civil society, the segregation of women and girls from public life, and the need for more creative policies to alleviate Afghan people's suffering without helping the Taliban. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3TuLZug  Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

One year after the U.S. troop withdrawal, Afghanistan faces a collapsed economy, humanitarian crisis, and a Taliban regime essentially unchanged from that of 1996-2001. Madiha Afzal discusses the Taliban's restrictions on civil society, the segregation of women and girls from public life, and the need for more creative policies to alleviate Afghan people's suffering without helping the Taliban. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://brook.gs/3TuLZug" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3TuLZug</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What’s happening in Afghanistan one year after the U.S. withdrawal?

After President Biden's release of his plan for student debt relief, Andre Perry explains the impact loan forgiveness will have on student debt holders, the role of student debt in racial wealth and income inequality, and how to keep higher education attainable for the public. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3QVr9Ct  Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

After President Biden's release of his plan for student debt relief, Andre Perry explains the impact loan forgiveness will have on student debt holders, the role of student debt in racial wealth and income inequality, and how to keep higher education attainable for the public. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://brook.gs/3QVr9Ct" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3QVr9Ct</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What will student loan forgiveness mean for Black students and families?

Sri Lanka's new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, took office last week as the country faces economic collapse, political instability, and ongoing food and fuel shortages. Constantino Xavier looks at how Sri Lanka's governing choices over many years led to crisis, the difficult reforms ahead, and the implications of Sri Lanka's collapse for other developing nations throughout Asia and Africa. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3zqQEFm  Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Sri Lanka's new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, took office last week as the country faces economic collapse, political instability, and ongoing food and fuel shortages. Constantino Xavier looks at how Sri Lanka's governing choices over many years led to crisis, the difficult reforms ahead, and the implications of Sri Lanka's collapse for other developing nations throughout Asia and Africa. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://brook.gs/3zqQEFm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3zqQEFm</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

Why is Sri Lanka in crisis, and what comes next?

Following the stunning assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mireya Solís describes Abe's policy legacies, the role he continued to play in shaping the direction of the country, and the ramifications of his assassination for Japan's politics. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3yNFLND Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Following the stunning assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mireya Solís describes Abe's policy legacies, the role he continued to play in shaping the direction of the country, and the ramifications of his assassination for Japan's politics. Show notes and transcript: <a href="https://brook.gs/3yNFLND" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3yNFLND</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What does Shinzo Abe's assassination mean for Japan?

The Supreme Court's decision in West Virginia v. EPA narrowed the breadth of powers the Environmental Protection Agency has to regulate carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act. Barry Rabe explains the court's reasoning, the uncertainties it raises for EPA regulation, and the challenges for congressional or state-level action. Full show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3OELI4T  Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

The Supreme Court's decision in West Virginia v. EPA narrowed the breadth of powers the Environmental Protection Agency has to regulate carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act. Barry Rabe explains the court's reasoning, the uncertainties it raises for EPA regulation, and the challenges for congressional or state-level action. Full show notes and transcript: <a href="https://brook.gs/3OELI4T" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3OELI4T</a> Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:podcasts@brookings.edu" rel="noopener">podcasts@brookings.edu</a> and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What does the Supreme Court’s EPA ruling mean for climate regulation?

Clear, neutral explanations of complex topics

Excellent source for quick analysis

Thoughtful statements on important topics.  Very welcome in the age of tweets.

5 minutes of Sanity

The Current

On Friday, the Trump administration announced it reached a new deal for normalization of relations between Sudan and Israel, a follow-up to the similar Abraham Accord deals with the UAE and Bahrain. Zach Vertin explains the role the U.S. played in agreeing to remove Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a step crucial to Sudan's vulnerable transitional government as it navigates a pivotal transition to democracy after decades of autocratic devastation. Full show notes: https://brook.gs/3oo1iW7  Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

On Friday, the Trump administration announced it reached a new deal for normalization of relations between Sudan and Israel, a follow-up to the similar Abraham Accord deals with the UAE and Bahrain. Zach Vertin explains the role the U.S. played in agreeing to remove Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a step crucial to Sudan's vulnerable transitional government as it navigates a pivotal transition to democracy after decades of autocratic devastation. Full show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/3oo1iW7" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3oo1iW7</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What’s the significance of the US-Israel-Sudan normalization deal?

The U.S. government's antitrust case against Google will take a long time to come to trial, says Brookings Visiting Fellow Bill Baer, but what remains to be seen is how Google will defend the actions it took securing its market dominance, and whether it will amend its practices even as the lawsuit goes forward. Baer also explores the role of Congress in addressing concerns about consumer data privacy, and what this case signals for antitrust action against other major tech firms. Full show notes: https://brook.gs/37AZJhg  Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

The U.S. government's antitrust case against Google will take a long time to come to trial, says Brookings Visiting Fellow Bill Baer, but what remains to be seen is how Google will defend the actions it took securing its market dominance, and whether it will amend its practices even as the lawsuit goes forward. Baer also explores the role of Congress in addressing concerns about consumer data privacy, and what this case signals for antitrust action against other major tech firms. Full show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/37AZJhg" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/37AZJhg</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What’s behind the US Justice Department's antitrust case against Google?

What does President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis mean for the functioning of the presidency, the White House, and the 2020 election? John Hudak describes how the executive branch can continue to operate with the president in quarantine, how continuity of government is ensured if the president becomes incapacitated, and how Trump can–and should–campaign over the next few weeks. Full show notes: https://brook.gs/3ncHNze  Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

What does President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis mean for the functioning of the presidency, the White House, and the 2020 election? John Hudak describes how the executive branch can continue to operate with the president in quarantine, how continuity of government is ensured if the president becomes incapacitated, and how Trump can–and should–campaign over the next few weeks. Full show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/3ncHNze" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3ncHNze</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

The president has COVID-19. Now what?

Brookings Vice President Suzanne Maloney explains how the US attempt to trigger a "snapback" of UN sanctions against Iran as part of the JCPOA agreement "exposes the utter lack of efficacy of the Trump administration's policy." She also looks ahead to how a Biden administration might seek to reestablish negotiations toward a broader agreement. Full show notes: https://brook.gs/303LGfF  Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Brookings Vice President Suzanne Maloney explains how the US attempt to trigger a "snapback" of UN sanctions against Iran as part of the JCPOA agreement "exposes the utter lack of efficacy of the Trump administration's policy." She also looks ahead to how a Biden administration might seek to reestablish negotiations toward a broader agreement. Full show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/303LGfF" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/303LGfF</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What have “maximum pressure” sanctions against Iran accomplished?

Following the White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, which normalize peaceful relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, Natan Sachs examines the driving factors behind the rapprochement. He also warns that while the peace deal is a net positive for regional relations, the Palestinians, though shunted aside, cannot be ignored.  Full show notes: https://brook.gs/2HanLEW  Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Following the White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, which normalize peaceful relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, Natan Sachs examines the driving factors behind the rapprochement. He also warns that while the peace deal is a net positive for regional relations, the Palestinians, though shunted aside, cannot be ignored.  Full show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/2HanLEW" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/2HanLEW</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What prompted the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization of relations with Israel?

Video footage of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police has sparked protests and led to the arrest of the officer seen kneeling on Floyd's neck. David Rubenstein Fellow Rashawn Ray places Floyd's killing into the long continuum of police violence and explains the systemic changes needed for true accountability in law enforcement. Full show notes: https://brook.gs/2TPUenx Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

Video footage of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police has sparked protests and led to the arrest of the officer seen kneeling on Floyd's neck. David Rubenstein Fellow Rashawn Ray places Floyd's killing into the long continuum of police violence and explains the systemic changes needed for true accountability in law enforcement. Full show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/2TPUenx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/2TPUenx</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

What’s needed for police accountability after the killing of George Floyd? 

The U.S. unemployment rate is now over 14%, according to the April jobs report, the highest it's been since the Great Depression.  Brookings Senior Fellow Gary Burtless explains what's different this time around, from the unprecedented rapidity of job losses to the economic support for people who have lost their jobs, and why that relief is critical to avoiding the long, drawn-out suffering of the Great Depression.  Full show notes: https://brook.gs/2SZwzQP  Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

The U.S. unemployment rate is now over 14%, according to the April jobs report, the highest it's been since the Great Depression.  Brookings Senior Fellow Gary Burtless explains what's different this time around, from the unprecedented rapidity of job losses to the economic support for people who have lost their jobs, and why that relief is critical to avoiding the long, drawn-out suffering of the Great Depression.  Full show notes: <a href="https://brook.gs/2SZwzQP" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/2SZwzQP</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

How does COVID-19 unemployment compare to the Great Depression?

As Ramadan begins, Pakistan has loosened social distancing restrictions on gatherings in mosques, allowing communal prayers to go forward during the holy month. David Rubenstein Fellow Madiha Afzal explains how Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking the easy path of avoiding conflict with Pakistan's religious right and burnishing his populist credentials through cash assistance programs, while leaving it to provincial leaders to issue stronger social and economic limits to protect people from the COVID-19 pandemic. Full show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3cLR7E5  Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.

As Ramadan begins, Pakistan has loosened social distancing restrictions on gatherings in mosques, allowing communal prayers to go forward during the holy month. David Rubenstein Fellow Madiha Afzal explains how Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking the easy path of avoiding conflict with Pakistan's religious right and burnishing his populist credentials through cash assistance programs, while leaving it to provincial leaders to issue stronger social and economic limits to protect people from the COVID-19 pandemic. Full show notes and transcript: <a href="https://brook.gs/3cLR7E5" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://brook.gs/3cLR7E5</a> Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to <a href="mailto:BCP@Brookings.edu">BCP@Brookings.edu</a>, and follow us and tweet us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/policypodcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@policypodcasts</a> on Twitter. The Current is part of the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Podcast Network</a>.

How is Pakistan balancing religion and politics in its response to the coronavirus?

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!