Compass Points

Leading experts analyze prominent international affairs topics and their impact on America today.

The widening Iran war and what it means for the region and the world

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Jul 31

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The widening Iran war and what it means for the region and the world

This week, the war in Iran that President Trump predicted would last four to five weeks entered its sixth month. Now, there are new fronts in the war. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses what the widening conflict means for…

Jul 24

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The state of Venezuela after Maduro's capture and devastating earthquakes

It was a shocking military operation that removed Venezuela's president from power, followed by a surprising declaration by President Trump that the U.S. was going to run the country. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses the remote U.S. leadership and…

Jul 17

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How the Mariupol theater strike exposed Russia's brutality in Ukraine

It was perhaps the single worst act of civilian killing in Russia’s war on Ukraine. The bombing of a theater in Mariupol came to symbolize Ukrainian sacrifice, and revealed Putin’s true intentions. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses one of…

Jul 10

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European officials on the challenges of navigating Trump's foreign policy

At a key summit, President Trump airs grievances against NATO allies, makes clear he’s still eyeing Greenland and weighs the U.S. military presence in Europe. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses the challenges of navigating an unpredictable American president with…

Jul 03

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America's global legacy at 250

As the United States grew from a series of small colonies into a global superpower, it took bold, transformative steps on the world stage, but it has also stumbled. On this 250th anniversary, guest moderator William Brangham, Esther Brimmer, Michael…

Jun 26

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How the Iran war and peace talks are straining the U.S.-Israel alliance

Four months ago, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint war with a level of military and political integration rarely seen in history. But the U.S. is now unilaterally negotiating a memorandum of understanding with Iran. Compass Points moderator Nick…

Jun 19

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Why some Russians are breaking with Putin as Ukraine war drags on

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s iron grip on power is being challenged by the war in Ukraine and his government’s authoritarian crackdowns. He finds himself in unfamiliar political territory, questioned by some of the country’s elite and embarrassed by Ukraine’s strikes…

Jun 12

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How Iran's 'Stolen Revolution' failed to live up to its promise

Many supporters of Iran's revolution believed some form of democracy should govern the country. But over the decades, the Islamic Republic's radical religious rulers have launched brutal crackdowns on social justice and political freedom. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses…

May 22

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Is it time for the U.S. to reassess its Iran strategy?

With talks stalled and Iran maintaining its chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump is weighing whether to restart the war. Strikes failed to eliminate Iran’s regime or destroy its military and nuclear capabilities, so is it time for…

May 15

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How Moscow's turbulent past shapes Putin's vision for Russia

Moscow started as a fort on a hill and has survived invasion, revolution, civil war and Soviet collapse to transform into a formidable world power. But with the limits of Russia's power tested in Ukraine, is history doomed to repeat…