Compass Points

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

National security officials recall responding to 9/11 as it unfolded

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Sep 11

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National security officials recall responding to 9/11 as it unfolded

September 11, 2001 was a day of extraordinary heartbreak. It was also one of chaos, fear and confusion. The national security professionals traveling with President Bush and working inside the White House Situation Room were at the center of it…

Sep 04

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How the U.S. and Canada fell into a feud – and how it could end

It’s supposed to be the world’s longest peaceful border, but you wouldn’t know it listening to the country’s leaders. What’s next now that America and Canada, whose economies are intertwined, are on the verge of unwinding? Compass Points moderator Nick…

Aug 28

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Why Trump wants a meeting with Kim Jong Un – and what North Korea wants in return

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has emerged in the last few years more influential, richer, better armed and with more accurate weapons. Yet once again, President Trump is appealing to an authoritarian to restart summit diplomacy. Compass Points moderator…

Aug 21

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America's depleted arsenal and military readiness concerns

America’s military uses the world’s most advanced and sought-after weapons. But months of war with Iran have diminished the stockpile, limiting options and the ability to defend allies. Could America’s adversaries exploit this moment? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses…

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…