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March 21, 2025

Wilson Weekly

Political Swings in the Middle East in 2025

Power in the Middle East shifted in 2025, with Sunni groups gaining influence while Shiite factions linked to Iran weakened. Political turmoil, economic struggles, and escalating conflicts—especially between Israel and Iran—deepened instability, hindering regional diplomacy, development, and prospects for long-term peace. Robin Wright and Peyton Dashiell take a closer look.

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Article

Increased Election Interference Activity in Eastern Europe Reveals Difficulties for Democracies to Fight Back

“With the super-election year of 2024 in the rearview mirror, there is a lot to learn from the elections that have taken place in Europe during a period of increasing geopolitical tensions. In particular, there is one trend that has become worryingly prominent: egregious self-motivated and oftentimes partisan interventions or interference in democratic elections by foreign actors, especially ones backed by Russia.” -Rickard Lindholm

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Article

A Case for a North American Common Tariff

In this Mexico Institute analysis, authors Pedro Noyola and Jaime Serra Puche review salient features of North America’s transition to free trade and its economic convergence. They discuss the transition of the agreement from NAFTA to the USMCA and conclude that an opportunity to progress to a better model was lost. They comment on the shortcomings of the USMCA and make the case for transitioning the USMCA into a customs union with a common tariff.

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The Russia File

The Rise of the Turkic World in Eurasian Geopolitics

During his inauguration speech at the National Assembly of Azerbaijan in February 2024, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that “our family is the Turkic world and this is where we feel ourselves well.” It was an unusual remark, as no head of state had ever equated a regional integration project to a family. Political and election analyst Rashad Shirinov explores the rise of the Turkic identity.

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Beyond a Single Story

How Do African Products Support US Consumers? African Suppliers, US Buyers, and New Markets

Focused on understanding how African products impact US consumers and how African markets create opportunities for US businesses, podcast hosts Oge Onubogu and Witney Schneidman sit down with Gavin van der Burgh and Stephanie Agee, two international trade leaders working to expand opportunities for US businesses and consumers.

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Policy Brief

Southeast Asia Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Strategic Competition

This policy brief by Prashanth Parameswaran explores the intersection between Indo-Pacific strategic competition and maritime security in Southeast Asia. It is informed by conversations with policymakers and experts across all 11 countries in Southeast Asia and field research to regional capitals.

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Trump Speaks with Putin in Effort to End Russia-Ukraine War

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, Director of the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute Michael Kimmage discusses the latest in US-Russia relations and the Trump administration’s attempt to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Kimmage discusses where the war stands after more than three years of fighting, the effects of the war on Russian and Ukrainian society, and the renewed European focus on defense spending and capacity.

Trump Speaks with Putin in Effort to End Russia-Ukraine War

Upcoming Events

Five Years After Lockdown: Lessons from COVID-19 for Borders and Public Health

Monday, March 24 // 10–11:00 am (ET)

Who Will Rescue Us?: The Story of the Jewish Children Who Fled to France and America During the Holocaust

Monday, March 24 // 4–5:30 pm (ET)

Lebanon’s New Government: Challenges and Prospects for Reform and Revitalization

Thursday, March 27 // 10–11:30 am (ET)

The Future of Haiti

Monday, March 31 // 9:30–10:45 am (ET)

Wilson in the News

Is Modi Turning Over a New Leaf With China? (Foreign Policy)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggests a thaw with China during a podcast appearance, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard visits New Delhi, and Pakistan grapples with a spate of terrorist attacks. Learn more with Michael Kugelman in this week’s South Asia Brief.

Why Russia-North Korea Ties Will Survive Ukraine War (Korea Times)

“Economic aid to North Korea is believed to include fuel, fertilizer and food. Russia’s willingness to violate UN sanctions may be the most significant economic benefit, particularly as the New York Times has reported on Russian assistance in helping North Korea evade financial sanctions.” -Troy Stangarone

Support the independent research and open dialogue that leads to policies for a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world.

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