Will Todman
@willtodman.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Will Todman
Most Syrian refugees remain dependent on aid, excluded from formal labor markets, burdened by debt, & ill-prepared to rebuild their lives in post-Assad Syria, despite billions of dollars spent from international donors. @willtodman.bsky.social explains a new approach.
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hNjjK1
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hNjjK1
The Need for a New Refugee Response in the Middle East
International donors have spent tens of billions of dollars on the response to Syrian refugees in the Middle East over the last 15 years, but most refugees remain dependent on aid, excluded from formal labor markets, burdened by debt, and ill-prepared t...
bit.ly
October 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Most Syrian refugees remain dependent on aid, excluded from formal labor markets, burdened by debt, & ill-prepared to rebuild their lives in post-Assad Syria, despite billions of dollars spent from international donors. @willtodman.bsky.social explains a new approach.
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hNjjK1
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hNjjK1
Reposted by Will Todman
"The current model for refugee management has failed." @willtodman.bsky.social argues Gulf & Western actors should advance a new approach that prioritizes Syrian refugees’ self-reliance & private sector integration, making them part of the regional connectivity agenda.
More: https://bit.ly/4jDsXBd
More: https://bit.ly/4jDsXBd
The Self-Reliance Dividend: The Imperative of Syrian Refugees’ Economic Inclusion
The current model for refugee management has failed. Will Todman argues that Gulf and Western actors should advance a new approach that prioritizes Syrian refugees’ self-reliance and private sector in...
www.csis.org
October 5, 2026 at 9:00 PM
"The current model for refugee management has failed." @willtodman.bsky.social argues Gulf & Western actors should advance a new approach that prioritizes Syrian refugees’ self-reliance & private sector integration, making them part of the regional connectivity agenda.
More: https://bit.ly/4jDsXBd
More: https://bit.ly/4jDsXBd
Reposted by Will Todman
LIVE NOW | State of Play host @willtodman.bsky.social is joined by CSIS's leading China expert for a rapid analysis of the Trump-Xi summit and what it means for the future of U.S.-China relations.
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hy073M
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hy073M
What Did Trump and Xi Agree to at the White House? | State of Play | CSIS Events
The summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping is expected to cover trade, investment, AI, the war with Iran, and Taiwan. CSIS’s leading China experts will provide a rapid assessment of its outcomes i...
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September 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM
LIVE NOW | State of Play host @willtodman.bsky.social is joined by CSIS's leading China expert for a rapid analysis of the Trump-Xi summit and what it means for the future of U.S.-China relations.
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hy073M
Watch: https://bit.ly/4hy073M
Reposted by Will Todman
An opinon poll found that Filipinos have the most positive view of President Trump of the 36 countries surveyed. Amb. Negroponte & Greg Poling join @willtodman.bsky.socialn to assess the force behind Filipinos' positive attitudes towards the U.S in State of Play.
Listen: https://bit.ly/46jmpQC
Listen: https://bit.ly/46jmpQC
Is the U.S.-Philippines Alliance Really at a Historic High? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
On the sidelines of the Manila Strategy Forum, Amb. John Negroponte and Greg Poling join Will to assess the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, the drivers of Filipinos' positive attitudes towa...
www.csis.org
September 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
An opinon poll found that Filipinos have the most positive view of President Trump of the 36 countries surveyed. Amb. Negroponte & Greg Poling join @willtodman.bsky.socialn to assess the force behind Filipinos' positive attitudes towards the U.S in State of Play.
Listen: https://bit.ly/46jmpQC
Listen: https://bit.ly/46jmpQC
Reposted by Will Todman
Will President Trump’s pressure on Canada break the USMCA? Chris Hernandez-Roy & @diegotmec.bsky.social join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss whether Canada can withstand U.S. pressure & what U.S.-Canada tensions mean for the future of free trade in North America.
Listen: https://bit.ly/4xseJY6
Listen: https://bit.ly/4xseJY6
Will Trump’s Pressure on Canada Break the USMCA? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Will talks with Chris Hernandez-Roy and Diego Marroquin Bitar to discuss if Canada can withstand U.S. pressure, what lies ahead, and what U.S.-Canada tensions mean for the future of free trade in Nort...
bit.ly
August 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Will President Trump’s pressure on Canada break the USMCA? Chris Hernandez-Roy & @diegotmec.bsky.social join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss whether Canada can withstand U.S. pressure & what U.S.-Canada tensions mean for the future of free trade in North America.
Listen: https://bit.ly/4xseJY6
Listen: https://bit.ly/4xseJY6
Reposted by Will Todman
Did Iran attack U.S. water systems? Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran.
Listen: https://bit.ly/3SijvIm
Listen: https://bit.ly/3SijvIm
Did Iran Attack U.S. Water Systems? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join Will Todman to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran.
www.csis.org
August 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Did Iran attack U.S. water systems? Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran.
Listen: https://bit.ly/3SijvIm
Listen: https://bit.ly/3SijvIm
Reposted by Will Todman
ICYMI | On a new episode of State of Play, Christopher Hernandez Roy and William LeoGrande join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump administration’s strategy on Cuba is evolving, how Cuban leaders are responding, and if we are nearing an inflection point.
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
Is Cuba Nearing an Inflection Point? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
President Trump is ramping up economic pressure on Cuba and has instructed U.S. intelligence agencies to find a new leader who could work with the United States.
bit.ly
August 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
ICYMI | On a new episode of State of Play, Christopher Hernandez Roy and William LeoGrande join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump administration’s strategy on Cuba is evolving, how Cuban leaders are responding, and if we are nearing an inflection point.
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
Reposted by Will Todman
Is Cuba nearing an inflection point? In a new State of Play, Christopher Hernandez-Roy and William LeoGrande join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump administration’s strategy on Cuba is evolving and how Cuban leaders are responding.
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
Is Cuba Nearing an Inflection Point? | State of Play | CSIS Podcasts
President Trump is ramping up economic pressure on Cuba and has instructed U.S. intelligence agencies to find a new leader who could work with the United States.
www.csis.org
August 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Is Cuba nearing an inflection point? In a new State of Play, Christopher Hernandez-Roy and William LeoGrande join @willtodman.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump administration’s strategy on Cuba is evolving and how Cuban leaders are responding.
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
Listen: https://bit.ly/4bIO8gI
State of Play just turned one! To help us improve, I'd be so grateful if you'd share your views by completing this very short survey. And you can enter a draw to win a State of Play mug, which we'll ship to you: www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofpla...
State of Play Audience Survey
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July 28, 2026 at 5:32 PM
State of Play just turned one! To help us improve, I'd be so grateful if you'd share your views by completing this very short survey. And you can enter a draw to win a State of Play mug, which we'll ship to you: www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofpla...
Reposted by Will Todman
Was This World Cup More Political? ⚽🏆
On the newest State of Play episode hosted by @geopolitics.csis.org @willtodman.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, and Enoh Ebong discuss host-nation diplomacy, FIFA's impact, and more.
Watch it here:
On the newest State of Play episode hosted by @geopolitics.csis.org @willtodman.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, and Enoh Ebong discuss host-nation diplomacy, FIFA's impact, and more.
Watch it here:
July 17, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Was This World Cup More Political? ⚽🏆
On the newest State of Play episode hosted by @geopolitics.csis.org @willtodman.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, and Enoh Ebong discuss host-nation diplomacy, FIFA's impact, and more.
Watch it here:
On the newest State of Play episode hosted by @geopolitics.csis.org @willtodman.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, @maxbergmann.bsky.social, and Enoh Ebong discuss host-nation diplomacy, FIFA's impact, and more.
Watch it here:
Reposted by Will Todman
Join @csis.org experts @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, and Enoh T. Ebong and host @willtodman.bsky.social on July 16 at 3pm EDT assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play. www.csis.org/index%2Ephp/...
Was This World Cup More Political? | State of Play | CSIS Events
Please join CSIS experts to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.
www.csis.org
July 13, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Join @csis.org experts @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, and Enoh T. Ebong and host @willtodman.bsky.social on July 16 at 3pm EDT assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play. www.csis.org/index%2Ephp/...
Reposted by Will Todman
The June U.S.-Iran framework deal calls for a 60-day ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play with @myacoubian.bsky.social, Michal Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and Paul Salem as they unpack the regional implications:
www.csis.org/events/trump...
Join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play with @myacoubian.bsky.social, Michal Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and Paul Salem as they unpack the regional implications:
www.csis.org/events/trump...
Trump's Iran Deal: What Comes Next? | State of Play | CSIS Events
CSIS Middle East Program experts unpack the latest U.S.-Iran deal.
www.csis.org
June 29, 2026 at 1:27 PM
The June U.S.-Iran framework deal calls for a 60-day ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play with @myacoubian.bsky.social, Michal Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and Paul Salem as they unpack the regional implications:
www.csis.org/events/trump...
Join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play with @myacoubian.bsky.social, Michal Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and Paul Salem as they unpack the regional implications:
www.csis.org/events/trump...
Reposted by Will Todman
ICYMI | CSIS experts join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play for an analysis on the outcomes and optics of the G7 summit, and what it means for the future of the G7.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEfOCkmyns
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEfOCkmyns
Was the G7 Summit in France a Success? | State of Play | CSIS Events
Please join CSIS experts for a rapid analysis of the outcomes of the G7 Summit.
www.csis.org
June 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM
ICYMI | CSIS experts join @willtodman.bsky.social on State of Play for an analysis on the outcomes and optics of the G7 summit, and what it means for the future of the G7.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEfOCkmyns
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEfOCkmyns
The conventional wisdom taking hold is that the United States and Israel lost. But I argue in @foreignpolicy.com that the war has left every major actor further from their preferred strategic end state. Iran, Arab Gulf states, Russia, and even China lost too. foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/16/i...
Everyone Lost the War With Iran
Months of fighting revealed that multiple countries can impose costs, but none can impose order.
foreignpolicy.com
June 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The conventional wisdom taking hold is that the United States and Israel lost. But I argue in @foreignpolicy.com that the war has left every major actor further from their preferred strategic end state. Iran, Arab Gulf states, Russia, and even China lost too. foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/16/i...
Reposted by Will Todman
Will Japan & Korea go nuclear? Join us 6/18 for the release of new survey findings & analysis by @victordcha.bsky.social (@korea.csis.org), @kristigovella.bsky.social, Michael Green, @heatherwilly.bsky.social (@poni.csis.org), & @willtodman.bsky.social (@geopolitics.csis.org) 🔗https://bit.ly/4gf6QPQ
June 12, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Will Japan & Korea go nuclear? Join us 6/18 for the release of new survey findings & analysis by @victordcha.bsky.social (@korea.csis.org), @kristigovella.bsky.social, Michael Green, @heatherwilly.bsky.social (@poni.csis.org), & @willtodman.bsky.social (@geopolitics.csis.org) 🔗https://bit.ly/4gf6QPQ
Reposted by Will Todman
🎙️OUT NOW | State of Play | Is Something Big About to Happen with North Korea?
Moderated by @willtodman.bsky.social @csis.org, @victordcha.bsky.social, Tom Christensen, and Edgard Kagan discuss the potential Xi-Kim summit, evolving China and DPRK relations, and more.
Listen here: shorturl.at/1E9f3
Moderated by @willtodman.bsky.social @csis.org, @victordcha.bsky.social, Tom Christensen, and Edgard Kagan discuss the potential Xi-Kim summit, evolving China and DPRK relations, and more.
Listen here: shorturl.at/1E9f3
Is Something Big About to Happen with North Korea?
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
youtu.be
May 29, 2026 at 2:57 PM
🎙️OUT NOW | State of Play | Is Something Big About to Happen with North Korea?
Moderated by @willtodman.bsky.social @csis.org, @victordcha.bsky.social, Tom Christensen, and Edgard Kagan discuss the potential Xi-Kim summit, evolving China and DPRK relations, and more.
Listen here: shorturl.at/1E9f3
Moderated by @willtodman.bsky.social @csis.org, @victordcha.bsky.social, Tom Christensen, and Edgard Kagan discuss the potential Xi-Kim summit, evolving China and DPRK relations, and more.
Listen here: shorturl.at/1E9f3
Reposted by Will Todman
Interesting insights from @myacoubian.bsky.social and @willtodman.bsky.social based on their recent trip to Qatar.
@mideast.csis.org
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
@mideast.csis.org
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Arab Gulf States View the Emerging Iran Deal
A prospective deal between the United States and Iran could shape the contours of an emerging order in the Middle East. Gulf states are paying attention.
www.csis.org
May 28, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Interesting insights from @myacoubian.bsky.social and @willtodman.bsky.social based on their recent trip to Qatar.
@mideast.csis.org
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
@mideast.csis.org
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Reposted by Will Todman
LIVE NOW: @mideast.csis.org welcomes H.E. Haneen Sayed, Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon, to discuss the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and how the U.S.-Iran war could impact Lebanon's longstanding socioeconomic challenges.
Watch here: https://bit.ly/4cJz7uL
Watch here: https://bit.ly/4cJz7uL
Navigating Lebanon’s Multiple Crises: A Conversation with Lebanon's Minister of Social Affairs H.E. Haneen Sayed | CSIS Events
Please join the CSIS Middle East Program for a discussion with Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon H.E. Haneen Sayed.
www.csis.org
April 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM
LIVE NOW: @mideast.csis.org welcomes H.E. Haneen Sayed, Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon, to discuss the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and how the U.S.-Iran war could impact Lebanon's longstanding socioeconomic challenges.
Watch here: https://bit.ly/4cJz7uL
Watch here: https://bit.ly/4cJz7uL
Reposted by Will Todman
In a new live episode of State of Play, @mideast.csis.org experts @myacoubian.bsky.social, Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and @willtodman.bsky.social examine how the Iran war impacts the future of the region.
Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7reu3Wpcos
Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7reu3Wpcos
Has the Iran war transformed the Middle East's future? | State of Play
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
www.youtube.com
April 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM
In a new live episode of State of Play, @mideast.csis.org experts @myacoubian.bsky.social, Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Susan Ziadeh, and @willtodman.bsky.social examine how the Iran war impacts the future of the region.
Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7reu3Wpcos
Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7reu3Wpcos
Reposted by Will Todman
In this video, @willtodman.bsky.social unpacks some of the most important implications that we will see if the Houthis block Bab al-Mandab.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5...
After Hormuz: Will the Houthis Block Another Chokepoint?
On March 28th, Iran's Yemeni proxy joined the war in the Middle East, firing missiles at Israel. But they have not yet played one of the most important cards still at their disposal – attacking…
www.youtube.com
April 5, 2026 at 2:14 PM
In this video, @willtodman.bsky.social unpacks some of the most important implications that we will see if the Houthis block Bab al-Mandab.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5...
Reposted by Will Todman
Bab al-Mandab is the Middle East’s most critical maritime chokepoint after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. @willtodman.bsky.social explains how a disruption of both straits would constitute an unprecedented shock to global trade and energy markets.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4tJLjCH
Read more: https://bit.ly/4tJLjCH
The Houthi Threat: Is Trump Underestimating One of Iran’s Key Remaining Cards?
The Houthis have entered the war in Iran. Whether they choose to block Bab al-Mandab or not could have significant consequences for the global economy.
www.csis.org
April 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Bab al-Mandab is the Middle East’s most critical maritime chokepoint after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. @willtodman.bsky.social explains how a disruption of both straits would constitute an unprecedented shock to global trade and energy markets.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4tJLjCH
Read more: https://bit.ly/4tJLjCH
Reposted by Will Todman
A disruption of both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab would shock global trade and energy markets.
@willtodman.bsky.social explains the costly risk of a potential Houthi attack on Bab al-Mandab:
https://www.csis.org/analysis/houthi-threat-trump-underestimating-one-irans-key-remaining-cards
@willtodman.bsky.social explains the costly risk of a potential Houthi attack on Bab al-Mandab:
https://www.csis.org/analysis/houthi-threat-trump-underestimating-one-irans-key-remaining-cards
The Houthi Threat: Is Trump Underestimating One of Iran’s Key Remaining Cards?
The Houthis have entered the war in Iran. Whether they choose to block Bab al-Mandab or not could have significant consequences for the global economy.
www.csis.org
April 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
A disruption of both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab would shock global trade and energy markets.
@willtodman.bsky.social explains the costly risk of a potential Houthi attack on Bab al-Mandab:
https://www.csis.org/analysis/houthi-threat-trump-underestimating-one-irans-key-remaining-cards
@willtodman.bsky.social explains the costly risk of a potential Houthi attack on Bab al-Mandab:
https://www.csis.org/analysis/houthi-threat-trump-underestimating-one-irans-key-remaining-cards
Reposted by Will Todman
🎙️ Don't miss our recent episodes of State of Play where @csis.org experts analyze geopolitical developments from Iran to Russia to Cuba to Japan. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...
April 2, 2026 at 4:04 PM
🎙️ Don't miss our recent episodes of State of Play where @csis.org experts analyze geopolitical developments from Iran to Russia to Cuba to Japan. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...
Reposted by Will Todman
CSIS's @willtodman.bsky.social unpacks the most urgent implications we will see if the Houthis block Bad al-Mandeb.
Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5-mTd8AY
Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5-mTd8AY
April 1, 2026 at 5:01 PM
CSIS's @willtodman.bsky.social unpacks the most urgent implications we will see if the Houthis block Bad al-Mandeb.
Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5-mTd8AY
Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=get5-mTd8AY
Reposted by Will Todman
"The greatest threat to Syria’s recovery may lie in the war’s long-term trajectory," writes @mideast.csis.org expert @willtodman.bsky.social. "The conflict increasingly appears headed toward a stalemate."
Read the full analysis:: https://www.csis.org/analysis/war-iran-threatens-syrias-recovery
Read the full analysis:: https://www.csis.org/analysis/war-iran-threatens-syrias-recovery
The War with Iran Threatens Syria’s Recovery
Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has a strategy for Syria's recovery. The war with Iran could jeopardize that.
www.csis.org
March 17, 2026 at 9:00 PM
"The greatest threat to Syria’s recovery may lie in the war’s long-term trajectory," writes @mideast.csis.org expert @willtodman.bsky.social. "The conflict increasingly appears headed toward a stalemate."
Read the full analysis:: https://www.csis.org/analysis/war-iran-threatens-syrias-recovery
Read the full analysis:: https://www.csis.org/analysis/war-iran-threatens-syrias-recovery