
Audio Briefs
Audio Briefs brings you CSIS publications in audio form. Listen to short, spoken-word summaries from CSIS experts about their latest reports, or hear a full audio version of any CSIS commentary.
Latest episodes

Mar 24, 2025 • 10min
A New Phase in Sudan’s Civil War
An audio version of “A New Phase in Sudan’s Civil War,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Cameron Hudson. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Mar 24, 2025 • 6min
Surviving Tariffs
An audio version of “Surviving Tariffs,” a new commentary by CSIS's William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

5 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 12min
Unpacking Trump’s New Critical Minerals Executive Order
Discover the intriguing details behind a new executive order aimed at boosting domestic mineral production for national security. The discussion highlights the order's critical mineral designations and the challenges in implementing these policies. Insights into shifting strategies reveal a transition from international aid to investing domestically, with a new fund established to support this initiative. Tune in for a deep dive into how these changes aim to reshape U.S. mineral resources ahead of the agency's reauthorization in 2025.

Mar 20, 2025 • 2min
“Foreign Malign Influence Targeting U.S. and Allied Corporations”: Audio Brief with Daniel Byman
The discussion highlights the significant yet often overlooked impact of foreign malign influence on U.S. corporations. It delves into disinformation strategies used by countries like Russia and China, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. There's a strong call for better information sharing and heightened awareness to safeguard corporate integrity. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for the United States' global reputation.

Mar 20, 2025 • 14min
Securing Cyber and Space: How the United States Can Disrupt China’s Blockade Plans
An audio version of “Securing Cyber and Space: How the United States Can Disrupt China’s Blockade Plans,” a new commentary by CSIS's Benjamin Jensen and Kathleen McInnis, with Erica Lonergan. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Mar 20, 2025 • 12min
What Does the Expulsion of Pretoria’s Ambassador Mean for U.S.–South Africa Relations?
An audio version of “What Does the Expulsion of Pretoria’s Ambassador Mean for U.S.–South Africa Relations?,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Cameron Hudson, Khasai Makhulo, and Catherine Nzuki. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Mar 20, 2025 • 11min
The Escalating Attacks on Tesla Facilities
An audio version of “The Escalating Attacks on Tesla Facilities,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Riley McCabe. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Mar 20, 2025 • 13min
Science, Cooperation, and Winter Uniforms: The Role of South American Militaries in Antarctica
An audio version of “Science, Cooperation, and Winter Uniforms: The Role of South American Militaries in Antarctica,” a new commentary by CSIS's Wilder Alejandro Sánchez. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Mar 19, 2025 • 18min
Back & Forth 3: Do Sanctions Work?
An audio version of “Back & Forth 3: Do Sanctions Work?” Focusing on Russia as the main case study, Nick Kumleben argues that sanctions fail because of their ease of circumvention and inability to deter bad actors. Moreover, he asserts that multilateral sanctions may have only been possible in an era of unchallenged U.S. leadership. CSIS’s Philip A. Luck and Andrea Leonard Palazzi counter that his piece underappreciates the true deterrence power of sanctions, overlooks their success at degrading Russia’s war-making ability and overfocuses on trade relative to financial restrictions, which are much harder to bypass at scale and lie at the core of modern sanctions.

Mar 18, 2025 • 6min
The Gaza War Resumes
Jon B. Alterman, a CSIS expert, provides an insightful analysis of the renewed conflict in Gaza. He discusses the influence of Israeli political figures and the pressures faced by leadership amid right-wing factions. Alterman also delves into the interplay between political strategies and military actions, shedding light on Netanyahu's response to rising tensions. The conversation emphasizes the implications of Hamas's recent displays of power and the obstacles to achieving a sustainable resolution, making for a thought-provoking discussion.