
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

Feb 25, 2025 • 11min
How Sanctions Have Reshaped Russia’s Future
An audio version of “How Sanctions Have Reshaped Russia’s Future,” a new commentary by CSIS's Philip Luck. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Feb 24, 2025 • 7min
Grand Bargains in History: Trump’s Ukraine Gambit
Discover the complexities of Trump’s diplomatic approach toward Ukraine and Russia. Delve into the historical parallels of appeasement and how they resonate today. Lear about the risks that come with grand bargains in reshaping geopolitical orders. Unpack the critical importance of strategic alliances amidst modern challenges in international relations. This commentary offers insightful reflections on the lessons from the past guiding current decision-making.

Feb 24, 2025 • 9min
Assessing the Viability of a U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
Delve into the intricate negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine over access to vital minerals. Discover how military support intertwines with resource deals and the financial implications involved. The discussion highlights the feasibility of these agreements amid ongoing conflict, while also unraveling the geopolitical dynamics that could shape future relations. It's a compelling look at how minerals could play a pivotal role in international strategy.

Feb 24, 2025 • 18min
How Does Latin America and the Caribbean View the Ukraine Conflict After Three Years of War?
An audio version of “How Does Latin America and the Caribbean View the Ukraine Conflict After Three Years of War?” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Ryan C. Berg, Natalia Hidalgo, and Henry Ziemer. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Feb 24, 2025 • 19min
Breaking Down Russian Missile Salvos: What Drives Neutralization?
An audio version of “Breaking Down Russian Missile Salvos: What Drives Neutralization?,” a new commentary by CSIS's Yasir Atalan and Benjamin Jensen. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Feb 24, 2025 • 6min
What I Didn’t Say Last Week About Tariffs
An audio version of “What I Didn’t Say Last Week About Tariffs,” a new commentary by CSIS's William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Feb 24, 2025 • 11min
IMF Loan to El Salvador Raises Transparency Concerns
An audio version of “IMF Loan to El Salvador Raises Transparency Concerns,” a new commentary by CSIS's Alexander A. Kravetz. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Feb 21, 2025 • 10min
Midterm Outlooks: Digital Proxy Warfare in the Philippines
An audio version of “Midterm Outlooks: Digital Proxy Warfare in the Philippines,” a new commentary by CSIS's Japhet Quitzon. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Feb 20, 2025 • 15min
Calculating the Cost-Effectiveness of Russia’s Drone Strikes
Dive into the strategic impact of Russia's Shahed drones in the Ukraine conflict. The discussion highlights their cost-effectiveness despite a low hit rate and the fear they instill among civilians. Experts offer insights on how U.S. sanctions affect Chinese drone suppliers and suggest collaborative measures to boost Ukraine's defenses. The need for adapting military strategies becomes crucial as lessons from Ukraine’s counter-drone successes unfold, revealing complexities in modern warfare.

Feb 20, 2025 • 14min
Arakan Army Posed to “Liberate” Myanmar’s Rakhine State
An audio version of “Arakan Army Posed to “Liberate” Myanmar’s Rakhine State,” a new commentary by CSIS's Michael Martin. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.