
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

Jan 21, 2025 • 19min
Panama: From Zoned Out to Strategic Opportunity
Panama’s strategic importance in U.S. national security is underlined as experts analyze rising Chinese influence. They discuss vital diplomatic efforts needed to strengthen partnerships and enhance economic opportunities. The conversation delves into migration, security, and the rule of law, emphasizing the necessity of U.S. investments. As both nations navigate complex global dynamics, the potential for a robust alliance is explored, focusing on mutual benefits for security and prosperity.

Jan 21, 2025 • 11min
Special Envoys Can Elevate Africa Under Trump
Cameron Hudson, an expert at CSIS and author on U.S.-Africa relations, dives into the pivotal role of special envoys in enhancing diplomatic ties with Africa during Trump's tenure. He emphasizes the significance of U.S. engagement, particularly in conflict zones such as Eastern Congo and the Horn of Africa. Hudson argues that these envoys can navigate the continent's complex challenges and align U.S. interests with Africa's dynamic landscape, making a compelling case for strategic political involvement.

Jan 21, 2025 • 6min
Russian Oil Sanctions Demand Persistence
Clayton Seigle, an expert at CSIS and author on sanctions, dives into the complexities surrounding the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. He analyzes their expected impact on export volumes and revenues, revealing the intricate dance between policy and market reactions. The discussion highlights the surging crude prices in response and sheds light on the creative schemes some are employing to dodge these sanctions. Seigle emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and persistence in enforcing these measures.

Jan 17, 2025 • 34min
Experts React: The Challenges and Opportunities for the Trump Administration in Africa
An audio version of “Experts React: The Challenges and Opportunities for the Trump Administration in Africa,” a new commentary by CSIS experts Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Laird Treiber, Rafiq Raji, Jon Temin, Saleh Bala, Cameron Hudson, Emilia Columbo, Ryan Cummings, and Will Brown, published on January 13, 2025. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Jan 17, 2025 • 11min
Using the AI Development Lifecycle as an Organizing Principle for AI Regulations
An audio version of “Using the AI Development Lifecycle as an Organizing Principle for AI Regulations,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Yinuo Geng. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Jan 17, 2025 • 13min
How to Slay a Giant: Reviving the South China Sea Arbitration
An audio version of “How to Slay a Giant: Reviving the South China Sea Arbitration,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Gregory B. Poling. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Jan 17, 2025 • 16min
Back & Forth: Intel and the Semiconductor Industry
An audio version of “Back & Forth: Intel and the Semiconductor Industry,” a new Commentary by CSIS experts Sujai Shivakumar and Charles Wessner with Christina Alfonso. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Jan 16, 2025 • 3min
“Faster into the Cloud: Accelerating Federal Use of Cloud Services for Security and Efficiency”: Audio Brief with James A. Lewis
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s James A. Lewis on his report, Faster into the Cloud: Accelerating Federal Use of Cloud Services for Security and Efficiency.

Jan 15, 2025 • 4min
“Understanding the Impact of Remittances on Mexico’s Economy and Safeguarding Their Future Impact”: Audio Brief with Rubi Bledsoe
A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Rubi Bledsoe on her brief with Ryan C. Berg and Michael Ferguson, “Understanding the Impact of Remittances on Mexico’s Economy and Safeguarding Their Future Impact.”

Jan 14, 2025 • 6min
Things Are Not Always What We Are Told: Lessons from the First Tariff War
An audio version of “Things Are Not Always What We Are Told: Lessons from the First Tariff War,” a new commentary by CSIS’s William Alan Reinsch. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.