The Current

The Brookings Institution•www.brookings.edu

The Current brings you smart, timely, and quick analysis from Brookings experts on breaking news and changing policies. In under ten minutes, learn not only what happened, but why, and how to make sense of it.

Last refreshed: June 30th, 2025 at 9:32 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

What does the end of the Keystone pipeline mean for US energy?

Attempts to build the the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada's oil sands to the U.S. Gulf Coast have been abandoned after more than a decade of opposition from environmentalists, dropping oil prices, and the Biden administration's drive to decarbonize the U.S. economy. Samantha Gross explains the implications of Keystone's cancelation for other pipeline projects, U.S. emissions, and the future of fossil fuel infrastructure. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3gqjD1n Follow Brookings podca...

Jun 11, 2021•9 min

An unprecedented new governing coalition has formed in Israel. What comes next?

A broad coalition is coming together to form a new government in Israel, which means Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year run as prime minister may be nearing its end. Natan Sachs, director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, explains how this coalition was created and whether it will represent a major break from the Netanyahu era. Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback to BCP@Brookings.edu , and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twi...

Jun 03, 2021•19 min

Why does Congress need an independent 1/6 commission?

When it comes to an investigation of the January 6, 2021 insurrection and assault on the U.S. Capitol, it needs "something beyond what Congress can do itself." Molly Reynolds explains the limitations of current congressional committee investigations, the likelihood of the Senate approving an independent 1/6 commission, and the many challenges facing any attempt to build a cohesive narrative leading up to and encompassing the events of January 6. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3v60Kq...

May 20, 2021•13 min

What hope is there for de-escalation between Israel and Hamas?

Both Hamas and the Israeli government have dramatically escalated tensions that began as spontaneous grassroots protests over the eviction of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem to military violence with a high cost to civilians in both Israel and Gaza. Shibley Telhami weighs in on the confrontations spreading throughout Israel and the Palestinian territories, and whether the Biden administration will be able to effectively call for calm in the region. Show notes and transcript: https://brook...

May 12, 2021•12 min

Why did US jobs growth slow in April?

After jobs growth slowed in April, Stephanie Aaronson cautions that employment is going to be slow to return to pre-pandemic levels as employers and workers try to match their needs and pay expectations. She also addresses the relationship between unemployment benefits, wages, and slowing the spread of the coronavirus, and why there may continue to be lingering negative effects on women's labor force participation. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/2R1W32o Follow Brookings podcasts on ...

May 07, 2021•13 min

How do Biden’s first 100 days reflect his vision for America?

John Hudak examines President Biden's first 100 days and his joint address to Congress, and how those reflect Biden's view of his presidency and the role of government in meeting the challenges of American life. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/2RaLx8y Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu , and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network ....

Apr 29, 2021•11 min

What does President Idriss Déby’s death mean for Chad?

The sudden death of Chad’s President Idriss Déby after 30 years in power has created a governance vacuum that will likely lead to years of instability, says John Mukum Mbaku, unless the military hands power over to the National Assembly, as called for in Chad's constitution. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3dIfoxW Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu , and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. T...

Apr 22, 2021•19 min

After Chauvin’s conviction, will policing finally change in America?

Will the guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin's murder of George Floyd be just a single blip of accountability in the longer history of police violence, or will it be a real inflection point to galvanize change? Rashawn Ray speaks to the significance of Chauvin's trial, the fractured state of police-community relations, and what the Department of Justice needs to ensure real accountability. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/2P98Saa Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or ...

Apr 21, 2021•13 min

Will Natanz attack, uranium enrichment derail nuclear diplomacy with Iran?

Both Iran and the U.S. have incentive to continue negotiations in Vienna toward restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), says Robert Einhorn, in spite of this weekend's attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and Iran's subsequent move to step up its uranium enrichment process. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3ab4oad Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu , and follow us and tweet us at @policyp...

Apr 14, 2021•11 min

What does the Amazon union effort signify for labor in America?

Although workers' efforts to form a union at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama ultimately failed, the David versus Goliath attempt "is a reflection of how broken our labor laws are." Molly Kinder looks at growing public support for unions and says it's critical for policymakers to act to make it easier for workers to organize for their rights. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3wISdLx Follow Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to B...

Apr 09, 2021•12 min

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