Commentary and Analysis

Following high profile pauses to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as surging cases in different parts of the world, it is clear that the gains in some countries do not signal an end to the pandemic.

Stefan Kornelius, Peter Spiegel, and Nahal Toosi join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top global news stories.

With high-profile suspensions of the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccine, fear of potential side effects and uneven efficacy of vaccine rollouts are causing concern for some.

Matt Abbott discusses the Biden administration's approach to North Korea.

Outbreaks continue to emerge even as vaccinations increase; some countries feel safe to engage in more normal activities while others introduce new restrictions.

"The American people can no longer delay on firm, concise action toward Taiwan," Commander Michele Lowe and Alice Cho explain.

Paul Heer examines President Biden's relationship with East Asia.

Even as the vaccine rollout continues, some nations consider greater restrictions and further lockdowns as case numbers increase.

Paul Heer examines the Taiwan conundrum — one of the thorniest and most fraught issues confronting the new Biden foreign policy team as it navigates the US-China relationship.

Matt Abbott analyzes the future relationship between the United States and North Korea.