Global Insights

Visit us at Network2020.org The International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including prominent entities like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have long been pillars of global economic stability and development. However, critics argue that these institutions were mainly designed after World War II, with structures that may not effectively address contemporary challenges such as climate change and social inequalities. Moreover, the emergence of a new era marked by the rivalry between the United States and China has further complicated matters. China’s growing influence as a creditor, alongside its unique lending practices that diverge from traditional IFIs, presents novel challenges in addressing sovereign debt crises. As organizations like the World Bank and IMF grapple with these complexities, what reforms are needed to align IFIs with current global realities? How can these institutions navigate the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China while fulfilling their mandates? What role should the U.S. play in shaping the future of these institutions amidst evolving global dynamics? What are the perspectives of developing countries? Join us for a conversation between Dr. Daouda Sembene, Distinguished Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development and Former Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund; and Dr. Benn Steil, Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations. The conversation is moderated by James Upton, Network 20/20’s Board Member and former Chief Strategic Officer on the Emerging Markets Equity team at Morgan Stanley.

Learn more about how you can join our community at Network2020.org. It has now surpassed six months since the explosion of war between Israel and Gaza. This war has unsurprisingly caused high tensions among policymakers and the public across the globe, and the issue of basic humanitarian aid has become a centerpiece of this growing crisis. An alarming death toll continues to rise, the UNWRA has come under extreme scrutiny, and basic aid into Gaza has become a topic of contention and scenes of violence, including the highly publicized deaths of World Central Kitchen aid workers. Important questions over how to safely allow aid into Gaza, how NGOs across the world are trying to tackle this crisis, and the role of regional powers are all crucial topics to averting further escalation of human suffering. At this point, how can we assess the efforts of the UN and other intervening NGOs? What are the challenges unique to sending aid into Gaza? How can the looming famine be averted? What is the future of aid and governance within Gaza? Music by alper omer esin, Yurii Semchyshyn, and Playsound from Pixabay

The 2024 Presidential Election in Russia, scheduled from March 15 to 17, 2024, comes amid heightened tensions following the tragic death of Alexei Navalny, Putin’s former opposition leader. Navalny’s death has underscored the serious threat to political opposition and civil liberties in Russia. With most opposition figures either in jail or in exile abroad, President Vladimir Putin, now 71 years old, has secured another term, extending his rule until at least 2030. The election further consolidates Putin’s domestic and international policies, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, but hat will the next Putin term look like, and how might it shape Russia’s domestic policies? What can the United States and the international community expect from a further emboldened Russian leader? Music by soundbay from Pixabay

The recent events around Pakistan's general elections have highlighted significant challenges to the country's democracy. The legal issues and opposition faced by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party point to a worrying trend of diminishing democracy at a time of economic crisis. Amidst this tension, Pakistan's democratic institutions face a critical test. But what does this mean for the country's future? What role does the military's influence play in Pakistan's political landscape, and how does that affect the democratic process? Music by alper omer esin and Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay

As the global geopolitical landscape evolves, the United States finds itself at a crossroads, facing the reality of either supporting or negotiating multiple and simultaneous conflicts. Today, ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and actions by countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are destabilizing the post-WWII world order and Washington’s strategic preparedness. President Biden’s assertion that the United States can simultaneously support the current conflicts raises essential questions about the United States’ capacity to engage in additional crises, particularly with potential flashpoints involving China in Taiwan or the South China Sea. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on America’s strategic readiness. Our panel includes Dr. Raphael “Rafi” Cohen, Director of the Strategy and Doctrine Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE, Dr. Jennifer Kavanagh, Senior Fellow in the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Political Scientists at the RAND Corporation; and Professor Simon Reich, Professor of the Division of Global Affairs, Political Science at the Rutgers School of Arts & Sciences – Newark. Music by SPmusic, Sergii Pavkin, and Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay

As the conflict enters its third year, Ukraine faces a daunting task of rebuilding its infrastructure, economy, and society, all while fighting a costly war. The need for international support is clear, but with the US presidential election looming, uncertainty clouds the future of aid. Can private sector involvement fill the gap? And what impact will Ukraine's reconstruction play in the larger picture of defending democracy? Join us in a discussion with Michael Newson, Senior Program Coordinator for Migration and Sustainable Development at the International Organization for Migration in Kyiv; Tetyana Korotka, Deputy Business Ombudsman of the Business Ombudsman Council; and Eric Hontz, Director of the Center for International Private Enterprise’s Center for Accountable Investment. Music by Aleksey Chistilin and alper omer esin from Pixabay

The Arctic has become an increasingly active geopolitical battleground for the United States, Russia, and China. Thawing ice caused by climate change opens the possibility of the region becoming a global shipping lane, potentially transforming international trade. China, although not an Arctic nation, has stepped up efforts to expand its presence in the area, creating new opportunities to enforce its interests abroad. The Arctic Council, previously a positive and active body for the region, has not met since Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine, reducing international dialogue over the region. Meanwhile, the United States is in the process of increasing its local military deterrent. What are the interests of China, Russia, and the US in the area and how is each working to achieve them? How will climate change affect how nations act towards the Arctic? What will NATO expansion mean for the security of the region? Join us for a discussion with Evan Bloom, Senior Fellow at the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center, Dr. Marc Lanteigne, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Arctic University of Norway, and Pavel Devyatkin, Senior Associate at the Arctic Institute. Music by Sergii Pavkin and Mike Cole from Pixabay

A political upheaval has left Pakistan reeling, with the party of Imran Khan, who is in jail, making unexpected gains and challenging long-standing party dominance. And all of this amidst economic collapse, international debt, inflation, and the aftermath of devastating floods. Today on Global Insights, we’re revisiting a crucial conversation from last year with Mr. Shuja Nawaz, the first director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, diving deep into Pakistan’s ongoing triple crisis. As Pakistan faces economic turmoil, political paralysis, and escalating security threats, how will these challenges shape its democratic future? Music by Sergii Pavkin, Musictown, and Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay.

This second part of our Migration Mini-Series. Since spring 2022, more than 130,000 migrants have arrived in New York City, a city that is known for welcoming and integrating generations of immigrants. Yet, the strain on local government resources and shelters had led Mayor Eric Adams to call the situation a humanitarian crisis and even declare a state of emergency, claiming that the federal and state governments are not doing enough to help the city with this challenge. With the mayor stating that the city has reached capacity and meeting with leaders of other countries to discourage further migration to New York City, what does this current migration influx mean for “The City of Dreams”? How can New York, and the United States, remain a beacon of hope for those looking for opportunity in a new country while remaining fiscally prudent? Join us for a conversation with Ms. Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff to Mayor Eric Adams of New York City; Mr. Muzaffar Chishti, Senior Fellow at Migration Policy Institute (MPI) and Director of MPI’s office at New York University School of Law; and Professor Nancy Foner, Distinguished Professor of Sociology at Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Music by Alexey Ivanov and Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay

In recent years, China’s tech and innovation sector has emerged as a disruptive force on the world stage, growing to rival, and in some areas, surpass that of traditional technology leaders like the United States. Companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei have achieved global recognition, not only for their size but also for their innovations in e-commerce, digital payments, 5G technology, and artificial intelligence. Alongside China’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative, how will their tech and innovation travel across the globe? Is China on track to surpass the U.S. in technology, and what does this mean for the world? What do we often get wrong about China’s tech industry, and how do those misconceptions shape global relations? What is the best way for the U.S. to react to China’s tech surge while fostering global cooperation? Join us today for a discussion that explores the rise of China’s tech and innovation sector and the potential repercussions for the U.S.-China relationship. Our speakers for this discussion are Robert D. Atkinson, founder and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Dr. Tai Ming Cheung, director of the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, and Rebecca Fannin, founder of Silicon Dragon Ventures. Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay

This episode is part one of two of our conversation on U.S. migration. Over the past few decades, migration from Central America’s Northern Triangle has more than tripled. Millions in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are in the process of uprooting their lives to take on the dangerous journey to the U.S. in the hope of a better life. Despite President Biden’s early commitment, submitting a $4 billion plan on his first day in office to tackle the root causes of migration, the approval of this plan still hangs in the balance two years later. What factors drive this growing migration? What are the global ramifications of the crisis, and what solutions might address its deep-seated origins? How have both Washington and local governments navigated the complex landscape to alleviate the crisis? Our distinguished speakers for this discussion include Diego de Sola, President and CEO of De Sola Group and Co-founder of Glasswing International; Adam Isacson, Director for Defense Oversight program at WOLA; and Dr. Elizabeth Oglesby, Associate Professor in the School of Geography and Development, and Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona. This is the first event in a two-part series looking at the dynamics of migration from Latin America to the United States. The second will look at the migration crisis from the perspective of New York City. Music by Aleksey Chistilin and Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay

In this highly anticipated electoral battle, Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) faces formidable opponents from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT). China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has framed these elections as a critical choice between “peace and war, prosperity and decline.” The failure of a proposed alliance, aimed at forming a pro-China government, has further heightened tensions. The established Kuomintang and the emerging Taiwan People’s Party were unable to agree on a joint leadership, leading to a dramatic implosion of the alliance plan on live television. Against the backdrop of escalating military activities in the Taiwan Strait, the implications of this election extend beyond Taiwan’s borders, impacting global geopolitics. How might developments in Taiwan-China-U.S. relations impact the broader geopolitical landscape, including relationships with other nations in the Asia-Pacific region?

The rise of autocracy and illiberalism has concerned many observers, even those covering the mainstream political discourse of the world’s largest democracies. Thirty years after Francis Fukuyama wrote about the triumph of liberal democracy, it is clear that illiberalism remains a pressing concern in the twenty-first century; what’s less clear is how we should interpret this illiberal wave sweeping across the world. Join us for a discussion about what history can tell us about the relationship between democracy and illiberal regimes with Dr. Sheri Berman, Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, Columbia University.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has started revolutionizing every facet of our lives, including warfare. AI-driven robots and drones, equipped with machine-learning algorithms, navigate complex terrains, conduct surveillance, and execute missions with unparalleled precision. This ability to process vast amounts of data in real-time and make split-second decisions provides a critical advantage in the fast-paced environment of modern warfare, revolutionizing the scope of military engagements and offering new possibilities for tactical offensives and national security defense. As a result, AI-driven military spending is projected to reach $38.8 billion by 2028. However, integrating AI into warfare also raises important ethical and legal questions. How is the global geopolitical landscape being reshaped by nations investing heavily in AI-driven military technologies? How reliable and trustworthy are AI-driven decisions in high-stakes military scenarios? How might AI change the nature of future military engagements and warfare tactics? Today, we're joined by Dr. Heather Roff, Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Naval Analysis, Dr. Herbert Lin, Senior Research Scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation and Wendell Wallach, Co-director of the AI and Equality Initiative at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.

On September 10, 2023, the United States elevated its partnership with Vietnam to the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. Today we delve into the significance of this development, exploring the opportunities, challenges, and potential for cooperation between these two nations. How did these two former enemies transform into two cooperative and friendly partners? What are the broader implications of this development on U.S.-China Relations? What does Vietnam expect to gain from this upgraded relationship, and what does Washington hope to gain? Ambassador Ted Osius, will share personal anecdotes from his book, “Nothing Is Impossible: America’s Reconciliation with Vietnam.” "Scott Buckley - Horizons" / musicbyscottb BreakingCopyright ...

Thirty years ago South Africa–the most rigidly implemented segregationist regime modern history has ever known–became a democracy, with high hopes and heady expectations. These days, it’s more likely to enter the news for drought, crime, corruption, or infrastructural decay. But what has really happened since South Africa’s democratic transition? Is it fair to say the post-apartheid country has let down its people’s hopes–or is the question itself the wrong one to be asking? And what does post-apartheid South Africa have to say to the rest of the world about how we ought to assess democratic development in an atmosphere of pervasive disillusionment about democracy and a sense that democratic backslide, globally, is almost inevitable? Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio "Sunrise Expedition" by Joseph McDade

In Europe, a political transformation is unfolding, marked by the resurgence of right-wing movements in countries like Slovakia, Spain, Poland, and Italy. This shift has thrust the future of pressing issues—immigration, LGBTQ rights, the Ukrainian conflict, and more—into question. Revisiting a prior conversation with Professor Sheri Berman from Columbia University and Susi Dennison, Senior Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, we delve into the driving forces behind these movements. What lies at the core of their victories, and what ramifications might they hold for the continent's political future? "Sunrise Expedition" by Joseph McDade

With the UN Security Council failing to issue a unified response to the Israel-Hamas war, questions about the efficacy of the UN and its structures are again at the fore. Furthermore, competing multilateral blocs like NATO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the now-expanded BRICS alliance are asserting their significance, influencing global decision-making and reshaping multilateral engagements. Against this backdrop of shifting dynamics of global multilateralism, what challenges and opportunities arise for the UN? How can it be effective in addressing daunting global challenges like climate change and pandemics, as well as regional conflicts? Is an expanded Security Council, as President Biden suggested, as answer? With power centers shifting, how can we reimagine the future of diplomacy, cooperation, and, most importantly, multilateralism? Join us for a conversation Dr. Stewart Patrick, Senior fellow and Director of the Global Order and Institutions Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Professor Waheguru Pal S Sidhu, Clinical Professor and Director of the United Nations (UN) Specialization at the Center for Global Affairs, School of Professional Studies, New York University.

The term ‘de-risking’ has emerged as a central theme in discussions of the U.S.-China relationship, commanding attention from scholars, economists, and policymakers who are exploring strategies to diversify U.S. economic ties away from China. Since its introduction in March 2023, both the Biden administration and the G-7 have incorporated ‘de-risking’ into their discourse to describe their trade and investment policies concerning China. The widespread adoption of this concept prompts important questions about Washington’s implementation of ‘de-risking’ and its potential implications for U.S.-China business relations and the broader economy. As the United States. pursues ‘de-risking,” how might this strategy affect trade and investment between the United States and China? What steps could China take to respond to U.S. ‘de-risking’ efforts, and how might this impact the global economic landscape? Join us in a discussion that explores ‘de-risking’ from the U.S. perspective and its potential repercussions on the global economy. Our speakers for this ‘De-risking’ discussion are Diana Choyleva, Chief Economist at the China-focused macroeconomic, political, and geopolitical forecasting company, Enodo Economics, and Dr. Elvire Fabry, Senior Research Fellow at the Jacques Delors Institute. Intro Music: Meditative Space by MaxKoMusic / maxkomusic https://protunes.net/ MaxKoMusic - Meditative Space (Scienc...

For decades, the U.S. dollar has reigned supreme as a dominant force in global markets, earning it the moniker of a “global currency.” This dominance has bestowed significant economic, political, and social advantages upon the United States. However, critics contend that the dollar’s supremacy might come at a price, potentially leading to issues like increased unemployment and debt. It has also ignited conversations about the merits of transitioning to a multipolar currency system that could benefit not just the U.S., but the entire world. Since August, the BRICS nations have been considering reducing their dependence on the U.S. dollar in international trade, as exemplified by China’s recent endeavors to enhance the status of the renminbi (RMB). As the U.S. dollar’s role in global markets diminishes, how should the U.S. prepare for this new reality? Should the U.S. government take steps to maintain the dollar’s status as the global reserve currency? How are recent efforts by China to elevate the status of the renminbi (RMB) affecting the global currency landscape? "Sunrise Expedition" by Joseph McDade Night on the Docks - Trumpet, Kevin MacLeod CC BY 3.0, http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...