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Deep Dish on Global Affairs

Deep Dish on Global Affairs

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs 401 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

Deep Dish on Global Affairs helps you make sense of our rapidly changing world. Host Leslie Vinjamuri, President and CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, speaks with thought leaders, journalists, and experts shaping foreign policy and global events. They go beyond the headlines to explain how events unfolded, why they matter, and what to watch for. Topics include global trade, AI dominance, and more. New episodes every Thursday.

Episodes

Humanitarian Needs Are Growing. Can the World Keep Up?
Humanitarian Needs Are Growing. Can the World Keep Up? Aug 20, 2026 21:03 More than 300 million people need emergency humanitarian support as some of the world's biggest donors scale back their aid. Mercy Corps CEO Tjada McKenna joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss who steps in when governments pull back, whether new donors, private capital, or advancing technology can help fill the gap, and why ending conflicts may be just as important as funding the response. With the ol
The War in Afghanistan Is Over. Or Is It?
The War in Afghanistan Is Over. Or Is It? Aug 13, 2026 21:25 Nearly five years after the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, former US Ambassador Ryan Crocker joins Leslie Vinjamuri to reflect on America's longest war and what its ending revealed about American power. Crocker argues that the withdrawal emboldened America's adversaries and sent a dangerous message about its willingness to stay the course. "We went into Afghanistan for the right reasons,
When The Global Economy Becomes a 'Weapon'
When The Global Economy Becomes a 'Weapon' Aug 6, 2026 23:39 Five months after the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran began, Council on Foreign Relations' Edward Fishman joins Leslie Vinjamuri to explain how strategic "chokepoints" — from the Strait of Hormuz to the US dollar — have become powerful tools of geopolitical competition. They discuss what makes a true chokepoint, why tariffs aren't always effective, and how the United States ca
Can Britain Grow Again?
Can Britain Grow Again? Jul 30, 2026 25:34 Britain's new prime minister, Andy Burnham, takes office amid sluggish growth, political uncertainty, and intensifying global competition. Financial Times columnist and King's College Cambridge Provost Gillian Tett joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss what's holding Britain back and what it will take to restore growth, compete in AI, attract global talent, strengthen ties with Europe, and navigate an
What Winning the AI Race Really Means
What Winning the AI Race Really Means Jul 23, 2026 28:04 Artificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity, military strategy, and the competition between the United States and China. Former Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss what it will take for the US to lead in AI and why staying ahead means more than building the most advanced models.
What a Road Trip Across America Reveals About the Country Today
What a Road Trip Across America Reveals About the Country Today Jul 16, 2026 27:24 As America marks its 250th anniversary, The Economist's John Prideaux retraces Alexis de Tocqueville's famous journey across the United States to see what has changed over the past two centuries. Starting from the East Coast then across and down the entire country, he joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss what those conversations reveal about the state of American democracy today.
NATO's Most Complicated Member: Turkey
NATO's Most Complicated Member: Turkey Jul 9, 2026 24:05 Turkey is playing an increasingly important role inside NATO, but its relationships with Russia, Europe, and the United States are more complicated than ever. Brookings Institution's Aslı Aydıntaşbaş joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss President Trump's relationship with President Erdoğan, Turkey's balancing act between Russia and the West, and what Ankara's growing influence means for NATO, transat
Can America Still Lead at 250 — Or Is the World Moving On?
Can America Still Lead at 250 — Or Is the World Moving On? Jul 2, 2026 21:14 As the United States marks 250 years of independence, its allies are reassessing America's role in the world. Journalist and military historian Mark Urban joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss US foreign policy, NATO, Europe's security, growing competition with China, and what America's changing role could mean for the international order in the years ahead.
DEEP DISH LIVE: David Sanger on Trump's Phone Call, Iran Deal, and What Comes Next
DEEP DISH LIVE: David Sanger on Trump's Phone Call, Iran Deal, and What Comes Next Jun 25, 2026 25:52 In this special Deep Dish LIVE episode, Leslie Vinjamuri sits down with New York Times White House and National Security Correspondent, David Sanger, who recently spoke with President Trump about the Iran deal. Together, they unpack how the United States got to this moment with Iran, what the deal does and doesn't accomplish, and what to watch next for the Middle East, US foreign policy, and Amer
Summer Davos: What does China Want?
Summer Davos: What does China Want? Jun 18, 2026 26:41 China's annual Summer Davos meeting comes at a complicated moment: consumer demand is weak, manufacturing is booming, and tensions with the United States and Europe are rising. Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief at The Economist, discusses how China sees the global economy, why businesses continue to engage with China, and what Beijing ultimately wants.
Can the G7 Deliver on Economic Security?
Can the G7 Deliver on Economic Security? Jun 11, 2026 25:14 Economic security has become a major focus ahead of next week's G7 summit in France. A rare call between G7 leaders and China, convened by President Macron, underscores just how central the issue is. Governments are looking for ways to strengthen supply chains, secure access to critical minerals, and reduce economic risks. But at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, can they make meaningful pr
Rise of Middle Powers: 'A New Order Is Gradually Being Born'
Rise of Middle Powers: 'A New Order Is Gradually Being Born' Jun 4, 2026 28:24 The world's great powers still dominate the headlines, but they may not be the only countries shaping what comes next within the international order. Anne-Marie Slaughter joins Deep Dish to discuss the rise of middle powers, the future of global cooperation, and why she believes a new order may already be taking shape.z

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