Global Insights
Global Insights is a podcast from Network 20/20 that presents a series of moderated discussions with a global audience. Each episode explores macro-level and region-specific trends shaping the world, aiming for deeper understanding of complex international issues. The conversations bring together curious listeners and experts to examine current affairs and emerging patterns.
Episodes
Spies, Satellites & Startups: Intel in the Digital Age
Visit us at Network2020.org.Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, commercial satellite imagery, open-source intelligence, and data analytics are transforming the threat detection landscape. Capabilities once held almost exclusively by governments are increasingly distributed across private firms and publicly available platforms, creating new opportunities for collaboration while also raising
The State of Diplomacy at America 250
Visit us at Network2020.org.The world has changed dramatically in the 250 years since Benjamin Franklin’s mission to France in 1776. It is changing again now, with new powers rising, new technologies reshaping how nations engage with one another both diplomatically and confrontationally, and new questions about what diplomatic leadership looks like in the 21st century. Centralized and personalist
The New North: The Eight States Shaping a New European Security
Visit us at Network2020.org.A major shift is underway in the defense posture of Northern Europe. Finland and Sweden joined NATO, ending long periods of non-alignment. Together, the “Nordic-Baltic Eight” (NB8) give more military aid to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP. Strong balance sheets, driven by innovation and digital transformation, have enabled the region to become leaders in European securit
Abu Dhabi’s Ascent: The UAE’s Global Strategy
Visit us at Network2020.org.The United Arab Emirates’ recent decision to leave OPEC after nearly six decades is about far more than oil—it is the latest sign of a growing rift with Saudi Arabia and a marker of Abu Dhabi’s willingness to challenge a regional order long dominated by Riyadh. From normalizing relations with Israel to pursuing strategic autonomy between the United States and China, the
The Philippines and the Contest for the South China Sea
Visit us at Network2020.org.The Philippines sits at the center of an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific, caught between its traditional ally in Washington, and rising interference from Beijing. The country’s strategic location including control of the Luzon Strait, which sees over one trillion dollars in passing goods annually, makes it an important player in the jockeying for economic position i
NATO: Europe without America, with Jeremy Shapiro (Rewind Edition)
Visit us at Network2020.org.For nearly eighty years, Europe's security has rested on a single assumption: that the Americans would be there. In early March, days into the war with Iran, and weeks after Washington threatened to take Greenland from a NATO ally, we sat down with Jeremy Shapiro to ask whether that assumption still holds, and what Europe does if it doesn't.Since this conversa
Chokepoints: The Hidden Infrastructure of Global Power
Visit us at Network2020.org.From the Strait of Hormuz to the international monetary system to the semi-conductor supply chain, the world is becoming increasingly aware of how dependence on critical chokepoints is shaping how countries can wield power and leverage. As diplomacy becomes increasingly transactional and technological and energy systems undergo rapid transformation, understanding these
The End of the Predictable World: Forecasting a World in Turmoil
Visit us at Network2020.org.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The COVID-19 Pandemic. On-and-off-and-on-again tariffs. Over the past few years, the deeply interconnected global system has experienced major shocks that international organizations and nation states alike have struggled to grapple with. In this age of uncertainty, businesses and governments need to mak
The Kurdish Crossroads: Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria
Visit us at Network2020.org. Recent hostilities with Iran have once again highlighted the role of the Kurds as a key player in regional conflicts. While seen as a threat by governments in Ankara, Tehran, Damascus, and Baghdad, the world’s largest stateless group of people continues to be considered by Washington as potential allies when convenient. As the region faces new waves of destabilization,
Rising Proliferation: Nuclear Risks in a Post-Treaty World
Visit us at Network2020.org. The recent expiration of the New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia marks a structural shift in the global nuclear order, removing the last legally binding constraints on the world’s two largest arsenals. With no successor framework in place, the bilateral arms control architecture that has underpinned stability for decades is effectively suspended. In its absenc
Cuba’s Future and U.S. Interests
Visit us at Network2020.org. Cuba is at a strategic crossroads as the near collapse of its national energy system reshapes the island’s political landscape. Intense U.S. sanctions and the loss of energy support from traditional partners like Venezuela have left the Cuban government in its most vulnerable state in decades. While Havana seeks diplomatic paths forward, the current U.S. administration
Beyond Tariffs: The New Multipolar Trade Web
Visit us at Network2020.org. It has been just over a year since President Trump’s “Liberation Day” global tariff announcement. Since then, the global trade landscape has shifted as countries hedged against their traditional dependence on the U.S. market. Driven by the increasing use of trade as a political weapon and constant tariff disputes, long-time allies like Canada, the UK, and the EU are no
How Russia Weaponized a Thousand Ships
Visit us at Network2020.org. In response to the unprecedented economic sanctions put on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow spent over $10 billion on building a “shadow fleet,” accelerating a practice that countries such as Venezuela and Iran have used to circumvent sanctions. In addition to sanctions evasion, shadow fleets often operate under false flags, lack proper insurance,
Recap: What's Next for the Global Order?
Visit us at Network2020.org. Three weeks into 2026, the United States removed a foreign head of state by force, threatened to take territory from a NATO ally, and backed a crackdown in Iran. Since this conversation was recorded in late January, the Supreme Court has struck down the president's sweeping tariffs, U.S. and Israeli strikes have killed Iran's supreme leader, and Europe has be
Global Insights Goes Biweekly (For Now)
Visit us at Network2020.org. Over the past several months, Global Insights has covered some of the biggest stories shaping the world, from the war in Iran to U.S. action in Venezuela to the shifting global energy landscape. Starting now, we're moving to a biweekly release schedule through the summer, with new episodes dropping every other week. We'll be back to weekly in September. In th
U.S. Strategy in the Western Hemisphere
Visit us at Network2020.org. With the 2025 National Security Strategy placing renewed emphasis on the Western Hemisphere, Washington appears poised to engage more actively in Latin America than at any time in the past three decades, prioritizing challenges such as migration, transnational crime, and growing geopolitical competition with China. At the same time, several nations, including Brazil, C
Transatlantic Relations Under Trump: Challenges and Options
Visit us at Network2020.org. The alarm bells have been ringing in Europe over the past few years, signaling that Europe’s traditional reliance on the American security umbrella has passed its expiration date. With Washington dramatically rewriting its relationship with Brussels, from European security to climate change, while still requiring Europe’s cooperation on China policy and beyond, the nee
Recap: Iran After Khamenei, a Conversation with Dr. Arash Azizi
Visit us at Network2020.org. The killing of Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes has thrust Iran into uncharted territory. With its supreme leader gone, dozens of senior officials dead, and a war now spreading across the region, the Islamic Republic faces the most serious crisis in its history. A new supreme leader has been named, Khamenei's own son, but the regime's fractured powe
Crude Power: The U.S. Pivot to Oil and the Future Energy Mix
Visit us at Network2020.org. The year 2026 kicked off with a massive shake-up in U.S. foreign and energy policy. Through bold action, the Trump administration is signaling its conviction that global power lies in controlling physical energy reserves, such as those in Venezuela, rather than adhering to international climate treaties. By planning to invest billions into fixing Venezuela’s oil infras
Peace in Ukraine: Deal or Deadlock?
Visit us at Network2020.org. Four years after Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine and its ensuing war, new attempts are being made to end the conflict. This past January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the three-way talks between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi “constructive.” These recent diplomatic efforts have put new ideas on the table, fr
The Future of the United Nations
Visit us at Network2020.org. Geopolitical tensions, combined with shifting priorities in Washington, are pushing the United Nations into a moment of severe institutional uncertainty. A serious financial crisis has led to hiring freezes, staff cuts, and reductions in core functions, with the Secretary-General warning that the liquidity crisis could undermine essential operations and lead to a break
What Iranians Want, From Trump and Their Future
Visit us at Network2020.org. The recent wave of protests and the subsequent crackdown in Iran have left a new round of scars on the beleaguered Islamic Republic. The broad-based upheaval has not only challenged the government’s grip on power but also raised critical questions about the stability of its system, the viability of alternatives, and the wishes of a population of a complex country. An e
U.S. Action in Venezuela: Assessing Strategic Implications
Visit us at Network2020.org. The U.S. military’s recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere. This unprecedented intervention has not only removed a long-standing head of state but has also challenged established international norms regarding sovereignty and the employment of military force. Beyond the immedia
The Global Order in Crisis: What Comes Next?
Visit us at Network2020.org. Since the end of World War II, the global order has been shaped largely by a Western liberal system led by the United States. Yet, recent developments, from the release of the U.S. National Security Strategy to the January capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces have underscored what many observers of international affairs argue is the end of that
Dollar Strength, Dollar Strain: Navigating a New Global Monetary Order
Visit us at Network2020.org. The U.S. dollar has long anchored global trade, investment, and financial stability. Yet, in recent years, forces both within and outside of the United States are rethinking dollar dominance. President Trump’s proposed Mar-a-Lago Accord aims to devalue the dollar while retaining its global reserve status. Simultaneously, threats to Federal Reserve independence and Wash
Martin Wolf on The Economy in an Age of Uncertainty
Visit us at Network2020.org. The global economy has entered an age of confusion, roiled by trade wars and technology as it gained its post-pandemic footing. The global rise of populism and an AI-fueled market surge further complicate the story. The result? A world that feels less predictable, less secure, and far harder to govern.What explains the breakdown of the old order? Can the U.S. and China
From Collapse to Confrontation: The U.S.–Venezuela Standoff
Visit us at Network2020.org. On January 3rd, U.S. forces launched a military strike on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and flying him to New York to face federal narco-terrorism charges. President Trump announced the U.S. would "run the country" until a transition of power could take place.This episode was recorded before those events—but the conversation helps explain how
Critical Minerals, Critical Choices: Africa’s Role in a Transitioning World
Visit us at Network2020.org. Africa sits at the center of the global energy transition. From cobalt and copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo to major infrastructure initiatives like the Lobito Corridor, the continent’s mineral wealth—an estimated 30% of the world’s supply—is now indispensable to green-energy supply chains. As global powers compete for influence and investments, African gover
The New Arctic Order: Geopolitics at the Top of the World
Visit us at Network2020.org. The Arctic is rapidly moving to the center of global politics. Melting ice is opening new shipping lanes and granting access to vast, untapped natural resources. Russia has expanded its military footprint along its Arctic coastline and deepened regional cooperation with Beijing, while the United States and its allies are bolstering their strategic presence through join
Sudan: The Role of Technology in the Forgotten Conflict
For the context of this conflict, see our earlier episode here: Revisiting Sudan’s Conflict: Context and ImplicationsSudan is in the midst of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, a catastrophe that has become both a moral and political failure. More than 12 million people have been displaced and over 150,000 lives lost as violence, famine, and chaos engulf the country. Since 2010, using s
Recalibrating Diplomacy: The Global Role of Cities
Visit us at Network2020.org. The architecture of international engagement is shifting, and subnational diplomacy is taking center stage. As federal governments scale back traditional foreign policy and funded diplomacy, cities and states are emerging as more prominent actors on the global stage, forging direct international ties to address global issues such as climate change, migration, trade, a
Power, Policing, and Politics: The Rise of Authoritarianism in Central America
Visit us at Network2020.org. Over the past decade, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras have experienced a resurgence of authoritarian practices. Leaders have expanded executive power, undermined judicial independence, curtailed press freedom, and increased the use of mass incarceration and militarized policing—all under the banner of security and stability. These developments echo past dictatorsh
The Geopolitics of U.S. Higher Education
Visit us at Network2020.org.U.S. higher education is more than just a domestic institution— it is a pillar of the country’s foreign policy and global engagement. By attracting students, scholars, and researchers from around the world, American universities have helped shape generations of leaders, built lasting international networks, and boosted the U.S. economy and labor market. Yet, recent immi
The US-China AI Power Race: High Stakes in High Tech
Visit us at Network2020.org. The United States has long been recognized as the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), a technology transforming trade, foreign policy, and military strategy. China, once seen as years behind, is rapidly closing the gap, most recently with the launch of DeepSeek. With competition heating up in both chip technology and AI innovation, Washington has sought to m
Nuclear Risks and Realities: Nonproliferation in a Shifting Global Order
Visit us at Network2020.org. In June, strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities reignited one of the most dangerous questions in global security: how do you stop a country determined to keep its nuclear options open? What followed has tested not only Iran’s willingness to abide by international limits, but also the credibility of the entire nonproliferation system.In this ep
Revisiting Sudan’s Conflict: Context and Implications
Visit us at Network2020.org. Sudan’s war—between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, sparked in April 2023—has entered a deadlier phase. Recent attacks on the Abu Shouk camp near El-Fasher, a widening cholera outbreak, and aid blockages that leave much of the country in need have pushed the crisis to a breaking point. We’re re-running this episode to explain how a promised transition to civilia
India’s Balancing Act: Autonomy in a World of Trade Wars
Visit us at Network2020.org. The U.S. has slapped a 25% tariff on most Indian exports and threatened further measures over India’s continued oil and arms deals with Russia. India isn’t backing down—defending those ties as “time-tested” while rejecting an American offer of F‑35 fighter jets.To make sense of this standoff, we’re revisiting a 2023 conversation on India’s foreign policy dilemma: Can t
Rearming Europe: Spending, Autonomy, and the Transatlantic Alliance
Visit us at Network2020.org. The EU’s Readiness 2030 plan marks a significant shift in European defense, with €800 billion in planned spending driven by the war in Ukraine and growing doubts about U.S. security guarantees. As the bloc moves to strengthen its military capabilities and reduce reliance on external powers, key questions emerge: Could shared threats finally unify national defense strat
What do Iranian Civilians Think About the War? The Iran-Israel War Part 2
Listen to part one on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio.In part two of our special series on the Israel-Iran conflict, we turn our attention to the Iranian perspective—one often lost amid headlines.Nearly two weeks have passed since Israel launched preemptive airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, pulling the two nations into open conflict and prompting U.S. involveme
Israel’s Strategy in a Shifting Middle East with Dr. Michael Koplow - The Iran-Israel War Part 1
This episode of Global Insights is part one of our special two-part series on the Israel-Iran conflict. What began as a diplomatic attempt to manage Iran’s nuclear ambitions escalated sharply on June 12, when Israel launched targeted airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and military leaders—triggering open war between the two countries and drawing in the United States. Though a ceasefire
A U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund: Investment, Innovation, and Global Strategy
Visit us at Network2020.org. The prospect of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund—most recently proposed by President Trump—has sparked renewed debate about America’s economic strategy at home and abroad. While sovereign wealth funds traditionally manage national surpluses for long-term strategic investment, the U.S. has never adopted one, despite the fact that the number of sovereign wealth funds globall
Routes of Power: Global Competition for Strategic Infrastructure
Visit us at Network2020.org. Recent comments from President Trump targeting Canada, Greenland, and Panama have drawn renewed attention to a deeper global trend: the scramble for control over critical infrastructure. From the Panama Canal to Arctic shipping routes and mineral-rich territories, nations are positioning themselves to command the arteries of commerce and security. Infrastructure—whethe
Caught in the Crossfire: Vietnam, U.S.-China Rivalry, and the New Era of Tariffs
Visit us at Network2020.org. In 2025, the United States and Vietnam will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations—just two years after upgrading their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. But even as the relationship reaches new heights, it faces a sharp test. On April 2, 2025, the U.S. imposed a sweeping 46% tariff on all Vietnamese goods, among the world’s highest, as part of his glo
Tokyo’s Tightrope: Japan’s Foreign Policy Goals Amid U.S. Strategic Recalibration
Visit us at Network2020.org. As the Indo-Pacific grows more contested, U.S.-Japan relations face new tests and opportunities. Tokyo, seeking greater autonomy and strategic clarity, is recalibrating its foreign policy priorities to address growing threats from China and North Korea, deepen economic partnerships, and shape a rules-based regional order. At the same time, questions remain about Washin
Musk's Starlink, Undersea Cables, and the Hidden Conflicts of Global Connectivity
Visit us at Network2020.org. Global communication infrastructure is at the center of a geopolitical battle as nations and corporations strategize for security and control over undersea cables, satellite networks, and internet access. With privately owned systems like Starlink and OneWeb revolutionizing connectivity, security risks, ownership disputes, and the potential for strategic manipulation a
The New Rules: The U.S. in a Shifting World Order with Richard Haass
Visit us at Network2020.org. Once defined by unchallenged leadership and a focus on stable, alliance-driven relationships, U.S. foreign policy is now shifting toward unilateralism, emphasizing “America First” principles, reforming trade agreements, and reevaluating international commitments. The ascent of regional powers, the intensification of technological rivalries, and the rise of economic nat
U.S. Soft Power in a Changing World with Professor Joseph Nye
Visit us at Network2020.org.The Trump administration’s recent foreign policy decisions—including the pause on foreign aid, the closure of USAID, and an assertive approach to negotiations—have raised questions about the trajectory of U.S. soft power. In a world where power is increasingly diffuse and economic and political relationships are fuzzy, what will be the role of soft power in shaping inte
Closer to Midnight: the Return to a Nuclear Arms Race
Visit us at Network2020.org.Humanity stands closer than ever to catastrophe, warn the experts behind the Doomsday Clock. The tracker of human-caused destruction ticked one second closer to midnight last month, the closest it has ever been in its nearly eight-decade history. The shift reflects growing nuclear tensions, particularly the impending expiration of the New START treaty in 2026, which thr
Türkiye’s Evolving Role in a Post-Assad Middle East
Visit us at Network2020.org.The fall of the Assad Regime marks a significant shift in the Middle East, disrupting the balance of power and creating new opportunities for regional influence. Türkiye, which supported the rebels prior to Assad’s ouster and hosts millions of Syrian refugees, now sees an opening to achieve aims ranging from security to economic. What are President Erdogan’s objectives
Deepfake Democracy: AI’s Role in Shaping Political Realities
Visit us at Network2020.org.As artificial intelligence continues to advance, its ability to both bolster and undermine democratic processes has never been more apparent. Deepfake technology, capable of creating hyper-realistic but entirely fabricated media, is emerging as a powerful tool for misinformation, threatening the integrity of elections and public trust in democratic institutions. In a wo
U.S.-UAE Relations: Regional Stability in a Changing Middle East
Visit us at Network2020.org.On September 23rd, 2024, history was made when Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), made his inaugural visit to the U.S. – the first for a sitting Emirati president since the UAE’s founding in 1971. In a groundbreaking step, President Biden designated the UAE as a major defense partner, underscoring the dynamic strategic
What the Future Holds for U.S.-Mexico Cooperation
Visit us at Network2020.org.With a new Trump administration set to take office and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum navigating key bilateral challenges, U.S.-Mexico relations face a critical test. How will both nations handle rising tensions over migration, border security, and economic policy? Can they move beyond past conflicts to create a stronger, more stable partnership? Today, we’re join
How China Influences the World, with Adam Segal
Visit us at Network2020.org.Over the past seven and a half decades, China has transformed from an isolated, agrarian nation into a global superpower, and simultaneously impacting the international order with remarkable speed and ambition. Now, as the PRC approaches its 75th anniversary, under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has embarked on what it terms a “New Era”—one marked by assertive goals acr
The Global Race for Critical Minerals—And the Fight Over the Ocean Floor
Visit us at Network2020.org.The technological world is built by critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. As the demand for clean energy expands, so does the demand for these metals and rare earth elements. While these materials have historically been mined on land, a trove of critical minerals is lying on the seabed and being captured by the competitive, booming, and opaque deep-sea-min
The China – U.S. Green Energy Race and Its Security Implications
Visit us at Network2020.org.The global shift to renewable energy has ignited fierce competition between the United States and China, transforming what was once a collaborative effort into a high-stakes rivalry. China produces about 80% of the world’s solar panels, nearly 60% of electric vehicles, and over 80% of electric vehicle batteries. In terms of energy transition investment, the U.S. lags be
How the U.S. Elections Impact the World
Visit us at Network2020.org.In this special edition of Global Insights by Network 20/20, we explore the global ramifications of the 2024 U.S. presidential election through conversations with leading experts from around the world. From NATO’s evolving security dynamics to the U.S.-China green energy race, North American trade relations, and ASEAN’s strategic balancing act, this episode unpacks how
Far Right Rising: Lessons from Europe for 2024 U.S. Elections
Visit us at Network2020.org.The rise of far-right parties in Europe has sparked a transformative wave in the political landscape, challenging democratic norms and prompting a reflection on the future of democracy on both sides of the Atlantic. As France and Germany undergo this shift, some argue the U.S. may already be there, with the far-right’s rise within the Republican Party and fringe ideas b
Political and Economic Crossroads: U.S.- Latin America Relations Amidst the 2024 Elections
When President Biden took office after President Trump, many hoped for a fresh start in U.S.-Latin American relations, especially with the rise of progressive governments in Latin America—a trend known as the “pink tide.” Despite this optimism, meaningful change in the relationship between the U.S. and Latin America has been slow to materialize. With another U.S. election approaching this November
North America’s Economic Future Amidst 2024 Elections
Visit us at Network2020.org.2024 is a significant year for the trilateral relationship between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It marks the 30th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which laid the foundation for the 2020 USMCA deal. This is also an election year in both the U.S. and Mexico, the results of which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these relati
Strategic Recalibration: The U.S. Role in the Middle East
Visit us at Network2020.org. The events of 9/11 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, reshaping America’s role in the Middle East and leading to two decades of deep engagement in the region. From the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the broader War on Terror, the U.S. has played a central, often controversial, role in attempting to reshape the Middle East. This journey has been fraught wi
NATO and the Impact of Upcoming Elections
Visit us at Network2020.org.Upcoming domestic election results in member states have the potential to drastically affect the stability and operational capabilities of NATO. Though the Alliance experienced a surge in popularity following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, political shifts across the North Atlantic including a surge of populism and isolationist movements have generated backlash to N
Talking with the Taliban: Afghanistan Post-Withdrawal
August 30th will mark the 3-year anniversary of the final day of the controversial US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an event that marked the end of a nearly twenty-year conflict. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government in the absence of American support and the resulting takeover by the Taliban led to a massive humanitarian crisis and called into question the utility of decades of American occu
The 2024 Olympics: Hidden Agendas and International Politics
Visit us at Network2020.org. The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has consistently positioned itself as against the politicization of sport. In The Olympic Charter, the IOC declares that it has a mission “to oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes.” However, this has consistently not been the case. Countries like China have used hosting the games to showcase state powe
Digital Transformation: Washington’s Rewired Diplomacy in Africa
Visit us at Network2020.org. In December 2022, the U.S. – Africa Leaders Summit launched the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, catalyzing over $350 million in investment and $450 million in finance mobilization. The DTA is expected to expand digital access and literacy and strengthen digital enabling environments across Africa. Many experts also see this as an opportunity for th
The Evolution of ISIS and Its Challenge for U.S. Foreign Policy
Visit us at Network2020.org. The ISIS attacks on the Crocus City Hall theater in Russia this past March brought Islamic jihadism back to the headlines. Following the decimation of the ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq, ISIS affiliates around the world have continued acts of terrorism through asymmetric warfare. One such group – the Islamic State Khorasan Province or ISIS-K – claimed responsibility
Iran’s Elections: Implications for Iran and the Region’s Future
Visit us at Network2020.org.This Friday, Iranians head back to the polls for a runoff election, following a historic low turnout in the June 28 presidential contest. The sudden passing of President Ebrahim Raisi has led to a pivotal showdown between an archconservative and a pro-reform candidate. With economic struggles, heavy sanctions, and regional tensions, what's at stake in this snap ele
Australia: The New Superpower of the South?
Visit us at Network2020.org. Australia sits in the South Pacific as a far East bastion of the West. As a strategic actor in this region, and since gaining independence, its relationship with the United States as a military ally and arms provider has placed it in a powerful position in the region. In the era of competition in the South China Sea and gradually increasing tensions over Taiwan, Austra
ASEAN Nations and the 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections
Visit us at Network2020.org. The ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) all have anxious eyes on the tense relationship between the U.S. and China, and especially the coming U.S. elections. Navigating between the two nations’ influence, policymakers in these countries widely accept that whoever wins the 2024 U.S. el
Elections 2024: South Africa’s Democracy and Foreign Policy Outlook
Visit us at Network2020.orgAs South Africa approaches its 2024 elections, the political landscape is more uncertain than ever. For three decades, the African National Congress (ANC) has been the dominant force in South African politics, but now it faces a genuine possibility of losing its majority. President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC are contending with widespread disillusionment and strong oppo
The World Bank & IMF: Navigating Great Power Competition
Visit us at Network2020.orgThe 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 su
Humanitarianism Contested: The Challenge of Aid to Gaza
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 com
Ukraine, Wagner, and Navalny: Putin’s Perpetual Power and What It Means for Russia
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 o
Struggling Democracy: Politics, Power, and Elections in Pakistan
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 th
Is the U.S. Ready to Support Multiple Conflicts?
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 asse
Defending Ukraine’s Democracy: Reconstruction and the Private Sector
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 larg
Unfrozen: Global Competition in the Arctic
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
The Roots of Pakistan's Triple Crisis (Revisited)
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
NYC’s Migration Crisis: Drivers, Challenges, and Solutions
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 s
Innovation Edge: The U.S., China, and the New Geopolitical Landscape
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 a
Migration Dynamics: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Northern Triangle
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
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