Deep Dish on Global Affairs

Dive into the world of lasting change with Deep Dish! Join host Brian Hanson and author Sascha Haselmayer in a captivating exploration of 'The Slow Lane.' We’ll uncover the secrets behind why instant solutions often miss the mark, and how embracing patience and strategic thinking can pave the way for sustainable transformation to address global challenges.

On Sunday, Poland’s opposition parties won a victory in the country’s general election signaling a radical change for the country. After emerging as a major EU success story, Poland’s politics shifted dramatically almost a decade ago, putting it on a nationalist path dominated by a far-right coalition. But now the country appears headed back in a pro-EU direction. Expert Monika Sus and host Lizzy Shackelford shed light on the country's shifting politics and changing role in the global landscape.

Deep Dish delves into the heart of the Gaza Strip. Expert Michael Merryman-Lotze and host Brian Hanson discuss its complex history, its people, the role of the region in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its place in the Israel-Hamas war that has shaken the world.

Related Content:

• 5 things you need to know about what’s happening in Israel and Gaza, Michael Merryman-Lotze, American Friends Service Committee, October 9, 2023 
• Martin Indyk on Breaking the Hamas-Israel Cycle of Violence, Deep Dish Podcast, May 20, 2021

How is energy insecurity shaping the world's power dynamics? From the urgency of collaboration to the delicate balance between environmental sustainability and national interests, guests Jason Bordoff and Meghan O'Sullivan offer a fresh perspective on the complexities of green energy underlying our modern global landscape.

Can smart cities truly deliver on their promises of innovation and sustainability? On Deep Dish, author and winner of the Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award, John Lorinc joins host Brian Hanson to navigate the intersection of urban planning technology and ethical concerns in his book Dream States: Smart Cities, Technology, and the Pursuit of Urban Utopias. 

The expulsion of Muslim schoolgirls for refusing to remove their abayas serves as a stark reminder of France's ongoing struggle to balance its historical commitment to laïcité with its growing religious and cultural diversity. The Council’s Ariel Schwartz joins host Brian Hanson to explore laïcité’s historical roots, modern challenges, and global implications in contemporary society.

Deep Dish delves into how the unchecked power of social platforms in the Metaverse, woven into the fabric of modern communication, is fueling conflicts, disinformation, terror, and hate. Experts Kristina Wilfore and Leah Kimathi confront the chilling reality of Big Tech's role in fueling extremism in Kenya, where profit often trumps content policing, and share what Kenyans are doing about it.

Reading List:

• The Council for Responsible Social Media, Website
• Why dangerous content thrives on Facebook and TikTok in Kenya, Neha Wadekar, Washington Post, July 31, 2022

As birth rates decline and life expectancies increase, some regions are now experiencing a net decrease in population, leaving us to question whether that’s good or bad for the world. Stephanie Feldstein of the Center for Biological Diversity and John Ibbitson, author of the Empty Planet unravel the layers of this population paradox and its implications on society, the global economy, and the environment.

As stakes rise and tensions mount between the United States and China, the future of Taiwan hangs in the balance. With a pivotal presidential election on the horizon, what are the implications for Taiwanese policy, its alignment with the US, and the risk of war with China? Sam Houston State University’s Dennis Weng and New Bloom Magazine’s Brian Hioe join Deep Dish to offer a glimpse into the uncertain future of the region.

Tune into last week's episode for part one of this conversation where Deep Dish focuses on the different positions in the US debate over policy toward Taiwan.

As tensions escalate between Taiwan and China, should Washington back Taiwan through increased militarily deterrence or prioritize reassurance and diplomacy with China? Quincy Institute’s Michael Swaine and the Council on Foreign Relations’ David Sacks debate the growing policymaker consensus for US military support to deter a Chinese attack, while considering dissenting views that prioritize political solutions for China-Taiwan unification from the US standpoint. 

Tune in next week for part two of this episode where Deep Dish focuses on Taiwan's internal politics around these issues and their views on how to best preserve peace in the China-Taiwan strait.

What is the secret to Costa Rica's exceptional success as a politically stable and environmentally sustainable nation?  While other countries in Central America struggle with political upheaval, violence, corruption, and extreme poverty, Costa Rica has become a global example of success with robust institutions, visionary policies, and a thriving eco-tourism industry. The Atlantic Council’s María Fernanda Bozmoski joins Deep Dish to discuss the reasons for Costa Rica’s achievements, explore lessons for other countries, and unpack the challenges that lie ahead for this remarkable nation.