Global Affairs Live: Recent Episodes
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. We convene leading global voices and conduct independent research to bring clarity and offer solutions to challenges and opportunities across the globe. Ranked the #1 Think Tank to Watch worldwide, the Council on Global Affairs is committed to engaging the public and raising global awareness of issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business and governments engage the world.
Karen DeYoung, Steve Erlanger, and Gideon Rachman join Ivo Daalder to discuss 2022’s biggest stories in their eyes. From the Ukraine-Russia war and its impact on global markets to the faltering of authoritarian rule and the unexpected revival of the West, they reflect on a tumultuous year and what 2023 might hold.
Sweden and Finland have officially applied for NATO membership following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant security policy change for the two Nordic nations. In light of this historic geopolitical shift, experts discuss what obstacles remain to a northern enlargement of NATO, how Moscow might respond, and the overall implications for European security.
A flurry of meetings and calls have taken place in recent days between the leaders and top diplomats of the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and European nations, in an effort to forestall potential Russian military action in Ukraine. With a diplomatic breakthrough remaining elusive and Russian forces continuing to mass close to Ukraine’s border, what might be President Putin’s next move—and is there still hope for de-escalation? General Wesley K. Clark, Ivo H. Daalder, Susan Glasser, Bianna Golodryga and Lieutenant General Mark Hertling discuss this, and more, as tensions with Russia continue to grow.
The Summit for Democracy on December 9 and 10 brought together the heads of over 100 countries to discuss the state of political freedom around the world. Convened by President Biden, the Summit struck a somber tone, as participants grappled with the growing power of authoritarian states and the rising popularity of populist leaders within the democratic world. Michael Abramowitz, Ivo Daalder, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and Nathalie Tocci consider the scale of the challenges raised at the Summit, and how the world’s democracies might respond.
Democracies are facing multiplying challenges, from structural changes to geopolitical shifts to cultural transformations. Though the United States remains one of the strongest democratic nations in the world, it is by no means immune to democratic backsliding. As the American public becomes more polarized on issues such as press freedom and US-Russia relations, the question of how core democratic commitments is being even more sharply presented. Will our institutions hold? Do the systemic weaknesses revealed by recent pressures on the US Constitution require fundamental change in how it is interpreted and implemented? How likely is it that our democracy could erode, and can we mitigate the risk?
Identity has become a defining—and divisive—political concept around the world. In recent years appeals to group identity have underpinned the election of Donald Trump, the success of the Brexit “leave” campaign, the rise of politicized Islam and anti-immigrant nationalism, and the emergence of powerful social movements like #metoo. But as demands for recognition based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, and gender have risen in prominence, these narrower identities are conflicting with the universal values of liberal democracy, argues Francis Fukuyama. What is driving the focus on identity in politics today? And can identity be molded in a way that supports rather than undermines democracy?
Food transcends beyond the plate, creating both pleasure and purpose. It defines our place in the world and the issues we care most about. This year’s James Beard Foundation honorees are recognized for their leadership within their communities, their contributions to their cultural heritage, and their utilization of farming and food as a form of advocacy for social good. How have these leaders elevated social issues through food and culture? How have they brought about disruption, awareness, and purposeful change?
Amid Brexit, a rising China, and an increasingly assertive Russia, Germany finds itself in the middle of a range of foreign policy challenges. Meanwhile, reverberations from the US-China trade war are taking their toll on Germany’s export-driven economy, contributing to its slowest rate of growth in five years. The rise of populism worldwide has also reached German politics, with its consequent pressure on Germany’s postwar liberal democracy. As the era of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s leadership comes to a close, how will Germany confront the foreign policy challenges it faces? In what ways will Germany’s internal politics affect its decision-making on external issues? Will the US pullback from the world stage be met with more robust German diplomacy?
America’s post-war history offers a blueprint for a more equitable economic future, argue MIT economists Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson. Starting in 1940, unprecedented public investment allowed for breakthroughs in science and technology. Advancements such as radar, digital computers, jet engines, and eventually the internet, enabled America to achieve economic supremacy, and were themselves catalysts for even greater economic growth. Yet in recent decades innovation has tended to reinforce inequality and concentrate wealth in a few coastal enclaves. How can America recreate an economy where the benefits of growth are shared more widely? And will technology help or hinder this process?
The Sahel region of Africa faces many challenges in building a more peaceful and prosperous future. From violent extremism to increasing migrant and refugee flows, instability in the Sahel has become a focus for regional and global policy leaders. In order to achieve a sustainable peace, the underlying causes for regional instability must be addressed. How can sustainable development and regional partnerships help improve security in the Sahel? What other policies can help enhance economic and physical security in the region?
Concerns over Iran’s increasing influence in the Middle East have placed high on the US foreign policy agenda. The alliance with Saudi Arabia, withdrawing from the JCPOA, and recent decision to retain over 2,000 troops in Syria, reflect Washington’s wider effort to contain Tehran. Yet, foreign policy experts warn that America’s new strategy may be missing the bigger picture, namely the changing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. New power shifts, such as Turkey’s pivot toward Iran and Russia, and Putin’s increasing role as a mediator in Syria, could weaken America’s influence in the region. How effective is the United States’ current strategy in the Middle East? And how would America’s further disengagement from that part of the world impact its reputation as a global leader?
The Republic of Ghana is widely considered to be a shining star in Sub-Saharan Africa. With growing economic strength and a strong democratic political system that recently experienced another peaceful transition of power, Ghana’s successes mean further prosperity for its people, the West African region, and the African continent. Please join us at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as we discuss Ghana’s future with President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Is Russia back? Following a decade of post-Soviet malaise, Russia has reemerged under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin as a chief player on the world stage. Indeed, Putin’s Russia has been ever more assertive in testing—and defying—the liberal international order created after World War II. From its annexation of Crimea and intervention in eastern Ukraine, to its burgeoning partnership with China and steady military buildup in the Arctic, Russia is presenting new challenges to the US and its partners around the world. Yet, with a petro-economy the size of Italy’s, few close allies, and military spending eclipsed by that of the US, has Russia truly resumed its Soviet superpower status? How will Russia’s role in the world change in the wake of the US retreat from global leadership?
In the coming years, artificial intelligence could fuel tensions between the United States and China, argues quantitative futurist, Amy Webb. Today, nine giant corporations—six American, three Chinese—control the bulk of the data and advances in computing that underpin these technologies. But while the US tech titans face little oversight and report primarily to shareholders, the Chinese government closely supervises the work of its tech companies, guiding research and investment in ways that are beneficial to the state. With competition between these superpowers intensifying, will China’s centralized, top-down approach give it the edge in the race for technological supremacy? How can the White House, Pentagon, and Silicon Valley craft a shared national strategy for AI?
Trade tensions rose sharply in 2018 between the United States and China as both sides imposed steep tariffs on imports of certain goods. The mounting tension between the world’s two largest economies caused global markets to drop, and uncertainty remains as to whether negotiators will be able to break the impasse and end the trade war. What can we expect in 2019 for US-China economic relations? What happens if the United States and China fail to reach a final agreement on trade issues? Join the Council on Global Affairs as trade experts Phil Levy and Derek Scissors discuss the state of trade relations between the United States and China and the implications for the global economy.
Next year China is expected to implement a far-reaching Social Credit system, using data collected from a multitude of digital sources to score the "trustworthiness" of its citizens. For many in the West, such all-encompassing surveillance might sound darkly Orwellian. But the platforms and devices used by the Chinese system are proliferating, and today the United States government and tech giants like Facebook and Google, possess previously unimaginable troves of information on the public’s activities and interests. How can democratic societies prevent this mass collection of data from being misused in ways that undermine rights and freedoms, or leave public opinion open to manipulation? Where do we draw the line between privacy and transparency in the digital age?
Women's rights have become increasingly important to development efforts. On the eve of International Women's Day 2019, Melanne Verveer joined the Council's Katelyn Jones to consider progress made, to acknowledge past and present challenges, and to identify future policy avenues on the path to gender equality nationally and globally.
We're doing it wrong. As government and the market economy, two highly debated and complex pillars of our society, become more sophisticated and powerful, the core of society, the community, the third pillar, is being lost. When the gap between communities and the political and economic elite grows too wide, it has manifested itself in violence and populism. With communities left out of the equation, Raghuram Rajan suggests that we are "doing it wrong." In an era of globalization and digital connectivity, what does a healthy third pillar look like? Will a shift to strengthening and empowering local communities be the answer to growing economic disparity and political unrest?
In the 1980s Joseph Nye coined the term “soft power,” referring to a country’s ability to attract rather than coerce. For many years America has enticed the world through the appeal of its cultural outputs, even when US foreign policy is unpopular. It has unleashed an attractive arsenal of Hollywood blockbusters, genre-shaping tunes, and mega brands such as McDonald’s and Apple. As these cultural phenomena spread globally, so did US influence, attracting partners and support. Yet, in the age of the “America First” modus operandi, is US soft power—expressed through culture, education, diplomacy and aid—declining? And to what extent is the American story being eclipsed by a rising China, the world's other movie hubs, Bollywood and Nollywood, and even K-pop bands?
In an era of decentralized terrorism, digital threats, and an unpredictable political climate, national security tactics are being put to the test. This is especially true concerning Israel, Palestine, and the United States, where shifts are happening as fast as policy can be developed. How are these actors staying up-to-date with regional and domestic challenges ranging from nuclear dangers, to demographic and societal changes, and political factionalism? And what impact has America’s recent foreign policy shift had in the region? Join the Council, Chuck Freilich, and Shibley Telhami for an exploration of Israel’s national security focus, the current situation in Palestine, US relations, and the impact of Russia’s growing influence in the region.
Warfare today is a mixture of ancient principles and modern realities. Military planners must consider a bewildering range of conventional and emerging threats—everything from the actions of rival nations, to terror networks, cyber-attacks, eroding international treaties, and even climate change. In this complex and fraught security environment, the United States faces no shortage of potential flashpoints as it seeks to defend its global interests. How, then, can the nation avoid war? And if it is drawn into armed conflict, what weapons, tactics, and strategic principles will help the US win?
In late 2012, ISIS began kidnapping Western journalists and aid workers in Syria. While several European governments paid millions of dollars in ransom, and their hostages were freed, the United Kingdom and United States refused, arguing that any ransom would fuel terrorism and encourage further kidnappings. As a result, many American and British hostages faced a terrible fate. What overlapping moral, political, and legal considerations must governments confront when their citizens are taken hostage? Should governments—or citizens and corporations—ever pay ransom to terrorists?
On December 1, Andrés Manuel López Obrador was sworn in as Mexico’s president, beginning a new era in relations between the United States and its southern neighbor. The two nations share a complex set of overlapping interests on trade, security, and immigration, which have drawn them closer together in recent decades. But presidents Trump and López Obrador were elected on vows to put their nations first: to win deals against the forces of globalization and the political establishment, and to wrest better terms from NAFTA, while the US is taking an ever harder line on immigration and border security. As right wing and left wing populist leaders face each other across the Rio Grande, what are the prospects for future cooperation?
Over the past few decades, changing economic and demographic trends have led to a new demand for innovative downtown spaces. However, as people and wealth are increasingly concentrated in city centers, resources have been invested into projects that often exclude low-income communities. Transformative placemaking frames urban regeneration as an equity issue and calls upon city leaders and innovators to address equal access to public spaces and invest in communities with less social and economic capital. How can innovative development expand work and educational opportunities for all - rather than expand the urban equity gap? How can city governments and the private development sector re-define the parameters of urban development?
Prime Minister May's Brexit deal was been overwhelmingly rejected by the House of Commons on January 15, and no one seems sure what will happen next. Is the United Kingdom headed for a "no deal" or "Norway option" Brexit, a general election, another referendum, or perhaps months of further division and disruption? For the Council's second exclusive members-only Brexit update conference call, anlysts and commentators from Brussels and London will join Council president Ivo Daalder to discuss and consider the many possibilities.
Located in the basement of the White House, the Situation Room has been the scene of some of modern history’s most fraught moments. For years it has served as a secure communications center with global reach, where policymakers analyze highly classified intelligence while debating and guiding America’s national and foreign strategy. In the early 1990s, the “Sit Room” housed opposing views among diplomats, military and intelligence officers, and White House staff on how to end the Bosnian War, the deadliest conflict in Europe since WWII. Join the Council for a behind-the-scenes account into the complexities and challenges of global policy-making in the White House’s most guarded decision-making space.
Despite extensive health advancements following the Spanish Flu, HIV, and SARS pandemics, the world is still highly vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases. In fact, the number of outbreaks has more than tripled in the last forty years. Without coordinated public health action, experts predict that the next pandemic—one with the potential to take millions of lives and cost the global economy billions of dollars—is not a matter of “if, but when”. How can we strengthen our health systems, prepare our global cities, and educate our communities to best prevent it?
International humanitarian disasters have become a grim reality that frequents our newsfeeds. To address the numerous challenges and extensive needs for post-disaster recovery, major donor countries have spent decades developing and perfecting the legal framework around assistance delivery. Despite those efforts, regulatory barriers remain under significant stress as the nature and evolution of humanitarian disasters grow more complex. How can international organizations and individual governments ensure that policy challenges do not limit their ability to assist populations in need? What are effective ways to engage relevant stakeholders in crafting comprehensive, effective, and clear legislature that enables adequate humanitarian action and sensible human rights protections while respecting boundaries proscribed by law?
Millennials are becoming the most influential consumers in America and the world. They are taking over the US workforce and some are soon to be the recipients of the largest wealth transfer ever. Their financial behaviors—how they spend, save, and invest money, manage student debt, prepare for retirement, and secure sustainable wealth—are crucial indicators of global economic trends. And their embrace of digital banking, cryptocurrency, and even robo-advisors are disrupting the entire financial sector. In what ways are financial institutions today changing their business models to satisfy millennial preferences? How has the long shadow of the financial crash shaped millennial attitudes toward money, and should we be bracing ourselves for another crash?
Since the June summit between American President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, progress on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has been sporadic. Both leaders have made cautious moves aimed at trust building, while North and South Korea have concurrently taken even bolder steps toward conciliation. Still, the fundamental points of contention remain: North Korea has nuclear weapons, sanctions on Pyongyang persist, and a peace treaty to end the Korean War—which began in 1950—has yet to be signed. As the US and North Korea make plans for a second Trump-Kim summit, will expectations for a lasting peace be met, or will recent progress prove only an illusion? How much trilateral cooperation is occurring behind the scenes? Are we at the brink of an ultimate deal, or an inevitable disappointment?
On November 15 United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May announced details of the draft Brexit deal she has negotiated with the European Commission. Council members were invited to join a conference call with expert analysts to discuss the deal, and its political and economic ramifications for the UK.
The United States has been the dominant global power for over a quarter of a century, yet it has struggled to realize its lofty vision for a more peaceful and prosperous world. Relations with China and Russia have soured, the European Union is wobbling, and violent extremism continues to spread, all in the face of US efforts to maintain international stability. The reason, Stephen Walt argues, lies in America’s sense of omnipotence, which has encouraged successive administrations to pursue ambitious, risky, and often unnecessary foreign policy adventures. Is it time for the United States to develop a more restrained foreign policy outlook? Or would this only invite greater instability?
Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has played a pivotal role in the struggle for peace in the region. While neighboring Syria, Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia have attracted an array of headlines—from sectarian disputes to proxy wars and social media revolutions—Jordan has not gone unscathed from the tensions surrounding it. Terrorist networks, the bordering Israel-Palestine conflict, and the Syrian civil war have burdened the country’s borders, resources, and security. Notably, it has become central to hosting Syrian refugees, with the Zaatari camp now Jordan's fourth largest city. Yet, despite nearby turmoil, the Hashemite Kingdom continues to engage in strategic partnerships with adjoining countries and maintain strong relations with the United States. Jordanian journalist Rana F. Sweis portrays the intricacies and complexities of life in Jordan and the Middle East.
The center appears to be collapsing across Latin America. In Colombia, Ivan Duque’s tough stance on the FARC peace deal and the economy swept him into office in June. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s left-wing populism delivered a historic electoral victory in Mexico this past July. And Jair Bolsonaro’s outspoken, far-right platform has made him a frontrunner for Brazil’s presidential election in October. Twenty years after Hugo Chavez took power with a populist agenda, Venezuela is in turmoil. Will this new wave deliver on their promises to tackle the region’s corruption and inequalities? And how will these elections affect relations with the United States?
Distrust in digital news media is on the rise. The digital revolution has reshaped American news habits, making information readily available and engaging. Yet, concerns over misinformation and “fake news”, objective reporting sources, news feed algorithms, and the security of users’ data are increasing among the public. What role do journalists, news dissemination platforms, and consumers have in identifying and countering false information? And how will continued technological innovations shape news platforms and the way future generations will consume news?
The global economy as we know it is changing before our eyes. The Trump administration has implemented shifts in economic policy—retreating from multilateral trade negotiations, deploying tariffs, and passing a huge tax reform bill—that have already made their mark on America’s economy and Americans’ daily lives. The great debate now is around these policies’ long-term impact. Could these policies could spur growth and address the concerns of those left behind by globalization and technology for decades to come? Or will they further weaken not only Americans’ financial mobility, but also America’s role as economic superpower on the world stage?
From shale gas to solar power, the US government has historically invested in the kinds of high-risk, high-reward energy projects that the private sector is loath to touch. Yet as the current administration’s recent attempts to eliminate the Department of Energy’s cutting-edge research arm ARPA-E demonstrate, this kind of investment is always precarious. The Trump Administration has proposed cutting R&D investment across the board at a time when countries like China and India double down on investment in clean energy and renewables. How can the United States maintain its global leadership position on energy innovation in the current political environment?
Proponents of globalization promised a world of shared prosperity and universal liberal values. But the political upheavals of recent years have been driven by a sense that, for many in the West, globalization failed to deliver. Rising inequality, rapid social change, and the fissiparous effects of technology have created fertile ground for populists with promises to “take back” control of their nations from globalist elites and outside forces. Does today’s political climate of distrust and division spell the end of the age of globalism? And as this world order is dismantled what might take its place?
Council President Ivo Daalder and James M. Lindsay, senior vice president and director of studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, will take the stage tonight to discuss their new book The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership—an inside look at President Trump’s foreign policy and its implication for global order. Has America relinquished its global leadership role? From the ruins of World War II the United States led the creation of an international order based on strong alliances, free and open markets, and a commitment to democracy and human rights. But today this order, and the historic peace and prosperity it has underpinned for seven decades, is unravelling—a process that has dramatically accelerated since the election of President Trump and his America First agenda. What does this new foreign policy outlook mean for America’s influence and security? How might the rest of the world respond as the US abandons the institutions and agreements it once established?
Why are money matters a taboo for many women? Tremendous progress has been made globally towards women's financial empowerment with record numbers of women joining workforces and managing their personal finances. Yet, research continues to show that women earn less than men and that men are four times more likely than women to ask for a raise – and when women do ask, they receive 30 percent less than men. Women are also less likely to invest, generating an investment gap between genders that can reach as high as $1 million over time. As a result, women retire with two-thirds the money of men, even though they usually live years longer. Women are also primarily responsible for unpaid work, especially in developing countries where they often lack access to financial services, and in some countries even require male consent to work. What role does gender inequality play in money and finance? How can we demystify money and empower women through financial literacy?
Ambassador Chan Heng Chee, a leading strategic thinker, diplomat, and commentator on international issues, will visit the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as its third . The fellowship was established by the Council’s board of directors to honor Marshall M. Bouton, who served as president of the Council from 2001 to 2013 and is a recognized expert on Asia. Each year a prominent scholar, former senior policymaker, or public intellectual known for contributions to Asia’s economic and political development and/or international relations speaks at the Council on Global Affairs.
There is no more serious task a president can undertake than to lead a nation into war. Those presidents who held the office during wartime have sometimes needed to shelve their domestic policy ambitions. In addition, presidents of war have also had to contend with challenges from the Constitution’s War Powers Clause, Congress, the media, anti-war protestors and even their closest advisors during conflict. How have presidents coped with the pressures of war? And how has the scope of Presidential power evolved over the course of America’s conflicts?
The burgeoning US-China trade war promises to dominate headlines this year for a good time to come. But the larger story of China’s economy is just as intriguing. A structural transition from a manufacturing-led economy to a services- and consumer-based one is proceeding apace. This economic shift will intersect with large-scale demographic changes as the population ages. Though that may have its own impact on the labor force, it will also create the largest middle class the country has ever seen. Together, these concomitant transitions have serious implications for international investors and multinationals seeking to do business in China. What industries have successful multinationals tapped into? What should they know as the new consumer class rises—and flashes its wealth?
The most significant challenge to the post-Cold War international order is the growing power of ambitious states opposed to the West. Iran, China, and Russia stand poised to take advantage of the US withdrawal from the world stage and reshape the world order. Iran’s relations with Russia and China have helped it form a bulwark against Western efforts to isolate it. From political exchanges and international trade agreements to military cooperation, closer cooperation among the “triple axis” on these issues would have critical implications for US interests and the Western liberal order it has championed for decades. Will these relationships prevent the US from fully isolating Iran once again? Where are relations between Iran and Russia and Iran and China heading, and how could the US react?
Strong global leadership has been a pillar of US foreign policy for more than half a century, but some believe the Trump administration’s America First agenda strays from the country’s enduring tradition of international engagement. But disengagement in the Middle East and an empty “pivot to Asia” in the Obama administration also signaled a similar drift from internationalism. For years, public support of the nation’s visible role in the world was a given, but is there a more fundamental shift in American thinking?
The so called ISIS caliphate may have lost swaths of territory, but thousands of its surviving members and the broader jihadist movement continue to exist. The tensions and drivers that provided a breeding ground for ISIS and al-Qaeda to operate from within and beyond the Middle East are still present. Foreign influences, regional sectarian tensions, and economic instability help drive radicalization and instability. In what ways will the caliphate’s demise strengthen or weaken the overall jihadist network? What are the prospects for ISIS to resurge in the region given the inability to fully destroy its fighting force thus far? And how should America direct its foreign policy and military presence in the region?
As two of the nation’s top policymakers and regulators, Sheila Bair and Hank Paulson were at the frontlines fighting to contain the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Ten years later, the country’s economic situation could not be more different: the unemployment rate is at historic lows, corporations are flush with cash, and there has been consistent economic expansion. Further, banks are better capitalized and the financial sector more regulated. Yet US debt is surging, the Trump administration is moving to defang the Dodd-Frank Act, and subprime loans are making a comeback. How confident are policymakers in the lessons they’ve learned and the regulations they’ve implemented since 2008? Is our economy truly safer today—and will it be ready when the next crisis hits?
Climate change has commanded global attention for decades – but critical solutions at scale have yet to be implemented. While policy and protest continue to dominate the dialogue, photographers and documentarians have witnessed the extraordinary effects of climate change on the front lines. From narratives on climate aggregators in the world’s largest cities, to sweeping aerial shots of storm ravaged towns, visual storytelling has a profound ability to affect the way we view climate change. Can visual arts cut through the politics and rhetoric to engage the public and galvanize action on one of the most complex and pressing issues of our time?
The theft of emails from Democratic National Committee servers prior to the 2016 presidential election may have changed the course of American democracy. But election meddling is only one facet of a broad and pervasive cyber threat to the United States, argues David Sanger, with government servers, military networks, and critical infrastructure all infiltrated by foreign powers. In doing so these nations are following in the footsteps of the United States, which became the first nation to deploy a cyber weapon with its 2006 attack on Iran’s nuclear program. Having created this “perfect weapon” why was the United States so unprepared to guard against it? What does the age of cyber warfare mean for US democracy and security?
The largest port city in Europe, the City of Rotterdam, has a culture of embracing novel ideas from around the world. As the city continues to reinvent itself with a focus on relevance and resilience, it has become a hub for innovation in the drive towards environmental sustainability and economic growth. Through the promotion of a circular economy and energy transition, Mayor Aboutaleb has set an ambitious goal to significantly reduce waste and energy consumption in Rotterdam by 2022. How can innovations like blockchain technology and urban design be used to accelerate a sustainable city? What can global cities learn from Rotterdam’s plan as the world pursues shared goals of economic prosperity and clean energy?
Ever since the financial crisis ended, monetary policy has been plagued by a central mystery: Why has inflation been so low? While unemployment decreased steadily and growth picked up, inflation consistently undershot the Federal Reserve’s inflation goal of 2 percent. Until this May, that is. Recent data revealed that, for the first time in six years, inflation was on target. Economists rejoiced, relieved that the economy was—finally—behaving the way their models predicted. Yet there is a nagging sense that though inflation has finally returned, the mystery has not yet been solved. If it took so long to hit 2 percent, is that the appropriate target in the first place? Is the current framework of our monetary policy due for a reckoning?
Tensions between Islam’s two main religious sects—Sunni and Shia—are spiraling out of control and threaten to redraw the map of the Middle East. At the epicenter of the divide are the predominantly Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, who are considered to be fueling today’s conflicts through proxy militias in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. Sectarian tensions have further provided a fertile ground for terrorist networks such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda to flourish and spread. How is the Sunni-Shia divide driving proxy wars, fostering terrorist networks, and expanding the humanitarian crisis in the region? Are religious differences in the Middle East being politicized in a fight for regional hegemony? Can the region break the cycles of sectarian violence that shaped its history?
With America First, the Trump administration is paving the way for a new global order - or perhaps a new global disorder. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, the downgrading of security guarantees, and protectionist trade policies, are just a few of the actions evidencing an abandonment of multilateralism and global leadership by the United States. This disengagement is creating a void for other nations and ideologies to fill, at a moment when populist movements and external subversion pose growing threats to democratic institutions across the West. What will putting America first mean for the nation’s long-term security and prosperity? If the US will not defend the international rules and institutions it created, what sort of global order will take their place?
Avoiding war, while securing nation’s vast global interests, is a perennial challenge for any United States president. This is especially true in today’s fraught international climate, when there are no shortage of flash points that could rapidly draw the nation into military conflict. But throughout history forward-looking statesmen like FDR, Gorbachev, Rabin, and Walesa – leaders who anticipated change and were willing to build alliances and engage with adversaries – were able to promote peace under testing circumstances. What would such a strategy of preventive engagement look like for the United States today? And what are the risks of such an approach to international relations?
The Americas are home to 47 of the world’s 50 most violent cities. Cities throughout the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia have long been studying the complexity of factors driving the violence and identifying effective interventions to reduce homicide rates. Cities are also increasingly relying on evidence-based research and evaluation to inform policies and actions. What can cities throughout the Americas learn from each other? Can strategies that work in one city be applied to other contexts? Would a transnational agenda to address urban violence in the region be sustainable? This event is held in partnership with the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab and USAID and made possible with the support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
The industrial revolution defined the last century and a half, and now we find ourselves in the midst of another paradigmatic transformation in the nature of work. Automation, artificial intelligence, and fierce global competition are changing the landscape for workers and companies faster than ever before. A new Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) report analyzes what the United States faces in developing new work opportunities, aligning education with job demands, and ensuring greater economic security. What does it take to develop a highly skilled and adaptable workforce? How can we compete with countries that have a stronger tradition of apprenticeship, and those who are more nimble in prioritizing and implementing key technologies?
The 20th century was defined by the clash between democracy and fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions dead. Given the horrors of that experience, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini should they arise in our era. In Fascism: A Warning, Madeleine Albright draws on her experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her distinguished career as a diplomat to question that assumption. Fascism, as Albright shows, not only endured through the 20th century but now presents a more virulent threat to peace and justice than at any time since the end of World War II. Is the momentum toward democracy that swept the world when the Berlin Wall fell going into reverse? How are economic, technological, and cultural factors playing a role in empowering the political extremes? Written by someone who has not only studied history but helped to shape it, Fascism: A Warning, is a book for our times that is relevant to all times. The book will be available for sale and signing from The Book Cellar following the program.
Not so long ago, Silicon Valley was America’s pride and joy. Google, Facebook, and Apple represented the best of America—our drive to innovate, to dare, to dream. But the winds have decidedly shifted in the last year or two, as Big Tech’s enormous wealth and power have become apparent. The numbers are startling: together, Apple, Alphabet, Facebook, and Amazon have a market value of $3.5 trillion. They also dominate their respective markets: eighty percent of the world’s searches are done on Google, seventy-seven percent of mobile social media occurs on Facebook, and Amazon has cornered the e-book market—and reached its tentacles into much else besides. Then there’s the question of Big Tech’s influence on our democracy, as the continuing controversy over Facebook’s role in the 2016 election demonstrates. Has Big Tech taken on monopolistic tendencies, stifling competition and innovation? Are these tech darlings big enough to necessitate increased regulation or perhaps even antitrust action? Is it time to break up Big Tech?
Where do we stand on the now-familiar and paradoxical narrative surrounding gentrification? While high end development booms have pushed out locals and increased prices in neighborhoods like Pilsen, Brooklyn, and London’s Elephant and Castle, gentrification also provides new economic opportunities. And despite many pointing the finger at young creatives and professionals as drivers of gentrification—introducing a tsunami of overpriced coffee shops, condos, and corporate chains—new trends indicate that they are also being priced out. What are the long-term effects of gentrification on communities, and is urban revitalization possible without it? Are young people causing gentrification, or have they also been disproportionately affected by an unaffordable housing market, growing rent rates, and overpriced grocery stores? SPEAKERS: Ghian Foreman, Executive Director, Greater Southwest Development Corporation; Karl Friedhoff, Fellow, Public Opinion and Asia Policy; Marisa Novara, Vice President, Metropolitan Planning Council; Tim Swanson, Chief Design Officer, Skender. Moderated by Taylor Marr.
According to a recent Council survey, 46 percent of Russians and 62 percent of Americans thought the US leadership change would herald an era of warmth, camaraderie, and collaboration. Though the new administration is now well-into its second year, the relationship has barely shifted towards lukewarm. Both countries’ national security documents continue listing the other as an enemy, and government officials on each side diagnose the state of affairs an “all-time low” since the Cold War. With renewed sanctions and collusion-related indictments dominating the news cycle, what lies in store for the future of the Trump-Putin relationship? While wrought in opposition and disagreement, what can history teach us about the necessity of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations? SPEAKERS: Ivo H. Daalder, President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs; Alina Polyakova, David M. Rubenstein Fellow—Foreign Policy Program, Center on the United States and Europe, Brookings Institution; Strobe Talbott, Distinguished Visitor, Buffett Institute for Global Studies; Distinguished Fellow in Residence, Brookings Institution. Moderated by Jordan Gans-Morse.
Climate change—that “tragedy of the horizon”—is already here. From relentless wildfires to hurricanes to droughts, 2017’s slew of extreme weather events highlighted the existential threat facing us in the coming decades. But as bleak as the reality of climate change is, innovative solutions to mitigate its effects and support a transition to clean energy are also being developed and deployed on an increasing scale—particularly so since the Paris Climate Agreement. These include everything from advanced technologies such as solar photovoltaics and electric vehicles to the urban design policies necessary to make them effective. What are the most exciting solutions being implemented, and what other breakthrough technologies are needed to power the clean energy revolution? What must we do to stand a chance against climate change? Varun Sivaram’s book Taming the Sun: Innovations to Harness Solar Energy and Power the Planet will be available for purchase and signing from The Book Cellar following the program. SPEAKERS: Anand Shah, Senior Advisor, Albright Stonebridge Group; Senior Vice President, Ola; Varun Sivaram, Philip D. Reed Fellow for Science and Technology, Council on Foreign Relations; , Senior Fellow, Global Cities. Moderated by .
Almost a decade after the start of the financial crisis, the world’s major economies are enjoying sustained growth. But even as the economic cloud of the Great Recession begins to lift, economists and policymakers are still grappling with the legacies and controversies of the financial crisis. Some argue that central banks (and their unelected leaders)—along with regulators and judges—wield too much power for society’s good. Should we continue to rely on these institutions to steer the ship in times of crisis, or do they present a challenge to our democracies? How can the system be changed? Paul Tucker’s new book Unelected Power: The Quest for Legitimacy in Central Banking and the Regulatory State will be available for purchase and signing from The Book Cellar following the program. SPEAKER: Paul Tucker, Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School of Government; Chair, Systemic Risk Council
How should the next generation of leaders approach the interconnected challenges of the 21st century? Debates over global challenges—from dousing the fires of populism and securing US elections, to tackling water scarcity and assisting in conflict zones—are dominating news cycles and impacting our lives. In a unique programming offering, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ Emerging Leaders class of 2018 will draw from professional and personal experiences and share a series of short, dynamic presentations on an array of today’s critical issues and trends. Each year, the Council selects a highly competitive cohort of Chicago’s up-and-coming professionals to participate in its Emerging Leaders Program. Emerging Leaders become part of a network of globally fluent individuals who will continue to raise the bar for Chicago as an influential international city. Hear several members of class 2018 present their policy prescriptions on: Cultural Competency Training for Law Enforcement Securing US Elections Leveraging US Funds in Conflict Zones Managing Water Conflict Compulsory Voting in the US Immigration Restrictions Hurt Healthcare in the US Bridging Divisions in the US through Mandatory Service Increasing Exports from Chicago to the World SPEAKERS: Amrith Kaur Aakre, Legal Director, Sikh Coalition; Lauren Bean Buitta, Principal, Stele Consulting, LLC; Joel Braunold, Executive Director, Alliance for Middle East Peace; Josh Ellis, Vice President, Metropolitan Planning Council; Adrienne Irmer, Former Legislative Coordinator, Cook County Government; And other participants
Where is American foreign policy heading? Jake Sullivan, former director of policy planning at the US Department of State, argues that the current administration is departing from core principles that have underpinned US foreign policy for decades—the importance of alliances, the role of values, and a broader commitment to leadership based on positive sum logic. Instead, the US has become increasingly transactional, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and TPP, and casting doubt over the Iran Nuclear Deal and NAFTA. This shift, Sullivan contends, is not just about Trump, but about a broader national debate on the future of American foreign policy — and the impact of US foreign policy decisions on the American middle class. What should we make of America First? And what is an alternative vision that is effectively matched to the needs and realities of the moment?
The Trump administration has charted a new course on trade deals, largely eschewing multilateral frameworks for bilateral agreements. Indeed within days of taking office, the administration unilaterally withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Yet the agreements have proceeded anyway, despite the administration’s disdain. A revised TPP has been signed by the eleven remaining countries as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). What are the economic consequences for the United States of not taking part in these multilateral trade pacts? How is the US reshaping existing pacts, like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and what other nations will agree to consider new bilateral deals with Washington? How will the new American tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum impact ties with major trading partners? Who will win the looming trade war with China?
By aligning with the strong democratic standards of its western allies, Georgia has managed to become an important economic and logistical hub in the Caucasus region. The last decade has yielded key successes for Georgia — most notably its first peaceful transition of political power in its 2013 elections as well as increased cooperation with NATO and the European Union. As tensions rise between the United States and Russia, what does the future hold for Georgia’s foreign and domestic policy? What is the strategic importance of a strong US-Georgia relationship?
While some Chicago-area classrooms are responding to a progressively connected and globalized world, others are limited by a lack of resources and funding. Study abroad opportunities and programs such as the Illinois Global Scholar Certification and the Seal of Biliteracy are now included in more Illinois schools, preparing students to work and collaborate in cross-cultural contexts. Yet, equal access to an internationally-focused education continues to remain a barrier for many high schools. What does a globally-focused education look like in a classroom and how can we ensure comparable access to such programs across all school districts? What partnerships and resources are available to support global competence efforts? The 2017 class of Koldyke Global Teachers traveled to Morocco, France, Chile, and South Africa, to deepen their knowledge of global education models and bring cross-cultural experiences back to their classrooms. The Koldyke Global Teachers Program was generously established by Patricia Blunt and Martin J. Koldyke in 2016 and invests in the professional development of Chicago-area high school teachers. Join educators, students, and implementers as they share stories and best practices for guiding future global citizens in Chicago and beyond.
From ingredient apps to blockchain-enabled produce trackers, technology is disrupting the traditional food system and making transparency its new bedrock. Consumers increasingly want to know more concerning the origin, quality, sustainability, and traceability of their food, so they can take informed decisions. They also increasingly want to understand the conditions of workers who help produce the food, so they can vote with their forks and wallets. Committed to working at the intersection of food and justice, culinary leaders are rising above the plate and working towards food system change. The James Beard Foundation is recognizing the efforts of these leaders as recipients of their annual Leadership Awards. Hosted in Chicago for the first time this spring, the Awards will highlight changemakers who are committed to increasing food security and improving the wellbeing of their communities. In partnership with the James Beard Foundation, the Chicago Council is pleased to welcome this year’s honorees for a timely discussion on how fusing culinary excellence and sustainability can lead to a healthier, more equitable food system.
Since its birth seventy years ago, Pakistan has grown to become an important player on the global stage, as a result of its geostrategic position, youthful demographic, and nuclear weapons capability. Yet, fractured relations with India and political polarization between nationalist Islamists and secularists have been continual sources of instability throughout Pakistan’s history. And recently, the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over corruption charges and international pressure to “gray list” Pakistan over financing Jihadist and Taliban operations have plunged the country’s government into uncertainty. How can Pakistan effectively address its complex inter-ethnic, social, and economic challenges? What is the future of the country’s relationship with its neighbors and a United States that is increasingly disengaged from the world? Husain Haqqani’s new book Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State will be available for sale and signing from the Book Cellar following the program.
The United States was the first country to recognize Iceland’s independence in 1944 – and the relationship has remained strong ever since. Iceland shares many of the same objectives as the United States Including a bilateral defense agreement, partnership through NATO, and a 2009 trade and investment framework. Today, Iceland’s internal dynamics are shifting. From electing Europe’s youngest female leader as prime minister to entering the World Cup for the first time ever, the country is making its global presence known. What other changes are on Iceland’s horizon? What will be the future of US-Iceland ties, and how will Brexit impact the future of trade with Iceland and other European countries? Iceland’s minister of foreign affairs shares his insights on what to expect from this progressive and dynamic country. Then, join a trade delegation with leaders from 30 Icelandic companies for a networking reception following the event.
Once a theater of Cold War rivalry, space has today become the venue for a new competition between nations, corporations, and trailblazing billionaires. As the US government’s budget for space exploration has decreased, so has ended its monopoly on access to space, paving the way for commercial operators to launch satellites and supply research missions. In the years ahead these private endeavors are likely to push the envelope further, sending tourists into orbit, mining asteroids, and, perhaps one day, colonizing the cosmos. Will the costs and risks of commercial space initiatives produce astronomical rewards? Or will technical challenges and legal obstacles bring these private space pioneers back down to earth? Copies of Christian Davenport’s new book Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos will be available for sale and signing after the program from the Book Cellar.
During the 2016 US presidential election, American democracy came under an unprecedented attack which continues to this day. This attack aims to undermine democracy and the means by which the attack was carried out was entirely unconventional for the United States – but one with which European countries have become too familiar. Through social media platforms, US citizens received disinformation in an effort to undermine faith and confidence in one of America’s most fundamental rights — the ability of citizens to choose their own leaders. How can future US elections be secured from outside influence? What policies and solutions are being implemented to counter and deter foreign actors from meddling in democracies?
If you build it, do you own it? Tensions over territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea—not limited to the construction of islands capable of supporting military outposts—have been simmering for years. Only a few weeks into 2018, both China and the United States appear to have decided it is time for an escalation. The United States sent a navy destroyer near the Scarborough Shoal—the first such “Freedom of Navigation” mission in this area—and China publicly rebuked the United States for doing so, asserting that its sovereignty was violated. Such missions have long irked China, but the United States continues to have a large presence in the region. Is China ready to enforce its claims in the Pacific? How is the United States planning to deflect and diffuse these efforts, especially in light of the administration’s new National Defense Strategy? Courtesy of the Asia Transparency Initiative at CSIS, this program will feature visual projections detailing the transformation of the South China Sea in recent years.
Populism’s recent surge across the West should not have been a surprise. Storm clouds had been gathering for some time, in the shape of ever more polarized and nostalgic electorates, and widening inequality, argues the Financial Times’ Edward Luce. Nor should we take the eventual resumption of more enlightened politics for granted, with liberal democracy under greater strain than at any time in recent history. What kind of world will emerge if the nations of the democratic West cannot defend their own liberal values and institutions? In this age of rapid change and insecurity, how can forward-looking, centrist leaders regain the initiative? Copies of Edward Luce’s new book The Retreat of Western Liberalism will be available for sale and signing after the program from the Book Cellar
Sitting in the center of Europe, the Czech Republic has long been a crossroads for the region. With a history of over 40 years of communist rule in the country, Václav Havel embraced democracy and changed the trajectory of the country’s politics by aligning it with the West, becoming a staunch US ally and member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Union. Yet in recent years, the country has not been immune from populism and growing influence from Russia in the country. Will the Czech Republic continue its embrace of traditional Euro-Atlantic institutions or will Russia’s power be projected more acutely in the country? Featuring: Michael Žantovský, Vice President, Aspen Institute Central Europe; Executive Director, Václav Havel Library
At least one in three women worldwide will experience some form of violence during their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization. The toll of gender-based violence has long been hidden from society, as victims suffer alone out of stigma. Yet, courageous women across the globe are breaking this code of silence. From self-defense classes in Jordan to using film to educate and change culturally harmful practices in Pakistan, women-led initiatives are empowering victims to stand up, speak out, and fight back. Working outside of the media spotlight, and confronting powerful cultural taboos, their task is monumental, but these activists and entrepreneurs are the vanguard of a global movement to call #timesup on the scourge of gender-based violence. Featuring: Lina Khalifeh, Founder of SheFighter, Vital Voices Fellow; Samar Minallah Khan, Founder and Director, Ethnomedia;Alyse Nelson, President and CEO, Vital Voices. Moderated by Niamh King, Vice President, Programs and Strategic Content, Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Campaign rallies, inaugural addresses, States of the Union, declarations of war: presidential speeches have provided defining moments in the United States’ history. In most cases, addresses to the nation are delicately crafted, behind the scenes, by expert speechwriters. Through the careful selection of words, and by skillfully employing the rhythm and sound of language, these poets of the podium allow the nation’s leaders to reassure and mobilize the public, through the power of the spoken word. What are the ingredients, and what is the process, for developing a major speech? In the age of social media, with constant communications and short attention spans, does political oratory still resonate as it once did? Featuring: David Litt, Author; Writer and Producer, Funny or Die; Former Speechwriter to President Barack Obama; Mary Kate Cary, Former speechwriter to President George H. W. Bush; Robert Pinsky, William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor, Boston University; Former United States Poet Laureate. Moderated by Henry Bienen, President, the Poetry Foundation.
On the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in November 2017, officials from the United States, Japan, India, and Australia met to discuss the revival of quadrilateral cooperation among four of the region’s major maritime democracies. Japan chaired the meeting, focusing on the theme of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” This refrain, which also has been adopted by the Trump administration, echoed language from Prime Minister Shinzō Abe’s visit to India two months prior. Tokyo has emerged as the biggest cheerleader for the “quad,” asserting its leadership and pressing other partners to embrace the new framework. What are the motivations that drive Japan’s enthusiasm for this “mini-lateral” initiative? Can Tokyo, with its own limitations, remain a driving force behind the concept and operation? Featuring: Emma Chanlett-Avery, Specialist in Asian Affairs, Congressional Research Service; Weston Konishi, Senior Fellow, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation. Moderated by Karl Friedhoff, Fellow, Public Opinion and Asia Policy.
The world is now home to the largest youth population in human history. In India nearly one million people turn 18 years old every month, and about one billion people are projected to be under the age of 18 in Africa by 2050. This unprecedented deluge of 15–24 year olds, many of whom are concentrated in rural areas in low to middle-income countries, could positively transform entire societies if they are engaged, equipped, and empowered in productive employment. However, if their needs and ambitions are neglected they could also be a major source of social unrest, political instability, and conflict. How can countries capitalize on the potential of this promising demographic to secure economic growth and stability? What role will key sectors such as agriculture and technology play in securing youth livelihoods? Featuring: Ertharin Cousin, Distinguished Fellow, Global Food and Agriculture; Rayid Ghani, Director, Center for Data Science and Public Policy, University of Chicago; Former Chief Scientist, Obama for America 2012 ; Felix Kwame Yeboah, Assistant Professor, International Development, Michigan State University. Moderated by Alesha Black, Director, Global Food and Agriculture Program .
Hierarchical structures such as states dominate our understanding of history. But even as rulers asserted their power from the towers of palaces, real power often resided in the town squares below, within constantly shifting networks of people. The age of the world wide web has illuminated the power of networks but, Niall Ferguson argues, this is an age-old phenomenon. The tension between rigid hierarchies and fluid, informal webs of interconnection has been a defining, if misunderstood, driver of change and disruption throughout modern history. Are there historical analogies to the rise of today’s online social networks? What does history teach about the ability of networks to overcome established hierarchies? Featuring: Niall Ferguson, Milbank Family Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Democracy, free enterprise, and egalitarianism are central to America’s self-identity. Emerging from the Cold War as the sole superpower the United States has confidently projected these values across the world through its culture, commerce, diplomacy, and military. But in recent years the United States has appeared to retreat from global leadership and waver in defense of its ideals. The rise of rival powers and the disruptive effects of globalization have also heightened the appeal of alternate ideologies. How is America viewed from abroad today, and what factors influence these attitudes? If America loses its appetite to lead, whose values will shape the world? Featuring: Reuben E. Brigety II, Dean, Elliott School of International Affairs, the George Washington University; Brian T. Edwards, Crown Professor and Director, Program in Middle East and North African Studies, Northwestern University; Richard Wike, Director, Global Attitudes Research, Pew Research Center . Moderated by Evelyn Farkas, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council.
Join the Council on Global Affairs and Minister Ciarán Cannon for a conversation on the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, what Brexit means for Ireland’s future, and Ireland’s role in the European Union. Featuring: Ciarán Cannon, Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ireland.
In cyberspace borders, regulation, police, and passports cease to exist. Evolving their tactics terror networks have entered the cyber realm and exploited its immense power. Popular platforms such as Google, YouTube, Twitter and others, have enabled global terror networks to quickly and efficiently recruit, communicate, and coordinate deadly attacks worldwide. Meanwhile, anonymizing software and encryption tools help them to avoid detection by intelligence services. How did the internet evolve into a breeding ground for terrorists and how are they exploiting its power? How should governments respond? Featuring: Gabriel Weimann, Professor of Communication, University of Haifa, Israel.
The bulls have been raging and the economy has added jobs year after year, yet productivity growth has remained stubbornly stuck for more than a decade. Years after the financial crisis—and despite a high-tech innovation economy—this productivity paradox continues to bedevil economists, businessmen, and policymakers around the world. Is the productivity paradox due to a mismeasurement of our modern digital economy, or must we face up to persistent productivity doldrums? And what will be the fate of the US economy more broadly over the next few years as the Federal Reserve transitions from Janet Yellen to Jerome Powell and finally normalizes monetary policy? What impact will the recently passed tax cut have on growth? Featuring: Martin Feldstein, George F. Baker Professor of Economics, Harvard University; President Emeritus, National Bureau of Economic Research.
Gender imbalance pervades many workplaces, and nowhere more so than in the STEM fields. Despite this, women have been at the forefront of major technological breakthroughs. From NASA’s Hidden Figures who helped win the space race, to the courageous all-girl Afghan Robotics team, women and girls are harnessing tech to change the world. What barriers have traditionally held women back from careers in STEM? How can men support women and drive tech equality? How is tech being used as a force for social good? This International Women’s Day, join the Council for an exciting discussion with leading innovators whose extraordinary minds are showing the world that women and girls have a key role to play. Featuring: Emily Church, Director of Strategy and Impact, XPRIZE; Roya Mahboob, Founder and Executive Director, Digital Citizen Fund. Moderated by Brad Keywell, Cofounder and CEO, Uptake.
The 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics placed South Korea front and center on the world stage. Yet this country of just over 50 million people has been occupying the headlines often in recent months, and South Korean policymakers are finding themselves at a crossroads. While Chinese economic influence in the country continues to grow, the security alliance with the United States remains critical in the wake of North Korean advancements to their nuclear weapons and missile programs. What path will South Korea pursue as China and the United States compete for influence on the Korean peninsula? What are the prospects for progress on inter-Korean relations in the wake of Kim Yo-jong’s historic visit to South Korea for the Pyeongchang Olympics? Featuring: Scott A. Snyder, Senior Fellow for Korea Studies and Director of the Program on US-Korea Policy, Council on Foreign Relations.
Millennials are now the most populous living generation in the United States, and have overtaken baby-boomers and Gen Xers in becoming the largest voting group. As the most sizeable demographic in the electoral system, their opinions and values in shaping future party policies and political institutions are more apparent than ever. With increased demographic, political, technological, and global shifts to their core platforms, how will the Republican and Democratic parties engage millennials? And with two-thirds of youth fearful about America’s future according to the Harvard Public Opinion Project, how will the parties address millennial concerns and pressing issues on immigration, climate change, and terrorist threats? Featuring: Bob Dold, Former Member, US House of Representatives (R-IL10); Craig Kafura, Research Associate; Robin Kelly, Member, US House of Representatives (D-IL2) Moderated by Natasha Korecki, Senior Reporter and Author, Illinois Playbook, POLITICO.
Seventy years after independence, India is the world’s largest democracy, one of its most diverse societies, and the economy with growth potential that could rival China’s. Yet it also remains one of the poorest and unequal, with hundreds of millions mired in deep poverty and limited by a rigid caste system that constrains social mobility. The Narendra Modi-led government’s turn to Hindu nationalism has sharpened sectarian tensions and raised questions over the rule of law—and hasn’t helped relations with Pakistan either. With three decades left before its centennial, what must India do to become a decisive force on the world stage and convert its expected demographic dividend into broad prosperity? Featuring: Alyssa Ayres, Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia, Council on Foreign Relations; Raghuram Rajan, Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business;Somini Sengupta, UN Bureau Chief and Foreign Correspondent, New York Times; Tunku Varadarajan, Virginia Hobbs Carpenter Fellow in Journalism, Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Moderated by Marshall Bouton, Senior Fellow, Center for Advanced Study of India, University of Pennsylvania.
Shortly after his inauguration, US President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The withdrawal from this agreement, which was previously billed by the Obama administration as a way to enhance American economic growth and sustain American influence in the Asia Pacific region, signified a major shift in US trade policy. What will be the future of Asia Pacific economic integration following the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership? What local and regional impacts will this withdrawal have for the United States on foreign direct investment and trade from Asia? Featuring: Bart Édes, Asian Development Bank; Shihoko Goto, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Jonathon Hallberg, Jefferson County Development Corporation; Jason Hester, Greater Columbus Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Fukunari Kimura, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia; James Mathis, Komatsu America Corp - Peoria Operations; Christopher Nelson, The Nelson Report; Kei Pang, Nidec Motor Corporation; Jeffrey J. Schott, Peterson Institute for International Economics; Sheila Smith, Council on Foreign Relations; Yorizumi Watanabe, Keio University; Karl Friedhoff, Public Opinion and Asia Policy; Michael Lev, Chicago Tribune; Phil Levy, Global Economy.
Seventy years after independence, India is the world’s largest democracy, one of its most diverse societies, and the economy with growth potential that could rival China’s. Yet it also remains one of the poorest and unequal, with hundreds of millions mired in deep poverty and limited by a rigid caste system that constrains social mobility. The Narendra Modi-led government’s turn to Hindu nationalism has sharpened sectarian tensions and raised questions over the rule of law—and hasn’t helped relations with Pakistan either. With three decades left before its centennial, what must India do to become a decisive force on the world stage and convert its expected demographic dividend into broad prosperity? Featuring: Bart Édes, North American Representative, Asian Development Bank; Shihoko Goto, Senior Northeast Asia Associate, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Jonathon Hallberg, Executive Director, Jefferson County Development Corporation; Jason Hester, President, Greater Columbus Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Fukunari Kimura, Chief Economist, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia; And other participants. Moderated by Karl Friedhoff, Fellow, Public Opinion and Asia Policy; Michael Lev, Member, Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune; Phil Levy, Senior Fellow, Global Economy.
Shortly after his inauguration, US President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The withdrawal from this agreement, which was previously billed by the Obama administration as a way to enhance American economic growth and sustain American influence in the Asia Pacific region, signified a major shift in US trade policy. What will be the future of Asia Pacific economic integration following the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership? What local and regional impacts will this withdrawal have for the United States on foreign direct investment and trade from Asia? Featuring: Bart Édes, North American Representative, Asian Development Bank; Shihoko Goto, Senior Northeast Asia Associate, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Jonathon Hallberg, Executive Director, Jefferson County Development Corporation; Jason Hester, President, Greater Columbus Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Fukunari Kimura, Chief Economist, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia; And other participants. Moderated by Karl Friedhoff, Fellow, Public Opinion and Asia Policy; Michael Lev, Member, Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune; Phil Levy, Senior Fellow, Global Economy.
The majority of jobs in the future are expected to require post-secondary educational attainment and credentials that recognize specialized training and skills. Yet today only 40 percent of the US labor force possess degrees beyond a high school diploma. After several years of strong job growth many employers are struggling to find workers with the required skills while workers struggle to find meaningful employment. How should post-secondary education itself be re-envisioned to adapt to an increasingly diverse population and meet future labor force demands? Does the United States need to rethink immigration policy and business practices, and is there an appetite for such change? Featuring: Courtney Brown, Vice President of Strategic Impact, Lumina Foundation; Rob Paral, Nonresident Fellow, Global Cities;Juan Salgado, Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago. Moderated by Douglas Belkin, Higher Education Reporter, The Wall Street Journal.
No one said it was going to be easy, but the heat is ratcheting up as NAFTA renegotiation becomes contentious and the parties race toward a March deadline. The United States has put forward novel proposals that have encountered stiff opposition from Canada and Mexico. Critical sticking points include rules of origin for products such as cars, dispute settlement resolution, and a ‘sunset clause.’ As the United States threatens to pull out of NAFTA altogether and the Trump administration emphasizes its preference for bilateral over multilateral trade deals, the rest of the world is watching these talks closely. Carla Hills, the lead negotiator of NAFTA in the 1990s, joins the Council’s Phil Levy to discuss whether the United States can really withdraw from NAFTA and what that would mean for the US economy and its international economic leadership. Featuring: Carla Hills, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hills & Company, International Consultants; Phil Levy, Senior Fellow, Global Economy.
In February, the Janet Yellen era at the Federal Reserve will conclude and the Jerome Powell era will begin. What will the change mean for US monetary policy? Advanced economies are reveling in increasing growth and bright economic outlooks, yet central banks are only very slowly normalizing monetary policy to pre-crisis levels. With inflation still well below target, interest rates are expected to remain low (and negative in some countries), and engorged balance sheets are only very slowly being whittled down. Does the low-inflation economy demand that these unconventional approaches to monetary policy become standard tools of central banks’ arsenal? Or can central bankers throw off the shackles of the Phillips Curve mentality and insist on normalization? Featuring: Donald Kohn, Robert V. Roosa Chair in International Economics and Senior Fellow, Economic Studies, The Brookings Institution; Randall Kroszner, Norman R. Bobins Professor of Economics, University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Michael H. Moskow, Vice Chair and Distinguished Fellow, Global Economy. Moderated by Bethany McLean, Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair.
The first year of President Donald J. Trump’s administration has been unlike that of any other American president. Trump’s prolific use of Twitter, willingness to reevaluate long-held policies and alliances, and populist nationalism have made a significant impact on his presidency and his party. Meanwhile, the administration’s efforts in the coming year to contain the threat posed by North Korea, deal with a resurgent Russia, and broker peace in the Middle East will help shape its ultimate legacy. How will the first year of the Trump presidency be judged by historians in years to come? Is the American presidency as an institution being changed in ways that will have an impact on future officeholders and the country as a whole? Featuring: David Axelrod, Institute Director, The University of Chicago Institute of Politics; Former Senior Advisor, President Barack Obama;Timothy Naftali, Clinical Associate Professor, New York University; Presidential Historian, CNN; Kori Schake, Distinguished Research Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University; Former Senior Policy Advisor, McCain-Palin Campaign; McKay Coppins, Staff Writer, The Atlantic, Author.
Artificial intelligence promises to transform almost every aspect of daily life in the years ahead. From virtual assistants and self-driving cars, to robotic surgeons and autonomous weapons, the applications are almost limitless. But with advances in computing making it possible for machines to learn from experience, make decisions, and perform complex tasks, many fear that humans could be sidelined, even threatened. How might advances in this field of technology change the relationship between humans and machines? And how should individuals, governments, and corporations prepare for the transformational power of accelerating AI?
The 2016 United States presidential election demonstrated the vulnerability of electoral systems to outside interference. While much attention has focused on social media and leaked emails the security of voting systems themselves poses a critical threat to American democracy. The scale of this challenge was revealed in July when hackers at the DEF CON conference tested and breached – within minutes – various pieces of election equipment, some of which are still in use today. Can electoral systems be secured in the digital age? How are governments around the world, and at the local, state, and federal level in the United States, preparing to meet this threat?
The currency of the future isn’t gold, dollars, or even bitcoin – it’s trust. As the number and nature of daily transactions increase due to digital connectivity and global trade, trusting who is on the other end of the interaction becomes paramount. A newish technology, the blockchain, is poised to create a shared single version of the truth of anything digital through a distributed ledger system based on the principals of simultaneous democratization and cryptography of digital information. Learn more about the blockchain, potential applications, and surprising industries set to be revolutionized by this disruptive technology.
Today’s is a world of rapid and bewildering change. Globalization, climate change, and, above all technology, are transforming societies in ways that would have seemed unimaginable only a generation ago. From workplaces and communities, to the farthest reaches of the planet, nowhere is untouched by these forces. For many this change has brought a sense of dislocation, confusion, and a longing for the old certainties: feelings that have been readily exploited by populist movements in recent years. Is this age of acceleration destined to foster greater division? Or can business and government be reimagined to harness technology in ways that solve the world's greatest challenges?
What role do cities and their mayors have in combating climate change? With more than half the world’s population living in urban areas and estimates that climate change could cost the world’s major cities twice as much as the rest of the planet – city mayors are dedicated to finding solutions for climate mitigation and resilience. Nearly 50 mayors from cities around the world will convene in Chicago for the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy’s North American Climate Summit. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs will host a panel with global city mayors highlighting their efforts to tackle climate change. The panel will be moderated by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman.
Food demand is expected to increase substantially by 2050 due to rising populations and incomes. With this staggering demand comes an unprecedented business opportunity for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs. The old guard is changing: young leaders are putting their entrepreneurial minds to work, pioneering innovations and products that tackle challenges to global food security. From channeling funds into “soil to shelf” ventures to using blockchain for produce traceability, entrepreneurs and business executives across the globe are adding new tastes, new roles and new jobs to the food sector. Join the Chicago Council for a conversation with the next generation of agriculture managers who are charging well-beyond the plough to introduce new ways we think about what we eat.
Prosperity or health – does one have to choose? With massive industrialization and urbanization, China’s environment pays a heavy price. China’s most recent annual environmental report notes that three quarters of Chinese cities cannot meet the nation’s air quality standards, while the water quality of 60 percent of monitored groundwater wells is either “bad” or “very bad.” Ma Jun, this year’s Dr. Scholl Foundation Visiting Fellow and China’s foremost environmentalist, has been exposing these concerns for decades. An innovator, he has pioneered ways to share pollution data with the public and cooperate with international businesses – all while striving to bridge the gap between the government and the public. With the world turning to China for affordable and clean energy leadership, Ma will share his insider’s perspective on a blue – or grey – sky future for Beijing.
Is marijuana legal or illegal – can it be both? The legal marijuana industry is poised to add more than a quarter of a million jobs to the economy by 2020. Cost savings from legalization could be over $7.7 billion and tax revenue could range from $2.4 to $6 billion annually. Yet, marijuana remains a federally controlled substance, deterring professionals and investors from entering the market. In the last few months, Canada and Mexico have legalized marijuana at the national level for recreational and medical use respectively. What, if anything, is the United States losing by not adopting a federal legalization policy? As this new industry grows, how can it do so inclusively?
How has terrorism changed since 9/11? Rapid globalization and ubiquitous access to the internet, mobile phones, and social media have created a breeding ground for terrorist communication networks to flourish. By using the dark web and messenger encryption, Jihadist organizations are able to infiltrate into bedrooms from San Bernardino to London and radicalize and recruit individuals. With some of the most high-profile attacks across Europe and the US directed remotely by Jihadists in Syria and Iraq, how can national security experts sever radical networks at the root? What can law enforcement do to target Jihadist funding sources, intercept terrorist communication webs, and improve surveillance systems to prevent future attacks?
As India, Niger, and the southern United States grapple with historic flooding, new research is illustrating the inclusive costs of climate events and whom they affect the most. A changing environment – via floods, droughts, or storms – affects residents indiscriminately, yet it is the economically disadvantaged who struggle to adapt and recover. The World Bank reports that climate change will drive an additional 100 million people into poverty by 2030, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Will changing weather patterns change demographic maps as those that can leave at-risk areas do? How do we factor inequality into resilience planning for climate change at the local and international levels?
If someone handed you the keys to the city – what would you do first? Both Dan Doctoroff and Steve Koch, former deputy mayors of New York and Chicago respectively, used their proverbial keys to redevelop and revitalize their cities. Handpicked by their mayors and without previous government experience - both brought a business lens to the task of driving reinvestment during critical times, achieving some big wins and suffering a few defeats along the way. As cities compete for corporate headquarters, skilled labor, foreign direct investment, and even residents – how can they also work together to elevate the quality of urban life? How do cities ensure progress reaches all of their neighborhoods and residents?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that everyone has a right to health. Yet today, 400 million people lack access to essential health services. Thirty years ago, that number was much higher; in recognition of this inequity, Paul Farmer, Jim Yong Kim, Ophelia Dahl, Todd McCormack, and Tom White founded the nonprofit organization Partners In Health to bring high-quality health care to the rural poor in Haiti. The documentary Bending the Arc chronicles the progress and dedication of the organization—which now works in 10 countries around the world—in tackling entrenched diseases, global epidemics, and skepticism among the global community and its institutions. Please join the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Abbott in hosting Dr. Paul Farmer for a screening of Bending the Arc, followed by a discussion about today’s global health challenges, and the importance of public-private partnerships.
This year has seen North Korea test more than 20 missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. North Korean state-run media and American experts now claim that much of the United States is in range for a nuclear strike. The rhetoric between the United States and North Korea has been harsh, yet US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has indicated the US is willing to come to the table for talks with North Korea if the country abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Can North Korea be persuaded to abandon its nuclear weapons program? What is the best path forward to promote peace and stability on the Korean peninsula?
A quarter of a century after the Cold War formally ended, Ukraine is at the heart of a new frozen conflict between Russia and the West. With its annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in the eastern Donbas region, Russia has challenged Ukraine’s independence and tested the strength of its ties to Europe and America. These actions, Anne Applebaum contends, have disquieting echoes throughout Ukraine’s twentieth century history. How has this past, particularly the catastrophic Soviet famine of 1921-34, shaped the present day fight for Ukraine’s destiny? Can the West preserve the independence of Ukraine, as well as the other nations of Europe’s borderlands, and avoid war with Russia?
Join the Council on Global Affairs and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras for a program on the state of cooperation between Greece and United States on economic and security issues in Southeast Europe.
Sparta and Athens grew toward a conflict that neither wanted – what Graham Allison calls Thucydides’s Trap. Named for the classical Greek historian, Thucydides’s Trap describes the structural stresses that result when a rising power threatens to displace a ruling one. The looming question is whether China’s rise and the fear it instills in America will result in war between the great powers. With tensions rising on nearly all of China’s borders, new leadership priorities in Washington, and historic government transition set to happen after Beijing’s 19th National Congress, the foundation for conflict or coordination is in many ways being set right now. Will the intertwined economies of the China and the US stave off Thucydides’s Trap, or is this all just a little bit of history repeating? Allison’s new book Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap? will be available for purchase and signing via the Book Cellar following the program.
The United States and European Union face many of the same challenges today: they must maintain economic growth in the face of global competition, harness and manage rapid technological change, and respond to diverse security threats. Yet a transatlantic partnership that has endured since the end of World War II now appears increasingly divided over how to respond. The 2016 Brexit referendum and the US presidential election resulted in victories for populist campaigns that questioned the core values and institutions created by the transatlantic powers. More recent elections in Europe have bolstered centrist candidates and helped to rejuvenate the European Union. But on questions of trade, security, climate change, and relations with Russia, Europe’s leaders have frequently been at odds with the Trump administration. On these and other critical issues, an opportunity and impetus has arisen for the European Union to assume a global leadership role that many feel the US is abandoning. Are the European Union and United States on divergent paths? How are changing geopolitical and economic realities transforming the transatlantic partnership? And how committed are Europe and America to defending the global institutions and rules they created? The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Chatham House will convene policy experts, journalists, and practitioners for a half-day symposium to chart these trends and consider their implications.
The United States and European Union face many of the same challenges today: they must maintain economic growth in the face of global competition, harness and manage rapid technological change, and respond to diverse security threats. Yet a transatlantic partnership that has endured since the end of World War II now appears increasingly divided over how to respond. The 2016 Brexit referendum and the US presidential election resulted in victories for populist campaigns that questioned the core values and institutions created by the transatlantic powers. More recent elections in Europe have bolstered centrist candidates and helped to rejuvenate the European Union. But on questions of trade, security, climate change, and relations with Russia, Europe’s leaders have frequently been at odds with the Trump administration. On these and other critical issues, an opportunity and impetus has arisen for the European Union to assume a global leadership role that many feel the US is abandoning. Are the European Union and United States on divergent paths? How are changing geopolitical and economic realities transforming the transatlantic partnership? And how committed are Europe and America to defending the global institutions and rules they created? The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Chatham House will convene policy experts, journalists, and practitioners for a half-day symposium to chart these trends and consider their implications.
The United States and European Union face many of the same challenges today: they must maintain economic growth in the face of global competition, harness and manage rapid technological change, and respond to diverse security threats. Yet a transatlantic partnership that has endured since the end of World War II now appears increasingly divided over how to respond. The 2016 Brexit referendum and the US presidential election resulted in victories for populist campaigns that questioned the core values and institutions created by the transatlantic powers. More recent elections in Europe have bolstered centrist candidates and helped to rejuvenate the European Union. But on questions of trade, security, climate change, and relations with Russia, Europe’s leaders have frequently been at odds with the Trump administration. On these and other critical issues, an opportunity and impetus has arisen for the European Union to assume a global leadership role that many feel the US is abandoning. Are the European Union and United States on divergent paths? How are changing geopolitical and economic realities transforming the transatlantic partnership? And how committed are Europe and America to defending the global institutions and rules they created? The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Chatham House will convene policy experts, journalists, and practitioners for a half-day symposium to chart these trends and consider their implications.
Join the Council on Global Affairs and Ambassador Husam Zomlot for a conversation on politics in Palestine and Israel and the prospects for a lasting peace in the region.
It is estimated that eight of the world’s richest men control as much wealth as the poorest half of the population, according to a recent Oxfam report. This concentration of wealth has widened the gap between rich and poor, and women often suffer the most acute effects of poverty. Tackling this inequality requires a new economic vision, according to Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus’ microfinance model has empowered over 150 million people worldwide, reducing poverty, unemployment, and incentivizing entrepreneurship among low-income individuals in Bangladesh--with 97% of loans offered to women. Join the Council on Global Affairs, Muhammad Yunus, and Susan Davis for a discussion on how we can tackle worldwide poverty in a way that creates jobs, empowers youth, utilizes technology and is sustainable for our planet. Muhammad Yunus’ latest book is A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment and Zero Carbon Emissions will be available for sale and signing from The Book Cellar.
The private sector has steadily increased investment in global agriculture, but the global south will continue to face an investment gap that amounts to billions of dollars. This gap, along with increased food production demands due to rising populations and rapid urbanization, means the market for ideas and capital is at an all-time high. With Africa’s agriculture and food sector alone expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, the opportunity for engagement is well beyond corporate social responsibility. What is the business case for deeper private sector investment, and what can the private sector do to transform the global food supply chain? How must individual countries act to strengthen the environment for investment and spur inclusive and sustainable growth?
Cities are increasingly driving the global economy. Yet there are numerous disruptive forces that threaten to deepen inequality and economic exclusion unless cities adapt and evolve. The choices that municipal leaders make today to give the workforce access to skills, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and deepen regional connections will have long-term implications for their cities’ economic development. How can cities achieve broader, more inclusive economic development in the face of large scale changes in urbanization, globalization, technology, and demographics? What local solutions can be found to address these global forces of disruption?
East Asia is an increasingly dangerous place, with tensions high on the Korean Peninsula, a more assertive China, territorial disputes, and questions about the future role of the United States. These developments present critical challenges for Japanese foreign and security policymakers. Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has taken steps to reform its national security policy and infrastructure, and since the election of President Trump last November it has 'doubled down' on the US-Japan alliance. How will Japanese foreign policy evolve in light of these security challenges and through this period of dramatic strategic change?
Formed in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization dedicated to intergovernmental cooperation and economic integration. There is significant economic potential in this fast-growing region with 625 million people living in ASEAN’s ten member states and a real Gross Domestic Product of over $2.5 trillion. What will be the role of the United States in the region after President Trump’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership? What impact are domestic politics in ASEAN countries playing on regional stability and economic relations with the United States?
In recent decades the United States has led international efforts to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. But many of President Trump’s statements on nuclear weapons suggest a coming shift in US policy. In questioning America’s security guarantees to its allies, criticizing the Iran nuclear deal, and calling for the strengthening of America’s nuclear capabilities, critics charge that the President is undermining global nonproliferation efforts. Could America’s new posture spark a renewed nuclear arms race? Or is an expanded and modernized nuclear deterrent critical to American security in an age of geopolitical instability and renewed great power rivalry?
In January 2017 Xi Jinping became the first Chinese president to attend the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering in Davos. Xi’s attendance, and his robust defense of globalization, were symbolic of the changing realities of global power. As global wealth and influence flow from west to east, Asia’s growth is ever more tied to global integration. Viewed from America, however, this process of easternization is often portrayed as a threat to American jobs and security – a perception that could increase as China’s regional economic and security influence grows. Is there an alternative to this zero sum assessment of US-Asian relations?
America’s economy seems strong—the labor market is tight; inflation, wages, and home prices are rising; and households and businesses appear optimistic. During the presidential election campaign, President Trump proposed a wide-ranging set of policy shifts in major areas, including international trade, infrastructure spending, taxation, and regulation. What are the potential risks and benefits of President Trump’s economic plan? And how might the interplay between economics and politics impact the agenda? Join the Council on Global Affairs for a conversation on the current state and future prospects for the US economy.
Majestic and highly intelligent, the world’s largest land mammal has been endangered for decades. In September 2016, the elephant’s precarious future was brought into stark relief by new data indicating that the African population had declined a staggering 30 percent from 2007 to 2014. Yet only months later, China—the world’s largest importer and consumer of elephant ivory—made an important commitment to shut down all ivory commerce by year’s end. The decision has already helped to drive the price of ivory down and dampen the market. Is the ivory boom truly over and can elephants be saved? Save The Elephants’ newly appointed CEO gives an update on the status of elephants and the newest silent threat to their future.
Turkey is an important member of NATO and a powerful player in the Middle East. Recently the stability of the country has become a concern as it is now a target of the Islamic State, and is fighting a low-level insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, also the failed coup against President Erdoğan of July 2016 has further destabilized the country. Throughout all of these developments, Turkey’s bilateral relations with the United States has deteriorated. With over 2.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, what role will it play in the future of Syria? And how will the changing dynamics of its politics shape its relations with the EU, NATO allies, and the US?
In 2017 the European Union entered its sixtieth year with a sense of apprehension. A populist surge that had propelled the UK’s vote for Brexit and President Trump’s election in the US now ominously stalked the EU, as the Bloc faced a succession of crucial national elections. Recent victories for centrists in the Netherlands' general election and France’s presidential election appear to have allayed the worst fears. Yet Le Pen’s anti-EU message received record levels of support in France. And with federal elections looming in Germany in September the EU still faces a number of severe tests including the Brexit negotiations, coordinating a response to the ongoing migrant crisis, and reforms of the Eurozone. Will the travails of 2017 renew the EU? Or is this the beginning of a slow unraveling of the European project?
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the third time in a decade this March—and may do so again at the next rate-setting meetings. What is the US economic outlook given the potential shifts in economic policy signaled by the new US administration? What role should the Fed play in fostering long-term economic growth? Join the Council on Global Affairs for a discussion on the role of the Federal Reserve and the outlook for the US economy.
At a time of uncertainty around security cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe, the Polish administration has advocated for strengthening ties with NATO. Poland is one of only five NATO members that currently meet the alliance’s target for spending two percent of Gross Domestic Product on defense. It is also in the process of a modernization of its armed forces, a process that has been expedited following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. What is the Polish perspective on the future of NATO? How can Poland and the United States work to promote peace and stability in Central and Eastern Europe?
President Trump was elected on a pledge to fix an American immigration system that many perceive to be broken. Already, through a series of executive orders, the new administration has begun to forge a radical shift in immigration policy based on stricter border controls and enforcement actions, and plans to construct a wall along the Mexican border. While constitutional disputes loom, millions of legal and unauthorized migrants, and refugees, face a less certain future in the United States. What might be the implications of these moves for the US economy and society? As federal policy becomes more restrictive how are states, cities, and local communities responding?
What should our food system look like? According to the USDA, American consumption of local foods has tripled in the past two decades and demand is predicted to be worth over $20 billion by 2019. And yet, markets continue to expand globally, connecting rural producers with urban consumers, and offering new opportunities for small scale farmers. What are the environmental repercussions of a food movement that demands diversity, sustainability, and local production? And how will this trend impact already vulnerable farming populations?
The Black Sea region serves as an important nexus between Europe and Central Asia. Yet myriad threats to stability in this region could have a significant impact on transatlantic security. In recent years, countries bordering the Black Sea have experienced incursions on their territorial integrity, significant inflows of migrants and refugees, and threats from terrorist groups and organized crime. What role can Romania, NATO, and the European Union be expected to play in ensuring security in this region in the coming years? How may potential flashpoints in this region have broader consequences for transatlantic security? What impact will domestic politics and protests in several countries in the area have on regional stability?
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation host a special briefing with two of the researchers behind the National Academy of Sciences' report, The Economic and Fiscal Consequences of Immigration.
The historic 2015 US Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage put the US on par with over 20 other nations in advancing the LGBTQ movement. However, countries like Uganda have done the opposite, passing laws that criminalize homosexuality. Despite an overall increase of enactments protecting LGBTQ rights, global prejudice continues to deter the movement. Currently homosexuality is punishable in 10 countries across Africa and the Middle East, and events like Uganda’s Pride festival—where activists were imprisoned, and the Orlando gay nightclub shooting, a response to the rise in hate crimes across the US—highlight the level of backlash against sexual minorities. Join the Council on Global Affairs, Frank Mugisha, one of Uganda's most prominent LGBTQ campaigners, and Chicago based activist Jane Saks, for a discussion on how we can overcome discrimination and injustices towards sexual minorities in Uganda and globally.
The number of American passport holders has doubled in the last decade as globalization has impacted our businesses, homes, and increasingly – our classrooms. Students today are exposed to more global ideas than any of the proceeding generations, be it through social media, art, or their classmates. How do we provide the next generation with the understanding of interconnectedness to thrive in an economically and digitally linked world? The inaugural class of Koldyke Global Teachers traveled to Thailand, Australia, and throughout Europe to deepen their knowledge of global education models and bring cross-cultural experiences back to their classrooms. The Koldyke Global Teachers Program was generously established by Patricia Blunt and Martin J. Koldyke in 2016 and invests in the professional development of Chicago-area high school teachers. Join the teachers as they share stories and best practices for guiding future global citizens here in Chicago.
Days after the inauguration, the Trump administration announced that American aid money would stop flowing to foreign nonprofits working on abortion. This action illustrates America's long-standing moral and legal tensions related to sex. Throughout American history, conflicts over such issues as the legal regulation of contraception, abortion, homosexuality, and pornography have divided our nation and led to fundamental debates about the meaning of our Constitution. How did sex become so intertwined with religion and law when the Founding Fathers embraced Enlightenment attitudes grounded in reason, individual freedom, the pursuit of happiness, and the separation of church and state? What can the epic story of sex and the Constitution teach us about how to navigate these controversial issues both in our own nation and in our approach to such questions globally?
With more than half of the world’s populations now living in cities, and urbanization occurring at unprecedented rates, there is opportunity to rethink how cities are designed. For government leaders and urban practitioners, the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda offers a compelling vision for the future of cities as resilient, sustainable, equitable, and inclusive. The agenda argues cities should be people-centered and provide access to critical amenities that enable residents to live fulfilling, self-determined lives. Join us for a discussion on the implementation of this agenda as well as a special viewing of the short documentary, “The Moment to Get Cities Right: Inside Habitat lll, The Urbanization Summit of a Generation."
Geopolitics has long been portrayed as a chessboard of competing nations. The metaphor still holds true for high-level statecraft but does not capture the full complexity of the modern world, argues Anne-Marie Slaughter. Today a vast web of global connections, including trade and finance flows, terrorist networks, and social media, overlay the chessboard, exerting their own powerful influence over events. But while the moves on a chessboard are well understood, no strategies exist to guide policymakers in a world of fluid networks and connections. How should governments navigate the world of the web? Can citizens, NGOs, and cities design and customize networks to find solutions to global challenges?
Influencing the marketplace of ideas used to be reserved for an elite class of public intellectuals with broad expertise and academic cache. Today’s thought leaders don't need doctorates or fellowships to reach large audiences of people hungry for new thinking. Rather, TED talks, social media, and online mediums can be used to create positions of expertise. Drezner argues that political polarization, heightened inequality, and eroding trust in authority have converged to create a new intellectual class. Join the Council and Drezner as he explains how the marketplace of ideas has changed in the 21st century.
The Chicago Cubs broke the curse of the Billy Goat when they lifted the Commissioner’s Trophy on November 2, 2016. In a wider sense their dramatic, never-say-die World Series victory also helped to lift a mood of sporting cynicism. In an era when our athletic heroes and teams seem to be mired in scandal as often as they are covered in glory, the Chicago Cubs’ success at the 108th attempt resonated with jaded sports fans across the world. What qualities enabled the young Cubs team of 2016 to triumph where their predecessors had so consistently faltered? Could this epic home town victory inspire change beyond the world of sport, and across Chicago’s communities?
Please join Harry B. Harris, Jr., the commander of US Pacific Command, for a public program at the Council in which he will share his insights on how the United States military can deter threats and ensure security in the Asia Pacific region.
What comes next for the world’s democracies? Can governments and civil society bridge the growing disconnect between citizens and their elected leaders? Can open political systems be retooled to confront the complexity and volatility of the global age? Policy experts, researchers, and practitioners will convene at this half-day symposium to examine the retreat and renewal of global democracy.
Africa is home to several of the world’s fastest growing economies. Yet the continent’s continued development faces many challenges including a burgeoning underemployed youth population, climate induced migration, and political instability. Modernization of agriculture and food systems can promote political and economic stability helping Africa to realize its vast potential. How can collaborative action ensure sustainable food systems the world over? Join Council experts for a special discussion on the latest report “Stability in the 21st Century: Global Food Security for Peace and Prosperity” following the March 30 release in Washington, DC.
The US economy seems exuberant—market indices are reaching new heights, labor markets remain strong, and the Federal Reserve might raise interest rates soon. Abroad, economic bright spots are appearing in Japan, Europe, and elsewhere. Yet global uncertainty remains high—especially given the possible economic implications of the broad policy shifts signaled by the new US administration. According to IMF director Christine Lagarde, a global ‘race to the bottom’ in taxes, trade, or financial regulation would be a ‘black swan’ with devastating economic consequences. What does the future hold for the US and the global economy in the era of Donald Trump?
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, some observers opined that Russia would have the opportunity to be freed from the grip of authoritarianism that prevailed under communist rule. Yet recent years have seen media censorship on the rise and increased repression of dissident groups. These developments have dampened that initial enthusiasm as Russia seems to slip further into authoritarian rule. How do the Russian media and the government’s censorship of reporters shape the fate of the country? Will the styles of populism and nationalism embraced by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump improve relations between Russia and the United States or set the countries on a course for confrontation?
In the lead up to the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium, the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is collaborating to produce Food Security, a podcast examining nutrition, hunger, and food security around the world. This is the second of three episodes showcasing work from journalists whose projects tie into the big picture of global agriculture and food security. In this episode, host Roger Thurow interviews Jenni Duggan, whose project “Syrian Seeds Sow Hope for Global Food Security” where she tells the story of a research center in Lebanon, whose collection of seeds were rushed out of Syria during hostilities and are of vital importance for global food security in a changing climate. If you like the show, mark your calendar for the March 29-30 live streams of the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium.
With a history spanning millennia, China can play the long game. And it has been, according to Howard French. By championing globalization and Eurasian integration, rapidly expanding its military capabilities, and making contentious regional territorial claims, among others, China is asserting its previously-obscured ambitions. As America reassesses the terms of its global engagement, how will Beijing pursue its historical objectives? How does the past inform China’s current actions and future plans, and how should President Trump interact with Beijing?
Each year a day is designated to focus on the importance of water. Yet each day, more than half a billion people lack access to safe water sources – and in many countries it is leading to domestic instability. Rivers flowing across borders and declining water reserves have the potential to be a flashpoint for future conflict, making water security a matter of national security. On World Water Day 2017, fellows from the Council on Global Affairs will discuss the growing importance of water and stability throughout the world. What are governments in the east and the west doing now to secure their supply for the future? Can cooperation over water actually become a source of greater peace and stability?
As the Trump administration begins to take shape, what is next for the US and the Middle East? From the most recent travel ban focused squarely on the Middle East, uncertainty over Iran and the nuclear deal, and developments in relations with Israel and Palestine, US policy is clearly changing. Almost no country in the region is without its challenges for Washington, especially as civil wars unfold in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. What role will the US have in the conflicts in the Middle East?
American consumers love authenticity, even of the manufactured variety. A recent study by Edelman Digital found that 40 percent of millennials prefer to buy from local businesses regardless of additional cost over mass-market alternatives. Companies are finding innovative ways to meet the demand for locally produced products by marrying the power of the global supply chain with the art of storytelling. From artisanal luxury wear to sustainable furniture, the barriers between 'manufacturing' and the maker's movement are becoming blurred. What do labels like “Made in America”, “Made in China”, or “Fair Trade” really mean? And if what you’re creating is a brand – is this a trend or a new economic reality?
In the lead up to the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium, the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is collaborating to produce Food Security, a podcast examining nutrition, hunger, and food security around the world. This is the second of three episodes showcasing work from journalists whose projects tie into the big picture of global agriculture and food security. In this episode, host Roger Thurow interviews Karim Chrobog, whose project “Wasted” compares the world’s largest food recycler, South Korea, with the world’s largest food waster, the United States. If you like the show, mark your calendar for the March 30 live stream of the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium.
In an interview a few days before his inauguration, Donald Trump called NATO “obsolete” and said Angela Merkel’s decision to welcome more than a million refugees to Germany was “catastrophic.” He has also praised Brexit and spoken out in support of other countries leaving the European Union—at a time when the EU is facing serious questions about its future. Is President Trump imperiling the strong transatlantic relations that have served as an anchor of stability for the continent since the end of World War II? What can the EU expect from the US over the next four years—and vice versa?
In the lead up to the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium, the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs collaborated to produce Food Security, a podcast examining nutrition, hunger, and food security around the world. This is the first of three episodes showcasing work from journalists whose projects tie into the big picture of global agriculture and food security. Roger Thurow interviews Lisa Palmer, who has covered the threat of global environmental change and its impact on our ability to feed a growing population in her project Hot, Hungry Planet. If you like the show, join us in Washington, D.C. March 29th-30th for the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium. Learn more and register at http://thechicagocouncil.org/globalfoodsecurity2017
The rise of authoritarian nationalism and general economic malaise are straining democratic governance around the world—including in Africa. Countries such as Burundi, Congo, and Ethiopia have experienced an erosion of democratic institutions, fraudulent elections, and violent upheavals—in contrast to peaceful power transfers in others, such as Ghana and Nigeria. Many African countries are experiencing an ebb in confidence regarding their governments’ capacity to improve living standards and reduce insecurity—often as a consequence of corruption and dysfunctional institutions. How can Africa overcome obstacles to democratic governance? And what does the future hold for the continent?
Forged from the ruins of WWII, the European Union was born in a time of crisis. Yet the crises the bloc has faced in recent years have shaken it to the core. From the large-scale refugee flows to the persistent threat of deadly terrorist attacks, from the Greek banking crisis to the shock of Brexit, the blows to the European project have come relentlessly. With major elections in the Netherlands, France, and Germany set for 2017—and creeping authoritarianism threatening the liberal order in many Western countries—can the EU survive what many say has become an existential crisis? Will it turn this moment into an opportunity to emerge stronger, or will the dominoes fall toward dissolution?
What is next for the American Dream? A shrinking middle class and entrenched political polarization have called into question America’s status as the world’s land of opportunity. Tyler Cowen argues that a populace once driven by its relentless vision and innovative spirit has shortchanged itself by settling down, digging in, and becoming too comfortable. How can America regain its dynamism? Is this a global phenomenon? Join the Council on Global Affairs and Tyler Cowen for a debate on how to revitalize American society from the ground up.
The "One China" policy—whereby the US maintains formal relations with Beijing and not Taiwan—has been the cornerstone of US-China relations for decades. It was upended within one month of Donald Trump’s victory, when the then president-elect accepted a phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Further statements from the Trump administration suggest that questioning the "One China" policy may no longer be taboo. On the heels of the 45th anniversary of the 1972 Shanghai Communique—which marked the beginning of the rapprochement of US-China relations—what does the Trump presidency portend for US-China relations and the fortunes of Hong Kong and Taiwan? Could Taiwan be part of a bargain between the US and China? How would Hong Kong fare in the event of a possible Sino-US trade war?
From withdrawing from the TPP to questioning China’s practices regionally and economically, President Trump's administration promises policy changes for Asian security. Leading thinkers in Asian security convene at a half-day symposium to explore what lies ahead for the pivot to Asia under a new administration Agenda: Panel 1: US Policy towards Asia 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Brad Glosserman, Executive Director, Pacific Forum CSIS Andrew Oros, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of International Studies, Washington College Toshimichi Nagaiwa, Lieutenant General (Retired), Japan Air Self Defense Force Sheila Smith, Senior Fellow for Japan Studies, Council on Foreign Relations Richard McGregor (moderator), Former Washington Bureau Chief, Financial Times Panel 2: Security Challenges in Northeast Asia 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Patrick Cronin, Senior Advisor and Senior Director, Asia-Pacific Security Program, Center for a New American Security Osamu Onoda, Lieutenant General (Retired), Japan Air Self Defense Force Andrew Shearer, Senior Adviser on Asia Pacific Security, Center for Strategic and International Studies Sheena Chestnut Greitens (moderator), Assistant Professor, University of Missouri Keynote Lunch: The Role of the US-Japan Alliance 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. Dennis Blair, Chief Executive Officer, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA Yoshiji Nogami, President, The Japan Institute of International Affairs Ivo Daalder (moderator), President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Mayors have to take care of their populations, and sometimes that means going to other countries. A delegation of Mexican mayors from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Juarez came to Chicago to conduct city-to-city diplomacy during an "emergency time" in US-Mexico relations. Salomón Chertorivski, secretary of economic development of Mexico City, sat down with the Council's Brian Hanson to discuss what they hoped to achieve.
For the first of the Council’s new debate series, University of Chicago Law Professor Eric Posner and Northwestern Professor Ian Hurd will go head to head in a conversation moderated by Kirkland and Ellis partner Leslie Smith on the credibility of universal human rights and their power—or lack thereof—to effect change in the world.
Should the US establish a basic income? Share your opinion and pose questions to our speakers via https://chi.cnf.io/ Universal basic income has been proposed as a way to reduce poverty and prepare for future technology-related job losses, critics question what might happen to society if people are no longer compelled to work. Cofounder of the Basic Income Initiative and artist and filmmaker Enno Schmidt discusses if basic income can promise a future of personal freedom.
Following President Trump’s order to withdraw the United States from the TPP, Australian Ambassador to the United States Joe Hockey analyzes the impact on US influence in the Asia-Pacific region and explores the broader implications for global trade and security.
America’s workforce is on the cusp of momentous change as technology and demographic change transform the nature and availability of work. Robots and algorithms present increased competition to workers, but also hold the promise of augmenting human labor and intellect. Meanwhile an ageing workforce, the sharing economy, and diminishing employer commitments are hastening a move toward short-term, flexible work in the “gig economy”. How might these changes redefine our understanding of career, education, and retirement? Can policymakers and corporations prevent today’s workforce revolution from widening inequality?
In 2006, Syria suffered its worst drought in 900 years which experts cited as a contributing factor to the social unrest and riots preceding the current civil war. Global “hot spots” - where tensions are high due to overpopulation, resource scarcity, weak governance, underdevelopment, and other causes - are especially susceptible to the destabilizing effects changes in climate can prompt. Manmade or not, governments, militaries, and corporations are taking climate change into account when developing operational strategies – and predicting future needs. What countries are most at risk for climate-induced destabilization and what will that mean for geopolitical alliances?
Technology is exposing democracy’s vulnerabilities. After hackers, allegedly working for the Russian government, stole politically sensitive documents and used them in an attempt to influence the US election outcome, governments across the world have scrambled to understand how such cyber-meddling can be prevented. At the same time intelligence agencies in many democratic nations have amassed enormous cyber-surveillance powers which, critics charge, pose a growing threat to civil liberties. Is technology a threat to democracy? How can open, networked societies balance transparency and security in the digital age?
Like his two immediate predecessors, President Donald Trump is entering office determined to improve relations with Russia. At a time when US-Russian relations have deteriorated sharply as a result of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea, its military intervention in Syria, and its direct interference in the US elections, how a Trump administration will deal with a resurgent Russia is a critical question for America and the world. How can relations with Moscow be improved? Is a grand bargain on issues like Ukraine, Syria, and cyber possible? Can a new cold war—let alone a hot one—be prevented? Speakers: Samuel Charap, Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia, International Institute for Strategic Studies Ivo H. Daalder, President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs John E. Herbst, Director, Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council; Former US Ambassador to Ukraine
The US-Mexico relationship is at a crossroads. President Trump’s vows to renegotiate NAFTA, crack down on immigration, and to create physical and economic barriers between the two countries, portend disruption in longstanding commercial, political, and social ties. Moreover, diplomatic relations have deteriorated rapidly—culminating in President Peña Nieto’s recent decision to cancel a visit to Washington. Will the friendly bilateral relations in recent years endure, or will the neighbors revert to the general antagonism of previous periods? Join the Council on Global Affairs for a discussion on US-Mexico relations in the Trump era.
Snorkeling in Mozambique – good for the local economy, or bad for the local ecosystem? What about being an early traveler to a country like Cuba? As travel and tourism extend access to emerging markets, global citizens can use their dollars, time, and social media currency to achieve tremendous impact. Volunteer travel, international work fellowships, and working with socially responsible travel companies are all options for travelers seeking more meaningful and immersive experiences. How can the next generation of travelers benefit from – and support – the places they visit?
Are Americans imperialists or isolationists? Whether the United States should intervene and lead, or show global restraint, is a recurring theme of US foreign policy, argues Stephen Kinzer. This debate may be more pertinent now, as President Trump formulates his global strategy. From the imperialist invasions of the 19th and 20th centuries, to the more recent interventions overseas, any action the United States takes has major global reverberations. Why has the United States oscillated between intervening and restraining in an increasingly complex international system? What does the past tell us about our future?
The new documentary, The State of Eugenics, gives voice to survivors of an often-forgotten chapter in US history when eugenic sterilization was legal. After the Midwest premiere on January 11, director, writer, and producer Dawn Sinclair Shapiro, University of Chicago professor Geoffrey R. Stone, and other legal and medical voices reflected on the history of eugenics in the United States and where it is still happening globally.
Eighteen years into the 21st Century, it is time to re-evaluate what has been called the age of Asia. Following the rise of populism and anti-globalization movements in the west, Asia has every opportunity to become the well-oiled, policy-defining voice in the world. But Asia has its challenges too. China’s economic growth is decelerating, territorial disputes are escalating, and many Asian nations face impending environmental and demographic crises. On January 26, Michael Auslin, Karl Friedhoff, and Deborah Lehr will join Phil Levy to discuss whether we are truly in an Asian century, and the Council on Global Affairs will further the discussion with new public opinion data collected in countries throughout the Pacific exploring regional perspectives on global engagement.
Trade featured prominently in the presidential campaign, with both major party candidates strongly criticizing international trade agreements. Under the Trump administration, the fate of trade agreements—both completed and under negotiation—is uncertain. According to the 2016 Chicago Council Survey, a majority of Americans believe free trade is beneficial to the US economy and consumers—though the main concern for many is the threat trade poses to job security. What are the limits of presidential authority on trade issues? And what are the prospects for global trade—and the implications for American workers and the US economy?
Are the best days of America’s inclusive economic growth and social development over? According to the 2016 Chicago Council Survey, 57 percent of Americans believe the next generation will be worse off economically than today’s workers. David Smick argues that policy has favored the corporate status quo for a long time, stifling entrepreneurship and innovation—and hollowing out the working and middle classes, thus making their American Dream increasingly unattainable. He calls for a ‘great equalizer’—a new paradigm and bipartisan reforms to unleash America’s potential and level the playing field. What must we do to create an economy for everyone?
The world is entering an age of disarray, argues Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations. Globalization, climate change, and new technologies are challenging nation-states and eroding the foundations of global order. As power is diffused, and non-state entities grow in influence, the ability of governments to protect and govern their populations is being severely tested. For America this age of uncertainty has multiplied the complexities and dangers of global leadership at a time when rival powers have emerged to challenge the liberal international order. How did the world arrive in this period of volatility, and what might come next? And what should the United States do—and avoid doing—as a result?
Election 2016 was a watershed moment for American politics as well as for its journalists. A host of new digital media outlets and bloggers, some set up just to chase clicks and harnessing the vast power of social media, caught the public’s attention to an unprecedented degree. But the growing influence of these sources has sparked intense debate about the veracity of news in the digital age. At a time when faith in traditional news sources and government institutions is in decline, critics charge that “fake news” and its wildfire sharing on social media is contributing to “post-truth” politics. In a congested information marketplace, how can governments and professional journalists be heard above the din?
Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the UN estimates that more than 250,000 people have been killed, and another 4.8 million are refugees. This devastating humanitarian catastrophe is one of worst since World War II, and has resulted in the largest refugee exodus of the twenty first century. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, particularly in Eastern Aleppo. Medical facilities and classrooms continue to be bombed, while innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire of violence, and lack food, water and medical supplies. An increasing number of casualties are women and children. A panel of experts offer firsthand accounts on the deteriorating situation, and explore how Chicago activists are propelling action and awareness in Syria.
In 2016 the Chicago Council Survey of public opinion recorded its highest levels of support for globalization. Yet anti-globalist sentiments have often set the tone during the presidential election campaign. Candidates of all stripes have accused free trade of eliminating jobs and depressing wages, while immigrants and international organizations have come under frequent fire. Internationally too, the Brexit vote was a landmark rejection of economic and political integration by UK voters. Jeffrey E. Garten, author and dean emeritus, Yale School of Management, speaks with Edward Luce, Washington commentator, Financial Times, about the global challenges facing the next administration.
In 2016 the Chicago Council Survey of public opinion recorded its highest levels of support for globalization. Yet anti-globalist sentiments have often set the tone during the presidential election campaign. Candidates of all stripes have accused free trade of eliminating jobs and depressing wages, while immigrants and international organizations have come under frequent fire. Internationally too, the Brexit vote was a landmark rejection of economic and political integration by UK voters. Jeffrey E. Garten, author and dean emeritus, Yale School of Management, speaks with Edward Luce, Washington commentator, Financial Times, about the global challenges facing the next administration.
Polling by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs reveals that record numbers of Americans now consider terrorism directed or inspired by ISIL and Al Qaeda to be a critical threat to the United States. In Europe, the scale of recruitment of “foreign fighters” and the frequency of terror attacks has shown this challenge to be even more acute. Attacks in Belgium, France, and Germany have revealed the challenge that governments face in countering radicalization that leads to terrorism, and dealing with terrorist operatives returning from conflict areas. How have Europe’s counter-terrorism strategies evolved in response to ISIL? Robert A. Pape, political science professor at the University of Chicago, Thomas A. Wuchte, head of the Action against Terrorism Unit and Transnational Threats Department, OSCE, and Cécile Shea, nonresident senior fellow, Global Security and Diplomacy, discuss what can the United States and Europe learn from each other’s response to this transnational threat.
Watch Israel’s former minister of defense and former military chief of staff Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon discuss the new geopolitical realities in the Middle East and how countries in the region will respond to the incoming Trump administration.
From humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in rural China to the chairman, founder, and president of Dataway Horizon, the leading public policy polling firm in China, Dr. Victor Yuan is a true Chinese success story. Dr. Yuan boasts over 20 years of experience in policy analysis, has authored more than 40 books, and counts 7 million followers on Weibo, one of China’s leading social media platforms. His use of socially-oriented polling and data application has significantly influenced policy analysis and his personal passion of supporting youth development through philanthropic and angel investment work has encouraged the next generation of Chinese entrepreneurs. How did Dr. Yuan successfully complete this rags-to-riches tale? What is the current state of social mobility in China? Join the Council on Global Affairs and Victor Yuan, 2016 Dr. Scholl Foundation Visiting Fellow on US-China Relations, for a discussion about Dr. Yuan’s pursuit of the Chinese dream as well as opportunity and entrepreneurship in China today.
Panel 2: From Brexit to Election 2016 - Populism in Europe and the United States by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Panel 1: The Rise of Populism - Trends, Forces, and Developments by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Alan Greenspan was once extolled as a "maestro" for his seemingly uncanny talent in leading markets like an orchestra. As chairman of the Federal Reserve for two decades, he largely elevated it above politics and presided over the metamorphosis of finance from the post-war rigid system to the relatively unfettered global leviathan of the past quarter century. He retired in 2006, and two years later the music stopped—as the world faced the abyss of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. How could the man who embodied the mysterious nexus of political and economic power not have foreseen the impending doom? Could he have stemmed the market’s irrational exuberance? Sebastian Mallaby sheds unprecedented light on Greenspan’s paradoxical persona and discusses the lessons learned to avoid another meltdown.
This year marks the centennial anniversary of the Great Migration that saw millions of Black Americans migrate from the south to the urban centers of the north with the promise of security and economic prosperity. Worldwide, global cities are destinations for people of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds seeking employment, educational opportunities, and better futures. Yet many cities are segregated, with populations locked in neighborhoods of generational poverty, criminality, and poor housing and schools. Cities are on the front line of solving the cultural and socioeconomic challenges facing these communities. How can global cities define the future of inclusive, open societies and fulfill the promise they offer?
Europe has been rocked by several crises in the last few years—the global financial crisis, the eurozone crisis, rising migration, nationalism, and populism, among others. And now Brexit seems to threaten the very existence of the European Union. Joseph Stiglitz believes that the underlying flaw was the creation of a single currency—the euro—without the necessary supporting institutional architecture. Initially hailed as one of the cornerstones of European peace and prosperity, the euro now seems to promote discord and economic malaise. What is the future of the euro? Can Europe prosper without it?
The global economy is nearing a crossroads—as central banks alone seem unable to foster high inclusive growth and durable financial stability. According to Mohamed A. El-Erian, there are two paths ahead: one leading to recovery, prosperity, and stability, and the other to recession and continued instability. What must we do—individually and collectively—to avoid the next collapse?
Donald Trump will take control of the White House on January 20, 2017, defying numerous polls and predictions. From Wall Street to Main Street, and in the office of nearly every head of state in the world, the attention now turns to the President-elect’s appointees and what the new administration will set as its priorities. Where will the new president – and a Republican Congress - lead America at home and abroad? Dan Balz, chief correspondent at the Washington Post, will offer a timely look how the election unfolded and the challenges the administration faces.
American intervention in the Middle East has posed a far riskier undertaking in the years since the Arab Spring. Intensifying sectarian conflict, eroding state structures, and the growing influence of non-state actors and regional powers will leave the new administration with few easy policy options. What are the prospects for renewed US leadership in the Middle East beyond 2017? How might the new administration approach the Israeli-Palestinian peace process or the fight against ISIS?
Uber, Airbnb, OpenTable – what do they all have in common? These “matchmakers” don’t sell widgets, they sell access; diner and open seat, car and rider, hotel guest and available room. These new, often global, models of business rely on simplicity for the end user while their back-end is quite intricate due to their multisided nature. Which characteristics ensure a matchmaker platform gains critical mass to succeed and thrive? How do traditional single-sided businesses compete in the face in this new business model?
Prior to 1979, the US and Iran were economic and military partners. However, the fall of the Shah and the US Embassy hostage crisis broke diplomatic relations, and ignited long lasting political disputes, and mistrust between the two countries. As Iran prepares for an election next year, and continues to flex its diplomatic and military muscles to maintain influence in the Middle East, what have we learned from how the Bush and Obama administrations engaged with Iran? How should the new president of the United States respond, and will the Iran nuclear deal increase involvement and transparency between the two nations in the road ahead?
Eight presidents, both Republican and Democratic, have aimed to integrate China into the international system and pursue constructive US-China relations. But that longstanding consensus is under growing pressure, as security competition in Asia intensifies and China’s global footprint continues to grow. China has featured prominently in the US presidential campaign, with both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump promising a toughened line, and Trump, in particular, proposing punitive trade actions against Beijing. Amid challenges from North Korea and in the South China Sea, to trade frictions, how should the next President deal with China? The two leading Asia advisors to Presidents Obama and Bush offer their unique perspectives.
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that improvements in the status of women and girls also drive the prosperity and security of families, communities, and nations. In recent years the US government has incorporated gender equality as a metric of policy development and program investment of its domestic and foreign policies. Yet despite many indicators of progress for women and girls everywhere more work remains, and strong collaborations are still needed in areas regarding women’s economic and political leadership, eliminating violence against women and girls, and supporting women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. As the US prepares for new governance what would a change in leadership mean for women’s rights, domestically and internationally? And how can we best continue to provide US leadership to women’s issues in the next twenty years?
What is the future of the economy? As the presidential election looms, this question continues to play a critical role in the discourse. Robert Gordon contends that economic progress will be slow—due to slower innovation, plateauing education, an aging population, and rising inequality and debt. On the other hand, Joel Mokyr argues that the future looks bright—driven by a new age of invention, especially in areas such as computing, robotics, materials, and bioengineering. According to the 2016 Chicago Council Survey, 57 percent of Americans believe the next generation will be worse off economically than today’s workers. Is the best yet to come, or are the heydays of economic growth over? What should the next president do to foster growth? Join the Council for a lively debate.
Almost a decade after the financial crisis, global economic growth is fizzling and many of the world’s economies are laden by high and often rising public and private debt. With increasingly limited scope for conventional monetary policy, decision-makers are turning to greater policy coordination, fiscal stimulus, financial regulation, and less structural reforms to foster the recovery. Yet, according to Carmen Reinhart, comprehensive debt restructuring is rarely included in the policy mix. Why should it be? And how could it help growth? Please join the Council on Global Affairs and Carmen Reinhart for a discussion of the importance of debt in the global economy.
North Korea recently rattled the international community yet again when it conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date. Though North Korea’s nuclear ambitions have strained even its relationship with China, its closest ally, North Korea’s leaders show no signs of slowing their development of an arsenal of nuclear weapons and missiles. In the face of North Korean persistence, the United States and South Korea are leading efforts to hold the isolated country accountable for its actions. Join the Council on Global Affairs and leading academic and policy voices to explore policy options and actions to ensure stability and security in Northeast Asia.
Former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO Thursday 10/20/16 Doors open: 11:45 am Event: 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm We will live stream this event at 12:20 p.m. CT In recent years, Russia has become an increasingly bold and competitive actor in international politics. The 2014 annexation of Crimea, facilitated by Russia’s steadily increasing militarization and President Vladimir Putin’s political determination, embodies this trend. Yet politicians around the world are still at odds about how to confront this challenge. How much of a threat does Russia pose to the international community? What steps should key countries and NATO be taking to address Russia’s desire to increase its military and political influence?
Argentina is charting a new course. Since the election of Mauricio Macri as president in 2015, the country has begun moving away from populist policies and towards free-market strategies. By cutting export taxes, halting currency controls, and devaluing the peso, Macri is trying to boost growth, improve the business environment, and win back international market confidence. Yet will these reforms be enough to overcome the legacy of protectionist policies? Join the Council on Global Affairs and Ambassador Lousteau for a discussion of Argentina’s economic reforms and the way ahead for international investments in the country.
The famous staple of Obama’s foreign policy—“leading from behind”—has been under scrutiny throughout his presidency. While some have argued for less interventionism, many others have critiqued his actions (or lack thereof) on the Iran nuclear deal, Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and the war in Syria, among other issues. Many argue that America’s foreign policy over the last eight years has strengthened Russia and China. As the general election nears, the nature of America’s foreign policy has become an increasingly contentious issue. What does the future hold for America as a global leader? Should it continue to “lead from behind,” or is the time ripe for a leadership that brings the country front and center on the international stage?
Election 2016 has been a rough ride for proponents of trade. Throughout a divisive primary season, and a contentious general election campaign, support for trade has fallen victim to a rising backlash against globalization. Despite the recent efforts of President Obama and a Republican-led Congress to conclude the landmark Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), both party nominees have pledged to renegotiate the deal. What might be the economic and diplomatic repercussions of TPP’s failure? Can America regain a bipartisan consensus on trade?
Keynote Panel: Beyond 2016 - The Implications of Populism by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
In an era where nearly any data point is at our fingertips, it’s increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. Terror groups like ISIL and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula are well known for their sophisticated use of social media tools. Journalists, governments and the billions of people posting and snapping ideas everyday have created an overcrowded information space primed for a hostile takeover. The battlefield has gone digital—and we are all part of it now. Understanding it is of paramount national security. How does ISIS recruit online? How far does Putin’s media machine reach? How will China grapple with Twitter? Join under secretary Richard Stengel and journalist James Warren for a look at the latest on propaganda in the digital age.
Maria Toorpakai Wazir is ranked among the top female squash players in the world. Growing up in a Taliban stronghold in Northern Pakistan, where girls are not expected to play sports or even attend school, Toorpakai Wazir became one of Pakistan’s top female athletes. Her international presence has brought awareness to gender inequality in tribal areas of Pakistan and helped to increase female participation in sports. Join the Chicago Council and Maria Toorpakai Wazir to hear how she overcame threats from the Taliban and is empowering younger generations to build stronger communities in her native country.
Carolina Trivelli, a Peruvian economist, will visit the Chicago Council on Global Affairs to deliver the Annual Gus Hart Lecture as the Council’s 2016 Gus Hart Visiting Fellow. This fellowship has been endowed by the Hart family to honor former Chicago Council board member, Gus Hart, distinguished cofounder of the Inter-American Foundation, whose lifelong interest in the Latin American and Caribbean region and long service to the Chicago Council served as an inspiration for many in Chicago. Gus Hart Visiting Fellows are selected annually to spend one week in Chicago interacting with business, civic, academic, and media professionals in a program tailored to the Fellow’s interests and experience.
With the US presidential election less than 100 days away, US-China relations face yet another critical turning point, with both major party candidates emphasizing different trajectories for the relationship. Next year, China faces its own leadership transition at its 19th Party Congress, which likely will result in the largest turnover on the Central Committee in the past four decades. According to the 2015 Chicago Council Survey, there is a trust deficit in US-China relations: just 34% of Americans express confidence in China to deal responsibly with world problems, and only 46% of Chinese say the same about the United States. What are the most important issues and policy implications in both of these upcoming leadership transitions? Please join the Council on Global Affairs and Cheng Li for a discussion on the future of US-China relations.
Immigration policy and its implications for national security have dominated the 2016 presidential election debates. How should policymakers balance their concerns for threats with pragmatic solutions? What are the future risks—and benefits--of possible reforms?
There are over 15,000 nuclear weapons in existence today – down from over 70,000 in 1986. Though the threat of a nation using one of these catastrophic weapons has lowered, chances of an accident are still considerable. Eric Schlosser spent six years investigating the current US nuclear arsenal – and its command and control system – to get a deeper sense of how nuclear risks in the post-Cold War era are mitigated. What did we learn from the near disasters of the past? Have the risks of an accident been lessened or just forgotten?
Iran’s politics are in flux. At home, moderates gained ground over more conservative candidates during this year’s parliamentary elections. Yet tensions remain high among the different factions—in advance of the presidential election next May. Abroad, Iran continues to play a significant and increasingly complex role in the geopolitics of the wider region. Moreover, the lifting of Western sanctions has the potential to further change the country’s political and social landscape, as well as regional dynamics. What does the future hold for Iran’s domestic politics and what are the implications for its foreign policy? And with the US election around the corner, how will a new US presidency impact Iran, its role in the region, and bilateral relations?
Sept. 27, 2016 - Albania and the Western Balkans: A European Future? by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
During the heated 2016 presidential campaign―with America’s global leadership increasingly challenged and its domestic politics gridlocked―voters may have the impression that the country faces almost insurmountable crises. But governments across the world have developed effective and proven solutions to similar, pervasive challenges, argues Jonathan Tepperman. Projects like Brazil’s Bolsa Familia program and Indonesia’s campaign against extremism demonstrate that constructive change is possible even in the most fraught of circumstances. How can America’s next president apply other nations’ policy “fixes” to enhance the nation’s security and prosperity?
Sept. 26, 2016 - Global Migration and Its Implications by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Sept. 23, 2016 - Rebalancing Immigration and Security by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
The collapse of the subprime loan market, the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and the emergence of ISIS are all crises that governments, businesses, or society failed to recognize or anticipate. According to Michele Wucker these were not random and unforeseen “black swan” catastrophes, but rather predictable, solvable, and often avoidable, “gray rhino” events. Why do we consistently neglect such obvious dangers? And what do gray rhinos reveal about our attitude to risk?
NYT's White House correspondent Mark Landler examines the complicated relationship between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and explains the implications of Obama's legacy on a possible Clinton presidency.
Members of the Council’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2016 will discuss how mental health services, social security, and health care are adapting to address 21st century needs. Each year the Council selects the best and brightest mid-career leaders in Chicago to join its Emerging Leaders Program. The program culminates with participants reporting on issues they identify as critical and sharing their findings and recommendations with Council audiences. This is the second of three presentations of reports from the Emerging Leader Class of 2016.
China’s economic growth in the last 30 years has been impressive—yet cracks have started to form, requiring tough decisions from the government and the private sector. While the country still presents numerous investment opportunities and provides multibillion-dollar profits to global companies, its economy is plagued by corruption, market volatility, and mounting debt. What does the future hold for China and companies operating inside its border? Drawing from a wealth of academic research and interviews with dozens of company executives and policymakers, Arthur Kroeber details what everyone needs to know about China’s economy.
Dr. C. Raja Mohan, a leading strategic thinker and commentator on international security, defense, and Asian strategic issues, will visit the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as its inaugural Marshall M. Bouton Asia Fellow. The fellowship was established by the Council’s board of directors to honor Marshall M. Bouton, who served as president of the Council from 2001 to 2013 and is a recognized expert on India and Asia. Each year a prominent scholar, former senior policymaker, or public intellectual known for contributions to Asia’s economic and political development and/or international relations is invited to spend one week as a visiting fellow at the Council on Global Affairs.
Today, one in every four children under the age of five in the world—nearly 170 million in total—is physically or mentally stunted. In the past few years, devastating food crises and new research on the economic and social costs of childhood hunger have inspired an international movement to end malnutrition in the first 1,000 days, from conception to a child’s second birthday. Proper nutrition during these 1,000 days can profoundly influence an individual’s ability to grow, learn, and work, and determine a society’s long-term health and prosperity. Through compelling stories of new mothers and babies in Uganda, India, Guatemala, and Chicago, award-winning journalist and anti-hunger advocate, Roger Thurow, brings the 1,000 days to life and illuminates the science, politics, and progress of the movement to end childhood malnutrition. Thurow, a senior fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, discusses his new book, The First Thousand Days, with international development experts Tom Arnold and Catherine Bertini.
The global human rights movement isn’t what it used to be. In the past, human rights were those that needed to be protected from totalitarian regimes, cruelty in war, and other natural and man-made atrocities. Today, these problems still exist, but there are new challenges. Privacy from government surveillance. Drone warfare. Climate change. What have we learned from past human rights challenges and how can we apply these lessons going forward? How can governments, corporations, and individuals better protect human rights in this new era?
Almost everyone today agrees that the Arab uprising has failed. But Marc Lynch argues it has not failed—it has only just begun. While the protest wave has passed, the conditions which drove it have only strengthened and Lynch believes there will be no return to stability anytime soon. He suggests we should expect more upheaval, more state failures, more sudden regime collapses, more insurgencies, and more proxy wars. Informed by commentators and analysts from the Arab world, Lynch offers a clear distillation of the Arab uprisings, a new framework for understanding the politics of the Middle East, and advises most importantly: where do we go from here?
HIV, Ebola, Malaria, and recently the Zika Virus in Brazil have pushed the healthcare system to its limits in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization estimates there is currently a shortage of over 7 million healthcare workers in the world–which means preventable outbreaks often become defining moments in a community. Especially in resource-limited countries, international organizations are forced to move from crisis to crisis without the ability to invest in the future of the local healthcare system. What are the best methods of educating and training doctors, nurses, and midwives who can then work towards building a healthy future for their community? How are public-private partnerships working to prioritize areas where investment is crucial, and what are the timelines for delivery?
The European Union is a house of cards threatening regional stability and global prosperity, argues Yanis Varoufakis. The flawed architecture of the EU’s institutions, which struggled to develop an effective or coordinated response to the Eurozone crisis, has never been addressed. Rather than reforming governance or enhancing democracy, Varoufakis contends that Europe’s leaders defended the status quo, while administering a punishing course of austerity on the EU’s weaker members. As a result, he believes, Europe will continue to see rising inequality and extremism, while remaining wholly unprepared for the next crisis. What are the key lessons from the Eurozone crisis? And what can global leaders and citizens do to build a more just, democratic, and sustainable economic system?
Members of the Council’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2016 will discuss their reports on the intersecting challenges facing global cities. Each year the Council selects the best and brightest mid-career leaders in Chicago to join its Emerging Leaders Program. The program culminates with participants reporting on issues they identify as critical and sharing their findings and recommendations with Council audiences. This is the first of three evenings of presentations from the Emerging Leader Class of 2016.
More than two years after the Kyiv protests, the crisis in eastern Ukraine threatens to settle into a frozen conflict between the central government and separatists. While the Minsk II ceasefire agreement appears to have tempered the violence, a permanent resolution seems elusive. Meanwhile, relations between Russia and the West remain tense—and increasingly complicated by Russia’s intervention in Syria. Veteran journalist and scholar Marvin Kalb offers a timely reassessment of the conflict’s origins by turning an eye to the deeply intertwined history between Ukraine and Russia—a history, he argues, that must inform the way forward. What stands in the way of a durable peace? What remains to be done by the West? Join Marvin Kalb for a discussion on Ukraine’s past ghosts and future hopes.
Zambia’s Kafue National Park is on the frontline of the global fight to save endangered species. Despite an international moratorium on the ivory trade, recent years have seen Kafue’s elephant population pushed to the brink of extinction. A global black market for ivory products is thriving today, enabled by porous borders and weak enforcement, and linking ruthless poachers in Africa to warlords, terrorists, and unscrupulous collectors across the world. How are NGOs and governments attempting to disrupt the global ivory trade? And in the face of an intensifying struggle to protect the world’s endangered species, what lessons can be learned from the battle for Kafue?
Moderated by Karen Weigert , Senior Fellow, Global Cities. SHARE Wednesday 04/13/16 7:30 am Could the next emerging market be, in fact, the West? And where does the future of the world economy lie? Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker join Council fellow Karen Weigert in a conversation on the new hotspots for global innovation. They will examine the transformation of “rustbelts” to “brainbelts,” where visionary thinkers, universities, regional government initiatives, start-ups, and big corporations are collaborating to reinvent cities that were once traditional centers of manufacturing. By producing smart products that are transforming industries, van Agtmael and Bakker argue these Western cities that had previously been written off are creating a new economy that is turning globalization on its head.
Boasting many of the world’s top universities, the United States is a magnet for talented students from across the globe. As graduates, these students are an enviable asset to the economy, adding critical knowledge and skills to the workforce and boosting productivity. But current US immigration laws limit the avenues in which international and undocumented students can transition to employment in the United States after graduation. Join Giovanni Peri, author of a new Council report on the economic impact of retaining US-educated foreign-born students in local economies, and a panel of experts as they discuss the challenges presented by current immigration laws and offer recommendations to maximize the contributions of this talent.
Literacy is considered a human right, yet an estimated 250 million children around the world are unable to read or write. A lack of resources and unequal access to education—especially in crisis and conflict zones—have left 62 million girls out of school. The global fight for literacy goes beyond reading and writing; educating girls can be a tool for poverty alleviation, economic reform, and can create healthier and safer communities. How can the public and private sectors work with communities to increase literacy rates? Christie Vilsack discusses innovative efforts to eradicate global illiteracy and USAID’s latest international education initiatives.
Major sovereign bond markets are the cornerstone of the financial system. They not only provide a method for governments to raise funds but also offer low-risk, long-term assets for pension funds and insurance companies to invest in, serve as a yardstick for other asset prices, and give investors a means to hedge interest rate risks. Yet, their smooth functioning cannot be taken for granted. Flashes of extreme volatility have punctuated periods of extraordinary calm. This year, record amounts of European and Japanese government bonds—as much as $6 trillion—yielded negative interest, implying that lenders paid governments to borrow rather than the other way around. What does this mean for markets, investors, and the global economy?
This was to be “The Chinese Century.” Lower-cost cars, textiles, and smart phones produced in China have fueled a manufacturing juggernaut that now accounts for 25 percent of global production. But the low-wage labor supply chain that propelled China’s historic growth has started to stagnate even while China’s consumer market evolves into a global economic force. Western manufacturers in China hoping to reach new Chinese customers are facing increased costs, greater environmental regulations, and industry-specific restrictions enforced by the government. What do China’s challenges mean for business leaders and consumers alike? How has the Shanghai free-trade zone changed the market for Western businesses? What will “Made in China” mean in the future?
The United States is seemingly addicted to excess. When it comes to food consumption, 38 percent of Americans are now obese, which is more than twice the average for all rich countries. When it comes to burning fossil fuel, America’s per capita carbon emissions are also twice the European level. Robert Paarlberg argues that America’s excessive consumption is likely to persist, since it grows out of the nation’s fundamental demographic and resource endowments, its distinct and easily deadlocked political institutions, plus its unique culture celebrating individual freedom. What does this mean for the rest of the world? Join the Council on Global Affairs in exploring the dark side of American exceptionalism.
Emerging markets seem to be in trouble. Long touted as the new economic engines of the world, places such as China, Brazil, Russia, or Turkey have lost their luster. Growth is down, investors are retreating, and corruption and political instability seem to be on the rise. Yet many emerging markets boast world-class firms, large middle-classes, and vast natural resources. What fueled the boom of the last decades and the current bust?
Five years on from the protests that forced Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak from power, the hopes of Tahrir Square are unfulfilled. Indeed, rather than beginning to transition toward democracy, Egypt has been backsliding toward dictatorship. What factors determine whether a nation under authoritarian rule—in Tunisia, Myanmar, Cuba, Venezuela, or several Middle Eastern nations—will succeed in transitioning to sustainable democracy? What lessons can today’s reformers learn from those who have succeeded in making such transitions in recent decades?
The modern financial system—centered on money and banks—has facilitated unprecedented economic growth in the last two centuries. Yet it has also produced a long string of economic catastrophes, including hyperinflation, deflation, bank failures, the recent global recession, and the current stagnation in many parts of the world. According to Lord King, the mechanisms of capitalist society rest on faith in a financial system that often defies reality and common sense. How can we avoid the boom–and–bust cycle? What must be done to provide a clear path to durable prosperity? Join Lord King in conversation with Bethany McLean as they discuss money, banking, and the future of the global economy.
In the two years since Moscow’s annexation of Crimea, relations with Washington and major European powers have deteriorated sharply. And today, thanks to the unsettled situation in eastern Ukraine and recent Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war, the damage is unlikely to be repaired any time soon. What political, military, and diplomatic calculations underlay Putin’s decisions to intervene in Ukraine and Syria? Do Donetsk and Damascus mark the frontline of a new Cold War?
Northwestern University's Brian Edwards examines localization of US pop culture in the Middle East, and what it means for American soft power.
Political strategists and Institute of Politics fellows Stuart Stevens and Joe Trippi discuss why reaching and engaging millennials is a key issue on the 2016 campaign trail with Council senior fellow Dina Smeltz and Council YP members.
Starting from a very young age, an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. From intimate partner violence to tactics of war, gender-based violence takes on various forms and transcends social and cultural groups. What support do young, at-risk girls need to lead full and productive lives? What new service-delivery systems have emerged to prevent and treat sexual and reproductive health and mental health problems?
You might not know it, but Chicago has become a world-leader in outside-the-box thinking when it comes to youth and global health. Cloud-based systems, big data from rural areas, and using game-based methods to educate girls on sexual and reproductive health are proving to be new and effective methods in improving girls’ lives – even in the most remote regions in the world.
From the Boko Haram kidnapping of over 200 girls in Nigeria, to the Syrian refugee crisis that has affected more than 7.5 million children, crisis and disaster zones occur in many forms, including through terrorist attacks, war, and natural disasters. The health of women and children is most at risk in times of crisis, as they are more likely to be denied education, and subject to exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. How do we support the health of women and girls during a crisis – and in the years and decades that follow?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an opportunity to think about health and well-being in new ways. Securing comprehensive health, including mental health, for girls and women around the world will require innovative, data-driven approaches, and long-term commitments from a variety of actors. Where are we falling short, and what roadblocks still exist? What would a cross-sectoral agenda look like that would increase our collective impact?
Wearables, language development, and new methods of education in marginalized communities are changing the way we think about the connections between learning and health. The stakes remain high, as more and more children globally receive limited access to basic education and nutrition. Successful initiatives such as Thirty Million Words, UNICEF’s Kid Power wrist band, and innovative girls’ education models work to stimulate health and education in new and inventive ways. How are these programs reaching kids in need, and how should the global community engage where resources are limited or non-existent?
With the right support, young girls can contribute to their communities just as much as their male classmates. Sports are one way to keep girls healthy and safe, but how do we maximize these after school programs? And what in-school interventions are finding the most success? From the soccer pitches of Iran, to schools throughout the US, this panel will explore ways of empowering young girls to become healthy and confident leaders.
Education is inextricably linked to health – a sentiment true locally and internationally. Two organizations in particular have developed replicable models that can empower kids globally. This panel will feature case studies from Options for Youth, a Chicago organization working on issues such as second pregnancy prevention, and Caring for Cambodia, who build schools to provide education, healthy meals, and improved healthcare. How can school-based programs and individual support clinics like these be used more readily to support kids around the world?
General Michael V. Hayden, former director of the CIA and NSA, and Council President Ivo Daalder take a look at the changing global security environment and how America’s intelligence agencies are responding.
A panel of China policy experts led by Council senior fellow Dali Yang discusses China's environmental priorities and the future of global business.
Dutch Ambassador to the United States Henne Schuwer on the EU agenda and Dutch priorities as the Netherlands takes the helm of the EU presidency for the first six months of 2016.
Cartels today boast over a quarter-billion customers and more than $300 billion in annual revenues. Author Tom Wainwright examines the power of cartels and how economics might be the key to their demise.
Geopolitical Futures founder George Friedman analyzes emerging global hot spots and the political, cultural, and economic forces fueling conflict today.
Ambassador of Niger to the United States Hassana Alidou discusses the challenges her country faces and its future in the global arena.
University of Chicago professor Luigi Zingales explores the economic future for a continent strained by increased security concerns, the migrant crisis, a slowing economic recovery, and rising populism.
Commander of US Strategic Command Admiral Cecil D. Haney discusses the latest developments in national security and how we should prepare for threats across cyberspace, nuclear, and space domains.
Presidential historian Gil Troy examines the political culture of the turbulent nineties, and how the legacy of Bill Clinton's presidency is shaping the 2016 election.
David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama, discusses the 2016 election with POLITICO senior reporter Natasha Korecki.
Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb discusses the Asia-Pacific region's growing economic and political power.
China's foreign policy has become increasingly proactive since Xi Jinping came to power. Foreign Policy's Isaac Stone Fish presents the latest on China's grand strategy.
In the middle of an ongoing refugee crisis, activist and author Ben Rawlence provides an inside look at the world’s largest refugee camp, Dadaab.
Money is increasingly more about bits and bytes than bits of paper. Tyler Cowen and Randall Kroszner discuss how technological innovations are transforming finance.
Author Leif Wenar discusses the role that governments, the private sector, and consumers play in improving the conflict-ridden global resource trade.
Author Lawrence Hill, executive director of the National Immigration Forum Ali Noorani, WBEZ's Yolanda Perdomo discuss the current refugee crisis in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and US and Canadian immigration policies.
A panel of experts reviews the COP21 agreement, its ambitious goals, and the road to implementation.
By 2050, the world will need to feed almost 10 billion people—but how? An expert panel discusses the innovations that will define the future of food.
Neli Vazquez-Rowland of A Safe Haven Foundation discusses innovative approaches to rehabilitation for incarcerated females with Nischa Pieris of the Inter-American Commission of Women and Meade Palidofsky, founder and artistic director of Storycatchers Theatre. Immediately following, view Another Word for Beauty at the Goodman Theatre.
Former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates discusses the smart, committed leadership that can reform America’s failing institutions.
Council President Ivo Daalder joined Young Professional members to discuss our year thus far and what to expect as we look ahead to the spring.
Evan Feigenbaum, vice chairman of the Paulson Institute, discusses the emergence of Asian economic powerhouses, and the new political and economic institutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
Legal experts Alberto R. Coll and Mary Ellen O'Connell debate the use of drone strikes as a central part of US counterterrorism efforts.
"Mama” Aleta Baun, who saved her people from the brink of a devastating mining and deforestation campaign, and Regan Pritzker discuss the relationship between indigenous peoples and land in the face of a rapidly shifting climate.
An expert panel discusses the situation on the ground in Syria and the policy implications of the global refugee crisis.
Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, Jon Meacham, describes what today’s leaders can learn from George H. W. Bush’s beliefs, values, and leadership philosophy.
When an outbreak or natural disaster hits a community, women—both at home and in the hospital—are often the first to respond. Examine the unique challenges women face as they battle diseases around the world.
A panel of experts examines how cities can maintain their cultural and competitive edge and maximize the benefits of global integration while minimizing risks.
Robots are now performing functions as diverse and sophisticated as surgery, disaster response, and combat. How are robots set to impact the work around us and what developments lie on the horizon?
Today's global food system is coming to be characterized by heightened food price volatility. Council senior advisor and former head of USAID Rajiv Shah explains the intricacies of the global food price paradox.
How can the West confront Russia without conflict? Former world chess champion and activist Garry Kasparov explores Putin's worldview and US-Russia relations.
Ambassador Husain Haqqani provides insights on Pakistan’s aspirations to be a key regional player and its complicated relations with countries such as India, Afghanistan, and the United States.
Georgetown University professor and Brookings senior fellow Daniel Byman explains how the emergence of IS affects the global jihadist movement.
George W. Bush's former economic advisor, Glenn Hubbard, examines how America can grow faster through a focus on long-term issues.
Journalists Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan explore the Russian government's far-reaching powers of digital surveillance technology and what this means for political freedom.
Political strategist David Axelrod and Alex Castellanos join Chicago Council President Ivo Daalder and pollster Dina Smeltz to discuss partisan trends from the 2015 Chicago Council Survey of public opinion on US foreign policy, and how they might affect the race to the White House.
Ambassador Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli led an expansive conversation with 50 of the world's most groundbreaking women. Find out what they learned.
Harvard historian Niall Ferguson discusses the life of one of the most influential strategic thinkers–Henry Kissinger.
Many see China’s rise as a threat to US leadership in Asia and beyond. Thomas Christensen describes a new paradigm where the challenge lies in dissuading China from regional aggression while encouraging the country to contribute to global order.
This year’s Dr. Scholl Visiting Fellow on US-China Relations Yang Yao discusses China's current and future economic trends.
In advance of South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s forthcoming visit to Washington, DC, an expert panel discusses the obstacles and opportunities facing the US-South Korea alliance.
Ambassador Robert Jordan reflects on his time as ambassador to Saudi Arabia during a pivotal era in recent American history, and discusses the US-Saudi relationship and the role of American foreign policy in the Middle East.
New York Times' national security reporter, Scott Shane, discusses the radically changing face of war in the post-9/11 era.
What does Putin really want? New York Times national security reporter, Steven Lee Myers, gives an insider’s view on Russia’s new tsar.
Anne-Marie Slaughter joined a Chicago Council audience to discuss why the feminist movement remains unfinished and how it still fails to provide a solution to the challenges that will unite all women.
Samina Baig–the youngest Pakistani woman to ever climb the world's seven highest mountains– and her brother Mizra Ali Baig share their goals for adventure diplomacy and the future of Pakistan.
Financial Times' columnist John Kay discusses what goes on inside the notoriously arcane financial industry and what reforms are needed to prevent the next financial crisis.
A delegation of US ambassadors to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) provide on-the-ground insight on the future of trade and partnership in Asia.
Ambassador Dennis Ross shares his thoughts on the United States, Israel, and the future of this storied relationship.
William Powers, author of New Slow City, questions if living with less ultimately means having more when millennials are encouraged to do more, have more, and be more.
What is the cost of climate change–and what are the opportunities to take action to prevent it? The Chicago Council, Christian Science Monitor, and World Resources Institute discuss how the private sector, civil society, and NGOs can come together and combat our changing climate.
The Financial Times' US managing editor Gillian Tett argues that organizational silos get in the way of innovation and thinking that produces solutions. She launches the fall Global Economy Series, sponsored by Zurich, with a talk about how silos can be overcome.
Marco Politi, Italian author and journalist at il Fatto Quotidiano, discusses the politics behind the papal visit to the United States next week.
Ambassador Juan Gabriel Valdés and Dr. Arturo Valenzuela discuss what makes the partnership between the US and Chile so strong, and what the shift in US policy towards Latin America means for the region.
Greece's neighbor Cyprus has emerged as an example of post-bailout success. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades discusses the current situation and the country's continued emergence from crisis.
While geopolitical concerns continue to dominate news about Ukraine, the country is also facing questions about its financial stability. Ukraine's minister of finance, Natalie Jaresko, explains the reform efforts underway to ensure Ukraine's economy remains competitive.
Europe is confronting an international migrant crisis, uncertainty in Greece, a resilient ISIS in its vicinity, conflict in Ukraine, burgeoning populist movements, and slow overall economic growth. How can Europe and the US work together to resolve these issues?
Founder and President of Interfaith Youth Core Eboo Patel discusses the roles race, religion, and class play in modern society.
The 2015 Chicago Council Survey highlights the dramatic partisan divide over US foreign policy. Chicago Council President Ivo Daalder, Senior Fellow Dina Smeltz, POLITICO Editor Susan B. Glasser, and POLITICO Senior Foreign Correspondent Michael Crowley discuss the survey results in Washington, DC.
Is urban violence a health crisis? Chicago epidemiologist and founder of Cure Violence, Gary Slutkin, explains how violence can be treated using the same methods physicians use to successfully stop an epidemic.
Belgian Finance Minister Johan Van Overtveldt assesses the current global economic situation and future prospects for Europe and America.
The recent nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1—led by the United States and currently under review by Congress—has drawn far-ranging reactions at home and abroad. US Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz, a key participant in the negotiations that led to the nuclear agreement, outlines the major provisions and answers questions about its implementation.
Philip Gordon examines why the Middle East is in a state of such unrest and what, if anything, can be done by the United States to quell the chaos.
Drawing on their experiences as Emerging Leaders of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a group of Chicago’s best and brightest have come together to define, examine, and develop solutions to some of the key issues facing Chicago and the world. On June 22, the sixth class of Emerging Leaders gave four flash talks on a range of topics, including: Energy in the Eastern Mediterranean; Investment in Africa; Diversity in the Non-Profit Boardroom; and Arabic Language in Chicago’s Classrooms.
Michael Oren, former Ambassador of Israel to the United States, discusses his latest book, "Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide." Recorded June 25, 2015, at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Former head of Goldman Sachs and US Treasury Secretary, Hank Paulson, discusses his long history with China, and what he expects in the coming years.
Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer outlines three choices for America’s future role in the world.
Gus Hart Fellow Felix Maradiaga examines how the public, private, and NGO sectors are working together to shape Central America's future.
David Axelrod, director at Institute of Politics and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, discusses his new book, "Believer." Recorded live May 13, 2015.
Commentator Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi discusses global cities with Ivo Daalder, president of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
With Dan Sprehe, Managing Director, Corporate Responsibility, Midwest Region, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; and Michele Wucker, Vice President, Studies at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Recorded live May 12, 2015.
Michelle Finneran Dennedy, Vice President and Chief Privacy Officer at McAfee, discusses cyber privacy. Recorded live May 12, 2015.
With Denis Edwards, Visiting Professor of Law and Director, International Human Rights Law Institute, DePaul University; and Euan Hague, Professor and Chair, Department of Geography, DePaul University. Recorded live May 7, 2015.
The New York Times columnist discusses his new book, "The Road to Character: The Humble Journey to an Excellent Life." Recorded live May 6, 2015.
Mona Eltahawy discusses her new book, "Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution." Recorded live April 23, 2015.
Bill Browder, Founder and CEO, Hermitage Capital Management, discusses his new book, "Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice." Recorded live April 20, 2015.
Ezra F. Vogel, Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences Emeritus at Harvard University, discusses his latest book, "Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China." Recorded live April 14, 2015.
Financial Times Correspondent Tom Burgis discusses his new book, "The Looting Machine: Warlords, Oligarchs, Corporations, Smugglers, and the Theft of Africa's Wealth." Recorded live April 14, 2015.
With Maxmillian Angerholzer III, President and CEO, Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress; James Kitfield, Senior Fellow, CSPC, Contributing Editor, National Journal; Christopher P. Lu, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Labor; Norman Ornstein, Senior Fellow, CSPC, Contributing Editor and Columnist for both the National Journal and The Atlantic. Recorded live April 14, 2015.
From Port-au-Prince to Lima to Boston, much of the world is experiencing rising levels of inequality. Among some of the poorest communities in the world, Dr. Paul Farmer, as a physician and anthropologist, and Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez, as a theologian and priest, have worked towards their shared goal of building a better and more just world for the poor. Today, both are internationally recognized for their pragmatic approaches to global health and social justice. What has influenced their life’s work? How can societies advance the cause of their most marginalized citizens? Join Dr. Farmer, a leading figure in global health, and his mentor Fr. Gustavo, a noted theologian widely known as the father of liberation theology for a discussion about inequality, social justice, medicine, and lessons from their lifelong experiences of living and working with the poor.
Former chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina, on leadership across the corporate, nonprofit, and political sectors.
In the two years since Egypt’s revolution, the country has seen violent clashes among various groups with weakening prospects for a negotiated political solution and needed economic growth. As the temporary government continues to emerge from the present crisis, what does the future hold? Join international law and human rights scholar M. Cherif Bassiouni, who first spoke at the Council shortly after Egypt’s revolution in February 2011, for a conversation about the next steps for Egypt, the impact of the Syria crisis, and the role of the US.
Join the Chicago Council for its continued coverage on the popular protests and uprisings taking place throughout the Middle East. Three Egyptian, Israeli, and Palestinian scholars will discuss the latest on the sweeping changes of recent months and what lies ahead for the Middle East. Abdel Monem Said Aly, President, Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies Shai Feldman, Judy and Sidney Swartz Director, Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University Khalil Shikaki, Director, Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research Moderated by Rachel Bronson, Vice President, Studies, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Throughout its recent history, the United States has made great efforts to ensure that human rights are respected and that laws are established and followed, often serving as a model for other nations. According to M. Cherif Bassiouni, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the practice of torture as a means of gaining intelligence was not only used, but also justified through the U.S. legal system, thus eroding US credibility as a champion for human rights. Please join us for the first program of the three-part spring series a “Perspectives on Iraq.” M. Cherif Bassiouni will examine the interrogation policy and practices during the Bush Administration, their legal backing, and the long-term risks to the United States arising out of such abuses of power.
The last two decades have witnessed big steps forward in efforts to bring perpetrators of international crimes to justice. There has also been a sharp rise in international attention to the “rule of law.” How has the field of international justice changed? Why is establishing rule of law in fragile and post-conflict societies important and what are the challenges to doing so? The success of rule of law reforms often seems to hinge on political will; how can this political will be created, and what incentives encourage it? Have Western countries led by example? Listen to the second part of our Chicago and the World Forum Series, when Louise Arbour and Cherif Bassiouni addressed these and other questions.