Deep Dish on Global Affairs

East Asia's biggest powers are getting older — and smaller. China, Japan, and South Korea are seeing shrinking workforces and aging populations, with fewer young people to fill their armies or their factories. Andrew Oros, author of Asia's Aging Security, and public opinion expert Craig Kafura discuss how population decline is changing East Asia and whether technology could help fill the gap.  

11/13/25 • 22:10

The Arctic's heating up—literally and politically. Melting ice is turning a once-remote region into a stage for global power. Experts Kenneth Rosen and Anna Wieslander unpack how Russia, China, NATO, and the US are all racing for influence, and why what happens up there could shape the rest of the world.

11/6/25 • 25:26

Tensions between Canada and the US are back in the headlines after new tariffs followed a controversial Ottawa ad. Experts Roland Paris and Robert Howse break down how Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is navigating this turbulent moment and what it means for Canada's economy, identity, and role on the world stage.

10/30/25 • 24:00

After months of diplomatic outreach, President Trump has abruptly shifted course on Venezuela—from covert CIA operations and expanded military activity in the Caribbean, to publicly backing Venezuela's opposition leader. Is this a crackdown on drugs and migration, or part of a broader strategy reshaping US policy in South America? Economist Francisco Rodríguez explains the political, economic, and human stakes of Washington's evolving approach.

10/23/25 • 27:41

China's next move could reshape the global balance of power. As tensions spike over trade, tech, and alliances, the world is watching closely. Georgetown professor Evan Medeiros explains what's coming next and why it matters.

10/16/25 • 27:28

Russian drones are crossing European skies, testing NATO while US focus shifts elsewhere. Charles Kupchan and Constanze Stelzenmüller unpack Russia's strategy, the risks for Ukraine, and what it means for the future of the transatlantic alliance. 

10/9/25 • 38:45

Nearly two years after the Hamas attacks, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are pushing a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war. Experts Steven Cook and Sanam Vakil say the terms essentially demand Hamas' surrender—so is peace possible, and what does this mean for the future of regional stability and alliances? They join Deep Dish to debate the deal and what it reveals about shifting American power in the Middle East.

10/2/25 • 23:25

As the United Nations turns 80, it faces a legitimacy crisis fueled by budget cuts, global crises, and a United States President that is antagonistic toward the institution. This week's UNGA highlights the stakes: What is the future US role on the global stage? Can the UN still deliver in a fractured world? Will a woman be the next UN Secretary General? Longtime UN insiders Corinne Momal-Vanian and Richard Gowan discuss.

9/24/25 • 28:52

President Trump's state visit comes at a precarious time for Britain: weak growth, political turbulence, and pressure to reset its ties with the EU. With Prime Minister Keir Starmer forging a strategic bond with Trump, what's next for the US-UK relationship? New York Times London Bureau Chief Mark Landler explains what lies ahead.

9/18/25 • 26:41

From slowing growth, tariffs and widening inequality, the rules of the global economy are being rewritten and affecting us all. Baroness Dambisa Moyo shares her insights on the forces driving this new reality and what it means for countries, leaders, and citizens alike.

9/11/25 • 28:08

Syria's war may have faded from the headlines, but for millions of refugees, the crisis is far from over. Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, explains why global aid is failing and what the world must do now to fix it. From Gaza to Syria, he shares how to reset a broken system and rebuild hope as the UN turns 80. 

9/4/25 • 26:05

Almost every conversation about China is framed as an all-out competition—but expert Jessica Chen Weiss argues that reflexive rivalry is making America weaker, not stronger. She breaks down why resilience matters more than dominance, how strategic integration protects US interests, and why "beating" China shouldn't be the ultimate goal.

8/28/25 • 25:41

As Ukraine calls for security and support, world leaders juggle high-stakes negotiations and competing interests. Alexander Cooley and Alex Dukalskis, authors of Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics, unpack how authoritarian strategies are influencing the talks and argue that negotiating peace isn't just about stopping the fighting—it's about who walks away with the leverage.

8/21/25 • 31:22

India's rise is undeniable—but so are the roadblocks. With President Trump threatening to double tariffs over Russian oil imports and China on its doorstep, can the world's largest democracy maintain its strategic autonomy? Foreign Policy's Ravi Agrawal and University of Chicago's Raghuram Rajan explore. Reading List:  Facts about Indians in the U.S., Pew Research Center, May 1, 2025 

8/14/25 • 28:43

A fresh round of reciprocal tariffs from President Trump has rattled markets and prompted concern over the future of trade. As uncertainty grows for businesses, consumers, and governments alike, two leading experts, Brent Neiman of the University of Chicago and David Henig of the European Centre for International Political Economy, join Deep Dish to unpack the implications for the global economic system.

8/7/25 • 29:48

Starvation is spreading in Gaza—not because of a lack of aid, but because humanitarian access is being blocked. Former UN World Food Programme Executive Director and Council Distinguished Fellow Ertharin Cousin joins Deep Dish to analyze how the crisis is fueling a broader diplomatic reckoning, with more nations moving toward recognition of a Palestinian state.     Related: Americans Grow More Divided on US Support for Israel, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, May 15, 2025

7/31/25 • 23:56

The US and China are locked in a high-stakes race to dominate AI and the chips that power it. As the Trump administration lifts export controls and sets tech priorities, Beijing is doubling down on its AI ambitions while hosting top EU leaders. Nikita Lalwani, former White House director for technology and national security, breaks down what this means for global power.  Reading List: A Playbook for Industrial Policy: What Washington Can Learn From CHIPS, Foreign Affairs, May 22, 2025 How America Can Stay Ahead of China in the AI Race: The Case for Export Control Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs, April 15, 2025

7/24/25 • 22:13

With President Trump's increasing tariff threats and growing talks of dedollarization, how much power does the BRICS bloc really hold? Lord Jim O'Neill, who originally coined the term BRICS, joins Deep Dish to unpack its rise and global relevance amid deepening geopolitical rivalries.  

7/17/25 • 22:50

The pandemic cracked the foundation of the global system—and things haven't exactly settled. With wars, rising tensions, and global rivalries heating up, former Biden officials Colin Kahl and Tom Wright join Deep Dish to unpack how US strategy is shifting—and where it's headed next.

7/10/25 • 35:08

After US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a fragile ceasefire with Israel is holding—for now. But is this a turning point or just a pause before more conflict? Experts Vali Nasr and Suzanne Maloney join Leslie Vinjamuri on Deep Dish to break down what's really at stake for Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel's strategy, and the future of the region.

7/3/25 • 26:21

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is in his third five-year term as the nation's president, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the US. Nonresident senior fellow Paul Heer joins Deep Dish to argue the importance of engagement with China as a necessary component of US foreign policy. If we do not pursue it, he says, we are missing opportunities for a more peaceful coexistence between both countries and the world.   This episode originally aired on August 4, 2022.    Reading List:  The Next Taiwan Strait Crisis Has Arrived, Paul Heer, The National Interest, August 2, 2022   Engagement With China Has Not Failed, Paul Heer, The National Interest, July 14, 2022   Understanding U.S.-China Strategic Competition, Paul Heer, The National Interest, October 20, 2020 

11/23/23 • 30:24

Dive into the world of lasting change with Deep Dish! Join host Brian Hanson and author Sascha Haselmayer in a captivating exploration of 'The Slow Lane.' We'll uncover the secrets behind why instant solutions often miss the mark, and how embracing patience and strategic thinking can pave the way for sustainable transformation to address global challenges. Reading List  The Slow Lane: Why Quick Fixes Fail and How to Achieve Real Change, Sascha Haselmayer & Anne-Marie Slaughter, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, July 18, 2023 

11/16/23 • 34:46

From Hamas to Russia to Iran, hostage-taking is on the rise once again and hostage diplomacy has entered that arsenal of foreign policy tools by countries around the world. This week, Northwestern University's Dani Gilbert guides us through what is new, what has worked and failed in the past, and why countries need new ways to respond to hostage-taking today.     Reading List:  Why the Gaza hostage crisis is different, Danielle Gilbert, Good Authority, Oct 13, 2023  Biden's hostage diplomacy, explained, Danielle Gilbert, Good Authority, Sept 20, 2023  The Prisoners Dilemma, Danielle Gilbert, Foreign Affairs, Aug 24, 2022 

11/9/23 • 35:02

Deep Dish explores how America's hyper partisan politics are impacting foreign policy actions. Author Jordan Tama shares revelations from his new book, while the Council's Dina Smeltz unveils fresh survey data to expose how partisanship plays out in US foreign policy.  Reading List:  Bipartisanship and US Foreign Policy: Cooperation in a Polarized Age, Jordan Tama, Oxford University Press, September 1, 2023  Public Opinion Survey Reports, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

11/2/23 • 24:21

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a seismic shift in power dynamics as nations like Japan, Australia, and the US forge a game-changing partnership to counter China's influence. The big question: could this lead to a new NATO for the Pacific? And what would that mean? Experts Michael Green and Karl Friedhoff dissect the motives, strategies, and potential outcomes.  Reading List:  Never Say Never to an Asian NATO, Michael Green, Foreign Policy, September 6, 2023 

10/26/23 • 29:37

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

10/19/23 • 26:10

Deep Dish delves into the heart of the Gaza Strip. Expert Michael Merryman-Lotze and host Brian Hanson discuss its complex history, its people, the role of the region in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its place in the Israel-Hamas war that has shaken the world. Related Content: 5 things you need to know about what's happening in Israel and Gaza, Michael Merryman-Lotze, American Friends Service Committee, October 9, 2023  Martin Indyk on Breaking the Hamas-Israel Cycle of Violence, Deep Dish Podcast, May 20, 2021

10/12/23 • 25:56

How is energy insecurity shaping the world's power dynamics? From the urgency of collaboration to the delicate balance between environmental sustainability and national interests, guests Jason Bordoff and Meghan O'Sullivan offer a fresh perspective on the complexities of green energy underlying our modern global landscape. Reading List  The Age of Energy Insecurity: How the Fight for Resources Is Upending Geopolitics, Jason Bordoff and Meghan L. O'Sullivan, Foreign Affairs, May/June 2023 

10/5/23 • 33:12

Deep Dish demystifies the world of BRICS+ and delves into the intriguing expansion that is making waves in international diplomacy. Discover its origins and the significance behind its newest members. Atlantic Council's Colleen Cottle joins host Lizzy Shackelford to explore the motivations, the dynamics at play, and its potential impact on the world stage.  Reading List BRICS has invited 6 countries to join. What does this mean for the US and its allies?, Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, Sep 08, 2023 

9/28/23 • 21:06

Can smart cities truly deliver on their promises of innovation and sustainability? On Deep Dish, author and winner of the Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award, John Lorinc joins host Brian Hanson to navigate the intersection of urban planning technology and ethical concerns in his book Dream States: Smart Cities, Technology, and the Pursuit of Urban Utopias.  Related Content:  Dream States: Smart Cities, Technology, and the Pursuit of Urban Utopia, John Lorinc, Coach House Books, August 23, 2022  Meet the Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award winner and finalists and submit books for the 2024 award!  2023 Pritzker Forum on Global Cities: Harnessing AI: Tools for Urban Leaders, Event, November 13-15, 2023  Your Data Were 'Anonymized'? These Scientists Can Still Identify You, Gina Kolata, New York Times, July 23, 2019    This episode is brought to you by UL Solutions. 

9/21/23 • 29:12