Freedom of the press is under attack around the globe, but for journalists in Latin America in particular, reporting has become a matter of life and death. Populist leaders in the region have consolidated power and clamped down on press freedom, making the area the deadliest in the world for reporters. With anti-journalist sentiment on the rise, can a free and fair press prevail in an increasingly polarized world?   Featured Guests: Neil Brandvold (Documentary Filmmaker and Photojournalist) Jan-Albert Hootsen (Mexico Representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists) Carin Zissis (Editor-in-Chief, AS/COA Online)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/silencing-messenger-global-threats-press-freedom 

Freedom of the press is under attack around the globe, but for journalists in Latin America in particular, reporting has become a matter of life and death. Populist leaders in the region have consolidated power and clamped down on press freedom, making the area the deadliest in the world for reporters. With anti-journalist sentiment on the rise, can a free and fair press prevail in an increasingly polarized world? Featured Guests: <a href="https://www.neilbrandvold.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil Brandvold</a> (Documentary Filmmaker and Photojournalist) <a href="https://cpj.org/author/jan-albert-hootsen-cpj-mexico-representative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jan-Albert Hootsen</a> (Mexico Representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists) <a href="https://www.as-coa.org/bio/carin-zissis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carin Zissis</a> (Editor-in-Chief, AS/COA Online) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/silencing-messenger-global-threats-press-freedom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/silencing-messenger-global-threats-press-freedom</a>

Silencing the Messenger: Global Threats to Press Freedom

As rising global temperatures thaw the ice at the North Pole of the planet, competition between nuclear-powered states threatens to heat up the Arctic Circle even further. An increasingly minable Arctic, which contains vast natural resources, has piqued the economic interests of oil-hungry great powers, even as the warmer climate jeopardizes Indigenous tribes. Here’s how the Arctic could become the next frontier of great-power competition.   Featured Guests:  Esther Brimmer (James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance, Council on Foreign Relations) Captain Jeff Randall (U.S. Coast Guard Military Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/whats-cracking-arctic   *Editor's Note: In a narration for this episode, the Why It Matters team mistakenly stated that Russia will chair the Arctic Council for the next two years. In fact, Russia’s tenure ends in May, 2023. As of this writing, the next chair, Norway, has not committed to restarting stalled cooperation.

As rising global temperatures thaw the ice at the North Pole of the planet, competition between nuclear-powered states threatens to heat up the Arctic Circle even further. An increasingly minable Arctic, which contains vast natural resources, has piqued the economic interests of oil-hungry great powers, even as the warmer climate jeopardizes Indigenous tribes. Here’s how the Arctic could become the next frontier of great-power competition. Featured Guests: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/esther-brimmer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Esther Brimmer</a> (James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance, Council on Foreign Relations) <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/jeff-randall" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Captain Jeff Randall</a> (U.S. Coast Guard Military Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/whats-cracking-arctic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/whats-cracking-arctic</a> *Editor's Note: In a narration for this episode, the Why It Matters team mistakenly stated that Russia will chair the Arctic Council for the next two years. In fact, Russia’s tenure ends in May, 2023. As of this writing, the next chair, Norway, has not committed to restarting stalled cooperation.

What’s Cracking in the Arctic

The world is entering a new era of great-power competition. As U.S. policymakers look ahead, it pays to know what global threats to anticipate. Every January, the Council on Foreign Relations publishes a survey that analyzes the conflicts most likely to occur in the twelve months ahead and rates their potential impact on the United States. But can the country prepare itself for mass immigration, cyberwarfare, and nuclear tensions while still cooperating with adversaries on global issues such as climate change?   Read the full 2023 Preventive Priorities Survey.  Check out the Center for Preventive Action’s Global Conflict Tracker.    Featured Guest: Paul B. Stares (General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action)    For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/2023-whats-worst-could-happen

The world is entering a new era of great-power competition. As U.S. policymakers look ahead, it pays to know what global threats to anticipate. Every January, the Council on Foreign Relations publishes a survey that analyzes the conflicts most likely to occur in the twelve months ahead and rates their potential impact on the United States. But can the country prepare itself for mass immigration, cyberwarfare, and nuclear tensions while still cooperating with adversaries on global issues such as climate change? Read the full 2023 <a href="https://www.cfr.org/report/conflicts-watch-2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Preventive Priorities Survey</a>.  Check out the Center for Preventive Action’s <a href="https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Global Conflict Tracker</a>. Featured Guest: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/paul-b-stares" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul B. Stares</a> (General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/2023-whats-worst-could-happen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/2023-whats-worst-could-happen</a>

2023: What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

In 2022, several major events reverberated around the world: a war in Europe, a global economic downturn, historic protests in Iran, the death of a queen. But these stories couldn’t cover everything that happened in our interconnected world.    To find out what else happened this year, Gabrielle Sierra sat down with CFR President Richard Haass and three of CFR’s regional specialists to break down stories from Latin America, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa.     Featured Guests Steven A. Cook, Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies and Director of the International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars  Richard Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies Shannon K. O’'Neil, Vice President, Deputy Director of Studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/another-year-living-dangerously 

In 2022, several major events reverberated around the world: a war in Europe, a global economic downturn, historic protests in Iran, the death of a queen. But these stories couldn’t cover everything that happened in our interconnected world.  To find out what else happened this year, Gabrielle Sierra sat down with CFR President Richard Haass and three of CFR’s regional specialists to break down stories from Latin America, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa.  Featured Guests <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/steven-cook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steven A. Cook</a>, Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies and Director of the International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars  <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/richard-haass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richard Haass</a>, President, Council on Foreign Relations <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/ebenezer-obadare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebenezer Obadare</a>, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/shannon-k-oneil" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shannon K. O’'Neil</a>, Vice President, Deputy Director of Studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/another-year-living-dangerously" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/another-year-living-dangerously</a>

Another Year of Living Dangerously

For years, the world thought of the internet as a borderless zone that brought people from around the world together. But as governments pursue very different regulatory paths, the monolithic internet is breaking apart. Now, where there had been one, there are at least three internets: one led by the United States, one by China, and one by the European Union.   Featured Guests: Anu Bradford (Henry L. Moses Professor of Law and International Organization, Columbia Law School) Adam Segal (Ira A. Lipman Chair in Emerging Technologies and National Security &amp; Director of Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program, Council on Foreign Relations) Tarah Wheeler (Senior Fellow for Global Cyber Policy, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/three-internets

For years, the world thought of the internet as a borderless zone that brought people from around the world together. But as governments pursue very different regulatory paths, the monolithic internet is breaking apart. Now, where there had been one, there are at least three internets: one led by the United States, one by China, and one by the European Union. Featured Guests: <a href="https://www.law.columbia.edu/faculty/anu-bradford" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anu Bradford</a> (Henry L. Moses Professor of Law and International Organization, Columbia Law School) <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/adam-segal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Segal</a> (Ira A. Lipman Chair in Emerging Technologies and National Security &amp; Director of Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program, Council on Foreign Relations) <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/tarah-wheeler" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tarah Wheeler</a> (Senior Fellow for Global Cyber Policy, Council on Foreign Relations) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/three-internets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/three-internets</a>

The Three Internets

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has kicked off in Qatar, and billions of fans worldwide are tuning in to the world’s most popular live event. And yet as in years past, the Qatar Cup is transpiring under the shadow of controversy.   Featured Guests Laurent Dubois (Academic Director, Karsh Institute of Democracy and John L. Nau III Bicentennial Professor of the History &amp; Principles of Democracy, University of Virginia)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/troubled-cup-beautiful-game 

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has kicked off in Qatar, and billions of fans worldwide are tuning in to the world’s most popular live event. And yet as in years past, the Qatar Cup is transpiring under the shadow of controversy. Featured Guests <a href="https://french.as.virginia.edu/people/profile/lmd8s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laurent Dubois</a> (Academic Director, Karsh Institute of Democracy and John L. Nau III Bicentennial Professor of the History &amp; Principles of Democracy, University of Virginia) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/troubled-cup-beautiful-game" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/troubled-cup-beautiful-game</a>

A Troubled Cup for the Beautiful Game

The world is already witnessing the effects of climate change. One inescapable and irreversible consequence is sea-level rise, which could destroy coastal cities. How will the world adapt to rising tides?   Featured Guests:   Alice C. Hill (David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment, Council on Foreign Relations)  Klaus Jacob (Geophysicist and Emeritus Research Professor, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University)  Henk Ovink  (Special Envoy for International Water Affairs, Netherlands)  Gernot Wagner (Climate Economist and Visiting Associate Professor, Columbia University)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/climate-adaptation-rising-tides-in-coastal-cities

The world is already witnessing the effects of climate change. One inescapable and irreversible consequence is sea-level rise, which could destroy coastal cities. How will the world adapt to rising tides? Featured Guests:   <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/alice-c-hill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alice C. Hill</a> (David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment, Council on Foreign Relations)  <a href="https://www.earth.columbia.edu/users/profile/klaus-hans-jacob" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Klaus Jacob</a> (Geophysicist and Emeritus Research Professor, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University)  <a href="https://www.government.nl/topics/water-management/waterenvoy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Henk Ovink </a> (Special Envoy for International Water Affairs, Netherlands)  <a href="https://gwagner.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gernot Wagner</a> (Climate Economist and Visiting Associate Professor, Columbia University) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/climate-adaptation-rising-tides-in-coastal-cities" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/climate-adaptation-rising-tides-in-coastal-cities</a>

Climate Adaptation: Rising Tides in Coastal Cities (Flashback Episode)

The global arms trade is big business and the United States accounts for more than 40 percent of the world’s weapons exports. Aside from the profit motivation, selling arms abroad can be an effective foreign policy tool, allowing the United States to exert influence over conflict and security worldwide without having to put boots on the ground. But are the risks worth the reward?   Featured Guests: Christa N. Almonte (U.S. Navy Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations) William D. Hartung (Director, Arms and Security Program, Center for International Policy) Rachel Stohl (Vice President of Research Programs, Stimson Center)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/cost-us-arms-trade

The global arms trade is big business and the United States accounts for more than 40 percent of the world’s weapons exports. Aside from the profit motivation, selling arms abroad can be an effective foreign policy tool, allowing the United States to exert influence over conflict and security worldwide without having to put boots on the ground. But are the risks worth the reward? Featured Guests: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/christa-n-almonte" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christa N. Almonte</a> (U.S. Navy Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations) <a href="https://www.internationalpolicy.org/people/William-Hartung" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William D. Hartung</a> (Director, Arms and Security Program, Center for International Policy) <a href="https://www.stimson.org/ppl/rachel-stohl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Stohl</a> (Vice President of Research Programs, Stimson Center) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/cost-us-arms-trade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/cost-us-arms-trade</a>

The Cost of the U.S. Arms Trade

Richard Haass

How does a war end? In this special episode, Why It Matters speaks with CFR President Richard Haass on the conflict in Ukraine. We ask if and how this war can come to a close and discuss what compromises might have to be made.    This conversation took place on Monday, October 10 and was only lightly edited.   Featured Guest: Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/update-ukraine-richard-haass-how-will-it-end

How does a war end? In this special episode, Why It Matters speaks with CFR President Richard Haass on the conflict in Ukraine. We ask if and how this war can come to a close and discuss what compromises might have to be made.  This conversation took place on Monday, October 10 and was only lightly edited. Featured Guest: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/richard-haass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richard Haass</a> (President, Council on Foreign Relations) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/update-ukraine-richard-haass-how-will-it-end" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/update-ukraine-richard-haass-how-will-it-end</a>

Update on Ukraine, With Richard Haass: How Will It End?

The U.S.-Saudi relationship is fraught with complications. Saudi Arabia has the largest oil reserves in the world, giving it influence over what Americans pay at the gas pump. At the same time, the kingdom’s human rights abuses are at odds with the United States’ stated democratic values. Who holds the power in this partnership? And what compromises are being made so the countries can work together?   Featured Guests:   Lina Alhathloul (Head of Monitoring and Communications, ALQST for Human Rights)   Madawi Al-Rasheed (Visiting Professor, Middle East Center, London School of Economics)   Steven A. Cook (Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/saudi-exception 

The U.S.-Saudi relationship is fraught with complications. Saudi Arabia has the largest oil reserves in the world, giving it influence over what Americans pay at the gas pump. At the same time, the kingdom’s human rights abuses are at odds with the United States’ stated democratic values. Who holds the power in this partnership? And what compromises are being made so the countries can work together? Featured Guests: <a href="https://hrf.org/speakers/lina-al-hathloul/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lina Alhathloul</a> (Head of Monitoring and Communications, ALQST for Human Rights) <a href="https://www.lse.ac.uk/middle-east-centre/people/madawi-al-rasheed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madawi Al-Rasheed</a> (Visiting Professor, Middle East Center, London School of Economics) <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/steven-cook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steven A. Cook</a> (Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/saudi-exception" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/saudi-exception</a>

The Saudi Exception

Each episode of Why It Matters breaks down an issue that is shaping our world’s future. Join host Gabrielle Sierra as she speaks with the leaders and thinkers who are facing these questions head on. Fueled by the minds at the Council on Foreign Relations, Why It Matters brings some of the world’s most compelling stories home to you.

Beware, coffee lovers: climate change could disrupt your precious morning cup of joe. Coffee beans could lose half of their farmable land by 2050 as temperatures and weather patterns become more extreme and less predictable. This could lead to scarcer yields and pricier brews. But there is hope that unique varieties and novel farming techniques could change coffee’s destiny. The transition will require massive investments and many observers question whether the industry can meet the challenge.    Featured Guests: Aaron P. Davis (Senior Research Leader of Crops and Global Change, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)   Amanda Grossi (Senior Africa Regional Manager, International Research Institute for Climate and Society, Earth Institute, Columbia University)   Jonathan Morris (Research Professor in History, University of Hertfordshire)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/trouble-brewing-coffee

Beware, coffee lovers: climate change could disrupt your precious morning cup of joe. Coffee beans could lose half of their farmable land by 2050 as temperatures and weather patterns become more extreme and less predictable. This could lead to scarcer yields and pricier brews. But there is hope that unique varieties and novel farming techniques could change coffee’s destiny. The transition will require massive investments and many observers question whether the industry can meet the challenge. Featured Guests: Aaron P. Davis (Senior Research Leader of Crops and Global Change, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) Amanda Grossi (Senior Africa Regional Manager, International Research Institute for Climate and Society, Earth Institute, Columbia University) Jonathan Morris (Research Professor in History, University of Hertfordshire) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/trouble-brewing-coffee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/trouble-brewing-coffee</a>

Trouble Brewing for Coffee

Hip-hop is a phenomenon that has captured hearts around the world. Its musical form ranges from party anthems to critical social commentary. But the genre plays another role: it is an influential soft-power tool for the United States. Like its predecessors jazz and rock, hip-hop is utilized by the U.S. State Department to connect with young minds, and its unique ability to inspire goodwill toward the United States offers a significant advantage over adversaries such as China and Russia. How did hip-hop become a go-to diplomatic instrument?   Toni Blackman (Alumni Outreach Director, Next Level)  Mark Katz (John P. Barker Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of Graduate Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at:  https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/hip-hop-diplomacy

Hip-hop is a phenomenon that has captured hearts around the world. Its musical form ranges from party anthems to critical social commentary. But the genre plays another role: it is an influential soft-power tool for the United States. Like its predecessors jazz and rock, hip-hop is utilized by the U.S. State Department to connect with young minds, and its unique ability to inspire goodwill toward the United States offers a significant advantage over adversaries such as China and Russia. How did hip-hop become a go-to diplomatic instrument? <a href="http://www.toniblackmanpresents.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toni Blackman</a> (Alumni Outreach Director, Next Level)  <a href="https://music.unc.edu/people/musicfaculty/mark-katz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Katz</a> (John P. Barker Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of Graduate Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at:  <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/hip-hop-diplomacy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/hip-hop-diplomacy</a>

Hip-Hop Diplomacy

For the past two thousand years, the pope has been a major player in global affairs. He is frequently called upon to act as a peace broker, a mediator, an advocate, and an influencer; and with over 1.3 billion followers around the world, the pope and his governmental arm, the Holy See, have the power to shape the future. How has the pope's power changed over time, and what is his role today?   Timothy Byrnes (Third Century Chair in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and Professor of Political Science, Colgate University)    Francis Campbell (Vice Chancellor, University of Notre Dame Australia)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/power-of-the-pope

For the past two thousand years, the pope has been a major player in global affairs. He is frequently called upon to act as a peace broker, a mediator, an advocate, and an influencer; and with over 1.3 billion followers around the world, the pope and his governmental arm, the Holy See, have the power to shape the future. How has the pope's power changed over time, and what is his role today? <a href="https://www.colgate.edu/about/directory/tbyrnes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timothy Byrnes</a> (Third Century Chair in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and Professor of Political Science, Colgate University)   <a href="https://www.notredame.edu.au/about/leadership/executive-management/vice-chancellor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Francis Campbell</a> (Vice Chancellor, University of Notre Dame Australia) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/power-of-the-pope" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/power-of-the-pope</a>

The Power of the Pope

In this special episode, Why It Matters follows up with CFR President Richard Haass to hear his insights on the war in Ukraine.   Featured Guests:  Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/update-on-ukraine-with-richard-haass

In this special episode, Why It Matters follows up with CFR President Richard Haass to hear his insights on the war in Ukraine. Featured Guests:  Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/update-on-ukraine-with-richard-haass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/update-on-ukraine-with-richard-haass</a>

Update on Ukraine, With Richard Haass

For years, large corporations have exploited international tax laws to pay less taxes. But last year, 137 countries backed a potential solution: a 15 percent corporate tax applied regardless of a company’s location. The reform could raise global tax revenues by $150 billion a year, but as advocates garner political support, there are significant roadblocks.    Featured Guests:  Shu-Yi Oei (Professor, Boston College Law School) Richard Rubin (U.S. Tax Policy Reporter, Wall Street Journal)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/what-in-the-world-is-a-global-minimum-tax

For years, large corporations have exploited international tax laws to pay less taxes. But last year, 137 countries backed a potential solution: a 15 percent corporate tax applied regardless of a company’s location. The reform could raise global tax revenues by $150 billion a year, but as advocates garner political support, there are significant roadblocks.  Featured Guests:  Shu-Yi Oei (Professor, Boston College Law School) Richard Rubin (U.S. Tax Policy Reporter, Wall Street Journal) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/what-in-the-world-is-a-global-minimum-tax" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/what-in-the-world-is-a-global-minimum-tax</a>

What in the World Is a Global Minimum Tax?

How can the world create better medicines? More powerful solar cells? New batteries? The answers could come from a revolutionary research tool known as the quantum computer. It can seem like magic—harnessing the power of quantum physics to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. But there are unmitigated risks too, as the technology continues to develop. What would a quantum-led future hold?   Featured Guests:  Shohini Ghose (Quantum Physicist and Professor, Physics and Computer Science, Wilfrid Laurier University)  Marissa Guistina (Quantum Electronics Engineer and Research Scientist, Google)  Kate Weber (Public Policy Lead, Quantum Computing, Google)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/quantum-leap

How can the world create better medicines? More powerful solar cells? New batteries? The answers could come from a revolutionary research tool known as the quantum computer. It can seem like magic—harnessing the power of quantum physics to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. But there are unmitigated risks too, as the technology continues to develop. What would a quantum-led future hold? Featured Guests:  Shohini Ghose (Quantum Physicist and Professor, Physics and Computer Science, Wilfrid Laurier University)  Marissa Guistina (Quantum Electronics Engineer and Research Scientist, Google)  Kate Weber (Public Policy Lead, Quantum Computing, Google) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/quantum-leap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/quantum-leap</a>

Quantum Leap

Climate Adaptation: Rising Tides in Coastal Cities

In this special episode, Why It Matters sits down with CFR President Richard Haass to ask the basic questions about the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s frame of mind, and his threat to world order.    Featured Guest: Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at:  https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/perspective-ukraine-richard-haass

In this special episode, Why It Matters sits down with CFR President Richard Haass to ask the basic questions about the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s frame of mind, and his threat to world order. Featured Guest: Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at:  <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/perspective-ukraine-richard-haass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/perspective-ukraine-richard-haass</a>

Perspective on Ukraine, With Richard Haass

As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, here are some resources from the Council on Foreign Relations to stay informed:    Charles A. Kupchan, “Why Putin’s War With Ukraine Is a Miscalculation,” CFR.org, February 24, 2022   “TWNW Special: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine,” The World Next Week, February 24, 2022   “Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence in Russia’s Shadow,” CFR.org, February 24, 2022   “Crisis in Ukraine,” CFR.org, February 23, 2022   Alina Polyakova and Daniel Fried, “Putin’s Long Game in Ukraine,” Foreign Affairs,  February 23, 2022   Thomas Graham, “Has Russia Just Started a Wider War With Ukraine?,” CFR.org, February 22, 2022   Max Boot, “Why the U.S. Ramped Up Its Information War With Russia,” CFR.org, February 10, 2022   Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow, “How Do the Militaries of Russia and Ukraine Stack Up?,” CFR.org, February 4, 2022   Jonathan Masters, “Why NATO Has Become a Flash Point With Russia in Ukraine,” CFR.org, January 20, 2022   Jonathan Masters, “Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia,” CFR.org, December 2, 2021

As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, here are some resources from the Council on Foreign Relations to stay informed:  Charles A. Kupchan, “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/why-putins-war-ukraine-miscalculation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Putin’s War With Ukraine Is a Miscalculation</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, February 24, 2022 “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw-special-russias-invasion-ukraine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TWNW Special: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine</a>,” The World Next Week, February 24, 2022 “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/timeline/ukraines-struggle-independence-russias-shadow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence in Russia’s Shadow</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, February 24, 2022 “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/event/crisis-ukraine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crisis in Ukraine</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, February 23, 2022 Alina Polyakova and Daniel Fried, “<a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/ukraine/2022-02-23/putins-long-game-ukraine?utm_medium=newsletters&amp;utm_source=fatoday&amp;utm_campaign=Putin%E2%80%99s%20Long%20Game%20in%20Ukraine&amp;utm_content=20220223&amp;utm_term=FA%20Today%20-%20112017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Putin’s Long Game in Ukraine</a>,” Foreign Affairs,  February 23, 2022 Thomas Graham, “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/has-russia-just-started-wider-war-ukraine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Has Russia Just Started a Wider War With Ukraine?</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, February 22, 2022 Max Boot, “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/why-us-ramped-its-information-war-russia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why the U.S. Ramped Up Its Information War With Russia</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, February 10, 2022 Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow, “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-do-militaries-russia-and-ukraine-stack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Do the Militaries of Russia and Ukraine Stack Up?</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, February 4, 2022 Jonathan Masters, “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/why-nato-has-become-flash-point-russia-ukraine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why NATO Has Become a Flash Point With Russia in Ukraine</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, January 20, 2022 Jonathan Masters, “<a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/ukraine-conflict-crossroads-europe-and-russia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia</a>,” <a href="http://CFR.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CFR.org</a>, December 2, 2021

CFR Resources for the Ukraine Crisis

The world is moving toward electric vehicles and clean energy, but a green future doesn’t depend on wind turbines, solar panels, and Teslas alone. It will also require a vast supply of advanced batteries. As a result, global demand for lithium—an essential battery ingredient—is outpacing supply, with the gap expected to grow in the years to come.   Featured Guests:  Frank Fannon (Managing Director, Fannon Global Advisors) Vijay Vaitheeswaran (Global Energy &amp; Climate Innovation Editor, The Economist)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/batteries-not-included

The world is moving toward electric vehicles and clean energy, but a green future doesn’t depend on wind turbines, solar panels, and Teslas alone. It will also require a vast supply of advanced batteries. As a result, global demand for lithium—an essential battery ingredient—is outpacing supply, with the gap expected to grow in the years to come. Featured Guests:  <a href="https://www.fannonglobaladvisors.com/03-about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frank Fannon</a> (Managing Director, Fannon Global Advisors) <a href="https://mediadirectory.economist.com/people/vijay-vaitheeswaran/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vijay Vaitheeswaran</a> (Global Energy &amp; Climate Innovation Editor, The Economist) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/batteries-not-included" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/batteries-not-included</a>

Batteries Not Included

They really helped explain how WhatsApp is the one stop all for Information and the danger of that

Good questions raised

Thanks for giving us a sense of the scope of the work you do, and for the relevant info!

Great Way to Unpack What Y’all Think About!

Why It Matters

Roughly four hundred million people in India use the encrypted messaging platform WhatsApp. Now, the country’s ruling party is trying to force WhatsApp to let the government trace and censor messages. The outcome could change digital freedoms in the world’s largest democracy, and could have strong implications for the future of privacy everywhere.   Featured Guests:  Seema Mody (Global Markets Reporter, CNBC)  Vindu Goel (Technology and Business Reporter, New York Times)  Chinmayi Arun (Resident Fellow, Yale University)   For more information on this episode, visit us at cfr.org/podcasts/whatsapp-india

Roughly four hundred million people in India use the encrypted messaging platform WhatsApp. Now, the country’s ruling party is trying to force WhatsApp to let the government trace and censor messages. The outcome could change digital freedoms in the world’s largest democracy, and could have strong implications for the future of privacy everywhere. Featured Guests:  <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/seema-mody/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seema Mody</a> (Global Markets Reporter, CNBC)  <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/vindu-goel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vindu Goel</a> (Technology and Business Reporter, New York Times)  <a href="https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/carun" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chinmayi Arun</a> (Resident Fellow, Yale University) For more information on this episode, visit us at <a href="/cfrwhyitmatters/episode/cfr.org/podcasts/whatsapp-india" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cfr.org/podcasts/whatsapp-india</a>

WhatsApp With India?

What’s the true cost of cheap clothes? Fast fashion has become a multibillion-dollar industry in recent decades, reshaping the world’s shopping habits. But the industry’s low prices disguise a staggering environmental cost.   Featured Guests:  Elizabeth Segran (Senior Staff Writer, Fast Company)  Linda Greer (Senior Global Fellow, Institute for Public and Environmental Affairs Beijing China)  Amber Valletta (Activist, and founder, Master &amp; Muse)   For more information on this episode, visit us at cfr.org/podcasts/wearing-world-out

What’s the true cost of cheap clothes? Fast fashion has become a multibillion-dollar industry in recent decades, reshaping the world’s shopping habits. But the industry’s low prices disguise a staggering environmental cost. Featured Guests:  <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/user/elizabeth-segran" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Segran</a> (Senior Staff Writer, Fast Company)  <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/experts/linda-greer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linda Greer</a> (Senior Global Fellow, Institute for Public and Environmental Affairs Beijing China)  <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/people/amber-valletta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amber Valletta</a> (Activist, and founder, Master &amp; Muse) For more information on this episode, visit us at <a href="http://cfr.org/podcasts/wearing-the-world-out" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cfr.org/podcasts/wearing-world-out</a>

Wearing the World Out

Is the coronavirus a zero-sum game in which we must choose between saving lives and saving the economy? In this episode, we sit down with two experts to find out. 

Is the coronavirus a zero-sum game in which we must choose between saving lives and saving the economy? In this episode, we sit down with two experts to find out.

Bonus Episode: "A Medically Induced Economic Coma"

The worldwide spread of the new coronavirus has pulled back the curtain on the vulnerabilities of our interconnected world. Now we are left asking some basic questions. What lessons have we learned so far?  Guests:  Sylvia Burwell, former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services  Tom Frieden, former Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  Rana Foroohar, Global Business Columnist and Associate Editor, Financial Times  Shannon O’Neil, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations 

The worldwide spread of the new coronavirus has pulled back the curtain on the vulnerabilities of our interconnected world. Now we are left asking some basic questions. What lessons have we learned so far?  Guests:  <a href="https://www.american.edu/president/burwell-biography.cfm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sylvia Burwell</a>, former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services  <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/tom-frieden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tom Frieden</a>, former Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  <a href="https://www.ft.com/rana-foroohar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rana Foroohar</a>, Global Business Columnist and Associate Editor, Financial Times  <a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/shannon-k-oneil" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shannon O’Neil</a>, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Coronavirus

You’re making the rounds at a party when someone asks you about NATO. Is it still important? The alliance is credited with preventing a third world war, but a lot of us don’t know what it is or how it works. This episode takes a look at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from the ground up, paired best with a cold drink.

You’re making the rounds at a party when someone asks you about NATO. Is it still important? The alliance is credited with preventing a third world war, but a lot of us don’t know what it is or how it works. This episode takes a look at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from the ground up, paired best with a cold drink.

The One Where We Talk About NATO at a Party

As climate change accelerates, some scientists are researching ways to alter our climate to slow down warming. But the method, called solar geoengineering, comes with some serious risks.    Guests  David Keith (Harvard University) Shuchi Talati (Union of Concerned Scientists) Gernot Wagner (New York University)   Show Notes

As climate change accelerates, some scientists are researching ways to alter our climate to slow down warming. But the method, called solar geoengineering, comes with some serious risks.  Guests  <a href="https://keith.seas.harvard.edu/people/david-keith" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Keith</a> (Harvard University) <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/about/people/shuchi-talati" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shuchi Talati</a> (Union of Concerned Scientists) <a href="https://gwagner.com/bio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gernot Wagner</a> (New York University) <a href="https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/dimming-sky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Show Notes</a>

Dimming The Sky

The aftershocks of Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. election are still being felt today. Is the United States ready for 2020?

The aftershocks of Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. election are still being felt today. Is the United States ready for 2020?

Voter, You've Been Hacked

Militaries around the world are designing artificial intelligence–powered weapons that could one day make their own decisions about who to target. The technology could change warfare, but at what cost?

Militaries around the world are designing artificial intelligence–powered weapons that could one day make their own decisions about who to target. The technology could change warfare, but at what cost?

Robots That Kill

At the start of the new year, the Why It Matters team takes a look at some of the best interview segments that didn’t make it into the episodes.

At the start of the new year, the Why It Matters team takes a look at some of the best interview segments that didn’t make it into the episodes.

New Year's Special: 2020 Hindsight

Antibiotics have saved untold millions of lives, but bacteria are learning to outsmart them at alarming rates. Projections show that by 2050, ten million people could die each year from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics have saved untold millions of lives, but bacteria are learning to outsmart them at alarming rates. Projections show that by 2050, ten million people could die each year from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Prescription for Disaster

Space is getting crowded. The biggest challenge is space junk—the debris that results when satellites break up or get shot down. If we aren’t careful, space junk, and space conflict, could cause a lot of problems down here on Earth.

Space is getting crowded. The biggest challenge is space junk—the debris that results when satellites break up or get shot down. If we aren’t careful, space junk, and space conflict, could cause a lot of problems down here on Earth.

Space Jam

Women and girls are excluded from career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This gender gap is causing the world to lose out on “the genius of half the population,” according to former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith.

Women and girls are excluded from career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This gender gap is causing the world to lose out on “the genius of half the population,” according to former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith.

STEMinism

For years, China processed more than half of the world’s recycling. Then, in 2018, it stopped. Things have gotten messy since then.

For years, China processed more than half of the world’s recycling. Then, in 2018, it stopped. Things have gotten messy since then.

China Doesn't Want Your Trash

The U.S. president can launch a first-strike nuclear attack at any time, and there’s no law mandating they seek advice first. Some experts think that’s too much power to put in one person’s hands. 

The U.S. president can launch a first-strike nuclear attack at any time, and there’s no law mandating they seek advice first. Some experts think that’s too much power to put in one person’s hands.

The Big Red Button

We all worry about not understanding the problems that are shaping our world. Why It Matters is a story-driven podcast that gives you the tools you need to understand where things are headed. Fueled by the minds at the Council on Foreign Relations, and hosted by a journalist who is learning alongside you, the podcast weaves together conversations with the leaders and thinkers who are facing these problems head on.

We all worry about not understanding the problems that are shaping our world. Why It Matters is a story-driven podcast that gives you the tools you need to understand where things are headed. Fueled by the minds at the Council on Foreign Relations, and hosted by a journalist who is learning alongside you, the podcast weaves together conversations with the leaders and thinkers who are facing these problems head on.

Trailer: Why It Matters

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!