Iran-backed militants and fears of a widening war in the Middle East; China’s reaction to Taiwan’s national elections; how to escape from North Korea; Ukraine’s stunning digital transformation amidst war
Jan 14, 2024
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London School of Economics professor Fawaz Gerges discusses fears of a widening war in the Middle East. Bonny Lin talks about China's reaction to Taiwan's national elections. The podcast also explores the treacherous journey of escaping from North Korea and Ukraine's digital transformation amidst war.
Ukraine's digital transformation has improved convenience, transparency, and efficiency in government services, offering Ukrainians a range of services through the DIA app.
The documentary film, Beyond Utopia, highlights the harrowing journeys of North Korean defectors and the inspiring network of individuals who assist them in seeking freedom.
Deep dives
Digital Transformation in Ukraine
Ukraine has made significant strides in digital transformation, aiming to make government services tech-savvy and accessible to its citizens. The country has introduced digital first strategies, replacing physical passports with electronic passports, allowing digital driver's licenses, and launching the DIA app, which offers a range of services. Through the app, Ukrainians can pay taxes, receive benefits, get certificates, donate to the armed forces, and even report enemy movements in conflict areas. The government's focus on digitization has not only improved convenience for citizens but has also enhanced transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
Escaping from North Korea
The documentary film, Beyond Utopia, sheds light on the harrowing journeys of those attempting to escape North Korea. The film captures remarkable footage of one family's escape, highlighting the immense risks involved in crossing borders and navigating through multiple countries. It reveals the level of indoctrination and repression experienced by North Koreans and the monumental challenges they face to seek freedom. Beyond Utopia also showcases the inspiring network of individuals who risk their lives to assist defectors along the way.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Israeli ground invasion of Gaza and the subsequent destruction wrought by the bombing campaign have had severe consequences for the region. The war has caused extensive damage to Gaza's infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship. The campaign's high civilian casualties and the extensive destruction of buildings have sparked international concern and raised questions about the proportionality and impact of the Israeli response to Hamas attacks. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex dynamics and challenges surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
US-China Relations and Taiwan's Election
The US-China relationship has experienced fluctuating tensions, but engagement between the two nations has increased recently. The United States has sought to stabilize relations through various military and diplomatic talks, demonstrating a desire for peaceful coexistence. Amidst this backdrop, Taiwan recently held elections that resulted in the reelection of President Lai Ching-te. The outcome of the elections has implications for Taiwan's relationship with China, as well as the broader geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
This week on the show, Fareed speaks with London School of Economics professor of international relations Fawaz Gerges on fears of a widening war in the Middle East after U.S. & Britain strike the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen and as the strife heats up between Israel and Hezbollah (who are also Iran-backed).
Next, Bonny Lin of the Center for Strategic & International Studies talks to Fareed about this weekend’s Taiwanese national election and China’s response to it.
Then, how to escape from North Korea. Fareed sits down to discuss "Beyond Utopia", a film about one family's treacherous journey out of North Korea, with the director Madeleine Gavin and producer Sue Mi Terry.
Finally, Ukraine’s Minister for Digital Transformation Mikhail Fedorov explains to Fareed how his government is making it so Ukrainians can pay their taxes, report war damage, cross national borders and much more - all on an app on their phone.
GUESTS:Fawaz Gerges@FawazGerges; Bonny Lin; Sue Mi Terry @SueMiTerry; Madeleine Gavin; Mykhailo Fedorov.