Brad Parks

Brad Parks, Executive Director of AidData at the College of William and Mary, discusses how China's foreign development outspending is creating influence abroad. He highlights China's use of foreign aid to create a market for its industries. Parks explores the aims and impacts of China's overseas development program, including their objectives in providing debt loans and aid. He also addresses the environmental consequences of Chinese loan-financed highway construction in Cambodia, and debunks myths surrounding China's foreign aid.

In this discussion, Anna Gelpern, a legal scholar at Georgetown University, and Brad Parks, director of AidData, dive deep into China's approach to securing loans to developing countries. They debunk the 'debt trap' narrative, revealing there's no evidence of China seizing assets due to unpaid debts. The two experts explore innovative collateral methods, such as future cash flows from infrastructure projects. They also analyze the complexities involved in loan agreements, using case studies from Kenya and Ghana to highlight transparency issues and ethical implications in international finance.

Kgothatso Montjane, the first black South African to compete at Wimbledon, shares her inspiring journey in wheelchair tennis, focusing on resilience and passion. She discusses the challenges she faced, her preparation for Paris 2024, and the emotional connection to her sport. Joining her is Brad Parks, co-inventor of wheelchair tennis, who highlights the sport's evolution and the critical role of the Paralympics in promoting inclusion. Together, they celebrate the community support that uplifts athletes and the triumphs of their remarkable journeys.