Deep Dish on Global Affairs

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.

Ravi Agrawal, Editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy and author of 'India Connected,' joins Raghuram Rajan, a Booth School professor and former RBI governor, to discuss India's strategic autonomy amid global pressures. They tackle India's aspirations to become a major global player by 2047, the challenges of rising U.S. tariffs, and the complexities of foreign policy shifts. The influence of the Indian-American diaspora and the importance of language in diplomacy also come under scrutiny as they explore the intricacies of India's economic and diplomatic landscape.

Brent Neiman, an economics professor at the University of Chicago and former Treasury counselor, and David Henig, director of the UK Trade Policy Project, dive into the ripple effects of Trump's tariffs on global trade. They discuss the uncertain landscape for businesses and international relations amid rising tariffs. The conversation reveals the UK's strategic responses and contrasts them with the EU's varied reactions. Neiman and Henig also explore manufacturing's role in national security and the challenges faced by countries adjusting to new trade dynamics, emphasizing the need for coordinated strategies.

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

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

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.  

Colin Kahl, a professor at Stanford and former Biden official, and Tom Wright from the Brookings Institution, also a former Biden official, delve into the shifting landscape of U.S. grand strategy. They discuss the dual approach towards China blending competition and diplomacy, and how this contrasts with past policies. The complexities of U.S.-Iran relations are explored, alongside the impact of the pandemic on global alliances and the urgent need for adaptability in facing nationalism and rising tensions with global powers like Russia.

Vali Nasr, a Professor at Johns Hopkins and author of 'Iran's Grand Strategy,' teams up with Suzanne Maloney, VP at the Brookings Institution, to delve into the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. They discuss the fragile ceasefire and what it means for regional stability, the intricacies of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the evolving role of the U.S. in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The conversation highlights Gulf states' responses, shares insights on public sentiment around military versus diplomatic strategies, and ponders the broader implications of Iran's nuclear pursuits.

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 

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