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.

Kenneth Rosen, a journalist and Arctic geopolitics author, and Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe at the Atlantic Council, dive into the urgent geopolitical shifts caused by climate change in the Arctic. They discuss how melting ice is opening new shipping routes and resource access, sparking competition among Russia, China, and NATO. The breakdown of Arctic collaboration post-2014 and the implications for US and Canadian security efforts are highlights, alongside insights into the challenges of Arctic governance and cooperation.

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.

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.

Evan Medeiros, a professor at Georgetown University and former senior director for Asia on the U.S. National Security Council, dives into China's ambitions under Xi Jinping. He discusses China's goal to reshape global norms and challenges to the liberal order. Medeiros critiques U.S. policies across administrations and emphasizes the need for intense diplomacy to avoid miscalculations. He also highlights China’s alliances and the importance of rebuilding partnerships, particularly with India, while navigating the complexities of global influence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Baroness Dambisa Moyo, an esteemed economist and board member for Starbucks and Chevron, dives into the shifting landscape of the global economy. She tackles Europe's stagnating growth and productivity issues in comparison to the U.S., emphasizing the crucial role of historical lessons in shaping today's markets. Moyo discusses urgent economic challenges, including inequality, demographic shifts, and resource limitations. She also explores unexpected income discrepancies and urges policymakers to address economic inequality amidst deglobalization and rising tariffs.