Deep Dish on Global Affairs

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.

Syria’s war may have faded from the headlines, but for millions of refugees, the crisis is far from over. Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, explains why global aid is failing and what the world must do now to fix it. From Gaza to Syria, he shares how to reset a broken system and rebuild hope as the UN turns 80. 

Almost every conversation about China is framed as an all-out competition—but expert Jessica Chen Weiss argues that reflexive rivalry is making America weaker, not stronger. She breaks down why resilience matters more than dominance, how strategic integration protects US interests, and why “beating” China shouldn’t be the ultimate goal.

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