Deep Dish on Global Affairs

From slowing growth, tariffs and widening inequality, the rules of the global economy are being rewritten and affecting us all. Baroness Dambisa Moyo shares her insights on the forces driving this new reality and what it means for countries, leaders, and citizens alike.

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

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.