Why It Matters

Shannon K. O’Neil, a leading authority on global trade at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins to discuss the evolving landscape of U.S. trade policies. She examines the decline of the Washington Consensus, contrasting its historical role in promoting unity with the current trend towards protectionism. The conversation dives into the impact of tariffs under the Trump administration, highlighting their role in both international relations and American business uncertainty. O’Neil emphasizes the need for a renewed trade strategy to adapt to ongoing global challenges.

Edward Alden, a senior fellow specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness and trade, dives into the evolution of trade and its growing significance beyond mere goods exchange. He explores how trade has reshaped foreign policy and national security dynamics, and the consequences of U.S. nationalism on global norms. Alden discusses the cost implications of a return to domestic manufacturing and highlights the vulnerabilities of global supply chains exposed by the pandemic, ultimately illustrating how trade policy impacts economic stability and global relations.

Delve into the intricate web of global trade and its significance in shaping international relations. Hear firsthand stories from Americans and uncover misconceptions about trade policies. Experts provide historical context and contemporary insights, revealing where U.S. trade strategy has faltered. This eye-opening discussion emphasizes trade's impact on everyday lives and highlights its complexities in a rapidly changing world.

As the climate crisis intensifies, so do discussions about the utilization of nuclear energy. In the aftermath of nuclear meltdowns such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, climate skeptics say the environmental benefits do not outweigh the associated costs and risks. But others think that nuclear energy might be the best option for a greener future. Weighed against the world’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, how could nuclear be a safeguard for our energy supply?   This episode was originally released on October 29, 2021.   Featured Guests   Leslie Dewan, CEO, RadiantNano   Shirley Ann Jackson, President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/the-climate-for-nuclear-energy

Emerging technologies are transforming international relations and our country’s economy. So how do we connect science and engineering labs with Washington and the world of business?    The Interconnect, a new podcast series from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Stanford Emerging Technology Review, brings together leading minds in cutting-edge technology and foreign policy to explore recent ground-breaking developments, what's coming over the horizon, and the implications for U.S. innovation leadership.   In this featured episode, Stanford Emerging Technology Review Faculty Council Member Mark Horowitz and CFR’s technologist-in-residence Sebastian Elbaum discuss where chip manufacturing is heading, how hardware advances are powering the new artificial intelligence (AI) era, and what the United States should prioritize in order to sustain its leadership in this crucial domain.   Host   Martin Giles, Managing Editor of the Stanford Emerging Technology Review   Guests   Mark Horowitz, chair of the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford University   Sebastian Elbaum, the Technologist in Residence at the Council on Foreign Relations

Fresh water sustains all life, but in many regions, especially arid ones, it is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change. Aging infrastructure and ineffective policies are only making the situation worse, affecting communities, economies, and even the political stability of some countries. As water shortages intensify, it’s crucial to rethink how we manage this vital resource and develop more adaptable systems that can better withstand the effects of climate change.   This episode was originally released on July 8, 2021.   Featured Guests   Sandra Postel, Founder and Director, Global Water Policy Project   Mark Giordano, Professor of Geography and Cinco Hermanos Chair in Environment and International Affairs, Georgetown University   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/water-scarcity 

Under international law, the North Pole and the Arctic waters surrounding it are not owned by any country. But this January, President Donald Trump announced his plans to buy the Arctic territory of Greenland, testing the claims of rivals and opening up a greater conversation around who governs the Arctic Circle. On top of these icy tensions, the North Pole is warming. Melting ice caps are opening up new shipping routes and making the region increasingly mineable, generating even more interest from leaders around the world.   This episode was originally released on March 29, 2023.   Featured Guests   Esther Brimmer, James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance   Jeff Randall, Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/whats-cracking-arctic

In this discussion, Kate Mackenzie, Green columnist for Bloomberg, and Michael Greenstone, Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, dive into the urgent need for climate pricing mechanisms like carbon taxes. They explore the economic impact of climate change and the struggle against corporate greenwashing amid rising fossil fuel investments. The conversation highlights the crucial role of international agreements like the Paris Accord and the pressing need for regulatory reforms to reshape corporate sustainability and prioritize genuine climate action.

For decades, U.S. homeowners have counted on property insurance to protect them from catastrophic loss if their homes are destroyed. But last year, private companies pulled their coverage in multiple climate-sensitive states, only months before the fires in Los Angeles and the hurricanes in the Southeast region wreaked havoc. As climate disasters become more frequent, can home insurance hold up?    This episode was originally released on September 27, 2023.   Featured Guests   David Marlett, Managing Director of the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center, Appalachian State University   Nancy Watkins, Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at  https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/could-climate-change-break-home-insurance

Our editors top picks of Why It Matters episodes on climate.