Why It Matters

How can the world create better medicines? More powerful solar cells? New batteries? The answers could come from a revolutionary research tool known as the quantum computer. It can seem like magic—harnessing the power of quantum physics to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. But there are unmitigated risks too, as the technology continues to develop. What would a quantum-led future hold?   Featured Guests:  Shohini Ghose (Quantum Physicist and Professor, Physics and Computer Science, Wilfrid Laurier University)  Marissa Guistina (Quantum Electronics Engineer and Research Scientist, Google)  Kate Weber (Public Policy Lead, Quantum Computing, Google)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/quantum-leap

The world is already witnessing the effects of climate change. One inescapable and irreversible consequence is sea-level rise, which could destroy coastal cities. How will the world adapt to rising tides?   Featured Guests:   Alice C. Hill (David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment, Council on Foreign Relations)  Klaus Jacob (Geophysicist and Emeritus Research Professor, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University)  Henk Ovink  (Special Envoy for International Water Affairs, Netherlands)  Gernot Wagner (Climate Economist and Visiting Associate Professor, Columbia University)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/climate-adaptation-rising-tides-in-coastal-cities

In this special episode, Why It Matters sits down with CFR President Richard Haass to ask the basic questions about the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s frame of mind, and his threat to world order.   Featured Guest: Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at:  https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/perspective-ukraine-richard-haass  

As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, here are some resources from the Council on Foreign Relations to stay informed:    Charles A. Kupchan, “Why Putin’s War With Ukraine Is a Miscalculation,” CFR.org, February 24, 2022   “TWNW Special: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine,” The World Next Week, February 24, 2022   “Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence in Russia’s Shadow,” CFR.org, February 24, 2022   “Crisis in Ukraine,” CFR.org, February 23, 2022   Alina Polyakova and Daniel Fried, “Putin’s Long Game in Ukraine,” Foreign Affairs,  February 23, 2022   Thomas Graham, “Has Russia Just Started a Wider War With Ukraine?,” CFR.org, February 22, 2022   Max Boot, “Why the U.S. Ramped Up Its Information War With Russia,” CFR.org, February 10, 2022   Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow, “How Do the Militaries of Russia and Ukraine Stack Up?,” CFR.org, February 4, 2022   Jonathan Masters, “Why NATO Has Become a Flash Point With Russia in Ukraine,” CFR.org, January 20, 2022   Jonathan Masters, “Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia,” CFR.org, December 2, 2021  

The world is moving toward electric vehicles and clean energy, but a green future doesn’t depend on wind turbines, solar panels, and Teslas alone. It will also require a vast supply of advanced batteries. As a result, global demand for lithium—an essential battery ingredient—is outpacing supply, with the gap expected to grow in the years to come.   Featured Guests:  Frank Fannon (Managing Director, Fannon Global Advisors) Vijay Vaitheeswaran (Global Energy & Climate Innovation Editor, The Economist)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/batteries-not-included

Why It Matters is back for a fifth season, asking the important questions about the global issues, problems, and trends that will affect the future. What role does American music play in international relations? Will the global supply chain put the path to clean energy at risk? What the heck is quantum computing?   For more information on our first four seasons, be sure to visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/why-it-matters    

The Why It Matters team is pleased to introduce a new CFR series, Nine Questions for the World.    The world is changing, and its future is forming around high-stakes challenges such as climate change and shifting geopolitical power. In this limited series, Council on Foreign Relations President Richard Haass sits down with nine extraordinary thinkers to explore fundamental questions about the century to come.   To hear more, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or where ever you get your audio.   For episodes and more information, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcast-series/nine-questions-world.

Last summer, China tested a hypersonic missile that traveled through orbit. The test shocked many observers and led to widespread concern about the potential for nuclear-armed missiles that can evade detection and defense systems. The technology is not as new as it might seem, but this latest test highlights an underlying threat that the world has been living with for decades.   Featured Guests:  Laura Grego (Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)  Adam Mount (Senior Fellow and Director, Federation of American Scientists)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/hyperventilating-over-hypersonics

Nuclear energy is critical for decarbonization in the fight against climate change. But high-profile accidents, substantial costs, and concerns about waste management have kneecapped its expansion. As the climate crisis intensifies, the world is rethinking how to use nuclear energy to tackle ambitious climate targets.   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

Experts argue that Mexico affects daily life in the United States more than any other country. For years, U.S. and Mexican officials have attempted to tackle immigration, trade, and security challenges, and their success has depended on cooperation. With so much at stake, Why It Matters investigates the complex relationship and the factors that threaten it.   Featured Guests:  Shannon K. O’Neil (Vice President, Deputy Director of Studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies, Council on Foreign Relations)  Mariana Campero (Senior Associate, Non-resident, Americas Program, Center for Strategic & International Studies)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/mexico