NOTE: This interview was recorded before the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28. Please see the statement from our guest, Lucas Myers, which follows the episode description below. In this episode of Need to Know, Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast Asia for the Wilson Center's Indo-Pacific Program discusses Myanmar’s proposed elections, the junta’s dwindling control, and China's role in the crisis. Along with host John Milewski, they analyze whether ...
Mar 28, 2025•15 min
NOTE: This episode of Need to Know was recorded March 12, 2025... 2 days before Mark Carney was sworn in as prime minister. In this episode of Need to Know, Xavier Delgado, Senior Program Associate for the Wilson Center's Canada Program, joins us to discuss the future of Canadian politics following the Liberal Party’s election of Mark Carney as its new leader. Along with host John Milewski, they explore Carney’s background, the potential for an early election, and how Canadian sentiment toward t...
Mar 16, 2025•16 min
In this episode of Need to Know, Robin Quinville, Director of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program, joins host John Milewski to break down Germany’s recent elections, the rise of the far right, economic challenges, and the evolving US-EU relationship.
Mar 07, 2025•14 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Benjamin Gedan, Director of the Wilson Center's Latin America Program, about the geopolitical and economic significance of the Panama Canal. They explore the immediate and potential future impact of President Trump's overtures about control of the waterway. Gedan also describes China's role, and Panama's investments in the canal's expansion and modernization.
Feb 14, 2025•11 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the recent trade agreements between the US, Canada, and Mexico, with guests Lila Abed, Director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute and Christopher Sands, Director of the center's Canada Institute. They discuss the implications of now delayed tariffs and the political dynamics affecting trade and overall relations. Lila and Chris provide insights into how each country is navigating the challenges, impacts of leadership changes, an...
Feb 10, 2025•22 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Kellee Wicker, Director of the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program, about China’s DeepSeek AI breakthrough. They discuss its implications for US AI strategy, global competition, and the future of innovation.
Jan 31, 2025•15 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Merissa Khurma, Director of the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, to explore the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region and what it means for the new administration. From shifting alliances to economic opportunities and humanitarian challenges, this conversation provides key insights for policymakers navigating the Middle East.
Jan 24, 2025•19 min
In this episode, Need to Know host John Milewski explores America’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific with Shihoko Goto, Director of the Wilson Center's Indo-Pacific program. Topics include U.S. alliances, China’s growing influence, and strategies for the new administration to strengthen regional partnerships.
Jan 06, 2025•15 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Lila Abed, director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute. They discuss key issues like trade, security, fentanyl, and migration. Lila comments on the potential for even stronger collaboration while identifying the challenges both countries face in fostering mutual trust and crafting effective policies.
Dec 13, 2024•17 min
In this episode, Need to Know host John Milewski discusses the evolving dynamics of US-China relations with Robert Daly, Director of the Wilson Center's Kissinger Institute. From economic realities to ideological divides, Daly offers a nuanced take on managing what he says will be a decades-long competition. He provides valuable insights as a new US Congress and administration take shape.
Nov 22, 2024•16 min
In this episode, John Milewski discusses the recent political upheaval in Japan with Shihoko Goto, Director, Indo-Pacific Program at the Wilson Center. Their discussion focuses on the implications of the recent elections that resulted in no party gaining a majority. The conversation explores the challenges of forming a coalition government, the potential for political instability, and the impact on U.S.-Japan relations amidst rising tensions with China.
Nov 01, 2024•18 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center. They discuss the trilateral collaboration between the US, Canada, and Finland, known as the Ice Pact. They focus on the urgent need for new icebreakers in the US fleet, the geopolitical implications of icebreaker capacity in the Arctic, and the strengths each country brings to the partnership. The conversation also covers the challenges of implementation and t...
Oct 25, 2024•17 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the complexities of migration through the Darien Gap with Ambassador Mark Green and Eddie Acevedo. They explore the motivations behind the increasing number of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, the dangers they face, and the exploitation by human traffickers. The conversation also highlights the role of the U.S. and international community in addressing the humanitarian crisis and the need for a more regional approach to migratio...
Oct 18, 2024•18 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the rise of populism in Europe with Robin Quinville, Director of the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program. They explore the factors contributing to the popularity of far-right movements, including migration, economic uncertainty, and the polarization of political parties. The conversation also touches on the implications of these trends on EU leadership.
Oct 10, 2024•14 min
In this episode of Need to Know we explore China's growing influence in Africa through investments, diplomacy, and military cooperation. Our guests are Oge Onubogu, Director of the Wilson Center’s Africa Program, and Robert Daly, Director of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States. Together with host, John Milewski, they discuss China’s investment diplomacy, perceptions of its role on the continent, and implications for US policy.
Sep 27, 2024•21 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski and guest Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center, discuss the ongoing political upheaval in Bangladesh in the aftermath of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. They explore the interim government's challenges, US interests, and the future of Bangladesh’s economy and foreign relations.
Sep 20, 2024•16 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski and Ambassador Philip Reeker, Chair of the Global Europe Program at the Wilson Center, discuss key takeaways from NATO's 75th anniversary summit. They explore the legacy of the alliance, as well as its future, as it responds to a growing and evolving array of global challenges.
Jul 19, 2024•22 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski, discuses the history and future of US-China agriculture cooperation with Dr. Karen Mancl. She is a professor and water quality specialist at the Ohio State University and a fellow with the Wilson Center's China Environment Program. In addition to exploring the history of cooperation between the two countries, Mancl talks about the impact on trade, the value of scientific exchanges, and hopes for shared climate change solutions. Join us for an ...
Jul 01, 2024•18 min
In this episode of the Need to Know, we delve into the recent G7 Summit, focusing on the current state of US global competitiveness and assorted economic challenges. Host John Milewski speaks with Mark Kennedy, Director of the Wilson Center's Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition. Kennedy is a former Member of Congress and a former university president. He provides insights into the implications of China's economic strategies, ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities, and the importance of maint...
Jun 21, 2024•18 min
In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski explores what we know and what we think we know about North Korea with expert insights from Sung-Yoon Lee, a Fellow with the Wilson Center’s Indo-Pacific Program. Yoon explains the complexities behind North Korea's strategic maneuvers, military ambitions, and the intricacies of its ruling regime. He also dispels common myths and provides a clear-eyed analysis of the motivations and tactics of one of the world's most secretive and misunderst...
Jun 14, 2024•15 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses Mexico's elections with guest Lila Abed, acting director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute. Lila was an International Electoral Observer of Claudia Sheinbaum's, historic victory that will make her Mexico's first female president when she's sworn into office. They discuss the larger political landscape, Sheinbaum's potential policies, the implications of AMLO's legacy, and the possible impact on US-Mexico relations. Tune in for a...
Jun 05, 2024•19 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discuses US policy on Taiwan with Wilson Center Indo-Pacific Program Director, Shihoko Goto. They explore the complexities and nuances of maintaining strong ties to a most important US trade partner, while acknowledging the "one China principle." They also discuss China's efforts to increase its own economic ties to Taiwan and the risk-reward factors related to Chinese investment. Additionally, Goto provides insights into the challenge of helpi...
May 03, 2024•17 min
In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the recent direct attack by Iran on Israel and its implications for the region with the Wilson Center’s Middle East Program Director Merissa Khurma. She provides insights into the shifting dynamics and potential consequences of this escalation, highlighting the delicate balancing act for countries like Jordan and the critical role of US leadership in pursuing de-escalation and stability.
Apr 17, 2024•14 min
In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski explores the evolving landscape of warfare shaped by unmanned aerial vehicles with his guest, Dr. Jack Watling. Dr. Watling is a Wilson Center Global Fellow and senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. They discuss a new study, co-authored by Jack, that focuses on the impact of UAVs on land forces, drawing insights from contemporary conflicts like the one in Ukraine. From precision strikes to procurement challenges, th...
Apr 17, 2024•18 min
In this episode of Need to Know, we focus on Pakistan's political and economic situation, as well as its relationship with the United States. Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Wilson Center's IndoPacific program, covers topics such as the health of democracy in the wake of the recent election, the country's ongoing economic crisis, and the value of US support for democracy and human rights. Kugelman highlights the challenges and complexities facing Pakistan and provides insights into the ...
Mar 26, 2024•18 min
In this episode of the Need to Know John Milewski takes a look into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the dynamic supply chains essential to their development and manufacturing. Joined by a panel of experts, including Duncan Wood, Jasper Jung, and Sham Kunjur, shed light on the impact of the evolution of EV supply chains, the impact of legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, and the importance of partnerships and investment in critical minerals processing infrastructure.
Mar 15, 2024•24 min
In this episode, we delve into the findings from a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources that examined the fiscal impact of refugees and asylum seekers on the economy over a 15-year period. Many will be surprised by the overwhelmingly positive findings. John Thon Majok, Director of the Wilson Center's Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative, provides insights and analysis that could have significant implications for policy decisions. The full report: https://asp...
Mar 08, 2024•15 min
In this episode of the Need to Know podcast from the Wilson Center, Ambassador Mark Green, President and CEO of the Wilson Center, shares his recent firsthand observations from Ukraine, marking the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. From the war-torn streets to underground schools in subway stations, Ambassador Green provides a vivid account of the destruction caused by Russian attacks and the courageous response of Ukrainians rebuilding their lives amidst ongoing conflict. He emphasizes...
Feb 26, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Need to Know, Eddy Acevedo, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President and CEO of the Wilson Center, discusses the year ahead for the U.S. Congress. He lists other priorities Congress is juggling in addition to appropriations and supplemental funding. Acevedo shares insights from his experience working on the Hill and emphasizes the importance of bipartisan collaboration. He also touches on the role of Congress in shaping foreign policy and talks about the critical nee...
Feb 07, 2024•17 min
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski explores the implications of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on the Abraham Accords with Merissa Khurma, director of the Wilson Center's Middle East program. They review the status of the accords before the Hamas attack and how things have changed since the outbreak of war. They also explore the possible long-term consequences of the war on the future of the accords and their promise of greater regional stability.
Nov 21, 2023•14 min
