As the war on Gaza continues with no end in sight, two peace activists – one Palestinian and one Israeli – are already charting a non-violent path forward. Ray Suarez sits down with Luxembourg Peace Prize laureates, Ali Abu Awwad , founding leader of the Taghyeer (Change) Palestinian National Nonviolence movement, and Dr. Gershon Baskin, the Middle East director of the International Communities Organization , to learn why they maintain hope for a peaceful, two-state solution. Ali Abu Awwad was j...
Dec 11, 2023•53 min
The APEC Multistakeholder Forum (AMF) , organized by the Commonwealth Club World Affairs, was the first of its kind to feature Indigenous perspectives on what a ‘just transition’ away from fossil fuels should look like. Maui Solomon , Chairman of Moriori Imi Settlement Trust, and Raylene Whitford , Director of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board , join Ray Suarez to explain how Indigenous representation and inclusion means putting people and the planet above profit. Guests: Maui Solomon ...
Dec 07, 2023•27 min
What does a ‘just’ transition away from fossil fuels actually mean for Indigenous communities? At the APEC Multistakeholder Forum (AMF) , organized by the Commonwealth Club World Affairs, Ray Suarez sat down with Chéri A. Smith , a renewable energy expert and Mi’kmaq descendant. They discussed how the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy is working to combat energy poverty, bring solar to Indigenous communities and secure Native people a seat at the clean energy development table. Guest: Chéri A. Sm...
Dec 04, 2023•27 min
It’s been 78 years since a nuclear weapon was last used in war. Since then, the number of countries with a nuclear arsenal has increased from one… to nine. For the US government, two of the greatest nuclear threats are China and Russia – two superpowers that are escalating their nuclear capacity. US State Department nuclear expert, Mallory Stewart, shares how serious these threats are to the US. Guest: Mallory Stewart , Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stabilit...
Nov 27, 2023•23 min
Former president Dwight Eisenhower described nuclear war as “unwinnable, unsurvivable and unthinkable.” But what changes when the use of a nuclear weapon now seems thinkable, and maybe… inevitable? Ray Suarez sits down with Shannon E. French, Director of the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence, and Matt Korda, Senior Research Fellow for the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, to unpack why talk of nuclear annihilation is now being so casually ...
Nov 23, 2023•30 min
Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who died in 2018, was one of the most famous diplomats of his time. In today’s episode, we're sharing an Foreign Policy Magazine's The Negotiators about Annan’s mediation of a Kenyan political crisis in 2008—which stands out as one of his most impressive acts of diplomacy. What we can learn about the nuances of negotiating? Guest: Meredith Preston McGhie , Secretary General for the Global Centre for Pluralism Hosts: Ray Suarez Jenn Williams Producer: Lau...
Nov 20, 2023•34 min
During APEC, President Xi Jinping reminded world leaders that China is “open for business.” So what does the next era of US-China relations look like? Ivan Kanapathy, Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, joins Ray Suarez to unpack the stakes of the Biden-Xi sideline talks, and just how far the two leaders will go to reestablish ties. Guest: Ivan Kanapathy , Senior Associate, Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic & International Studie...
Nov 18, 2023•19 min
While the past year has seen major gains for LGBT+ rights, politicians around the world are increasingly using the community as scapegoats. Julie Dorf, Co-Chair of the Council for Global Equality, joins Ray Suarez to explain how a transnational network of American Christians is targeting LGBT+ rights at home… and abroad. Guest: Julie Dorf , Co-Chair of the Council for Global Equality Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider making a dona...
Nov 15, 2023•25 min
This year, Uganda enacted one of the harshest anti-LGBT+ laws in the world, making homosexuality punishable by death. Ugandan Human Rights activist Dr. Frank Mugisha joins Ray Suarez to share how American Christian evangelicals radicalized the East African country, and how the fight for human rights has turned deadly. Guest: Dr. Frank Mugisha , Ugandan LGBT advocate and Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we ...
Nov 13, 2023•28 min
Can economic power-brokering overcome decades of repression and human rights abuses? Karen Elliott House has covered Saudi Arabia for over four decades, and the Pulitzer-Prize reporter joins Ray Suarez to share her take on Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s vision for his country’s future. Guest: Karen Elliott House , Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, pl...
Nov 09, 2023•28 min
Saudi Arabia has embarked on a bold vision of innovation, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated aims for a long war on Gaza could interrupt Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s plans. NPR International Correspondent Aya Batrawy joins Ray Suarez to unpack how Saudi Arabia’s leader may react. Guest: Aya Batrawy , NPR International Correspondent and head of NPR’s Gulf Bureau Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider making a donation ...
Nov 06, 2023•26 min
By 2030, around 600 million people will be struggling with extreme poverty. And the effects of climate change will only exacerbate the problem. Jorge Familiar joins Ray Suarez to share how the World Bank has revised its mission to tackle the twin problems of climate change and inequality. Guest: Jorge Familiar , VP and Treasurer of the World Bank Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider making a donation to World Affairs . We cannot do t...
Nov 02, 2023•25 min
What do you need to know about wealth to understand structural inequality in America? Becoming wealthy is getting harder with each generation, and the biggest predictor of whether you’ll achieve it isn’t your class… but your race. Ray Suarez sits down with economist Darrick Hamilton to discuss closing the racial wealth gap in the US. Guest: Darrick Hamilton , American economist and Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy and Professor at The New School for Social Research Host: Ray S...
Oct 30, 2023•28 min
Thousands have been killed in the ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, and a ground invasion into Gaza appears imminent. Former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates predicts how war could ripple through the Middle East. Guest: Robert Gates , former US Secretary of Defense Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider making a donation to World Affairs . We cannot do this work without your help. Thank you....
Oct 23, 2023•35 min
On October 7, Hamas, an Iran-backed Islamist terrorist group, broke through the high-tech security barrier which divides Israel from the Gaza Strip, and launched a coordinated surprise attack on neighboring Israeli military targets and communities. Over 1,200 were killed, and 200 Israelis are still being held hostage. In retaliation, Israel has bombed the Gaza Strip — killing almost 4,000 Palestinians— and cut off water, electricity, medical and humanitarian aid in the occupied territory. As the...
Oct 20, 2023•30 min
While many Baby Boomers have already left the workforce behind, almost half are considering coming out of retirement in search of a new purpose in life. Leading sociologist and business economist Mauro Guillén joins Ray Suarez to explain why the days of “OK Boomer” are coming to an end… and why the future of work will be “post-generational.” Guest: Mauro F. Guillén , Vice Dean at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and author of “The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Post Generat...
Oct 16, 2023•53 min
How does Russia benefit from conflict in the Caucasus? And what role can the media play in building bridges of understanding? In this episode, we revisit our conversations with Russian-American journalist Simon Ostrovsky and independent Azeri journalist Arzu Geybulla on the roots of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict post-Soviet collapse, and the potential for future reconciliation. Guests: Simon Ostrovsky , PBS NewsHour Special Correspondent Arzu Geybulla , Independent Azeri journalist and Founder...
Oct 12, 2023•30 min
In late September, Azerbaijan wiped out the self-proclaimed, ethnically Armenian Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. The attacks prompted Armenia to finally join the International Criminal Court—despite warnings from Russia. Ray Suarez speaks with human rights lawyer Sheila Paylan about what Armenia’s decision means for the country’s strained relations with Russia, and why Armenians are accusing Azerbaijan of war crimes and ethnic cleansing. Guest: Sheila Paylan , International Lawyer and Human Rights...
Oct 09, 2023•23 min
The United Kingdom recently passed a law which grants immunity for the violence of The Troubles – adding another wrinkle to the ongoing Brexit saga. Jude Webber, Ireland correspondent for The Financial Times, joins Ray Suarez to unpack how the precarious peace held together by the Good Friday agreement is at risk of unraveling. Guest: Jude Webber , Ireland correspondent for The Financial Times Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider mak...
Oct 05, 2023•25 min
April marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement, bringing to an end decades of violence known as “The Troubles.” But the chaotic implementation of Brexit and a new Northern Ireland Troubles “reconciliation” law from the UK are threatening that historic peace deal. From our friends at Foreign Policy’s “ The Negotiators ,” Jonathan Powell, a chief negotiator of the Good Friday agreement, shares what actually happened in the room. Find the show’s new season wherever you get your podc...
Oct 02, 2023•28 min
If military cooperation with North Korea is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, why would Russia do it so publicly? And what’s in it for the Hermit Kingdom? Andrei Lankov, Director at NK News, joins Ray Suarez to explain why Kim Jong Un is solidifying relations with Russia… and not China. Guest: Andrei Lankov , Director at NK News and Professor at Kookmin University Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider making a donation t...
Sep 28, 2023•25 min
Russia is firing off more artillery shells than they can produce at home, forcing the Kremlin to shop around for a new supplier. Ray Suarez speaks with New York Times’ national security reporter Julian Barnes about Russia’s alleged arms deal with North Korea, and what it means for the war in Ukraine. Guest: Julian Barnes , national security reporter for The New York Times Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider making a donation to Worl...
Sep 25, 2023•28 min
As many as 150,000 US auto workers have walked out in a historic strike against the Big Three Automakers. In this special rerun episode, Mark Phelan, auto writer and columnist for the Detroit Free Press, joins Ray Suarez to break down why electric vehicles and wages are a red line for autoworkers. Guests: Shawn Fain , President of the United Auto Workers Mark Phelan , auto writer and columnist for the Detroit Free Press Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work...
Sep 21, 2023•28 min
In 2023, the rapid pace of innovation in Silicon Valley is making it increasingly challenging for our global partners to keep up. Ray Suarez speaks with Gerard de Graaf, Senior Envoy for Digital to the US, about strengthening US-EU cooperation on digital affairs. Then, Caitlin Chin, Strategic Technologies Program Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, returns with an update on the latest digital drama between Washington and Beijing… and where a possible TikTok ban goes fro...
Sep 18, 2023•53 min
Is West Africa going to war over Niger? And is the Niger coup part of a wider decline in French colonial influence – and growing Russian and Chinese interest – in the region? Ray Suarez sits down with security analyst Fola Aina and journalist Nabila Ramdani to discuss the coup in Niger – and across former French colonies in the Sahel region. They explain why the Niger coup could help the Wagner Group expand influence. Guests: Fola Aina , international security analyst at the Royal United Service...
Sep 14, 2023•25 min
What will happen to Wagner without Prigozhin? And can Russia continue to isolate itself from the economic chaos its war has created? Ray Suarez speaks with Catherine Belton, The Washington Post’s Russia reporter, about the mercenary organization’s future and the price Russians — ordinary and oligarch — are paying for Putin’s power plays. Guest: Catherine Belton , international investigative reporter for The Washington Post and author of “ Putin's People ” Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this ...
Sep 11, 2023•28 min
On August 23rd, Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a mysterious plane crash just 60 days after his mercenary group Wagner led a failed coup attempt that Russian president Vladimir Putin called “treasonous.” Atlantic staff writer Anne Applebaum argues that Putin needed a spectacular act of violence after Prigozhin’s challenge to his power. She and Ray discuss what this means for a fragile Russia. Read Applebaum’s latest column for The Atlantic, Prigozhin’s Death Heralds Even More Spectacular Violenc...
Sep 02, 2023•53 min
The aftermath of the Chinese surveillance balloon saga reveals a growing diplomatic divide between the US and China. Where does this mistrust come from? In “Wealth and Power,” authors Orville Schell and John Delury argue that foreign humiliation over the past century and a half is the story that holds China together. They join host Ray Suarez to discuss China’s quest for global dominance. Guests: John Delury , US Professor of Chinese Studies at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea Orville Sch...
Aug 28, 2023•53 min
Groups like the Reichsbürger and Sovereign Citizens are not new, but the ways in which they radicalize each other on the Internet are. Ray Suarez and journalist Julia Ebner explore how once-fringe movements like QAnon are popping up in European political circles. Guest: Julia Ebner , Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and author of “ Going Dark: The Secret Lives of Extremists ” Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please ...
Aug 24, 2023•20 min
When former President Trump incited his followers to storm the US Capitol, he punctured a 220-year-old tradition in the US. And from the looks of things, the country is headed for another contentious election in 2024. Ray Suarez and New York Times columnist Tom Edsall explore whether we’ve passed a point of no return in American politics. Guest: Thomas B. Edsall , political columnist at The New York Times and author of “ The Point of No Return: American Democracy at the Crossroads ” Host: Ray Su...
Aug 21, 2023•34 min
