37th & The World

From ports to politics, how has Chinese engagement reshaped Latin America, the last region to be include in the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI)? In this episode, GJIA speaks with Dr. Margaret Myers on the implications of China's BRI in Latin America. She offers insights into drivers of Chinese engagement, phases of BRI activity in Latin America, and opportunities afforded to states in the re...

As climate change increasingly intersects with economic competition and global power politics, how can the United States pursue climate action that is both effective and politically durable? Greg Bertelsen discusses the evolution of market-based climate solutions in the United States. Bertelsen explains why climate policy must align with American economic and geopolitical interests, explores the r...

The Belt and Road Initiative has long drawn Western attention, generating concern over mass Chinese investment in Global South nations. In Africa, China goes a step further than basic infrastructure — the digital world.  In this episode, GJIA sits down with Professor Bulelani Jili to discuss Chinese technology and cybersecurity concerns across Africa, focusing on censorship, malware, and what the...

The need for international volunteerism and action has always existed, and now it becomes more necessary than ever.  In this episode, GJIA sits down with National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) President, Carla Brown , as they discuss the important lessons that Peace Corps service can teach, the role of the NPCA in helping Peace Corps alumni, and the continued work of returned volunteers.  Carla B...

With the recent removal of the Endangerment Finding under the Trump Administration, how can we increase awareness about the intersection of geosciences and international affairs? In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Michael Oppenheimer to take a look at  United Nations climate change policy and action. Dr. Oppenheimer also touches on the direction of global sentiments about climate change.  Dr...

China's expansion has been closely studied, but their domestic security focus is equally important. In this episode, GJIA sits down with expert and professor Ketian Zhang to explore the core issues of Taiwan and Tibet, considerations in the South China Sea, and the future of national security and policy in Chinese governance. Ketian Zhang is an Associate Professor of International Security in...

US-China relations regularly make headlines, and bilateral ties seem defined by constant change, constant tension.  In this episode, GJIA takes a look at what—if anything—has remained constant by speaking with President Stephen Orlins of the National Committee on US-China Relations. Tracing his deep China experience and professional expertise, join us as we dive into the nuances of the dynamic U.S...

Following the Trump-Xi meeting in October 2025, US-China relations seemed to have potential for improvement. With these two powers competing diplomatically and economically, what should we expect from future interactions? In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Ryan Hass . Dr. Hass delves into what comes next for the US and China, looking at the Trump Administration's outlook, the question o...

What happens when public health becomes a matter of global security? When pandemics cross borders faster than policy consensus, how do governments cooperate, institutions respond, and leaders rebuild trust in science in an age of misinformation? In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Anthony Fauci to explore the role of international affairs in shaping global responses to pandemics, public healt...

In a country often described as tightly controlled and politically sealed, protest still happens — thousands of times a year. So what does dissent look like under censorship, and how do citizens organize when visibility itself is risky? Chinese civil society has long been a topic of domestic tension. In this episode, GJIA sits down with expert Kevin Slaten to address his work on the topic. From th...

As the Trump Administration changes the focus points of American foreign policy, how is it affecting priorities in Africa? Join GJIA as we discuss US-Africa relations and the Trump Administration's foreign policy with Dr. Ebenezer Obadare , a Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations . Dr. Ebenezer Obadare offers his expertise with a focus on business...

While the pace of climate change continues to accelerate, and China seeks to establish themselves as a leader of the Global South, how is sustainable development realized through government policy and the Belt and Road Initiative? On this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Christoph Nedopil , professor at Griffith University and Founding Director of the Green Finance and Development Center , breaks...

When U.S. military vessels intercept drug-trafficking operations in the Caribbean, the story doesn’t end at the waterline. Bigger questions about strategy, security, and power are raised.  In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Ryan Berg , director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies , to discuss the recent...

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, but how does gender intersect with the climate conversation?  In this episode, GJIA speaks to Dr. Jacinta Amadi , a lecturer in Ecology and Conservation Biology in the Department of Plant Sciences at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, and climate advocate.  Together, they discuss the disproportionate climate effects faced by women,...

Across Africa, individuals with albinism fight for visibility and survival. In this episode, the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs speaks with Bonface Massah , Executive Director of the Africa Albinism Network, on social stigma, health risks, and legal protections for individuals with albinism in Africa. Mr. Massah offers insight into the cultural context driving discrimination, the impa...

In a world where great-power competition intensifies and technology reshapes the balance of power, how can nuclear governance remain credible and cooperative? In this episode, the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs speaks with Dr. Francesca Giovannini , Executive Director of the Project on Managing the Atom at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center , to examine the evolving landscape of n...

Conflicts are multiplying while donations fall. How do you keep life-saving work running and neutral when the math gets harsher? In this episode, GJIA speaks with Marc Rivers , Chief Financial Officer of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) , about making tough financial choices to keep civilians at the center of humanitarian action. In this episode, Marc Rivers digs into what gets...

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time but who should shape the policies that guide our response?  In this episode, Eleanor Hughes from GJIA speaks with four voices at the heart of the CINUK research program: Dr. Maeva Gauthier (University of Victoria), Carmen Smith (CINUK Communications & Coordination Team) , and Inuit youth leaders Carmen Kuptana and Eriel Lugt from Tu...

From Ukraine to Sudan to the Middle East, the world is caught in a web of protracted conflicts—but who has the credibility to mediate peace, and what does true diplomatic leadership look like in times of crisis? In this episode, GJIA sits down with Dr. Diana Villiers Negroponte , renowned historian, diplomat, and author, to explore the hard truths and hopeful possibilities of international mediati...

As digital transformation reshapes the landscape of national defense, the U.S. Navy stands at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies to enhance operational readiness and strategic decision-making. In this episode, GJIA sits down with Justin Fanelli , Chief Architect at the Department of the Navy, to explore how the Navy is navigating the complex balance between innovation and mission-c...

In this interview, Guillermo Ordorica , Mexico’s Ambassador to Qatar since 2022, discusses the growing economic and cultural ties between Mexico and Qatar. Ambassador Ordorica highlights significant milestones, including Mexico’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and introducing a halal certification program to facilitate meat exports. He also addresses plans for the 2026 Year of Culture, o...

Indonesia has played a pivotal role in shaping ASEAN’s regional strategy, demonstrating leadership in addressing critical issues such as maritime security and climate resilience. By balancing strategic partnerships and championing regional unity, Indonesia continues to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape. In this episode, Ali Unar sat down with The Honorable Sade Bimantra , Indonesia’s Ch...

"Education is in crisis—a crisis of performance, a crisis of resources, and hence, the whole trajectory of society is in crisis." – Laura Frigenti , CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) . GPE has transformed global education funding, ensuring that children in over 90 countries —especially in low-income and fragile states—receive access to quality learning opportunities. From...

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Luis Benveniste , the World Bank's global director for education, shares his visionary insights on the intersection of education, innovation, and international stability. From leveraging education as a geopolitical tool to fostering entrepreneurial thinking, we explore bold strategies to disrupt cycles of poverty and create equity in education. Dr. Benve...

How will a second Trump Administration affect Latin American–U.S. relations? How will Trump's tariffs harm the Americas' economies? In this episode, GJIA speaks with Dr. Benjamin Gedan , the director of the Latin America program at the Wilson Center , to discuss what a second Trump presidency will mean for foreign policy toward Latin America.  Contact Us! Support the show . . . To read m...