JGI Policy Pulse

Over the past decade, Russian-based companies have been providing sophisticated surveillance technology to several Latin American countries. These technologies are critical to the survival of the repressive regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, and possibly criminal nonstate actors that weaken democracy and threaten U.S. national security. The transfer of surveillance technologies and other c...

As China continues to increase its influence in the Americas, one area that deserves particular attention is science and technology. While it is sometimes considered outside the scope of traditional diplomacy, science and technology are increasingly important for economic development and encompass a large range of sectors that are critical to the region's growth. These include defense, the green e...

The U.S.-China competition is reaching up into the stars. In the past decade, the PRC has quickly developed its space capabilities, including space-enabling infrastructure across Latin America. National security researchers have raised alarms about how the PRC could leverage its space infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere to monitor U.S. and other country satellites, intercept sensitive informa...

Artificial Intelligence has continued to force industries to evolve, but legislation has struggled to keep up at the same pace. Earlier this year, the Jack D. Gordon Institute held the inaugural Florida AI Policy Summit which aimed to address AI policy changes to the state’s legislative body. Today, Mike Asencio joins us once more, this time as guest co-host, as we speak to Gordon Institute Direct...

The Western Hemisphere is facing a 4th wave of transnational crime, and this time the gangs are coming from across the Atlantic. In this episode of the JGI Policy Pulse, host Leland Lazarus sits down with Douglas Farah of the International Coalition Against Illicit Economies to discuss the rise of Italian, Albanian, and Turkish gangs operating in the Americas. Douglas Farah is a senior adviser to...

In the Caribbean, several countries have been disrupted by the increase of “Problems Without Passports” (PWPs). Join us in this episode of the JGI Policy Pulse, as Dr. Ivelaw Griffith sits down with us to break down his insights from his recent publication: Challenged Sovereignty: The Impact of Drugs, Crime, Terrorism, and Cyber Threats in the Caribbean. Dive into the intricacies of sovereignty di...

For good or for ill, crypto continues to make global headlines. While cryptocurrencies have been accepted into Exchange Traded Funds, there have also been high profile arrests of crypto tycoons like Sam Bankman Fried and CZ Zhao. In this episode, we delve into the complex world of cryptocurrencies and their potential threats to national security. FIU’s Mike Asencio sits down with Leland to explore...

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing every industry in the world, and it has profound implications for the way countries need to think about national security. In today's episode of JGI Policy Pulse, we speak with New America's Senior Fellow, Peter W. Singer, on AI's rapid advancement and how it affects national security. Learn about the opportunities and challenges AI will bring...

In this special episode celebrating Women’s History Month, our host Leland chats with Dui Mora Turner, a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who led U.S. Southern Command’s Women, Peace and Security program. Listen as Dui describes her personal and professional journey: coming to the U.S. from Brazil, becoming an Air Force meteorologist, inspiring young service members across LatAm, and launching FIU’s...

Over the past decade, China has expanded its influence in Latin America and the Caribbean in a plethora of ways. But one area that hasn’t garnered as much attention is its engagement in regional organizations. In this episode of the JGI Policy Pulse, FIU Ph. D. candidate Adam Ratzlaff delves into China’s complex relationship with over 30 regional organizations and forums. Adam Ratzlaff is a PhD ca...

In this episode of the JGI Policy Pulse we delve into the heart of security challenges shaping the landscapes of Latin America and the Caribbean. In a thought-provoking conversation recorded for FIU students, we explore the nuanced perspectives of a seasoned Admiral on the frontlines of defense. Our guest, the esteemed Admiral Craig S. Faller, shares insights on the region’s security dynamics, Chi...

In this special final episode for 2023, Dr. Shlomi Dinar, dean of FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, joins us with Mario Loyola, a research assistant professor at FIU's Institute of Environment and College of Law. They delve into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas war, unraveling the implications of the conflict through the lens of international and human rig...

Approximately one month after Hamas’ attack on Israel, in this special edition of the JGI Policy Pulse your host is Dr. Shlomi Dinar, Dean of FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs. Together with Miri Eisin, Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel, and retired Colonel of the Israel Defense Forces, they go...

In our latest episode, Florida International University's JGI Policy Pulse, brought to you by the Jack Gordon Institute at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, delves deep into the unrelenting conflict between Israel and Hamas. Host Leland Lazarus is joined by Eric Lob, an expert in Middle Eastern politics at FIU, to explore the dire consequences of the recent Hama...

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month just around the corner, this episode features Randy Pestana, the Associate Director of Cybersecurity Policy at the Jack D. Gordon Institute. Randy's perspectives stem from his most recent publication in America's Quarterly, where he delves into the prevailing cyber landscape in Latin America and examines how the U.S. can offer vital support. Additionally,...

Discover the allure of “white gold” in this month’s podcast episode. As a prized critical mineral driving renewable energy, lithium has garnered global attention. Unveil the core of this fascination within South America’s Lithium Triangle – Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile – home to a staggering 60% of the world’s lithium reserves. Journey through the landscape of major players in these countries’ li...

In this special episode our host, Leland Lazarus, takes the seat as our guest as fellow Jack D. Gordon Program Director, Mike Asencio, speaks with him as on why more wealthy Chinese individuals are becoming Caribbean citizens. Five Caribbean countries have benefited immensely from CBI (Citizenship by Investment), a program that contributes as much as a third of some countries’ gross domestic produ...

When you think of all the transnational organized crime out there—drugs, arms, human trafficking—you wouldn’t immediately think of illegal wildlife trafficking. But it’s the 4th most profitable illegal trade in the world. A global network of traffickers sells shark fins, rhino horns, jaguar skins, illegal fish, and elephant tusks to their global customers. Much of this demand comes from China. In...