New Thinking for a New World - a Tallberg Foundation Podcast

In today's world, facts are everywhere, but instead of fostering informed discussions, many people push their own "facts." Technology, like the broom in Goethe’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice, has run amok. Wouldn't it be better if open-source information and smart tech clarified issues instead of complicating them? Fortunately, people like Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, are working to achieve this...

Israel is at war, not just with external enemies like Hamas, Iran, and the Houthis, but also with itself. Even before October 7th, internal conflicts were dividing the country. Today, over three-quarters of Israelis are concerned about deep political rifts, and more than half worry about religious versus secular tensions. Amidst the war, these divides persist, highlighted by a recent extremist bre...

The Middle East is a tinderbox, with conflicts across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Iran, and Israel, any of which could spark a larger war. Yemen, where Iranian-backed Houthis control much of the population and are attacking Red Sea shipping and Israel, is a key flashpoint. Our guest, Allison Minor, a Middle East expert at the Brookings Institution, discusses how these tensions could escalat...

War in Ukraine, conflicts in Gaza, and tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan—global tensions are rising. Are we on the brink of a new era of great power conflicts? Philip Zelikow, an American diplomat and scholar with decades of experience, delves into these pressing issues. He discusses the potential for a new kind of global conflict, reminiscent of the hot and cold wars of the 20th century,...

Many countries create ways to seal their borders from migrants or force them to leave. However, Europe funding countries like Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania to dump refugees in the Sahara is newsworthy. On paper, European deals with North African countries to stop migrants seem humane, but are they? How are the funds used, and how are refugees treated? May Bulman and a collaboration of journalis...

Politics in Mexico is fiercely competitive and violent. Last month’s elections saw Claudia Sheinbaum become the first female president with record votes, while her Morena party achieved significant victories. However, over 100 political assassinations and various acts of violence by drug cartels marred the campaign. This political violence is spreading across Latin America. Can the cartels be stop...

France's President Macron's decision to hold elections this year resulted in a major shift: Marine Le Pen’s National Rally won over 33%, the leftist New Popular Front got 28%, and Macron's party came in third with 22%. With speculation that the RN might win a majority in the July 7th runoff, French politics is now highly unpredictable. Fear of the populist far-right defines French politics. Alice...

The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet, serving as a critical climate indicator. The 2023 Arctic Report Card documented the hottest summer in centuries, with severe impacts like wildfires, ice melt, and high sea temperatures, trends continuing in 2024. Are we locked into continuous warming? Are there tipping points? Can we act now? Despite bleak prospects, large...

India's recent elections saw 640 million voters and a mixed outcome. Prime Minister Modi's BJP won a third term but lost its majority, needing coalition partners. Meanwhile, the political opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, gained strength. Did Modi win or lose? Did voters reject his Hindu nationalism? What was this election really about? It’s India, so definitive answers are elusive. But our guest t...

The past eight months in the Middle East have been marked by significant turmoil, including the horror of October 7th, ongoing violence in Gaza, civilian casualties across the region, and rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Amidst this chaos, American diplomats are pursuing a bold diplomatic solution: a three-way agreement where the U.S. provides a defense guarantee for Saudi Arabia, which wo...

In today's world, facts are everywhere, but instead of fostering informed discussions, many people push their own "facts." Technology, like the broom in Goethe’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice, has run amok. Wouldn't it be better if open-source information and smart tech clarified issues instead of complicating them? Fortunately, people like Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, are working to achieve this...

The conflict between Hamas and Israel, which began with Hamas terrorists' actions, has escalated into a wider war involving various factions and nations. Journalist Armin Rosen discusses the ongoing conflict's impact on the Middle East's political landscape, including questions about security, statehood for Palestinians, and the potential for broader regional conflict.

In an age marked by widespread migration, millions face displacement due to conflict, natural disasters, and insecurity, with children bearing a particularly heavy burden, often losing access to vital services like education and healthcare. In this episode of New Thinking for a New World, experts Pashtana Durrani, Lala Lovera, and Caroline Kronley delve into innovative solutions. Through their exp...

Join past Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize winners, neuroscientist Rafa Yuste and human rights lawyer Jared Genser, as they delve into the essence of what makes us human—our brains. In this Spotlight episode, they share their journey of advocating for neuro rights through the NeuroRights Foundation, celebrating milestones in the U.S. states of Colorado, California, Minnesota, and coun...

Andrew Bastawrous, a dedicated ophthalmologist, initially focused on treating patients across Africa but recognized the limitations of traditional approaches. Realizing many individuals lacked access to care, he revolutionized ophthalmology by redesigning the delivery system and integrating technology. His Peek Vision software and data platform have since empowered millions to overcome vision impa...

In the wake of the violent October 7 events and the subsequent Israeli response in Gaza, the region faces a dire humanitarian crisis. Despite the bleak history of peace efforts, former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy discusses the urgent need for renewed attempts to achieve lasting peace and prosperity for both Palestinians and Israelis. Join him as he explores potential paths to a peaceful...

Recent ISIS-K attacks in Moscow have brought Afghanistan's terrorism issues to the forefront. Amidst this, Pashtana Durrani, an Afghan leader working from exile, is making strides in education with her organization, Learn, which focuses on empowering women and girls in Afghanistan. Her efforts are a beacon of hope and a potential counter to extremism. Her book, "Last to Eat, Last to Learn," shares...

Philosopher George Santayana's words from a century ago still resonate today amidst a world plagued by political and civil conflict. ACLED founder Clionadh Raleigh, a leading expert in political violence, sheds light on the reality of global conflict, exploring its various forms and devastating consequences for civilians. Join us as we delve into the disappearance of the "peace dividend," challeng...

In a world of political turbulence, mass migration is once again in the spotlight. While fear-mongering politicians capitalize on the issue, Andrew Selee, President of the Migration Policy Institute, advocates for a rational, fact-based approach. Join him for a discussion on pragmatic migration policies that benefit both destination countries and migrants.

Amid Ukraine's prolonged conflict, George Beebe from the Quincy Institute discusses the realities and risks. He argues that while Western support can prevent Ukrainian defeat, a negotiation path is crucial. Beebe, alongside Anatol Lieven, advocates diplomacy in their analysis "The Diplomatic Path to a Secure Ukraine." Should the US prioritize pushing Ukraine towards negotiations? Tune in to hear B...

Join guest host Michael Niconchuk as he delves into the global rise of violent extremism, its underlying causes, and the potential for rehabilitating those involved in it. In this enlightening podcast episode, Michael engages in a discussion with experts Juncal Fernandez-Garayzabal and Noah Tucker. Together, they tackle crucial questions: What drives individuals to engage in violent extremism, and...

Amid Ukraine's prolonged conflict, George Beebe from the Quincy Institute discusses the realities and risks. He argues that while Western support can prevent Ukrainian defeat, a negotiation path is crucial. Beebe, alongside Anatol Lieven, advocates diplomacy in their analysis "The Diplomatic Path to a Secure Ukraine." Should the US prioritize pushing Ukraine towards negotiations? Tune in to hear B...

Andrew Bastawrous, a dedicated ophthalmologist, initially focused on treating patients across Africa but recognized the limitations of traditional approaches. Realizing many individuals lacked access to care, he revolutionized ophthalmology by redesigning the delivery system and integrating technology. His Peek Vision software and data platform have since empowered millions to overcome vision impa...

Winners of the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize share a common approach: they view societal challenges as opportunities, prioritize outcomes over processes, and disregard conventional wisdom. They strive to shape the world into what it could and should be. Meg Lowman, a 2023 recipient, exemplifies this ethos through her global forest conservation efforts, crucial for addressing climat...

We’re at a unique point in history, having experienced 70 years of prosperity and peace. However, we now face challenges like climate change, technology disruption, and conflict. But there’s hope: human agency can change our course. In this thought piece for New Thinking for a New World, Alan Stoga, Chairman of the Tällberg Foundation, shares how the foundation supports global leadership through t...