Global Affairs Live

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President Trump And The EU: A New Era of Transatlantic Relations Mar 14, 2017

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In an interview a few days before his inauguration, Donald Trump called NATO “obsolete” and said Angela Merkel’s decision to welcome more than a million refugees to Germany was “catastrophic.” He has also praised Brexit and spoken out in support of other countries leaving the European Union—at a time when the EU is facing serious questions about its future. Is President Trump imperiling the strong transatlantic relations that have served as an anchor of stability for the continent since the end of World War II? What can the EU expect from the US over the next four years—and vice versa?

Food Security - Lisa Palmer, Hot Hungry Planet Mar 09, 2017

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In the lead up to the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium, the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs collaborated to produce Food Security, a podcast examining nutrition, hunger, and food security around the world. This is the first of three episodes showcasing work from journalists whose projects tie into the big picture of global agriculture and food security. Roger Thurow interviews Lisa Palmer, who has covered the threat of global environmental change and its impact on our ability to feed a growing population in her project Hot, Hungry Planet. If you like the show, join us in Washington, D.C. March 29th-30th for the 2017 Global Food Security Symposium. Learn more and register at http://thechicagocouncil.org/globalfoodsecurity2017

The Future Of The EU Mar 07, 2017

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Forged from the ruins of WWII, the European Union was born in a time of crisis. Yet the crises the bloc has faced in recent years have shaken it to the core. From the large-scale refugee flows to the persistent threat of deadly terrorist attacks, from the Greek banking crisis to the shock of Brexit, the blows to the European project have come relentlessly. With major elections in the Netherlands, France, and Germany set for 2017—and creeping authoritarianism threatening the liberal order in many Western countries—can the EU survive what many say has become an existential crisis? Will it turn this moment into an opportunity to emerge stronger, or will the dominoes fall toward dissolution?

Africa- Democracy And Insecurity Mar 07, 2017

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The rise of authoritarian nationalism and general economic malaise are straining democratic governance around the world—including in Africa. Countries such as Burundi, Congo, and Ethiopia have experienced an erosion of democratic institutions, fraudulent elections, and violent upheavals—in contrast to peaceful power transfers in others, such as Ghana and Nigeria. Many African countries are experiencing an ebb in confidence regarding their governments’ capacity to improve living standards and reduce insecurity—often as a consequence of corruption and dysfunctional institutions. How can Africa overcome obstacles to democratic governance? And what does the future hold for the continent?

The American Dream And The Complacent Class Mar 03, 2017

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What is next for the American Dream? A shrinking middle class and entrenched political polarization have called into question America’s status as the world’s land of opportunity. Tyler Cowen argues that a populace once driven by its relentless vision and innovative spirit has shortchanged itself by settling down, digging in, and becoming too comfortable. How can America regain its dynamism? Is this a global phenomenon? Join the Council on Global Affairs and Tyler Cowen for a debate on how to revitalize American society from the ground up.

One China 101- Taiwan, Hong Kong, And Trump's Gambit Mar 02, 2017

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The "One China" policy—whereby the US maintains formal relations with Beijing and not Taiwan—has been the cornerstone of US-China relations for decades. It was upended within one month of Donald Trump’s victory, when the then president-elect accepted a phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Further statements from the Trump administration suggest that questioning the "One China" policy may no longer be taboo. On the heels of the 45th anniversary of the 1972 Shanghai Communique—which marked the beginning of the rapprochement of US-China relations—what does the Trump presidency portend for US-China relations and the fortunes of Hong Kong and Taiwan? Could Taiwan be part of a bargain between the US and China? How would Hong Kong fare in the event of a possible Sino-US trade war?

The New Asian Security Landscape Feb 23, 2017

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From withdrawing from the TPP to questioning China’s practices regionally and economically, President Trump's administration promises policy changes for Asian security. Leading thinkers in Asian security convene at a half-day symposium to explore what lies ahead for the pivot to Asia under a new administration Agenda: Panel 1: US Policy towards Asia 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Brad Glosserman, Executive Director, Pacific Forum CSIS Andrew Oros, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of International Studies, Washington College Toshimichi Nagaiwa, Lieutenant General (Retired), Japan Air Self Defense Force Sheila Smith, Senior Fellow for Japan Studies, Council on Foreign Relations Richard McGregor (moderator), Former Washington Bureau Chief, Financial Times Panel 2: Security Challenges in Northeast Asia 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Patrick Cronin, Senior Advisor and Senior Director, Asia-Pacific Security Program, Center for a New American Security Osamu Onoda, Lieutenant General (Retired), Japan Air Self Defense Force Andrew Shearer, Senior Adviser on Asia Pacific Security, Center for Strategic and International Studies Sheena Chestnut Greitens (moderator), Assistant Professor, University of Missouri Keynote Lunch: The Role of the US-Japan Alliance 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. Dennis Blair, Chief Executive Officer, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA Yoshiji Nogami, President, The Japan Institute of International Affairs Ivo Daalder (moderator), President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

City Diplomacy from Mexico City to Chicago Feb 22, 2017

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Mayors have to take care of their populations, and sometimes that means going to other countries. A delegation of Mexican mayors from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Juarez came to Chicago to conduct city-to-city diplomacy during an "emergency time" in US-Mexico relations. Salomón Chertorivski, secretary of economic development of Mexico City, sat down with the Council's Brian Hanson to discuss what they hoped to achieve.

Basic Income- Freedom Or Folly? Feb 16, 2017

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Should the US establish a basic income? Share your opinion and pose questions to our speakers via https://chi.cnf.io/ Universal basic income has been proposed as a way to reduce poverty and prepare for future technology-related job losses, critics question what might happen to society if people are no longer compelled to work. Cofounder of the Basic Income Initiative and artist and filmmaker Enno Schmidt discusses if basic income can promise a future of personal freedom.

Debate- Is Human Rights Dead? Feb 16, 2017

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For the first of the Council’s new debate series, University of Chicago Law Professor Eric Posner and Northwestern Professor Ian Hurd will go head to head in a conversation moderated by Kirkland and Ellis partner Leslie Smith on the credibility of universal human rights and their power—or lack thereof—to effect change in the world.

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