Tallberg Foundation Podcast

Russia is a puzzle that many in the West thought they had solved after the Cold War. But President Putin proved them wrong by strengthening his grip on power, challenging the global order, and invading Ukraine. How can the US cope with this Great Pariah and Great Enigma? Getting Russia Right is a book by Thomas Graham, a leading Russian expert who has spent much of the last 40 years trying to understand Russia. His book is an important contribution to thinking about how to cope with Russia today as well as tomorrow.

Many people are unhappy with democracy because they lack access to justice and cannot solve their legal problems. How can we fix this? Allyson Maynard-Gibson, barrister and former attorney general and minister for legal affairs of the Bahamas, argues that we need people-centered justice that goes beyond the traditional institutions. Listen to her talk about a new way of making justice work for everyone.

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 is it possible for them to disengage? Is there a viable path to help former extremists reintegrate into society, fostering healthy, socially positive, and empowered citizenship? Can we envision individuals with such a history living in our neighborhoods and leading productive, peaceful lives? Explore these urgent issues for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

The war between Israel and Hamas is a classic “lose/lose” proposition: there can be no winners, with a range of outcomes that stretch from bad towards disastrous. Is this just one more awful conflict in a region whose history is pockmarked by war, violence and hate? Or is there a chance that this bloodletting—as brutal and awful as it has already been—could eventually create a different dynamic? That’s the glimmer of hope in this Tällberg SPOTLIGHT piece by Alan Stoga, geopolitical observer and chairman of the Tällberg Foundation. From time to time we intend to present solo views designed to encourage your engagement. Tell us what you think.

The COVID pandemic was a global crisis that required a global solution. But instead of acting together, many rich countries chose to protect themselves first, leaving millions of people to suffer and die. This was a huge ethical failure that showed how divided and selfish the world is. Dr. Ruth Faden is an expert on ethics and justice who tried to promote a more fair and cooperative response to the pandemic. She will share her insights on why ethics failed during COVID and how we can do better in the future.

In this episode of New Thinking for a New World, we delve into the profound challenges facing the United States: extreme partisanship, ongoing legal troubles for a former president, eroding trust in institutions, and a pervasive sense of unhappiness despite strong economic conditions. Our guest, Swedish historian Lars Trägårdh, offers a unique perspective as an inside outsider who has observed America's social contract over decades, shedding light on the American dream's transformation into a potential nightmare. Join us for a deep exploration of America's social and political landscape.

From ancient battles to modern climate challenges, explore how Luke Iseman and Andrew Song, pioneers in solar radiation management, are taking action to cool our warming planet amidst the escalating threat of extreme weather and natural disasters driven by greenhouse gas-induced heat. Delve into their bold and controversial mission to reduce solar radiation and provide much-needed 'shade' for our overheating Earth.

Ambassador Ashok Mirpuri, who recently concluded an exceptional 12-year term as Singapore's ambassador to the United States, retired from diplomatic service this summer. In this episode, he reflects on the evolving role of diplomats in the 21st century. Despite the challenges of modern technology, diplomats like Mirpuri are tasked with the complex role of interpreting and conveying the realities and dynamics of their host country to their own leaders. In his case, this involved navigating the presidencies of Obama, Trump, and Biden to make sense of America's implications for Singapore. Tune in to gain insights into the diplomatic world and consider whether diplomats still have a vital role in today's society.

How can liberal democracies deal with the threat of intolerant extremists? Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, draws on the insights of philosopher Karl Popper, who witnessed the rise of Nazism in Europe. She discusses the case of Sweden, where Koran burnings have sparked violent reactions, and the dilemma of protecting free speech while preventing hate crimes. Listen to this episode of New Thinking for a New World to learn more about the risks and challenges of being too tolerant. Link to article in the Financial Times that is referred to in the podcast (the article is behind a paywall) https://www.ft.com/content/0ac9e1a9-2aad-47d9-83fb-4839e9b31b33

India had the world's largest economy until the 17th century but suffered almost 500 years of decline afterward. However, India is currently the world's most populous nation with one of the largest economies, growing faster this year than any other major country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought stability to India, making the country economically and geopolitically resurgent. Critics worry that Modi's democracy is too autocratic and inward-looking, rooted in Hindu nationalism. India's future is uncertain as centrifugal forces of religion, inequality, and nationalism could overwhelm the current growth. Will India continue to evolve and become a global power? Milan Vaishnav is a senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington and an accomplished India watcher. He shared some answers in this episode of the New Thinking for a New World podcast. This podcast was first published on May 18, 2023

Shahidul Alam is many things: world-class photographer, Bangladeshi human rights activist, teacher, and author. He is also a provocateur, whose words and pictures force one—sometimes gently, sometimes less so—to confront reality. Alam is also part of the Tällberg Foundation's Global Leadership Network. In that capacity, he recently delivered a short provocation reflecting on the realities of democracy and the challenges of freedom. This is not the usual New Thinking for a New World conversation, but we think you'll find it worth a listen.

In this episode, Paula DiPerna, a policy expert and author, discusses her new book "Pricing the Priceless," which proposes a solution to the damaging cycle of overconsumption and pollution. She argues that we should pay for the environmental services we consume daily to protect our planet and prosper. Join host Alan Stoga for this thought-provoking discussion on solving the climate crisis and valuing our most precious assets.

Join former acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim on this week’s New Thinking for a New World podcast as he delves into the unprecedented legal challenges surrounding Donald Trump. With multiple indictments and trials, including a potential trial while running for re-election, discover the complexities of balancing free speech rights and courtroom discipline. Explore the consequences of a conviction, including the possibility of imprisonment and taking office. Unravel the legal and judicial aspects of Trump's situation with an experienced prosecutor and litigator.

Earth, often referred to as "Water" due to its 70% ocean coverage, is profoundly impacted by climate issues. These include rising temperatures, sea levels, declining biodiversity, and acidification caused by greenhouse gas accumulation. Marine biologist Asha de Vos, renowned for her research on blue whales, founded Oceanswell in Sri Lanka, the country's first marine conservation research and education organization. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Asha received the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize in 2021. Recently, she discussed her work in Sri Lanka on New Thinking for a New World with host Alan Stoga.

In a recent surprising turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of paramilitary group Wagner Group, shifted his focus from Ukraine to challenging the Russian army and possibly Vladimir Putin himself. Wagner's forces briefly seized Russian territory and made a rapid advance towards Moscow before reaching a sudden halt and accepting a negotiated deal. The consequences of this insurrection remain uncertain, but it could have implications for the war in Ukraine, Russia's alliances, and most notably, Putin's future. Yevgenia Albats, a prominent journalist in exile from Russia, believes that Prigozhin's days may be numbered. Could this be the beginning of the end for the Russian dictator? “When you strike at a king, you must kill him” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

OpenAI's ChatGPT has sparked a new era in human-machine interaction. From medicine to creative works, AI's abilities seem boundless. However, concerns about AI's power and the need for regulation are growing. Can AI be effectively regulated? Who decides what's good or bad? Join Rebecca Finlay, CEO of the Partnership on AI, and host Alan Stoga as they explore these pressing questions in a New Thinking for a New World podcast.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has significant implications for the future. Georgia, another former Soviet country, shares similar challenges. Will Georgia become another conflict zone or secure its future as a Western democracy? Nino Evgenidze, the executive director of the Economic Policy Research Center in Tbilisi, discusses this with host Alan Stoga on New Thinking for a New World.

Join us as we revisit our conversation with Johan Rockström, renowned earth scientist and Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. A year ago, he shed light on the gravity of our situation, stating that "for the first time in human history, we face a planetary emergency." Astonishingly, this remains an urgent reality even today. Recently, an article titled "Safe and just Earth system boundaries" was published in Nature on May 31, providing further insights. For the first time, scientists have meticulously evaluated and quantified not only the boundaries within which humanity can safely operate, but also those that ensure fairness and justice for all. In an era where scientists often present their findings in a measured and objective manner, Rockström's assertion that "Human pressures on earth have reached dangerously high levels" carries immense weight and demands our attention. Tune in to our podcast episode and listen to the thought-provoking perspectives of Johan Rockström, as we delv

In recent months, the Middle East has witnessed significant developments that could reshape the global order, rivaling the impact of Russia's war on Ukraine. These include China's efforts to reconcile Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Arab League's celebration of Syria's President Assad's return, Saudi Arabia's applications to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICs, countries like Morocco, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey distancing themselves from political Islam, and the strengthening web of diplomatic, economic, and financial ties among China, Saudi Arabia, other Arab countries, Iran, and Russia. These changes indicate the emergence of a new Middle Eastern political order, where the influence of the United States and Europe is anticipated to diminish. Gilles Kepel, a renowned Middle East expert and Al-Monitor columnist, recently discussed these transformative changes on the New Thinking for a New World podcast.

India had the world's largest economy until the 17th century but suffered almost 500 years of decline afterward. However, India is currently the world's most populous nation with one of the largest economies, growing faster this year than any other major country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought stability to India, making the country economically and geopolitically resurgent. Critics worry that Modi's democracy is too autocratic and inward-looking, rooted in Hindu nationalism. India's future is uncertain as centrifugal forces of religion, inequality, and nationalism could overwhelm the current growth. Will India continue to evolve and become a global power? Milan Vaishnav is a senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington and an accomplished India watcher. He shared some answers in this episode of the New Thinking for a New World podcast.