The Heat

May 15, 2024

The Heat: AUKUS in Asia

China says  efforts to expand the AUKUS security pact will destabilize Asia and the Indo-Pacific. AUKUS, the security alliance formed by Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, is reaching out to other nations including Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Canada.  Would expansion […]

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May 14, 2024

The Heat: China-Pakistan Ties

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is in China for four days of talks.  Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing has pledged more than $65 billion for road, rail and other infrastructure […]

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May 13, 2024

The Heat: Western Forces Leave Sahel

African countries in the Sahel region have asked western forces to withdraw. Burkina-Faso, Mali, Chad and Niger have expelled the French military and now Chad and Niger have revoked security pacts with the Americans. What is behind that move and how will that impact the […]

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May 10, 2024

The Heat: Columbine 25 Years Later

April 20, 1999 is a day etched in the memories of many Americans who watched 24-hour news coverage of a mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. Two gunmen shot and killed twelve fellow students and a teacher and injured two dozen others. Since […]

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May 9, 2024

The Heat: China-Europe Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to France, Serbia and Hungary this week. The visits were intended to inject momentum towards the further development of China-Europe relations. Economic, trade and cultural cooperation were high on the agenda as the Chinese president met with leaders to chart […]

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May 8, 2024

The Heat: China’s Lunar Mission

China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft has officially entered lunar orbit. The China National Space Administration’s mission to the far side of the Moon launched last Friday in the first human endeavor to collect and retrieve lunar samples. How will it impact future lunar missions? Joining the discussion:  […]

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May 7, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Key witness Stormy Daniels took the stand to describe her alleged sexual encounter with the former U.S. President Donald Trump and how she received payment to keep quiet about it during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, a payment that may have broken election laws.  Joining the […]

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May 7, 2024

The Heat: President Xi’s France State Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Europe this week and his first stop is in France. President Xi met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday. During the trip, he also met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen […]

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May 3, 2024

The Heat: Haiti Crisis

Violence erupts again in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, days after Haiti’s transitional council names a new Prime Minister. 

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May 2, 2024

The Heat: Global Economy

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development updated its global economic growth forecast to 3.1 percent this year. The organization’s Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said the outlook is positive. However, there are still concerns about the impact of ongoing regional conflicts and looming international debt. Joining […]

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May 1, 2024

The Heat: BRICS Expansion

China, Russia, Brazil, and India came together in 2009 to form the initial BRIC group. South Africa was added in 2010. Now, those five countries have been joined by five more countries in a newly-expanded trade, economic, and political alliance. What kind of impact will […]

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April 30, 2024

The Heat: UK Asylum Controversy

The UK parliament has passed a controversial bill that will allow the government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. Thousands of migrants could now be forced to leave the United Kingdom as early as July. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the scheme will deter […]

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April 29, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Hundreds of students and faculty members have been arrested over the weekend as Pro-Palestinian protests intensify across college campuses in the U.S. Some colleges have even canceled graduation ceremonies over security fears and the threat of violence.  Meanwhile, Donald Trump will be back in court […]

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April 26, 2024

The Heat: Climate Change Crisis

It was the hottest March on record as global temperatures over the past 12 months soared past pre-industrial levels. Forecasters are expecting another sweltering summer in the northern hemisphere. The impact of record-breaking heat is already affecting some of the most vulnerable parts of our […]

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April 25, 2024

The Heat: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa

South Africa marks 30 years of democracy. On April 26th 1994, the country closed the door on apartheid and entered a new system of governance under President Nelson Mandela. But the cracks are showing with mounting challenges such as unemployment, poverty, crime and weak economic […]

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April 24, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Foreign Policy

The U.S. Senate has approved a major $95 billion foreign aid package with the bulk of it going to Ukraine and Israel. The package includes $61 billion in military aid for Ukraine to bolster it in its fight with Russia. And $26 billion for Israel […]

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April 23, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Crisis

More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Hamas struck Israel on October 7, according to Hamas officials in Gaza. They report more than 77,000 others have been injured. Tensions are high in the West Bank too with hundreds of Palestinians killed there […]

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April 22, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Former U.S. President Donald Trump was back in a New York courtroom on Monday for the start of his so-called ‘hush money’ criminal trial. Attorneys for both the prosecution and the defense delivered their opening statements and a former publisher took the stand as the first […]

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April 18, 2024

The Heat: IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings

The IMF says the global economy remains resilient and raised its global growth forecast to 3.2% this year. The report comes as finance leaders are gathering in Washington, D.C. for the IMF/World Bank Spring meetings. We discuss inflation, climate change and mounting global debt with:  […]

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April 16, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Former U.S. President Donald Trump returned to a New York courtroom on Tuesday for a second day of jury selection. They will decide whether the former president is guilty of 34 charges alleging he falsified business records to cover up a sex scandal during the […]

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April 12, 2024

The Heat: Haiti Crisis

It’s been one month since Haiti’s Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, resigned from his post. This after gangs across Port-au-Prince attacked several government buildings in late February, driving more than 53,000 people to leave as violence continues to rock the nation’s capital. Political leaders have now […]

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April 11, 2024

The Heat: IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings

Policy makers will gather in Washington next week for the annual IMF – World Bank spring meetings. The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, says the meetings come at a sensitive time for the world economy.  Joining the discussion: Qu Qiang ie […]

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April 10, 2024

The Heat: U.S.-Japan Relations

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is on a state visit to the United States and was greeted at the White House by President Biden. Both leaders announced plans for closer cooperation in areas like military and defense. But, the visit is drawing attention to a […]

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April 9, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

U.S. President Joe Biden is under fire over his handling of the Gaza crisis. During primary contests, Democratic voters in some states marked “uncommitted” on ballots, in a sign of protest against Biden. Will that hinder his chances for reelection in November?   Joining the discussion: […]

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April 8, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Six months ago, Hamas crossed the border into Israel, leaving 1,200 people dead and taking more than 250 hostage.  The Gaza Healthy Ministry says more than 33,000 people have been killed by Israel. Meanwhile, Israel has become increasingly isolated internationally, with even its closest ally, […]

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April 4, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Guns in Latin America

The United States is known for having some of the most relaxed firearms laws in the world, to the delight and dismay of the domestic population, depending on one’s political views. But the availability of guns also creates problems for America’s geographical neighbors in Latin […]

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April 2, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that Israeli forces “unintentionally” hit civilians in Gaza and killed seven foreign aid workers with the World Central Kitchen. The incident drew global outrage. Meanwhile, Iran and Syria have accused Israel of bombing an Iranian consulate in Damascus.  Joining […]

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April 1, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

With seven months to the presidential elections, U.S. President Joe Biden and former U.S. President Donald Trump already have enough delegates to win their parties’ nomination ahead of the summer conventions. What are the key issues voters care about?  Joining the discussion:  Rina Shah is […]

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March 29, 2024

The Heat: Artificial Intelligence

AI is transforming the way we live but it is happening so quickly that it is also raising serious issues. One of them is the deceptive use of AI to manipulate and create video, images and audio. What are the major challenges posed by the […]

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March 28, 2024

The Heat: Boao Forum for Asia

World leaders gathered for the annual Boao Forum to discuss regional and global development. China’s top legislator made a keynote speech reaffirming the country’s commitment to being open for business and to lead economic growth.   Joining the discussion: Carl Fey is a Professor at BI […]

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March 27, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

After months of defending Israel’s actions in Gaza and blocking measures at the United Nations Security Council, the United States changed its position and abstained from a vote allowing a resolution to pass calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all […]

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March 27, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Bridge Disaster

A cargo ship crashed into a bridge in the U.S. city of Baltimore after the vessel lost power. The structure gave way instantly, sending cars and construction workers into the water below.  Joining the discussion:  Adolfo Franco is an Attorney and Republican Strategist. Joseph Williams […]

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March 25, 2024

The Heat: China-Honduras Relations

China and Honduras celebrate one year of formal diplomatic ties. The relationship is making progress in areas such as trade and Chinese investment. Joining the discussion:  Einar Tangen is a Senior Fellow with the Taihe Institute and the founder and chairman of Asia Narratives.  Jorge […]

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March 22, 2024

The Heat: Space Exploration

China launched a Long March 8 rocket carrying a satellite that will serve as a communication relay for the Chang’e 6 mission. The probe will gather lunar material from the far side of the moon. Beijing is planning for a record 100 launches this year […]

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March 21, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The United States has submitted a draft resolution before the United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages kidnapped by Hamas. It comes after a declaration by the UN this week of imminent famine in parts […]

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March 20, 2024

The Heat: Haiti Crisis

The crisis in Haiti continues to worsen with deadly violence on the rise and growing humanitarian concerns. There are also real fears that the capital Port-au-Prince is descending into anarchy.  Is there any hope for a political solution? Joining the discussion:  Albert DeCady is a […]

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March 19, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

The presidential race is heating up in the United States with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump sparring on the campaign trail. With less than eight months to go before election day, who will Americans vote for and how will it impact the […]

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March 18, 2024

The Heat: Russia Election

Russian President Vladimir Putin won a fifth term with 87% of the vote and will lead the country until 2030. Putin’s victory has been dismissed by western countries as not a genuine reflection of the president’s popularity. What does Putin’s new term mean for Russia […]

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March 15, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his war cabinet on Friday and approved plans for a military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah. The Israeli military said it will evacuate civilians to what it calls “humanitarian islands” in the middle of the Gaza […]

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March 13, 2024

The Heat: Pakistan’s Priorities

Newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to heal Pakistan’s political divisions, launch an economic revitalization plan and improve ties with its neighbors. Will he succeed? Joining the discussion:  Syed Ali Zafar serves in Pakistan’s Senate as a member of Imran Khan’s PTI party.  […]

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March 12, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Recent polls show 30% of American voters don’t want U.S. President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump as their next president.  What does it mean for the upcoming elections in November?  Joining the discussion: Joel Rubin is a former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of […]

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March 11, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions

Chinese officials and lawmakers closed out the Two Sessions after more than a week of meetings and deliberations. Those policy decisions will now serve as the country’s blueprint going forward. What are the key takeaways? Joining the discussion: Einar Tangen is a Senior Fellow at […]

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March 8, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions

It has been a major political week in Beijing where China’s annual Two Sessions is taking place.  What have we learned about China’s plans for 2024? Joining the discussion: Einar Tangen is a Senior Fellow with the Taihe Institute and the founder and chair of […]

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March 7, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions | China’s Economy

China’s economy tops the agenda at the 14th National People’s Congress.  Top economic officials, including its commerce and finance ministers, held a news conference on the state of the nation’s economy.  Our guests from Beijing:  Einar Tangen is Senior Fellow at the Taihe Institute and […]

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March 5, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

There is no sign of progress in talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis is worsening by the day in Gaza with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are on the brink of famine.  Joining the discussion: Khalil Jahshan […]

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March 5, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions

The annual Two Sessions is underway in China, bringing together thousands of delegates to chart a new course for 2024. The meetings will provide insight into Beijing’s policy priorities, laying the blueprint for social and economic development. Joining the discussion: Yan Liang is Chair Professor […]

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