Visit us at Network2020.org.In this special edition of Global Insights by Network 20/20, we explore the global ramifications of the 2024 U.S. presidential election through conversations with leading experts from around the world. From NATO’s evolving security dynamics to the U.S.-China green energy race, North American trade relations, and ASEAN’s strategic balancing act, this episode unpacks how the election will shape geopolitics, trade, and global partnerships. Join host Casey Craig and Ne...

Visit us at Network2020.org.The rise of far-right parties in Europe has sparked a transformative wave in the political landscape, challenging democratic norms and prompting a reflection on the future of democracy on both sides of the Atlantic. As France and Germany undergo this shift, some argue the U.S. may already be there, with the far-right’s rise within the Republican Party and fringe ideas becoming mainstream, raising the question of what connection exists, if any, between the growth of...

When President Biden took office after President Trump, many hoped for a fresh start in U.S.-Latin American relations, especially with the rise of progressive governments in Latin America—a trend known as the “pink tide.” Despite this optimism, meaningful change in the relationship between the U.S. and Latin America has been slow to materialize. With another U.S. election approaching this November, the next administration will face the challenge of reassessing and potentially redefining its a...

Visit us at Network2020.org.2024 is a significant year for the trilateral relationship between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It marks the 30th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which laid the foundation for the 2020 USMCA deal. This is also an election year in both the U.S. and Mexico, the results of which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these relations. Whichever administration wins the 2024 election will review the USMCA in 2026 and shape the ...

Visit us at Network2020.org. The events of 9/11 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, reshaping America’s role in the Middle East and leading to two decades of deep engagement in the region. From the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the broader War on Terror, the U.S. has played a central, often controversial, role in attempting to reshape the Middle East. This journey has been fraught with both significant achievements and tragic missteps, leaving a complex legacy that continues to ...

Visit us at Network2020.org.Upcoming domestic election results in member states have the potential to drastically affect the stability and operational capabilities of NATO. Though the Alliance experienced a surge in popularity following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, political shifts across the North Atlantic including a surge of populism and isolationist movements have generated backlash to NATO and its efforts. Potential changes in government could have unpredictable effects on NATO’s u...

August 30th will mark the 3-year anniversary of the final day of the controversial US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an event that marked the end of a nearly twenty-year conflict. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government in the absence of American support and the resulting takeover by the Taliban led to a massive humanitarian crisis and called into question the utility of decades of American occupation. The collapse led to a surge in refugees, a rollback of women’s rights, and a strengthened...

Visit us at Network2020.org. The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has consistently positioned itself as against the politicization of sport. In The Olympic Charter, the IOC declares that it has a mission “to oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes.” However, this has consistently not been the case. Countries like China have used hosting the games to showcase state power. Winning in the Olympics is a way to increase international prestige. Individual athletes ...

Visit us at Network2020.org. In December 2022, the U.S. – Africa Leaders Summit launched the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, catalyzing over $350 million in investment and $450 million in finance mobilization. The DTA is expected to expand digital access and literacy and strengthen digital enabling environments across Africa. Many experts also see this as an opportunity for the U.S. to balance with China regarding technology investment in the continent. What has been acco...

Visit us at Network2020.org. The ISIS attacks on the Crocus City Hall theater in Russia this past March brought Islamic jihadism back to the headlines. Following the decimation of the ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq, ISIS affiliates around the world have continued acts of terrorism through asymmetric warfare. One such group – the Islamic State Khorasan Province or ISIS-K – claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow and ISIS affiliates are surging in the Sahel. What is the status of glob...

Visit us at Network2020.org.This Friday, Iranians head back to the polls for a runoff election, following a historic low turnout in the June 28 presidential contest. The sudden passing of President Ebrahim Raisi has led to a pivotal showdown between an archconservative and a pro-reform candidate. With economic struggles, heavy sanctions, and regional tensions, what's at stake in this snap election? How will the outcome shape Iran's future and impact regional stability? And what are the Irania...

Visit us at Network2020.org. Australia sits in the South Pacific as a far East bastion of the West. As a strategic actor in this region, and since gaining independence, its relationship with the United States as a military ally and arms provider has placed it in a powerful position in the region. In the era of competition in the South China Sea and gradually increasing tensions over Taiwan, Australia has emerged as a powerful player with significant stakes in the game. Recently, Australi...

Visit us at Network2020.org. The ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) all have anxious eyes on the tense relationship between the U.S. and China, and especially the coming U.S. elections. Navigating between the two nations’ influence, policymakers in these countries widely accept that whoever wins the 2024 U.S. election will greatly impact the next few years of the Association. ASEAN is a key partner of ...

Visit us at Network2020.orgAs South Africa approaches its 2024 elections, the political landscape is more uncertain than ever. For three decades, the African National Congress (ANC) has been the dominant force in South African politics, but now it faces a genuine possibility of losing its majority. President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC are contending with widespread disillusionment and strong opposition, which could result in a fractured coalition government. Will the ANC maintain its grip on...

Visit us at Network2020.orgThe International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including prominent entities like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have long been pillars of global economic stability and development. However, critics argue that these institutions were mainly designed after World War II, with structures that may not effectively address contemporary challenges such as climate change and social inequalities. Moreover, the emergence of a new era marked by the ...

Learn more about how you can join our community at Network2020.org.It has now surpassed six months since the explosion of war between Israel and Gaza. This war has unsurprisingly caused high tensions among policymakers and the public across the globe, and the issue of basic humanitarian aid has become a centerpiece of this growing crisis. An alarming death toll continues to rise, the UNWRA has come under extreme scrutiny, and basic aid into Gaza has become a topic of contention and scenes of ...

The 2024 Presidential Election in Russia, scheduled from March 15 to 17, 2024, comes amid heightened tensions following the tragic death of Alexei Navalny, Putin’s former opposition leader. Navalny’s death has underscored the serious threat to political opposition and civil liberties in Russia. With most opposition figures either in jail or in exile abroad, President Vladimir Putin, now 71 years old, has secured another term, extending his rule until at least 2030. The election further...

The recent events around Pakistan's general elections have highlighted significant challenges to the country's democracy. The legal issues and opposition faced by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party point to a worrying trend of diminishing democracy at a time of economic crisis.  Amidst this tension, Pakistan's democratic institutions face a critical test. But what does this mean for the country's future? What role does the military's influence play in Pakistan's political...

As the global geopolitical landscape evolves, the United States finds itself at a crossroads, facing the reality of either supporting or negotiating multiple and simultaneous conflicts. Today, ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and actions by countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are destabilizing the post-WWII world order and Washington’s strategic preparedness. President Biden’s assertion that the United States can simultaneously support the current conflicts raises essential...

As the conflict enters its third year, Ukraine faces a daunting task of rebuilding its infrastructure, economy, and society, all while fighting a costly war. The need for international support is clear, but with the US presidential election looming, uncertainty clouds the future of aid. Can private sector involvement fill the gap? And what impact will Ukraine's reconstruction play in the larger picture of defending democracy? Join us in a discussion with Michael Newson, Senior Program...

The Arctic has become an increasingly active geopolitical battleground for the United States, Russia, and China. Thawing ice caused by climate change opens the possibility of the region becoming a global shipping lane, potentially transforming international trade. China, although not an Arctic nation, has stepped up efforts to expand its presence in the area, creating new opportunities to enforce its interests abroad. The Arctic Council, previously a positive and active body for the region,...

A political upheaval has left Pakistan reeling, with the party of Imran Khan, who is in jail, making unexpected gains and challenging long-standing party dominance. And all of this amidst economic collapse, international debt, inflation, and the aftermath of devastating floods. Today on Global Insights, we’re revisiting a crucial conversation from last year with Mr. Shuja Nawaz, the first director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, diving deep into Pakistan’s ongoing triple...

This second part of our Migration Mini-Series. Since spring 2022, more than 130,000 migrants have arrived in New York City, a city that is known for welcoming and integrating generations of immigrants. Yet, the strain on local government resources and shelters had led Mayor Eric Adams to call the situation a humanitarian crisis and even declare a state of emergency, claiming that the federal and state governments are not doing enough to help the city with this challenge. With the mayor...

In recent years, China’s tech and innovation sector has emerged as a disruptive force on the world stage, growing to rival, and in some areas, surpass that of traditional technology leaders like the United States. Companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei have achieved global recognition, not only for their size but also for their innovations in e-commerce, digital payments, 5G technology, and artificial intelligence. Alongside China’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative, how will their tech...