Tallberg Foundation Podcast

This summer, Iranians elected Masoud Pezeshkian, a cardiac surgeon and political reformer, as their new president, surprising many foreign observers who doubted anyone could defeat hardliners. Questions remain about whether he won with or without support from Iran’s Supreme Leader and Revolutionary Guards, and whether he can address the country's significant domestic and international challenges, including reducing Western sanctions. Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian diplomat and Princeton scholar, offers insights into Pezeshkian’s presidency, Iran’s future, and what it means to be a "reformer" in Iran’s complex political landscape. Should the West reconsider negotiations with Iran?

Explore the intricacies of end-of-life care and perspectives on death in this episode of "New Thinking for a New World." Dr. Christian Ntizimira, founder of the African Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, delves into the social, psychological, cultural, and spiritual aspects shaping the final days. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that may reshape your views on the inevitable. This episode was originally published on February 1, 2024.

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. Listen to this episode of New Thinking for a New World as Higgins discusses how Bellingcat separates fact from fiction through online open-source investigation. This episode was originally published on May 23, 2024.

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 breach of an army base. This episode focuses on the human impact of these conflicts. In this episode, hear from Liora Hardar, a West Bank settler and peace activist, and Naty Barak, a kibbutz resident and sustainability expert, as they share their perspectives on the ongoing tragedy.

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 escalate into a broader regional conflict and whether a general war can be avoided.

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, and the shifting dynamics between China, Russia, the United States, and their allies.

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 journalists led by Lighthouse Reports published their findings under the headline "Desert Dump."

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 stopped? Is Mexico becoming a narco-state? Chris Dalby, an expert on cartel violence and founder of World of Crime, explores the cartels’ objectives and methods.

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 Barbe, a leftist political and social activist, shares her concerns and expectations for the second round and beyond.

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-scale adaptation initiatives in the Arctic and Antarctica are essential. Tero Mustonen, a Finnish environmental leader, scientist, fisherman and Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize recipient, is dedicated to these efforts. Fresh from the Arctic, he provides a rare firsthand account.

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 today on New Thinking for a New World, can surely point us in the right direction. Vishakha Desai is a widely respected Asian scholar focused on art, culture, policy, and women's rights. Listen as she unpacks the election and its consequences — and then tell us what you think.

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 would sign a peace treaty with Israel, leading to the end of the Gaza war and a commitment to the two-state solution. This episode of New Thinking for a New World features Neil Quilliam, a British expert on Saudi Arabia, discussing the potential and challenges of this ambitious plan.

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. Listen to this episode of New Thinking for a New World as Higgins discusses how Bellingcat separates fact from fiction through online open-source investigation.

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 experiences with educational initiatives amidst crisis, they shed light on how quality education can still be provided even in the most challenging contexts.

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 countries like Chile and Brazil. Tune in to understand the critical importance of protecting our neurological identity and the progress of their global campaign.

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 impairment. Dr. Bastawrous, recipient of the 2023 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize, discusses the transformative power of innovative thinking in eye care. You can see the interview here: https://youtu.be/1OZQRQX81_g The podcast was published on 2024-02-22.

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 future beyond the cycle of violence.

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 her inspiring journey.

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," challenge optimistic narratives of progress, and confront the harsh truths of our contemporary world. Listen in to gain insight into the nature and scope of violent global civil conflict.