January 10, 2019

Wait Just a Minute: Karen Donfried

Our web series, Wait Just a Minute, asks experts to answer complex questions about global affairs in 60 seconds. In this episode, German Marshall Fund president and former member of the National Security Council, Karen Donfried answers questions on a post-Merkel Germany, if Russia can be contained without the United States, and why Americans should care about European affairs.

Wait Just a Minute: Karen Donfried


Is Germany ready for Angela Merkel's departure?

What we've seen recently is that German voters seem that they are ready for a post-Merkel Germany. We saw diminishing support for Merkel and her party in last fall's election, and in two recent state elections in Germany, her party and her sister party did not do well.

Can Europe contain Russia without the United States?

The US security guarantee to our European allies is a critical factor in deterring Russia from engaging in any aggressive military action.

Why should Americans care about European affairs?

The largest trade and investment relationship in the world is the the one between the United States and the European Union. Investment on both sides of the Atlantic create about 15 million jobs.

What's the best book you've read recently?

A book by Robert Kagan called The Jungle Grows Back. It's an evocative title! It's about the US role in the world.

About

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. We convene leading global voices and conduct independent research to bring clarity and offer solutions to challenges and opportunities across the globe. The Council is committed to engaging the public and raising global awareness of issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business, and governments engage the world.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization. All statements of fact and expressions of opinion in blog posts are the sole responsibility of the individual author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council.

Archive

#AskIvo: US Retreat from the Middle East?

Council President Ivo Daalder answers questions on the latest global affairs news and foreign policy issues submitted via social media using #AskIvo.

Wait Just a Minute: CEO and Founder of Water.org Gary White

In this episode, CEO and cofounder of Water.org and WaterEquity, Gary White, explains the global water crisis, how cities can improve water access, what "water equity" is, and names his favorite movie from Water.org cofounder, Matt Damon.

| By Ivo H. Daalder

This Week's Reads: The US-China Escalation Problem

"As in real wars, so in trade wars, once you start shooting in all directions, it becomes difficult to know what you’re aiming for or when it is time to stop," writes Council President Ivo Daalder. Following the latest round of escalatory drama in the US-China trade war, Daalder considers the Trump administrations's end goal in This Week's Reads.

#AskIvo: How Does 'The Empty Throne' Affect US Alliances?

"Will the current administration have long-term effects on US alliances and influence, or do you believe there can be a course correction?" Council President Ivo Daalder shares his response in this edition of #AskIvo. Be sure to submit your question for the next episode to @IvoHDaalder using #AskIvo.

Wait Just a Minute: Edward Glaeser

Urban economist and Harvard professor Edward Glaeser shares ideas about the biggest opportunities and challenges facing cities and what cities can do to ensure economic growth and inspire innovation.

| By Iain Whitaker

Global Affairs Books For The Fall

Every June Book Expo America brings the nation’s publishing houses together with book wholesalers, retailers, and marketers in New York. The event provides an opportunity to collect an unwieldy amount of free as-yet-unpublished books (pro tip: they’re not really free if you end up paying for an extra checked bag).

| By Ivo H. Daalder

This Week’s Reads: Summer Rewind

In August, I took a hiatus from This Week’s Reads to focus on my upcoming book that will be released in October. Of course, the pressing global issues of our time–from Brexit to climate change, North Korea to immigration–experienced no complementary interlude. Below is a compilation of mostly long-form articles from the past month that are worth perusing. The topics they touch upon will, undoubtedly, remain relevant through the changing seasons ahead.

| By Brian Hanson, Laura Dawson, Duncan Wood

Deep Dish: There’s a New NAFTA in Town

Mexico and the United States announced a preliminary new NAFTA agreement early this week, which is now pending Canada's approval. Experts join the podcast to discuss the deal's substance and it's chances of being ratified before a number of deadlines.

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