Wilson Weekly

Taiwan’s First Digital Minister: A Conversation with Audrey Tang

Audrey Tang is well-known for being a child prodigy, is described as one of Taiwan’s 10 greatest computing personalities, was named as a TIME100 Most Influential People in AI Honoree, and is a leader in digital democracy. She answers questions in this wide-ranging and open session hosted by the Science and Technology Innovation Program.

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Commentary

Unmasking the Power Grab: How Mexico’s Proposed Reform Threatens Democracy

“The ongoing power grab in Mexico is disguised as a ‘constitutional reform.’ However, it contradicts the political progress that Mexico has made over the last 40 years, which has transformed the country from an authoritarian, hegemonic party system into a modern and respected multiparty democracy.” - Alejandro García Magos

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Smart Take

Trudeau's Government Faces Potential Collapse as NDP Ends Two-Year Agreement

“It may be very tricky for the opposition to get their act together, but if they can, an election could follow in just 28 days, meaning that Canadians could vote even before the Americans have their election on November 5th.” -Christopher Sands

WATCH

Stubborn Things

Stealing HOPE From Haiti

Haiti has few economic bright spots. One of them, a successful apparel sector, could vanish if a key US program isn’t renewed soon. Since the HOPE I/HOPE II/HELP programs went into effect, Haiti’s apparel exports to the US have quadrupled from $231 million in 2001 to $994 million in 2021.

The Rise of AI in the Global South and the Need for Inclusion

“Innovation is not happening in isolation to the United States, but in global capacity building. Developers and engineers from around the world are making significant contributions to the race for robust AI systems. Yet in the context of the Global South, it is critical to recognize the capacity for exploitation.” -Kellee Wicker

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Event

Bringing Climate and Health Together in Japanese and American Cities

This summer's heatwaves and floods have underscored the critical connections between climate change and health in cities. In this dynamic discussion, speakers from three American and three Japanese cities exchange insights and ideas on how cities can achieve net-zero emissions while enhancing well-being and quality of life.

WATCH

Regional Demographic Trends Collide: Wilson Quarterly Summer 2024

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, we dive into the latest edition of the Wilson Quarterly, titled The Great Population Shakeup. WQ editor Stephanie Bowen and contributor Lauren Herzer Risi discuss the immediate and growing effects of changing global demographics, hitting on regional trends and topics ranging from workforce development, immigration, economic and climate policy, and many other risks and opportunities policymakers must consider in this rapidly changing world.

Demographic Trends Present Risks and Opportunities - Wilson Quarterly Summer 2024

Upcoming Events

The Role of China in Africa's Just Energy Transition

Monday, September 9 // 10:00-11:15 am ET

The Struggle for Taiwan: A History of America, China, and the Island Caught Between

Monday, September 9 // 4:00-5:30 pm ET

Mexico’s Constitutional Reforms Conference | Implications to US-MX Relations

Wednesday, September 11 // 1:00-5:00 pm ET

Work-In-Progress Screening | “School for Girls,” a Documentary about Afghanistan

Thursday, September 12 // 3:00-4:30 pm ET

Wilson in the News

The Darien Jungle: A Passage for Desperate Migrants (Miami Herald)

“Given such potential security threats, the US should significantly strengthen its security partnership and information sharing with Panama and Costa Rica. But there’s much more to be done.” -Eddy Acevedo

Iran Puts Pakistan on Notice (Foreign Policy)

Tehran wants Islamabad to hold up its end of the deal on a much-delayed gas pipeline—but it doesn’t seem likely. Find out more from Michael Kugelman in this week’s South Asia Brief.

Ukraine’s Incursion into Russia (C-SPAN)

“What makes this significant is that this is the first time that Russian territory has been breached since WWII,” says Jennifer Wistrand. “It has disrupted the country in a way that wasn’t anticipated.”

A Marine Veteran Says He Tried to Help North Koreans in Spain defect. Now He Faces the Threat of Assassination (60 Minutes)

“North Korea is brazen enough to commit crimes like kidnapping and murder in several European countries. Christopher Ahn is, I'm afraid, a very high priority target for the Kim regime. And the reason is because the so-called raid on the North Korean embassy in Madrid was unprecedented.” -Sung-Yoon Lee