Having trouble? View this email in your browser.

February 14, 2025

Wilson Weekly

The Future of the Panama Canal

From prolonged droughts to rising tolls and geopolitical tensions, there is increasing global attention to the Panama Canal. The Wilson Center’s Latin America Program hosts Panama International Affairs Advisory Committee member Alberto Alemán Zubieta, and former US Ambassador to Panama John Feeley to learn more about what lies ahead for the lifeblood of the Panamanian economy and this vital commercial artery for the United States.

WATCH NOW

Article

360° Views on a US Sovereign Wealth Fund

More broadly and more effectively aiding emerging markets in meeting their own infrastructure needs is a vital front in today’s strategic competition. Could the Sovereign Wealth Fund that President Donald Trump is proposing be a solution? Courtney Fingar and Dr. Jerry Harr suggest below that it could be.

READ

Enheduanna

Lebanon’s Cultural Heritage: A Casualty of War with Israel

“War is waged not only on armed forces but also on the cultural fabric of nations, with the aim of erasing cultural memory, disrupting identity, and weakening societal unity.” -Iman Brin

READ

Event

Northern Opportunities: A Conversation With Canada's Territorial Premiers

Northern Canada is a frontier for Canadian security, diplomacy, and economic opportunity. Join Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson, and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok as they discuss vectors of alignment and prospects for collaboration between Canada and the United States in the critically important Arctic region.

WATCH NOW

Need to Know

North American Trade: Tariffs, Politics, and Economic Ties

“Even though we see this overwhelming support for Mexico's president behind the scenes, there is a real fear that if [tariffs] actually continue to be a threat and if, in fact, are imposed at the end of February, beginning of March, that this could lead to a decline in Claudia Sheinbaum's support.” -Lila Abed

LISTEN

Scholar & Alumni Spotlight

Raul Pangalangan: Bridging Academia, Advocacy, and International Justice

“This dual perspective—acknowledging the humanity of victims while upholding the rights of the accused—reflects the delicate balance international justice must strike.” -Samantha Carillo

READ

Secretary Rubio's Latin America Trip: What Was Achieved?

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, Benjamin Gedan, director of the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program discusses Secretary of State Rubio’s first international trip to Central America and the Caribbean, including visits to El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic. Gedan highlights how inter-American relations are set to become more transactional under the new Trump administration with migration, tariffs, and regional security becoming focal points.

Secretary Rubio's Latin America Trip: What Was Achieved?

Upcoming Events

Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age: The Importance of Limiting Intermediary Liability

Tuesday, Feb. 18 // 10:30 am–12:00 pm (ET)

Book Launch | Looking at Women Looking at War

Tuesday, Feb. 18 // 11:30 am–12:30 pm (ET)

A Discussion of “Arabs and Israelis: From October 7 to Peacemaking”

Thursday, Feb. 20 // 10–11:00 am (ET)

Wilson in the News

Trump Needs a Peace of Inches in Ukraine, Not Miles (Foreign Policy)

Michael Kimmage and Maxim Trudolubov argue that a phased, incremental approach to diplomacy is essential for resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

President Trump Meets With Jordan's King Abdullah II (BBC)

“So far as we’ve heard from the King, it seems that everyone in the Arab world will work together to present a plan to rebuild Gaza. One thing we know for sure, this plan will not include the forced displacement of Palestinians.” -Merissa Khurma

Ambassador David Hale on Prime Minister Netanyahu's Visit to Washington (BBC News)

“What are the president’s real intentions here? He seems to care about the welfare of the people of Gaza. He has understood from his Middle East advisor that the situation there is untenable.” -Ambassador David Hale

Support the independent research and open dialogue that leads to policies for a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world.

One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027

Phone: (202) 691-4000

Follow the Wilson Center

Was this email forwarded? Subscribe now

unsubscribe