Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:29:34 +0200 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/ en-EN podcast@hollingscenter.org podcast@hollingscenter.org https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/ https://img.hearthis.at/7/2/2/_/uploads/10267296/image_user/w1400_h1400_q70_ptrue_v2_----cropped_1646813418227.jpg no no https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/hollings-ep01mixdownshort-versionv05/ 14007020 no no Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:31:14 +0100 2026-03-17T15:31:14+01:00 29:50 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-offedit2026-01-15/
Featuring perspectives from Gilang Kembara of Nanyang Technological University and Elina Noor of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the episode highlights the often-overlooked risks to submarine cables that carry the vast majority of global internet traffic, as well as the safety, environmental, and accountability gaps created by illicit maritime practices. The guests emphasize that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder response—one that brings together governments, regional bodies such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United States, and private-sector and cybersecurity actors. Rather than offering simple solutions, the episode makes clear that safeguarding Southeast Asia’s maritime domain will demand sustained cooperation and a whole-of-society approach to managing the region’s increasingly complex maritime risks.]]>
Featuring perspectives from Gilang Kembara of Nanyang Technological University and Elina Noor of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the episode highlights the often-overlooked risks to submarine cables that carry the vast majority of global internet traffic, as well as the safety, environmental, and accountability gaps created by illicit maritime practices. The guests emphasize that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder response—one that brings together governments, regional bodies such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United States, and private-sector and cybersecurity actors. Rather than offering simple solutions, the episode makes clear that safeguarding Southeast Asia’s maritime domain will demand sustained cooperation and a whole-of-society approach to managing the region’s increasingly complex maritime risks.]]> 13678245 no no Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:10:50 +0100 2026-01-16T15:10:50+01:00 31:59 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-edit14092025rec-07082025/
The episode then turns to the rapidly changing world of work, asking what happens when AI and automation reshape both white-collar and blue-collar jobs. The guests discuss the growing vulnerability of traditionally stable professions, the heightened risks for the workforce, and the need for higher education to prioritize distinctly human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment. They outline how universities and policymakers can respond through lifelong learning models, workforce upskilling, transparent AI adoption, and strong safeguards around data integrity and human supervision. The result is a candid, forward-looking discussion about opportunity and the role of higher education in an AI-driven future.]]>
The episode then turns to the rapidly changing world of work, asking what happens when AI and automation reshape both white-collar and blue-collar jobs. The guests discuss the growing vulnerability of traditionally stable professions, the heightened risks for the workforce, and the need for higher education to prioritize distinctly human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment. They outline how universities and policymakers can respond through lifelong learning models, workforce upskilling, transparent AI adoption, and strong safeguards around data integrity and human supervision. The result is a candid, forward-looking discussion about opportunity and the role of higher education in an AI-driven future.]]> 13249949 no no Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:40:41 +0100 2025-12-02T16:40:41+01:00 34:04 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-disaster-management/
The dialogue further explored the potential for cross-continental resilience programs, emphasizing the integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge. For instance, Malaysia and Rwanda collaborated on people-centric early warning systems. This highlighted the importance of tailoring global solutions to local contexts. Participants also debated the role of technology, such as advanced forecasting tools and machine learning, in enhancing disaster preparedness. While promising, these tools require sustained local support, robust data systems, and measures to avoid bias or desensitization. To ensure effectiveness, global frameworks like the Sendai Framework must be more actionable, bridging gaps between policy and field-level implementation, and fostering international cooperation to meet increasing climate-related challenges.
]]>
The dialogue further explored the potential for cross-continental resilience programs, emphasizing the integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge. For instance, Malaysia and Rwanda collaborated on people-centric early warning systems. This highlighted the importance of tailoring global solutions to local contexts. Participants also debated the role of technology, such as advanced forecasting tools and machine learning, in enhancing disaster preparedness. While promising, these tools require sustained local support, robust data systems, and measures to avoid bias or desensitization. To ensure effectiveness, global frameworks like the Sendai Framework must be more actionable, bridging gaps between policy and field-level implementation, and fostering international cooperation to meet increasing climate-related challenges.
]]> 11589660 no no Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:39:06 +0100 2024-12-19T14:39:06+01:00 31:26 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-turkiye-us-relations/ 11452782 no no Mon, 04 Nov 2024 22:12:47 +0100 2024-11-04T22:12:47+01:00 29:25 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-afghan-highered/
The guests reflect on the progress made in education before the Taliban’s takeover, particularly for women and marginalized groups. However, these gains have since been reversed, with female students and educators barred from universities, and a regime-backed exam offering degrees to Taliban members without qualifications. They describe the impact this has had on academic standards and the detrimental effect on educational and economic opportunities.

The conversation also highlights the personal toll on Afghan scholars. One, who was abroad during the crisis, continues work remotely to support Afghan academics in exile. The other recounts their difficult journey to escape Afghanistan and their current efforts to rebuild their academic career in the U.S. Both guests emphasize the importance of preserving educational opportunities, despite the Taliban’s restrictions.

The episode concludes with a call for international support to help sustain higher education in Afghanistan through alternative solutions like online learning and scholarships for displaced Afghan students and scholars.]]>
The guests reflect on the progress made in education before the Taliban’s takeover, particularly for women and marginalized groups. However, these gains have since been reversed, with female students and educators barred from universities, and a regime-backed exam offering degrees to Taliban members without qualifications. They describe the impact this has had on academic standards and the detrimental effect on educational and economic opportunities.

The conversation also highlights the personal toll on Afghan scholars. One, who was abroad during the crisis, continues work remotely to support Afghan academics in exile. The other recounts their difficult journey to escape Afghanistan and their current efforts to rebuild their academic career in the U.S. Both guests emphasize the importance of preserving educational opportunities, despite the Taliban’s restrictions.

The episode concludes with a call for international support to help sustain higher education in Afghanistan through alternative solutions like online learning and scholarships for displaced Afghan students and scholars.]]> 11383680 no no Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:04:51 +0200 2024-09-19T13:04:51+02:00 27:48 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-29032024/
The episode features insights from Camille Lons, Deputy Director at the Paris Office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Samer Kherfi, Associate Professor of Economics at the American University of Sharjah. The discussion explores the strategic motivations behind the GCC's diversification plans, the challenges they face, and the sectors targeted for growth, such as innovation, technology, and the knowledge-based economy.

Key points include the ongoing competition between GCC states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as they strive to attract similar economic sectors and investments. Despite significant progress, the episode highlights the long road ahead in achieving these ambitious goals, emphasizing the need for structural changes and cultural shifts within these nations. The episode concludes on a note of cautious optimism, recognizing the substantial changes already underway while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.]]>
The episode features insights from Camille Lons, Deputy Director at the Paris Office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Samer Kherfi, Associate Professor of Economics at the American University of Sharjah. The discussion explores the strategic motivations behind the GCC's diversification plans, the challenges they face, and the sectors targeted for growth, such as innovation, technology, and the knowledge-based economy.

Key points include the ongoing competition between GCC states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as they strive to attract similar economic sectors and investments. Despite significant progress, the episode highlights the long road ahead in achieving these ambitious goals, emphasizing the need for structural changes and cultural shifts within these nations. The episode concludes on a note of cautious optimism, recognizing the substantial changes already underway while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.]]> 11194228 no no Wed, 21 Aug 2024 18:52:09 +0200 2024-08-21T18:52:09+02:00 30:08 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-21032024/
Today, youth make up nearly a quarter of the global population, a number that continues to rise. However, despite this demographic significance, youth political engagement and representation remain low worldwide. Consequently, older generations often interpret this low representation as young people’s lack of interest. On the contrary, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, young people around the world mobilized and played active roles not only in youth-related issues but also in broader societal concerns affecting their future. For instance, they led climate change demonstrations and organized strikes against corruption and inequality.

Moreover, young people engage actively at local, regional, and global levels. Their approach is distinctly modern and tech-savvy, diverging from traditional methods of political engagement. Nevertheless, while actively mobilizing, many youth feel disconnected from traditional politics. They sense that decision-makers frequently sideline or ignore their voices, thus causing them to refrain from participating actively in the political process.

In a year marked by numerous elections globally, the participation and influence of young voters are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape. In this episode of our podcast, our guests delve into how youth are engaging with politics and the impact they have on shaping public discourse in their respective countries. This podcast continues the Center’s series on Collective & Human Security.]]>
Today, youth make up nearly a quarter of the global population, a number that continues to rise. However, despite this demographic significance, youth political engagement and representation remain low worldwide. Consequently, older generations often interpret this low representation as young people’s lack of interest. On the contrary, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, young people around the world mobilized and played active roles not only in youth-related issues but also in broader societal concerns affecting their future. For instance, they led climate change demonstrations and organized strikes against corruption and inequality.

Moreover, young people engage actively at local, regional, and global levels. Their approach is distinctly modern and tech-savvy, diverging from traditional methods of political engagement. Nevertheless, while actively mobilizing, many youth feel disconnected from traditional politics. They sense that decision-makers frequently sideline or ignore their voices, thus causing them to refrain from participating actively in the political process.

In a year marked by numerous elections globally, the participation and influence of young voters are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape. In this episode of our podcast, our guests delve into how youth are engaging with politics and the impact they have on shaping public discourse in their respective countries. This podcast continues the Center’s series on Collective & Human Security.]]> 11243828 no no Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:30:22 +0200 2024-07-09T13:30:22+02:00 26:42 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-17012024/ 11126865 no no Mon, 27 May 2024 16:36:38 +0200 2024-05-27T16:36:38+02:00 23:44 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-water/
As water resources, both in the region and globally, continue to face mounting pressures, the Hollings Center spoke with two participants from the 2014 and 2016 dialogues to pick up where we left off on the current state of water-related issues in the region. During the discussion, the two focused on the future of water diplomacy. Both highlighted examples of how water can be a source of cooperation over conflict.
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As water resources, both in the region and globally, continue to face mounting pressures, the Hollings Center spoke with two participants from the 2014 and 2016 dialogues to pick up where we left off on the current state of water-related issues in the region. During the discussion, the two focused on the future of water diplomacy. Both highlighted examples of how water can be a source of cooperation over conflict.
]]> 10216637 no no Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:06:54 +0200 2023-10-03T09:06:54+02:00 27:18 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/64d4e5afccb0dpicking-up-where-we-left-off-on-cooperatives/ 9788884 no no Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:12:00 +0200 2023-08-14T08:12:00+02:00 25:09 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-on-us-iraq-relations/ 7446988 no no Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:09:51 +0100 2022-12-21T09:09:51+01:00 30:26 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/11-picking-up-where-we-left-off-edit.01.11.2022rec.11.10.2022/ 7183547 no no Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:00:59 +0100 2022-11-01T15:00:59+01:00 27:25 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-on-china-mena-relations/ 7093738 no no Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:49:33 +0200 2022-09-27T07:49:33+02:00 18:13 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/8-picking-up-where-we-left-off/ 6885952 no no Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:38:30 +0200 2022-09-26T13:38:30+02:00 27:12 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/9-picking-up-where-we-left-offrec26072022-rev4/ 7004826 no no Thu, 18 Aug 2022 10:43:14 +0200 2022-08-18T10:43:14+02:00 28:30 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/teaser-season-2-of-picking-up-where-we-left-off/ 6873895 no no Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:35:16 +0200 2022-07-04T14:35:16+02:00 1:40 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-on-the-future-of-higher-education/ 6807493 no no Wed, 08 Jun 2022 10:19:56 +0200 2022-06-08T10:19:56+02:00 26:35 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off/ 6775287 no no Wed, 25 May 2022 16:05:38 +0200 2022-05-25T16:05:38+02:00 28:10 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/05-picking-up-where-we-left-off-jane-macfarlane-edit.09.05.2022/ 6749856 no no Tue, 10 May 2022 13:29:22 +0200 2022-05-10T13:29:22+02:00 27:06 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/picking-up-where-we-left-off-andy-fisher-turki-faisal-al-rasheed/ 6702250 no no Tue, 26 Apr 2022 07:44:14 +0200 2022-04-26T07:44:14+02:00 24:54 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/02-picking-up-where-we-left-off-chistina-bache-nicolas-rouhanaedit.04.04.2022/ 6669488 no no Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:07:05 +0200 2022-04-12T11:07:05+02:00 23:50 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/04-picking-up-where-we-left-off-alex-armlovich-elvan-erginli/ 6646173 no no Tue, 29 Mar 2022 11:03:58 +0200 2022-03-29T11:03:58+02:00 24:52 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/01-picking-up-where-we-left-off-bayan-tal-fatima-bahja/ 6609547 no no Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:49:57 +0100 2022-03-15T09:49:57+01:00 30:29 https://hearthis.at/pickingupwhereweleftoff/teaser-picking-up-where-we-left-off/ 6609521 no no Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:22:50 +0100 2022-03-09T12:22:50+01:00 0:59