The Heat

February 7, 2024

The Heat: Social Media Controversy

The executives of the largest social media platforms were questioned in the U.S. Congress about the lack of safety for young people online. Parents claim that the unchecked content has led to child exploitation and even suicide. Is social media harmful to mental health? Joining […]

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February 6, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Qatar’s prime minister said Hamas has given a “generally positive” response to a proposed truce deal with Israel, while reiterating its demand for an end to the Israeli assault on Gaza.  Joining the discussion:  Yossi Mekelberg is an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.  Negar Mortazavi […]

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February 5, 2024

The Heat: Black History Month

Historian and author Carter G. Woodson founded Black History Month in 1926 to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. It was also meant to educate Americans about the suffering of slaves to highlight the fight for civil liberties and the successful contributions of Black people […]

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February 2, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

After months of negotiations, key U.S. Senators say they’ve reached a deal to overhaul the asylum system and manage the influx of migrants at the U.S.–Mexico border. Details are expected to be released with a possible vote next week on a national security package that […]

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February 1, 2024

The Heat: Latin America Roundup

The United States is considering closing the border to Mexico, as thousands of people try to enter the country to apply for asylum, fleeing poverty and violence. In Ecuador, a country once considered an “island of peace,” the president declared a state of emergency to […]

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January 31, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

About 27,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as Israel presses ahead with the military campaign it says is aimed at destroying Hamas.  To discuss the latest on the Israel-Hamas conflict, our guests:  Hanan Ashrawi is a longtime Palestinian politician, leader, activist and scholar.  Dan […]

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January 30, 2024

The Heat: Pakistan-Iran Ties

Pakistan and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic ties and de-escalate tensions along their border following the recent tit-for-tat missile strikes. On Monday, foreign ministers from both countries met in Islamabad to mend relations. Joining the discussion:  Ali Akbar Dareini is a Researcher and Writer for […]

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January 29, 2024

The Heat: China-France Relations

China and France mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. France became the first Western country to normalize ties with China in 1964 and since then Sino-French relations have strengthened and expanded.  Today, France is China’s third-largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral […]

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January 26, 2024

The Heat: China-U.S. 45 Years of Diplomacy

China and the United States marked 45 years of diplomatic relations this year. Despite twists and turns over the decades, the relationship has kept forging ahead to the benefit of both countries and the world. To discuss the current state of the bilateral ties and […]

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January 25, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israeli forces are accused of attacking an aid distribution site in Gaza City and a United Nations training center sheltering Palestinians in Khan Younis. An estimated one million people forced to flee from the heavy fighting have crowded in the city of Rafah, near the […]

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January 24, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Presidential Race

Former U.S. President Donald Trump won another key contest in his quest to secure the Republican presidential nomination, but his remaining rival is not backing down. Can Nikki Haley turn it around? Joining the discussion: Rina Shah is a Political Strategist, Commentator and Founder and […]

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January 23, 2024

The Heat: G77 + China Summit

Leaders from the Group of 77 plus China agreed to move forward as a block in order to promote South-South cooperation, solidarity and a fairer global system for developing countries. More than 130 member states, plus China, took part in the third South Summit and […]

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January 23, 2024

The Heat: Red Sea Crisis

Commercial shipping vessels are making a long detour to avoid being targeted in the Red Sea. The Houthi have been launching attacks on ships in support of the Palestine cause in Gaza. The incidents have led to a disruption in global trade.  To talk more […]

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January 17, 2024

The Heat: China-Africa Ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire, continues the 34-year tradition of African countries being the first destinations of the new year.  China’s support has helped provide African countries with economic opportunities through its Belt and Road Initiative and […]

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January 16, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Presidential Election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump secured a resounding win in the first 2024 Republican presidential contest in Iowa, asserting his command over the party despite his legal troubles.  Joining the discussion: Adolfo Franco is an attorney and Republican strategist. Bill Crane is a political analyst […]

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January 15, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, saying nothing can justify the collective punishment to the Palestinian people.  The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 24,000 Palestinians have been killed as the conflict crosses 100-day mark.  Joining the discussion: […]

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January 12, 2024

The Heat: China-Europe Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Beijing. The two leaders agreed to strengthen ties and expand cooperation. President Xi also held talks with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto earlier this week. With a series of high-level engagements between China […]

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January 11, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Presidential Election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared his innocence and accused the judge of having his “own agenda” during closing arguments in his civil fraud trial.  Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, clashed on a range of […]

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January 10, 2024

The Heat: CES 2024

The Consumer Electronics Show opened with cutting-edge technologies and gadgets for every home. Companies representing more than 150 countries and territories are showcasing their high-tech products in Las Vegas.  Our guests:  Lauren Fix is an automotive expert and Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports.  Ray Wang […]

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January 9, 2024

The Heat: Brazil’s G20 Presidency

A year into his latest leadership term, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seeks to reunite his country while managing a G20 presidency. How does he plan to handle both? Joining the discussion:  Sourabh Gupta is a Senior Asia-Pacific international relations policy specialist at […]

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January 9, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Gaza Health Ministry says the number of people killed in the enclave since the start of the conflict with Israel in October is now over 23,000, including 9,600 children.   Meanwhile, Israel says it has begun a new phase of its operations in Gaza as […]

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January 5, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

U.S. President Joe Biden told voters that his potential election opponent Donald Trump is a threat to democracy, the day before the third anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump was impeached for allegedly inciting the mob that stormed Congress to stop Biden succeeding […]

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Some in Brazil against BRICS expansion
January 4, 2024

The Heat: BRICS Expansion

The BRICS group doubled its membership to ten countries. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran and Ethiopia officially joined the group of leading emerging economies.  The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the trade bloc as a positive and stable force for good in international […]

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January 3, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Tensions are high after the alleged assassination of Hamas’ deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. Israel is being blamed for ordering the fateful drone strike.  There are growing fears the Israel-Hamas conflict could expand into a broader war involving other countries in the region.  Joining […]

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January 2, 2024

The Heat: President Xi’s New Year Address

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his annual New Year message on Sunday in Beijing. He looked back at the progress China made over the last year and urged further efforts to advance Chinese modernization in 2024. To discuss what’s ahead for China, our guests:  Victor […]

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December 21, 2023

The Heat: UN Climate Conference

At the United Nations Climate Conference in Dubai, known as COP28, leaders from nearly 200 countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. They pledged to triple the amount of renewable energy by 2030 and curb the release of methane.  But will it be enough […]

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December 20, 2023

The Heat: Far Right Growing in Europe

The far right movement enjoyed more political success across Europe in 2023 as it became increasingly more mainstream.  What is driving the rise? And what are the implications for the European Union?   Joining the discussion: Klaus Larres is a professor of history and international affairs […]

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December 19, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Politics

U.S. President Joe Biden’s approval rating stands are at a record low of 38%, according to a Washington Post average of 17 recent polls.  Meanwhile, Donald Trump spent much of the year huddling with his attorneys. He was indicted on multiple criminal charges that could […]

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December 18, 2023

The Heat: China-U.S. Relations

Relations between China and the United States ebbed and flowed this past year. Both sides made serious efforts to improve their relationship culminating with the high-stakes bilateral summit between President Xi and President Biden in November in San Francisco. What’s the outlook for 2024? To […]

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December 15, 2023

The Heat: Technology Trends

From self-driving cars to artificial intelligence, what were the biggest tech developments in 2023?  Joining the discussion: Yi Li is Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Appotronics.  Alex Zhavoronkov is Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine.  Amr Awadallah is Founder and CEO of Vectara, a Generative […]

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December 14, 2023

The Heat: Belt and Road – The Next 10 Years

From infrastructure to green development, China’s project to connect the world has generated nearly $1 trillion in investment, established more than 3,000 cooperation projects, created 420,000 jobs, and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty.  Building on its past accomplishments China has laid […]

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December 14, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The United States was one of ten countries to vote against the non-binding measure.   Israel says it will continue its war in Gaza whether or not it has […]

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December 12, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Immigration Crisis

The issue of immigration reform is having a huge impact on foreign policy in the U.S., specifically funding for Ukraine and Israel. Republicans are trying to force Democrats to agree to stricter immigration rules as a condition to approve foreign aid packages. Meanwhile, the number […]

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December 11, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Politics

The race for the White House in the U.S. has rapidly evolved into fierce debates not just on domestic issues, but also foreign policy matters like Ukraine.  Meanwhile, former President Trump is facing a host of criminal charges and President Biden is struggling to get […]

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December 5, 2023

The Heat: UN Peacekeeping

The United Nations is trying to strengthen peacekeeping operations. Ministers and delegates from more than 85 countries and international organizations are meeting in Ghana for the fifth Peacekeeping Ministerial event.  At a time when the world is facing many conflicts, the United Nations is trying […]

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November 29, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the Israel-Hamas conflict at the United Nations Security Council. Wang Yi called for a complete cease-fire in Gaza and the implementation of the two-state solution as soon as possible. What role can Beijing play in resolving the crisis?   Joining […]

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November 28, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Republican presidential hopefuls have about two months left to connect with voters in the U.S. states of Iowa and New Hampshire.  Former President Donald Trump continues to hold a commanding lead in the polls among Republican candidates, despite facing 91 criminal charges.  Meanwhile, U.S. President […]

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November 28, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend by two days the temporary truce, originally set to expire Monday. It will allow for more hostages and more Palestinians prisoners to be released.  To discuss the latest on the conflict, our guests:  Joshua Landis is Director of […]

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November 22, 2023

The Heat: AI Controversy in U.S.

Technology firm OpenAI fired its CEO Sam Altman last week with little warning or explanation. The move sent shockwaves throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Few days later, in an equally dramatic turn, Altman returned as CEO of the firm that he helped found. To discuss […]

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November 22, 2023

The Heat: BRICS Summit on Gaza

In a speech before BRICS countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and a secure and unimpeded humanitarian corridor in Gaza.   Xi also emphasized the need for a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine.    […]

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November 20, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on as Gaza suffers a worsening humanitarian crisis. According to the Gaza government’s media office, the death toll there is now more than 13,300. Among those killed, over 5,600 children. Meanwhile, negotiators are still trying to reach an […]

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November 20, 2023

Global Action Initiative 2023: Sustainable Economy

Global Action Initiative, now in its fourth year, is dedicated to addressing the world’s most pressing issues through mutual understanding, showcasing positive outcomes and offering possible solutions to help all people achieve sustainable global change. Economic sustainability is part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, […]

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November 17, 2023

The Heat: APEC Meetings 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a message of unity and cooperation as the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting comes to a close in San Francisco.  To discuss the highlights of the week, our guests are: David Firestein is the President and CEO of the George H.W. […]

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November 16, 2023

The Heat: China-U.S. Relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping sat down with U.S. President Biden on the sidelines of the 30th APEC Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco. The face-to-face comes at a critical time with the two nations mired in diplomatic tensions. How will this impact the relationship going forward? […]

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November 14, 2023

The Heat: APEC Meetings 2023

World leaders, CEOs and business leaders are in San Francisco for the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ week.  Talks will include some of the world’s biggest challenges including climate change, trade competition, equitable growth and new technologies like artificial intelligence.   To discuss expectations this week, joining […]

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November 13, 2023

The Heat: APEC Meetings 2023

Leaders from the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies are gathering in San Francisco for the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

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