The Heat

April 21, 2025

The Heat: IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are hosting their annual Spring Meetings under the shadow of U.S. tariffs, amid concerns of a global economic slowdown in the coming months.  How much damage are trade wars inflicting on the global economy? Joining the discussion:  […]

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April 18, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Immigration

U.S. President Donald Trump is on a mission to ramp up deportations of huge numbers of people who have entered the United States illegally. Among those deported so far are hundreds of alleged hardcore gang members who are being detained at a maximum-security prison in […]

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April 17, 2025

The Heat: Xi’s Visit to Southeast Asia

On a three-nation swing through Southeast Asia, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s message was clear: in a world grappling with growing uncertainty and instability fueled by rising protectionism and unilateralism, China reaffirms the continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy and its vision for lasting peace […]

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April 16, 2025

The Heat: Hainan Expo 2025

The largest consumer products expo in the Asia-Pacific region is well underway in China’s Hainan Province. The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo kicked off on Sunday. This year’s theme is “Share Open Opportunities, Co-create a Better Life,” with participants from over 70 nations gathered in […]

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April 15, 2025

The Heat: Xi’s Visit to Southeast Asia

China’s President Xi Jinping is highlighting the importance of Southeast Asia with a three-nation tour. After a state visit to Vietnam, President Xi Jinping arrived in Malaysia on Tuesday, the second stop of a trip that will head next to Cambodia.  During a time of […]

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April 14, 2025

The Heat: U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks

Iran and the United States have scheduled a second round of negotiations for this weekend in Rome over Tehran’s nuclear program. Both countries described Saturday’s indirect talks in Oman’s capital of Muscat as positive and constructive. The talks are considered an important first step in […]

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April 11, 2025

The Heat: U.S.-Iran Talks

It’s been nearly ten years since Iran signed an agreement to limit its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief and other provisions. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action took effect in January 2016.  Two and a half years later, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the […]

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April 10, 2025

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

More than two million Palestinians living in Gaza face a dire situation as food, fuel, medicine and other necessities are running out. The worsening conditions follow the Israeli government’s blockade of humanitarian assistance into the enclave over a month ago. Joining the discussion:  Khalil Jahshan […]

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April 9, 2025

The Heat: Tariff Turmoil

China has increased tariffs on U.S. imports to 84% in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. On Wednesday, Washington added even further tariffs on Beijing which now stand at 125%.  Meanwhile, President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs for all trading partners, […]

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April 8, 2025

The Heat: Tariff Turmoil

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to move forward with more sweeping tariffs, including a 50% duty on Chinese imports. In response, Beijing stated it is ready to fight until the end if the U.S. persists in waging a trade war. As many as 70 […]

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April 7, 2025

The Heat: World Health Day 2025

A new report from United Nations agencies shows that women today are more likely than ever to survive childbirth, but they warn progress could be undone due to widespread cuts to aid.  The UN released its material mortality report on Monday, World Health Day, kicking […]

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April 4, 2025

The Heat: Tariff Turmoil

The world is bracing for a global trade conflict as nations weigh their responses to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of worldwide import taxes. China has imposed a 34% tariff on American products after Trump hit Beijing with a combined levy of 54%.  Joining the […]

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April 3, 2025

The Heat: Haiti Crisis

Haiti continues to spiral out of control as violence and a humanitarian disaster pose a massive threat to the country. The small Caribbean nation, home to over 11 million people, has been gripped in crisis since its president was assassinated in July 2021. Joining the […]

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April 2, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Tariffs

In what’s been described as liberation day for the United States economy, U.S. President Trump moves forward with sweeping new tariffs on dozens of countries including China, the European Union and Vietnam. President Trump says the move will bring back manufacturing jobs to the United […]

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March 31, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Immigration

The Trump administration has launched a full-scale crackdown on immigration in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security has said it will revoke the legal protections for about 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans, setting them up for potential deportation. Many of the policies […]

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March 27, 2025

The Heat: Boao Forum for Asia

Foreign governments and carmakers are reeling after U.S. President Donald Trump announced this week a 25% tariff on all cars coming into the United States. It’s the latest move in a litany of tariffs imposed by the United States on China, Canada, Mexico and the […]

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March 26, 2025

The Heat: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Hours after a ceasefire agreement was announced between Russia and Ukraine to halt military strikes in the Black Sea, Moscow said it wants Western economic sanctions lifted before agreeing to the deal.  Joining the discussion:  Marcus Papadopoulos is a historian, analyst, and author specializing in […]

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March 25, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Growing Isolationism?

The Trump administration’s tariffs, rising geopolitical tensions, and foreign aid cuts are shifting America’s role in the world. With trade disputes straining alliances and diplomatic tensions growing, are we seeing a more inward turn in U.S. policy? Joining the discussion: Jose Luis Bernal is a […]

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March 24, 2025

The Heat: China’s Technological Innovation

China is transforming into an innovation powerhouse as it continues to make major advances with cutting-edge technologies. It has made significant progress in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing and 6G telecommunications, as it solidifies its position as a global leader in innovation. Joining […]

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March 21, 2025

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Health officials in Gaza say nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since Tuesday, after Israel resumed its assault on Gaza and broke a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal with Hamas. Jerusalem is now threatening to formally annex the besieged enclave. Joining the discussion:  Khalil […]

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March 20, 2025

The Heat: The Future Of NATO

When NATO’s founding members signed the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949, they declared themselves “resolved to unite their efforts for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security.” Now, nearly 76 years later, the alliance faces unprecedented uncertainty, with serious doubts […]

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March 19, 2025

The Heat: Canada Politics

Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s new prime minister on Friday. He now faces the challenge of navigating a trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump, while preparing for an upcoming election. Joining the discussion:  Lori Williams is an Associate Professor at the […]

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March 18, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Over the weekend, the Trump administration transported hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members by plane to a prison in El Salvador. A U.S. federal judge intervened, blocking the deportations and issuing an order to return the flights, but the White House did not do so. […]

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March 17, 2025

The Heat: China’s Economy

China is reporting positive growth momentum for the first two months of 2025 with GDP expected to grow about 5% this year. Retail sales are up 4% and employment remains steady. The industrial and service sectors are among those that enjoyed significant increases. Officials hope […]

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March 13, 2025

The Heat: South Africa – U.S. Relations

Relations between South Africa and the United States deteriorated last month after President Trump made accusations that centered on a new South African land law that he says discriminates against white farmers. President Trump is also critical of South Africa because it has brought a […]

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March 12, 2025

The Heat: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-brokered 30-day ceasefire proposal during peace talks in Saudi Arabia. It is a first step by Ukraine toward ending its conflict with Russia.   The U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia this week as Moscow awaits […]

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March 11, 2025

The Heat: Two Sessions

Nearly 3,000 delegates gathered in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People for the conclusion of the 3rd session of the 14th National People’s Congress.  Collectively known as Two Sessions, each spring China’s top legislature NPC meets alongside the country’s political advisory body the Chinese People’s […]

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March 10, 2025

The Heat: One-on-one with Jeffrey Sachs

With so many big stories making news across the world, we spoke to the acclaimed economist and global analyst Jeffrey Sachs for his insight and perspective. We discussed China, its economy, and Beijing’s relations with Washington. We also got his views on the Trump presidency, […]

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March 7, 2025

The Heat: Two Sessions

On Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held his annual press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress, and answered questions on China’s foreign policy and international diplomacy.   Our guests:  Luis Miguel Castilla is former Peruvian Minister of […]

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March 6, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Two days after imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, U.S. President Donald Trump rolled them back citing market instability and backlash. This move followed a fiery speech to Congress in which he had previously defended the tariffs. Joining the discussion:  Jadan Horyn is a […]

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March 5, 2025

The Heat: Two Sessions

China’s highly-anticipated Two Sessions got underway in Beijing as the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference opened its annual session. On Wednesday, the National People’s Congress began its meetings and Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered the Government Work Report.  Our guests:  Marcos Caramuru is Former Brazilian […]

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March 5, 2025

The Heat: Arab Summit

Arab leaders meeting in Cairo unanimously approved Egypt’s plan to rebuild Gaza without relocating some two-million Palestinians. The plan presented by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi calls for the removal of unexploded ordnance, the clearing of more than 50 million tons of rubble and building […]

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March 3, 2025

The Heat: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Western leaders met in London for a security summit after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s visit with U.S. President Donald. A number of EU members have now pledged to continue support for Kyiv and to ramp up defense spending. Britain, France, Ukraine and other nations are now […]

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February 28, 2025

The Heat: Global Economy

According to U.S. President Trump, trade barriers will go up starting Tuesday marking an increase in tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada. Washington will also implement a 10% tariff on Chinese products. In response, Beijing said it will take countermeasures if the tariffs […]

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February 27, 2025

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Hamas says it’s ready to negotiate the next phase of negotiations in hopes of reaching a permanent end to the conflict, after the latest exchange of hostages and prisoners.  On Wednesday, Hamas returned the bodies of four Israelis who died in captivity, and Israel released […]

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February 26, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Politics

U.S. President Donald Trump held the first cabinet meeting of his second term on Wednesday. The meeting took place as his new administration is dealing with several critical issues including government cuts, the economy and immigration.  Joining the discussion: Adolfo Franco is an attorney and […]

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February 26, 2025

The Heat: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Monday marked the third anniversary of Russia military operations in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke during a summit with world leaders in Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin honored soldiers on Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day. Since the conflict, 10.6 million Ukrainians have […]

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February 24, 2025

The Heat: Germany Elections

More than 82% of German voters went to the poll this Sunday, the largest turnout in almost 40 years. The results show traditional parties losing votes to far-right and far-left ones. The conservative center-right CDU was declared the winner of this snap elections and its […]

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February 20, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Under his “America first” agenda, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed off on a flurry of actions to change how the U.S. government operates. Several of his executive orders including birthright citizenship, suspending foreign aid and the new Department of Government Efficiency are facing legal […]

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February 19, 2025

The Heat: Middle East Conflict

Hamas proposed the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza as part of Phase Two of its ceasefire deal with Israel. It is in exchange for a permanent truce and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Earlier this week, the militant group announced that […]

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February 18, 2025

The Heat: Multilateralism

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promoted peace and multilateralism at the United Nations Security Council. How important is multilateralism to solve the world’s conflicts and also to promote economic development?  Joining the discussion:  Peter Szijjarto is Hungarian Foreign Minister. Zoon Ahmed Khan is a Research […]

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February 17, 2025

The Heat: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The U.S. and Russian delegations are meeting to discuss improving ties between the two countries and negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting will mark a significant shift in ties following the U.S. diplomatic isolation of Russia after it began its operations in […]

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February 14, 2025

The Heat: Munich Security Conference

Leaders, diplomats and representatives from around the world have gathered in Munich for its major, annual security conference. The meetings are taking place at a time of significant global tensions and challenges over how to resolve ongoing conflicts. Joining the discussion: Wang Huiyao is the […]

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February 13, 2025

The Heat: Black History Month

It has been 99 years since the African American historian and author Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week, a yearly event that would later grow to become Black History Month, marked every February. Over decades, Black pride swelled in tandem with increased opportunities though […]

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February 11, 2025

The Heat: Middle East Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza and expel Palestinians continues to reverberate throughout the Middle East and beyond. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are threatening to call off the ceasefire unless all hostages are released by Saturday.  Joining the discussion: Joel […]

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February 10, 2025

The Heat: U.S. Politics

U.S. President Donald Trump promised shock and awe when he returned to the White House, and three weeks into his second term  his actions and initiatives continue at a hectic pace including efforts to transform government in Washington DC. Controversially, he is also reaffirming a […]

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February 7, 2025

The Heat: China-Pakistan Relations

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has wrapped up his official state visit to China. During his trip, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, where they discussed the partnership between their two countries and issued a joint statement. Beijing stated that its relationship […]

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February 6, 2025

The Heat: Europe Economic Challenges

The European Union is bracing for a possible trade war with the United States. On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump called the trade relationship an “atrocity,” complaining that the EU exports far more to the United States than it imports. European Commission President Ursula von […]

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February 5, 2025

The Heat: Global Impact of U.S. Tariffs

Though Donald Trump has been in office for less than a month, he has already plunged the U.S. into a new era of trade battles. He is targeting China with additional tariffs, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own tariffs on select American imports. Meanwhile, […]

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