The Heat

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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November 9, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Politics

The race for the White House is ramping up with the U.S. presidential election now less than a year away. Republican presidential candidates faced off during a lively debate on Wednesday. But, the front runner Donald Trump did not take part.   Meanwhile, President Biden continues […]

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November 8, 2023

The Heat: China International Import Expo 2023

The 6th annual China International Import Expo is underway in Shanghai, where some of the world’s leading companies and their products are being showcased. China reiterated its commitment to high-level opening up with greater market opportunities for foreign companies. For more on the CIIE, joining […]

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November 7, 2023

The Heat: China-Australia Relations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, in a show of improved ties between the two nations. It’s been seven years since an Australian prime minister visited China. Trade tensions and security concerns impacted the relationship but both governments […]

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November 6, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

More than 10,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the conflict, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has rebuffed calls for a ceasefire, saying any deal would require the release of all hostages held by Hamas.  In the meantime, the humanitarian […]

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November 3, 2023

The Heat: UN votes against U.S. embargo on Cuba

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Thursday to condemn the U.S. economic and trade embargo against Cuba, a Cold War measure first imposed in 1960. This year, 187 nations voted in favor of lifting the restrictions with only two countries opposing the […]

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November 2, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israel says its military has entered Gaza City in what’s expected to be a long and deadly ground invasion.  According to the Palestinian Health Authority, more than 9,000 people have been killed since October 7th when Hamas fighters entered Israel and killed 1,400 Israelis.  Meanwhile, […]

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November 2, 2023

The Heat: Ten Years of Belt and Road

China is helping connect Europe and Asia with its global development project, the Belt and Road Initiative. Hungary, the first European country to join the BRI, hails it as a clear success.   The Hungary-Serbia Railway is a landmark Belt and Road project that is set […]

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October 31, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Just a few days into his new role, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a stand-alone bill to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel. Last week, President Biden requested nearly $106 billion that would also include aid, not just for Israel, but for Ukraine, […]

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October 27, 2023

The Heat: China-U.S. Relations

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a three-day visit to the United States. He is holding talks with his counterpart, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Wang Yi also met with President Biden at the White House on Friday. The foreign minister is promoting […]

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October 26, 2023

The Heat: China-Colombia Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro for a state visit in Beijing.   China has invested heavily in Colombia with infrastructure projects and mining operations and was the first country to send vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two developing countries signed […]

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October 26, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Mike Johnson has been elected the 56th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. House Republicans have been in a stalemate for weeks over who would become the next speaker.  How will this impact the Democrats and a Congress trying to pass legislation? Joining the […]

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October 24, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Close to 6,000 people reportedly have died in Gaza after two weeks of conflict between Israel and Hamas as the humanitarian situation is getting more dire.  It was described as the bloodiest night. More than 700 people were killed over a 24-hour period beginning Monday, […]

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October 23, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes into Gaza and is preparing for a massive ground operation. The Israeli government is vowing to eradicate the militant group Hamas, after more than 1,400 people were killed in an attack on October 7th. The Palestinian Health authority says […]

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October 20, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Death and destruction continues in Gaza. Residents are now in desperate need of food, water and medical supplies as the humanitarian crisis worsens.  Meanwhile, trucks of UN aid are still waiting to enter at the Egypt-Gaza border crossing but an agreement has not been reached […]

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October 19, 2023

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the minute as aid waits to enter through the border with Egypt. It might become even more serious as Israel is preparing for a ground assault. The Commissioner of the UN Relief and Works Agency said Gaza is […]

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October 18, 2023

The Heat: Belt and Road Forum

Chinese President Xi Jinping shared his vision for global modernization at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.   Over the last ten years, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has brought high-quality infrastructure to Africa, Asia and Latin America and parts […]

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October 17, 2023

The Heat: Belt and Road Forum

The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is underway in China. World leaders are gathered in Beijing for what’s being called China’s “most important diplomatic event” of the year. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed his global guests, voicing enthusiasm for another ‘golden decade’ […]

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October 16, 2023

The Heat: Belt and Road Initiative

Representatives from more than 140 countries and 30 international organizations are participating in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this week in Beijing. From infrastructure to green development, China’s project to connect the world has generated nearly $1 trillion in investment, established […]

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October 13, 2023

The Heat: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Israel is conducting localized raids and bombings in Gaza, but there is expectation of a bigger invasion. More than a million Palestinians in North Gaza were given 24-hours’ notice to move south, something the UN has called “impossible.”  Joining the discussion:  Sara Yael Hirschhorn is […]

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October 12, 2023

The Heat: Do minorities lack trust in American media?

Nearly two-thirds of Black Americans say news coverage of Black people is more negative than it is for other ethnicities, according to the Pew Research Center.  In a study conducted earlier this year, a majority of nearly 5,000 Black people surveyed were critical of the […]

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October 11, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Politics

U.S. Republicans nominated Steve Scalise to be the next House speaker following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy last week. Now, Scalise needs to get enough votes to win the gavel.  Meanwhile, Washington is dealing with a looming budget crisis, a record flow of migrants at […]

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October 10, 2023

The Heat: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel killing hundreds of Israelis, the crisis continues to escalate. Israel is pounding Gaza with airstrikes and hundreds of Palestinian civilians have been killed.  Israel has announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and it has […]

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October 5, 2023

The Heat: Migration Crisis

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and top Biden administration officials met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.  The surge in migration and drug trade were among the high-level talks in Mexico City. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents processed more than 181,000 migrants […]

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October 4, 2023

The Heat: U.S. Political Turmoil

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been ousted from his role in a historic vote on Tuesday, marking the first time a speaker has ever been voted out.  Lawmakers will reconvene next week to elect a new speaker. Could it bring congressional work to a […]

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October 3, 2023

The Heat: Belt and Road in Africa

China is marking the 10th anniversary of its massive Belt and Road Initiative. In the past decade, African countries have seen transformative changes to their economies. For more on how BRI is impacting Africa, joining us: Ebrahim Rasool is a former South African Ambassador to […]

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