Why It Matters

Hip-hop is a phenomenon that has captured hearts around the world. Its musical form ranges from party anthems to critical social commentary. But the genre plays another role: it is an influential soft-power tool for the United States. Like its predecessors jazz and rock, hip-hop is utilized by the U.S. State Department to connect with young minds, and its unique ability to inspire goodwill toward the United States offers a significant advantage over adversaries such as China and Russia. How did hip-hop become a go-to diplomatic instrument?   Toni Blackman (Alumni Outreach Director, Next Level)  Mark Katz (John P. Barker Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of Graduate Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at:  https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/hip-hop-diplomacy

For the past two thousand years, the pope has been a major player in global affairs. He is frequently called upon to act as a peace broker, a mediator, an advocate, and an influencer; and with over 1.3 billion followers around the world, the pope and his governmental arm, the Holy See, have the power to shape the future. How has the pope's power changed over time, and what is his role today?   Timothy Byrnes (Third Century Chair in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and Professor of Political Science, Colgate University)   Francis Campbell (Vice Chancellor, University of Notre Dame Australia)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/power-of-the-pope

In this special episode, Why It Matters follows up with CFR President Richard Haass to hear his insights on the war in Ukraine.   Featured Guests:  Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/update-on-ukraine-with-richard-haass

For years, large corporations have exploited international tax laws to pay less taxes. But last year, 137 countries backed a potential solution: a 15 percent corporate tax applied regardless of a company’s location. The reform could raise global tax revenues by $150 billion a year, but as advocates garner political support, there are significant roadblocks.    Featured Guests:  Shu-Yi Oei (Professor, Boston College Law School) Richard Rubin (U.S. Tax Policy Reporter, Wall Street Journal)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/what-in-the-world-is-a-global-minimum-tax

How can the world create better medicines? More powerful solar cells? New batteries? The answers could come from a revolutionary research tool known as the quantum computer. It can seem like magic—harnessing the power of quantum physics to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. But there are unmitigated risks too, as the technology continues to develop. What would a quantum-led future hold?   Featured Guests:  Shohini Ghose (Quantum Physicist and Professor, Physics and Computer Science, Wilfrid Laurier University)  Marissa Guistina (Quantum Electronics Engineer and Research Scientist, Google)  Kate Weber (Public Policy Lead, Quantum Computing, Google)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/quantum-leap

The world is already witnessing the effects of climate change. One inescapable and irreversible consequence is sea-level rise, which could destroy coastal cities. How will the world adapt to rising tides?   Featured Guests:   Alice C. Hill (David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment, Council on Foreign Relations)  Klaus Jacob (Geophysicist and Emeritus Research Professor, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University)  Henk Ovink  (Special Envoy for International Water Affairs, Netherlands)  Gernot Wagner (Climate Economist and Visiting Associate Professor, Columbia University)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/climate-adaptation-rising-tides-in-coastal-cities

In this special episode, Why It Matters sits down with CFR President Richard Haass to ask the basic questions about the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s frame of mind, and his threat to world order.   Featured Guest: Richard Haass (President, Council on Foreign Relations)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at:  https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/perspective-ukraine-richard-haass  

As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, here are some resources from the Council on Foreign Relations to stay informed:    Charles A. Kupchan, “Why Putin’s War With Ukraine Is a Miscalculation,” CFR.org, February 24, 2022   “TWNW Special: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine,” The World Next Week, February 24, 2022   “Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence in Russia’s Shadow,” CFR.org, February 24, 2022   “Crisis in Ukraine,” CFR.org, February 23, 2022   Alina Polyakova and Daniel Fried, “Putin’s Long Game in Ukraine,” Foreign Affairs,  February 23, 2022   Thomas Graham, “Has Russia Just Started a Wider War With Ukraine?,” CFR.org, February 22, 2022   Max Boot, “Why the U.S. Ramped Up Its Information War With Russia,” CFR.org, February 10, 2022   Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow, “How Do the Militaries of Russia and Ukraine Stack Up?,” CFR.org, February 4, 2022   Jonathan Masters, “Why NATO Has Become a Flash Point With Russia in Ukraine,” CFR.org, January 20, 2022   Jonathan Masters, “Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia,” CFR.org, December 2, 2021  

The world is moving toward electric vehicles and clean energy, but a green future doesn’t depend on wind turbines, solar panels, and Teslas alone. It will also require a vast supply of advanced batteries. As a result, global demand for lithium—an essential battery ingredient—is outpacing supply, with the gap expected to grow in the years to come.   Featured Guests:  Frank Fannon (Managing Director, Fannon Global Advisors) Vijay Vaitheeswaran (Global Energy & Climate Innovation Editor, The Economist)   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/batteries-not-included

Why It Matters is back for a fifth season, asking the important questions about the global issues, problems, and trends that will affect the future. What role does American music play in international relations? Will the global supply chain put the path to clean energy at risk? What the heck is quantum computing?   For more information on our first four seasons, be sure to visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/why-it-matters