Need to Know Wilson Center

In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski explores what we know and what we think we know about North Korea with expert insights from Sung-Yoon Lee, a Fellow with the Wilson Center’s Indo-Pacific Program. Yoon explains the complexities behind North Korea's strategic maneuvers, military ambitions, and the intricacies of its ruling regime. He also dispels common myths and provides a clear-eyed analysis of the motivations and tactics of one of the world's most secretive and misunderstood nations. 

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses Mexico's elections with guest Lila Abed, acting director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute. Lila was an International Electoral Observer of Claudia Sheinbaum's, historic victory that will make her Mexico's first female president when she's sworn into office. They discuss the larger political landscape, Sheinbaum's potential policies, the implications of AMLO's legacy, and the possible impact on US-Mexico relations. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of Mexico's largest and most consequential elections.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discuses US policy on Taiwan with Wilson Center Indo-Pacific Program Director, Shihoko Goto. They explore the complexities and nuances of maintaining strong ties to a most important US trade partner, while acknowledging the "one China principle."  They also discuss China's efforts to increase its own economic ties to Taiwan and the risk-reward factors related to Chinese investment. Additionally, Goto provides insights into the challenge of helping Taiwan remain secure while avoiding direct confrontation with China. As the title says, it's complicated!

In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the recent direct attack by Iran on Israel and its implications for the region with the Wilson Center’s Middle East Program Director Merissa Khurma. She provides insights into the shifting dynamics and potential consequences of this escalation, highlighting the delicate balancing act for countries like Jordan and the critical role of US leadership in pursuing de-escalation and stability.

In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski explores the evolving landscape of warfare shaped by unmanned aerial vehicles with his guest, Dr. Jack Watling. Dr. Watling is a Wilson Center Global Fellow and senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. They discuss a new study, co-authored by Jack, that focuses on the impact of UAVs on land forces, drawing insights from contemporary conflicts like the one in Ukraine. From precision strikes to procurement challenges, this discussion navigates the complexities of adapting military strategies to technological advancements. It also provides valuable information for lawmakers who will be making funding decisions on weapons systems that are changing the way wars are conducted.

In this episode of Need to Know, we focus on Pakistan's political and economic situation, as well as its relationship with the United States. Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Wilson Center's IndoPacific program, covers topics such as the health of democracy in the wake of the recent election, the country's ongoing economic crisis, and the value of US support for democracy and human rights. Kugelman highlights the challenges and complexities facing Pakistan and provides insights into the current state of affairs.