Picking Up Where We Left Off

the Hollings Center for International Dialogue
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“Picking Up Where We Left Off” is a podcast series by the Hollings Center that revisits and explores the themes, discussions, and outcomes of past dialogues and conferences organized by the Center. The series aims to delve into the progress made since these meetings and to address the ongoing relevance of the issues discussed, particularly in the context of the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Turkey. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, practitioners, and policymakers who reflect on the developments in their respective fields, analyze the current state of affairs, and propose pathways forward. The podcast not only offers a retrospective look at past events but also provides fresh perspectives and insights into contemporary challenges, with a focus on fostering understanding and collaboration. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

  1. 2d ago

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on China-MENA Relations

    As the United States and China compete for influence, Gulf and Middle Eastern states are increasingly pursuing their own strategies for navigating the rivalry. In this episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off, Robert Mogielnicki and Jesse Marks examine China’s evolving role in the Middle East, from its enduring economic ties in energy, infrastructure, and sovereign wealth investment to its more cautious approach to regional security. They explore what the Iran war revealed about the limits of Beijing’s willingness to act as a security partner, and how Gulf states are responding by focusing less on choosing between Washington and Beijing and more on strengthening their own strategic autonomy. The conversation then turns to the next major arena of competition: artificial intelligence, where billions in Gulf investment, U.S. technology, Chinese capabilities, and the push for “sovereign AI” are creating new opportunities and dependencies for the region. Looking ahead, Mogielnicki and Marks consider whether China will expand its diplomatic and security role in the region and argue that the emerging contest over AI infrastructure and technology ecosystems may ultimately prove more consequential than the traditional U.S.-China rivalry over influence. Dr. Robert Mogielnicki is the founder of Polisphere Advisory and a Middle East advisor with Teneo. He is also a non-resident fellow with the Arab Gulf States Institute, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center research fellow for 2025–2026, a columnist with Arabian Gulf Business Insight, and a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Jesse Marks is a research scholar at the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australia National University where he is researching AI sovereignty in the Middle East as well as Sino-Arab relations. He previously worked as a Middle East policy advisor at the Department of Defense's Middle East policy office and is a regular commentator on Middle East geopolitics.

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on China-MENA Relations

  2. Jul 1

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Türkiye-US Defense Relations

    In this episode of Picking Up: Where We Left Off, host Michael Carroll, Executive Director of the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, sits down with Hakan Akbaş and Michael Reynolds.

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Türkiye-US Defense Relations

  3. Mar 17

    Iraq in a Transitional Era

    In the latest episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off, Michael Carroll talks with Shahla Al Kli and Adam Weinstein about Iraq’s shifting political landscape, regional dynamics, and the role the United States could play in shaping what comes next. The episode acknowledges that recent developments involving Iran unfolded after the conversation was recorded, but the insights remain critical for understanding this moment in the Middle East.

    Iraq in a Transitional Era

  4. Jan 16

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Maritime Security

    In this episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off the conversation revisits the evolving maritime security challenges facing Southeast Asia—a region central to global trade and geopolitical stability. Building on insights from a 2024 Hollings Center dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, the episode explores how traditional threats such as smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing are increasingly intertwined with emerging risks, including “dark shipping,” sanctioned oil transfers, and the growing vulnerability of undersea infrastructure. The discussion underscores how Southeast Asia’s heavy reliance on secure sea lanes makes disruptions at sea not only a regional concern, but one with direct implications for international commerce, energy flows, and digital connectivity worldwide. Featuring perspectives from Gilang Kembara of Nanyang Technological University and Elina Noor of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the episode highlights the often-overlooked risks to submarine cables that carry the vast majority of global internet traffic, as well as the safety, environmental, and accountability gaps created by illicit maritime practices. The guests emphasize that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder response—one that brings together governments, regional bodies such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United States, and private-sector and cybersecurity actors. Rather than offering simple solutions, the episode makes clear that safeguarding Southeast Asia’s maritime domain will demand sustained cooperation and a whole-of-society approach to managing the region’s increasingly complex maritime risks.

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Maritime Security

  5. 12/02/2025

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on AI in Higher Education

    In this episode of Picking Up: Where We Left Off, host Michael Carroll, Executive Director of the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, sits down with Dr. Yakut Ghazi of Duke University and education and technology leader Kapil Gaba to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming global higher education. Drawing on experiences from the United States, South Asia, and beyond, they explore how AI and digital tools can personalize learning, expand access, and enable global collaboration—while also exposing the persistent digital divide. The conversation challenges the idea that “access to content” equals education, underscoring the continued importance of human connection, mentorship, and community in truly democratizing learning. The episode then turns to the rapidly changing world of work, asking what happens when AI and automation reshape both white-collar and blue-collar jobs. The guests discuss the growing vulnerability of traditionally stable professions, the heightened risks for the workforce, and the need for higher education to prioritize distinctly human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment. They outline how universities and policymakers can respond through lifelong learning models, workforce upskilling, transparent AI adoption, and strong safeguards around data integrity and human supervision. The result is a candid, forward-looking discussion about opportunity and the role of higher education in an AI-driven future.

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on AI in Higher Education

  6. 12/19/2024

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Disaster Management

    In this episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off, the Center revisits an early 2024 dialogue on disaster management. The dialogue emerged in response to significant disasters that affected long-term Center partners. The dialogue focused on global cooperation in disaster management and mitigation, and discussions emphasized the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, hailed as the most comprehensive international guide. Despite its significance, participants noted its limited adoption by governments, aid organizations, and first responders. Challenges discussed included the need for practical implementation, stronger political will, and greater investments, especially in vulnerable regions of the Global South. Participants acknowledged successes like reduced disaster-related deaths due to improved preparedness, yet economic and human losses remain alarmingly high, underscoring a gap between commitments and outcomes. The dialogue further explored the potential for cross-continental resilience programs, emphasizing the integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge. For instance, Malaysia and Rwanda collaborated on people-centric early warning systems. This highlighted the importance of tailoring global solutions to local contexts. Participants also debated the role of technology, such as advanced forecasting tools and machine learning, in enhancing disaster preparedness. While promising, these tools require sustained local support, robust data systems, and measures to avoid bias or desensitization. To ensure effectiveness, global frameworks like the Sendai Framework must be more actionable, bridging gaps between policy and field-level implementation, and fostering international cooperation to meet increasing climate-related challenges.

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Disaster Management

  7. 11/04/2024

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Türkiye-US Relations

    This podcast episode discusses the complex relationship between the United States and Türkiye, focusing on how it has evolved into a more transactional and pragmatic relationship. Tensions have arisen over issues such as Syria, Kurdish forces, and Türkiye’s acquisition of Russian missile systems. Despite these challenges, both countries have found common ground in areas like counterterrorism and regional stability. The conversation includes insights from experts Meliha Altunışık and Richard Outzen, highlighting the historical context and strategic misalignments between the nations. They emphasized the importance of pragmatic diplomacy in addressing regional challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and the influence of Iran. The discussion concluded that building trust through small agreements is crucial for future cooperation.

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Türkiye-US Relations

  8. 09/19/2024

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Higher Education in Afghanistan

    In this episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off, the focus is on the challenges surrounding higher education in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The discussion features two previous Hollings Center program participants who left the country. Both are academics, now working to establish their careers abroad. The guests reflect on the progress made in education before the Taliban’s takeover, particularly for women and marginalized groups. However, these gains have since been reversed, with female students and educators barred from universities, and a regime-backed exam offering degrees to Taliban members without qualifications. They describe the impact this has had on academic standards and the detrimental effect on educational and economic opportunities. The conversation also highlights the personal toll on Afghan scholars. One, who was abroad during the crisis, continues work remotely to support Afghan academics in exile. The other recounts their difficult journey to escape Afghanistan and their current efforts to rebuild their academic career in the U.S. Both guests emphasize the importance of preserving educational opportunities, despite the Taliban’s restrictions. The episode concludes with a call for international support to help sustain higher education in Afghanistan through alternative solutions like online learning and scholarships for displaced Afghan students and scholars.

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Higher Education in Afghanistan
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About

“Picking Up Where We Left Off” is a podcast series by the Hollings Center that revisits and explores the themes, discussions, and outcomes of past dialogues and conferences organized by the Center. The series aims to delve into the progress made since these meetings and to address the ongoing relevance of the issues discussed, particularly in the context of the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Turkey. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, practitioners, and policymakers who reflect on the developments in their respective fields, analyze the current state of affairs, and propose pathways forward. The podcast not only offers a retrospective look at past events but also provides fresh perspectives and insights into contemporary challenges, with a focus on fostering understanding and collaboration. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Information

  • Creator
    the Hollings Center for International Dialogue
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © the Hollings Center for International Dialogue
  • Show Website
    Picking Up Where We Left Off