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. Picking Up Where We Left Off on AI in Higher Education

    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.

    34 min
  2. Picking Up Where We Left Off on Disaster Management

    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.

    31 min
  3. Picking Up Where We Left Off on Türkiye-US Relations

    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.

    29 min
  4. Picking Up Where We Left Off on Higher Education in Afghanistan

    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.

    28 min
  5. Picking Up Where We Left Off on GCC Economic Diversification

    08/21/2024

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on GCC Economic Diversification

    In this episode of "Picking Up Where We Left Off," Michael Carroll, Executive Director of the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, dives into the economic diversification efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The GCC, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has long been synonymous with vast oil wealth. However, with the global energy landscape shifting, these nations are increasingly focused on reducing their reliance on oil and diversifying their economies. The episode features insights from Camille Lons, Deputy Director at the Paris Office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Samer Kherfi, Associate Professor of Economics at the American University of Sharjah. The discussion explores the strategic motivations behind the GCC's diversification plans, the challenges they face, and the sectors targeted for growth, such as innovation, technology, and the knowledge-based economy. Key points include the ongoing competition between GCC states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as they strive to attract similar economic sectors and investments. Despite significant progress, the episode highlights the long road ahead in achieving these ambitious goals, emphasizing the need for structural changes and cultural shifts within these nations. The episode concludes on a note of cautious optimism, recognizing the substantial changes already underway while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.

    30 min
  6. Picking Up Where We Left Off on Youth Political Engagement

    07/09/2024

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Youth Political Engagement

    Today, youth make up nearly a quarter of the global population, a number that continues to rise. However, despite this demographic significance, youth political engagement and representation remain low worldwide. Consequently, older generations often interpret this low representation as young people’s lack of interest. On the contrary, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, young people around the world mobilized and played active roles not only in youth-related issues but also in broader societal concerns affecting their future. For instance, they led climate change demonstrations and organized strikes against corruption and inequality. Moreover, young people engage actively at local, regional, and global levels. Their approach is distinctly modern and tech-savvy, diverging from traditional methods of political engagement. Nevertheless, while actively mobilizing, many youth feel disconnected from traditional politics. They sense that decision-makers frequently sideline or ignore their voices, thus causing them to refrain from participating actively in the political process. In a year marked by numerous elections globally, the participation and influence of young voters are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape. In this episode of our podcast, our guests delve into how youth are engaging with politics and the impact they have on shaping public discourse in their respective countries. This podcast continues the Center’s series on Collective & Human Security.

    27 min
  7. Picking Up Where We Left Off on Peace Journalism

    05/27/2024

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Peace Journalism

    Amidst a growing number of international crises, conflicts and wars, and under political and economic pressures domestically, journalists face multiple challenges. Not only do they need to cover these sensitive and risky matters responsibly and in a way that will not exacerbate tensions and violence, but they also need to continue their profession free from persecution while making a living. In this episode, we talk to two former journalists to understand ‘peace journalism’, a concept which defines how journalists ought to cover news at times of conflict and tension.

    24 min
  8. Picking Up Where We Left Off on Water Diplomacy

    10/03/2023

    Picking Up Where We Left Off on Water Diplomacy

    A decade ago, the Hollings Center initiated its program focused on resource resiliency. Over the years, the Hollings Center has organized various programs dedicated to water, food, energy, and explored the dynamic links between them. In 2014 and 2016, the Hollings Center organized two dialogue conferences: “High and Dry: Addressing the Middle East Water Challenge” and “The Water, Energy, Food Nexus: An Integrated Approach to the Middle East Water Challenge.” These dialogues examined the pressing challenges related to water resources in the Middle East and North Africa and explored ways to address some of these issues through a nexus approach. As water resources, both in the region and globally, continue to face mounting pressures, the Hollings Center spoke with two participants from the 2014 and 2016 dialogues to pick up where we left off on the current state of water-related issues in the region. During the discussion, the two focused on the future of water diplomacy. Both highlighted examples of how water can be a source of cooperation over conflict.

    27 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © the Hollings Center for International Dialogue
  • Show Website
    Picking Up Where We Left Off