PODCAST · news
Need to Know
by Wilson Center
The Need To Know podcast is a production of the Office of Congressional Relations at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Each episode we will bring our nonpartisan research to life through interviews with experts and practitioners covering the world. Our goal is to bring the best independent research, open dialogue and actionable ideas to congressional staff, policy makers, and anyone else who needs to know.
Episodes
-
Myanmar’s Junta and the 2026 Elections: A Fig Leaf for Legitimacy?
NOTE: This interview was recorded before the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28. Please see the statement from our guest, Lucas Myers, which follows the episode description below.In this episode of Need to Know, Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast…
more -
Canada’s New Leader: Mark Carney Steps In Amid US Tensions
NOTE: This episode of Need to Know was recorded March 12, 2025... 2 days before Mark Carney was sworn in as prime minister. In this episode of Need to Know, Xavier Delgado, Senior Program Associate for the Wilson Center's Canada Program, joins us to discuss the future of Canadian politics…
more -
The Ties That Bind: The Status of the Transatlantic Partnership after Germany's Elections
In this episode of Need to Know, Robin Quinville, Director of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program, joins host John Milewski to break down Germany’s recent elections, the rise of the far right, economic challenges, and the evolving US-EU relationship.
-
US-Panama Relations and the Future of the Panama Canal
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Benjamin Gedan, Director of the Wilson Center's Latin America Program, about the geopolitical and economic significance of the Panama Canal. They explore the immediate and potential future impact of President Trump's overtures about...
-
North American Trade: Tariffs, Politics, and Economic Ties
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the recent trade agreements between the US, Canada, and Mexico, with guests Lila Abed, Director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute and Christopher Sands, Director of the center's Canada Institute. They discuss the implications of...
-
Is the US Losing the AI Race?
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Kellee Wicker, Director of the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program, about China’s DeepSeek AI breakthrough. They discuss its implications for US AI strategy, global competition, and the future of innovation.
-
From Headlines to Trendlines: US Policy and the Future of the Middle East
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Merissa Khurma, Director of the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, to explore the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region and what it means for the new administration. From shifting alliances to economic opportunities and...
-
Resetting US Strategy in the Indo-Pacific
In this episode, Need to Know host John Milewski explores America’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific with Shihoko Goto, Director of the Wilson Center's Indo-Pacific program. Topics include U.S. alliances, China’s growing influence, and strategies for the new administration to strengthen regional...
-
Navigating US-Mexico Relations: Opportunities Amid Challenges
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Lila Abed, director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute. They discuss key issues like trade, security, fentanyl, and migration. Lila comments on the potential for even stronger collaboration while identifying the challenges both...
-
Navigating the New Cold War: US-China Relations Post-Election
In this episode, Need to Know host John Milewski discusses the evolving dynamics of US-China relations with Robert Daly, Director of the Wilson Center's Kissinger Institute. From economic realities to ideological divides, Daly offers a nuanced take on managing what he says will be a decades-long...
-
Political Shockwaves: Navigating Japan's Uncertain Future
In this episode, John Milewski discusses the recent political upheaval in Japan with Shihoko Goto, Director, Indo-Pacific Program at the Wilson Center. Their discussion focuses on the implications of the recent elections that resulted in no party gaining a majority. The conversation explores the...
-
Navigating the Arctic: The Ice Pact and the Future of Icebreakers
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center. They discuss the trilateral collaboration between the US, Canada, and Finland, known as the Ice Pact. They focus on the urgent need for new icebreakers in the…
more -
Migration Through the Darien Gap: “It’s not a passage; it’s a jungle”
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the complexities of migration through the Darien Gap with Ambassador Mark Green and Eddie Acevedo. They explore the motivations behind the increasing number of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, the dangers they face, and the...
-
Populism in Europe: Far-Right Movements and EU Challenges
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the rise of populism in Europe with Robin Quinville, Director of the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program. They explore the factors contributing to the popularity of far-right movements, including migration, economic uncertainty, and...
-
China-Africa Relations: Threat to US Interests?
In this episode of Need to Know we explore China's growing influence in Africa through investments, diplomacy, and military cooperation. Our guests are Oge Onubogu, Director of the Wilson Center’s Africa Program, and Robert Daly, Director of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States....
-
Bangladesh in Transition: US Role in Post-Hasina Era
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski and guest Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center, discuss the ongoing political upheaval in Bangladesh in the aftermath of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. They explore the interim government's...
-
NATO at 75: Reflecting on the Alliance's Legacy and Future
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski and Ambassador Philip Reeker, Chair of the Global Europe Program at the Wilson Center, discuss key takeaways from NATO's 75th anniversary summit. They explore the legacy of the alliance, as well as its future, as it responds to a growing and...
-
US-China Agricultural Cooperation: A Deep Dive
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski, discuses the history and future of US-China agriculture cooperation with Dr. Karen Mancl. She is a professor and water quality specialist at the Ohio State University and a fellow with the Wilson Center's China Environment Program. In addition…
more -
Enhancing US Global Competitiveness: Insights from the G7 Summit
In this episode of the Need to Know, we delve into the recent G7 Summit, focusing on the current state of US global competitiveness and assorted economic challenges. Host John Milewski speaks with Mark Kennedy, Director of the Wilson Center's Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition. Kennedy is…
more -
Understanding North Korea: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions
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,...
-
Historic Election in Mexico: A Landslide Victory for Claudia Sheinbaum
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...
-
US Taiwan Policy: It's Complicated!
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…
more -
Middle East Tensions Rising in the Aftermath of Iran’s Attack on Israel
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…
more -
Reimagining Warfare: The Rise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
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…
more -
Pakistan in Peril? The State of the Nation's Democracy, Economy, and Relationship with the US
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...
-
Navigating the Electric Vehicle Supply Chain: Insights and Strategies
In this episode of the Need to Know John Milewski takes a look into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the dynamic supply chains essential to their development and manufacturing. Joined by a panel of experts, including Duncan Wood, Jasper Jung, and Sham Kunjur, shed light on the impact of…
more -
New Study Upends Negative Assumptions About the Economic Impact of Refugees
In this episode, we delve into the findings from a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources that examined the fiscal impact of refugees and asylum seekers on the economy over a 15-year period. Many will be surprised by the overwhelmingly positive findings. John Thon...
-
Standing Strong: Witnessing Resilience in Ukraine
In this episode of the Need to Know podcast from the Wilson Center, Ambassador Mark Green, President and CEO of the Wilson Center, shares his recent firsthand observations from Ukraine, marking the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. From the war-torn streets to underground schools in…
more -
The US Congress: Priorities & Challenges in 2024
In this episode of Need to Know, Eddy Acevedo, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President and CEO of the Wilson Center, discusses the year ahead for the U.S. Congress. He lists other priorities Congress is juggling in addition to appropriations and supplemental funding. Acevedo shares...
-
Collateral Damage: Can the Abraham Accords Survive the Israel-Hamas War?
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski explores the implications of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on the Abraham Accords with Merissa Khurma, director of the Wilson Center's Middle East program. They review the status of the accords before the Hamas attack and how things have...
-
Battling Malaria: The Global Fight Against a Deadly Foe
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski, dives into the critical issue of the United States' involvement in the global effort to combat malaria with Wilson Center CEO, Ambassador Mark Green. Ambassador Green explores the progress made over the years and the ongoing challenges in the...
-
Afghanistan After Two Years of Taliban Rule: “It’s pretty bad!”
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the state of affairs in Afghanistan, two years after the U.S. withdrawal, with Wilson Center South Asia Institute Director Michael Kugelman. Kugelman paints a dire picture of the situation under Taliban rule, particularly as it relates...
-
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis: The Plight of Afghan Refugees
In this episode of Need to Know, John Thon Majok, Director of the Wilson Center’s Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative, discusses the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan with host John Milewski. They explore the complex issues...
-
Increasing Competitiveness by Building a Better U.S.-Mexico Border
While the border between the U.S. and Mexico is often in the news as a problem, it could just as easily be viewed as one of the greatest economic assesets for both nations. Mexico Institute Director Andrew Rudman talks with host John Milewski about idea for building a more competitive situation…
more -
Mixed Signals: Is a US-China “Cold War” Heating Up or Cooling Down?
On this episode of “Need to Know,” Robert Daly, Director of the Wilson Center’s Kissinger Institute on China and the United States, joins host John Milewski to talk about the impact of Biden’s reference to Xi Jinping as a “dictator.” They also discuss recent diplomatic efforts by Secretary of…
more -
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Regulation
In this episode of Need to Know, Kellee Wicker, Director of the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP), speaks with host John Milewski about artificial intelligence. They discuss concerns about AI, the need for guidelines and regulations, and the recent statement from…
more -
The Farm Bill: What do Farmers and Ranchers Want From the Legislation?
On this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Andrew Walmsley, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation. They discuss expectations for the 2023 Farm Bill and how it might address changes and challenges the agriculture community has faced…
more -
Introduction to the Farm Bill
In this episode of Need to Know, Deputy Director of Congressional Relations, Erin Jarnagin, provides an overview of the 2023 Farm Bill. She explains what's covered by the bill, how much we should expect it to change from last time around, and what impact the Russian invasion of Ukraine may have…
more -
The Future of Cryptocurrency: Public Policy and Regulatory Challenges
On this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with the Director of the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program, Kellee Wicker, on the value of cryptocurrency for international finance, its downsides, and where the digital asset might be headed in the future.
-
Border Security
On this episode, Mexico Institute Director, Andrew Rudman, speaks with host John Milewski about what we Need to Know about security concerns on the US-Mexico border. They discuss which policies are working and which aren’t, what life is like in border communities, and where opportunities might...
-
Energy Security
On this episode of “Need to Know,” the Wilson Center’s VP for Strategy & New Initiatives, Duncan Wood, joins host John Milewski to talk about the importance of affordable, available, and secure energy sources, and the challenges countries face in reaching that goal.
-
China: Strategic Interests, Protests, and the Future
On this episode of "Need to Know," the Wilson Center’s China expert, Robert Daly, joins Host John Milewski to talk about the significance of recent protests in China, how the country is advancing its interests in the Middle East, and how President Xi Jinping is trying to shape the global order.
-
An Inside Look at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference
In this edition of Need to Know, we are joined by Raoni Rajao, a Fellow of the Wilson Center's Latin American Program. He talks about his experience at COP27 and covers the climate change debates taking place at the conference. Rajao, also explains who the key players are, what challenges they...
-
Examining Protests in Iran and the Arab World
In this episode of Need to Know, we speak with Wilson Center Fellow Marina Ottaway and Haleh Esfandiari, Director Emerita and Distinguished Fellow with the Center’s Middle Program, about the ongoing protests in Iran sparked by the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini while in police custody. They...
-
The Arctic is Hot
Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Sherri Goodman joins Need To Know to discuss a couple of interesting recent developments in the arctic that are of interest. We've always said the Arctic has emerged, and it continues to be a hot area for policy experts watching multiple portfolios.
-
What Will Really Happen If Speaker Pelosi Goes to Taiwan?
A flash briefing for policymakers from Robert Daly discussing the possibility of Speaker Pelosi traveling to Taiwan and what it really means for US-China relations.
-
Analyzing Refugee Challenges Using Lived Experience
A new initiative has begun at the Wilson Center, the Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative (RAFDI), headed by John Thon Majok, will bring policy makers tools and solutions for these problems, but coming at it from the unique perspective of one who has lived in refugee camps and utilized…
more -
100th Episode!
A special episode, taking a look at the predictions our experts made and what became of them. Special thank you to everyone who has helped make this show a success over the last three years!
-
Summit of the Americas Debrief
Fresh back from the West Coast attending the Summit of the Americas, we go over the highs and lows with our Latin America Program Acting Director Benjamin Gedan!
-
A Cold War with China?
There's a lot of talk about Cold Wars lately, lessons from the first Cold War, maybe a new one with Russia. Perhaps China too? Robert Daly drops by the pod to let us know his thinking on whether we are in a new Cold War with China as an adversary. And how will this Cold War be the same or…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Need To Know podcast is a production of the Office of Congressional Relations at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Each episode we will bring our nonpartisan research to life through interviews with experts and practitioners covering the world. Our goal is to bring the best independent research, open dialogue and actionable ideas to congressional staff, policy makers, and anyone else who needs to know.
HOSTED BY
Wilson Center
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Need to Know have?
Need to Know currently has 144 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Need to Know about?
The Need To Know podcast is a production of the Office of Congressional Relations at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Each episode we will bring our nonpartisan research to life through interviews with experts and practitioners covering the world. Our goal is to bring the best...
How often does Need to Know release new episodes?
Need to Know publishes regularly with 144 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Need to Know?
You can listen to Need to Know on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Need to Know?
Need to Know is created and hosted by Wilson Center.
URL copied to clipboard!