What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper

As attention turns to Trump–Xi summit in mid-May, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper speaks with Managing Partner Ambassador Kurt Tong about what’s really at stake for Taiwan. Tong argues that Beijing’s approach is often less dramatic and more durable than portrayed: China seeks steady forward progress toward reunification while reacting sharply to perceived “backward progress.” They discuss how Ukraine and the Iran war shape perceptions of risk, how U.S. distraction could influence Beijing’s calculus, and why Taiwan’s domestic politics may look polarized even as public preference tilts toward the status quo.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

The world is watching the war in Iran — and so is Beijing. In this episode of What Comes Next?, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper speaks with Michael Singh, managing director and Steven D. Levy senior fellow at The Washington Institute, about how China views the conflict through three lenses: core interests (especially energy and trade), connectivity ambitions, and strategic competition with the United States. They examine the limits of China-Iran alignment, what Iran may be seeking from China, and how sanctions and U.S.-China dynamics constrain Beijing’s choices ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. They also explore China’s expanding economic ties with Gulf states, questions about China’s credibility as a mediator in the U.S.-Iran war, and what the conflict means for global business risk — from chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz to defense and energy diversification. What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

Since February 28th, Gulf states have faced an unprecedented test: blocked shipping lanes, reduced energy production, and a geopolitical risk premium that has shaken investor confidence. How are they holding up and what do they want from a lasting deal? On this episode, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper speaks with Ahmed Helal, TAG managing director for the GCC, about how countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have leaned on aviation networks, cross-border integration, and sovereign wealth funds to weather the storm. They explore what a "good deal" looks like from a GCC perspective, how Gulf nations are accelerating their energy transition, and how deepening ties with China are reshaping the region's strategic calculus — even as the U.S. security umbrella remains irreplaceable. What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper hosts TAG Managing Principal Jennifer Schuch-Page to explain why Southeast Asia’s energy security has been among the hardest hit by the war in Iran and the resulting Strait of Hormuz closure. With high dependence on imports and limited reserves, countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam face acute constraints, not just price spikes. Jenny and Mira discuss the emergency steps underway including rationing, demand management, curtailed flights. They also discuss why flows may take months to normalize even if a ceasefire holds, and what resilience will require: bigger stockpiles, diversified suppliers, faster renewables and electrification, and renewed momentum for nuclear.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

With the Iran conflict threatening Japan's energy supply, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper is joined by TAG Principal David Boling and Vice President Yuka Hayashi to explore how Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is navigating the current moment. They review Takaichi's recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in the backdrop of his demands that Tokyo assist with the opening of Strait of Hormuz, and how Japan's leadership addressed the issue of overseas deployments. The conversation turns to China's coercive actions vis a vis Japan, bilateral tensions, and Japan's effort to stay firm without escalating. This edition of the podcast also examines the U.S.-Japan trade dynamic, with a focus on tariffs, Section 301 investigation, and the $550 billion investment agreement — as well as Japan's domestic political risk of inflation, a weaker yen, and fiscal policy. What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

With President Trump’s planned trip to Beijing postponed as Washington focuses on the war with Iran, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper checks in with TAG Partner George Chen, joining remotely from Beijing after the China Development Forum. They discuss the mood in China, why officials may be relieved by the delay, and what Beijing may seek from a rescheduled Trump–Xi meeting (now scheduled for May 14-15, 2026) — from tariffs and tech controls to investment and Taiwan. Mira then speaks with TAG Senior Advisor Evan Medeiros on where the U.S.–China rivalry sits in its early “boundary-setting” phase, why the trade war has become a supply-chain contest, and how “positional power” and a race to reduce vulnerabilities shape summit diplomacy.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives in Washington for a high-stakes summit with U.S. President Donald Trump—just as the Iran war and calls to reopen the Strait of Hormuz collide with Japan’s constitutional limits and energy dependence. On this episode of What Comes Next, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper and Brookings Institution’s Mireya Solís examine what Tokyo wants from the meeting: keeping the alliance on track through investment, managing new Section 301 investigations and tariff uncertainty, and navigating the politics of the $550B landmark investment fund. They also discuss China’s coercion campaign, deterrence in the Taiwan Strait, and how Takaichi’s economic-security agenda—defense spending, industrial policy, and fiscal tradeoffs—may evolve.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper sits down with the Financial Times journalist Camilla Hodgson for a clear-eyed look at the geopolitics of critical minerals. They break down where China is dominant across supply chains — from mining and processing to downstream products like magnets — why the West ended up with asymmetric dependence, and why reshoring is so hard. Hodgson explains the policy ideas gaining traction, including price floors and incentives, and how "friendshoring" partnerships could reduce risk without full decoupling. What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

With global attention fixed on escalating conflict in the Middle East, China is quietly recalculating its strategic position. In this episode, TAG Managing Principal Brett Fetterly joins Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper to explore how Beijing views U.S. military action in Iran, what’s at stake in a planned Trump-Xi summit, and how domestic U.S. politics are reshaping China policy. The discussion examines China’s efforts to present itself as a defender of international order, its economic vulnerabilities around energy and trade, and the growing tension between short-term diplomacy and long-term competition. What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

In this episode, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper is joined by Inu Manak, Senior Fellow for International Trade at Council on Foreign Relations, to unpack the Supreme Court decision to overturn the president’s use of emergency tariff authority. They explore what the end of “Liberation Day” tariffs means in practice, why a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 is time-limited, and how likely future Section 301 investigations are to reshape U.S. trade policy. The conversation covers geopolitical reactions from Europe and Asia, unresolved questions around tariff refunds, and concrete guidance for businesses managing supply chains amid ongoing uncertainty. What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

Southeast Asia is sometimes seen as playing second fiddle to its larger Northeast Asian neighbors like China and Japan, despite its massive economic power and market. In this episode, Executive Producer Lauren Dueck steps in for Mira for a conversation with TAG Partner Amb. Daniel Kritenbrink about how the region is navigating Trump-era trade disruption, tariffs, and transactional diplomacy, while balancing relationships with Washington and Beijing. The discussion explores why Southeast Asia matters to the global economy, how regional leaders engage the Trump administration, and what business leaders should watch next as supply chains, trade policy, and U.S.-China relations continue to evolve.  What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decision to call a snap election delivered a historic landslide, reshaping Japan’s political landscape overnight. In this special episode, our executive producer steps in for Mira to introduce a conversation with TAG's outstanding Japan team. TAG Managing Partner Kurt Tong is joined by TAG Partner Chris Johnstone and TAG Vice President Yuka Hayashi to unpack why the victory was so decisive and what it enables. The conversation explores the market’s mixed reaction, the tough fiscal choices ahead, and how Takaichi’s mandate could affect defense spending, industrial policy, and economic inequality. The panel also looks outward—assessing implications for U.S.–Japan relations, China, Taiwan deterrence, and Japan’s role across the Indo‑Pacific as Tokyo navigates a moment of uncommon political strength.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

How does Narendra Modi view the world amidst a shifting global order? In this episode, Host Mira Rapp-Hooper speaks with TAG Partner and Chair of India Practice Ashok Malik about India’s rapidly evolving role in global affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They unpack the newly announced U.S.-India trade agreement, India’s expanding economic partnerships with Europe, and the growing competitiveness shaping global supply chains. The conversation also explores India’s emerging leadership in technology and AI, including the significance of the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026. Against a backdrop of shifting U.S.-China dynamics and volatility in the Indo-Pacific, Malik offers a nuanced look at how Prime Minister Modi views the world and the strategic choices ahead. What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

Is “the AI race” a myth? Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Colin Kahl argues that rather than a winner-take-all AI race, we’re heading for an AI bipolarity, where the U.S. leads in some aspects, like frontier models and AI as a Service (AIaaS), while China scales “good enough” infrastructure and robotics. Colin and Mira dig into compute politics – the Nvidia H200 decision, export controls, and the risk of a U.S.-enabled Chinese stack – and what enterprise adoption means for productivity and jobs. Finally, Colin shares his insights on the situation unfolding in and with Iran.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

After repeatedly reiterating his ambition to take over Greenland — the world's largest island, rich in strategic value and natural resources — for American national security interests, U.S. President Donald Trump shocked NATO allies by announcing new 10% tariffs on eight European countries that oppose him on the issue. But at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, Trump appeared to step back from any explicit military and tariff threats to Europe.  Join Host Mira Rapp-Hooper and TAG Senior Advisor Sophia Gaston as they break down Trump's Greenland strategy, explore its implications for transatlantic alliance, and unpack what it could mean for the global economy and business.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

In this timely conversation, economist Jason Furman charts the economic terrain after the United States’ “Liberation Day” tariff surge. Furman explains why the worst recession forecasts didn’t materialize: retaliation from allies was muted, some partners cut side deals to soften the blow, and trade reconfiguration simply takes time. Still, he warns the trade “shoe” is still dropping, with an enduring drag that leaves the U.S. roughly 0.5% poorer per year.Looking ahead, Furman argues the biggest near-term risk for businesses is policy incoherence colliding with a split macro picture: strong headline GDP, weak job growth, and muddled inflation. He sees Congress asserting itself — most notably in defense of Federal Reserve independence — while the administration’s legal footing for tariffs faces an imminent test at the Supreme Court. If IEEPA is curtailed, expect administrative chaos, temporary stopgaps reasserting tariffs under other authorities (like Section 122), and — potentially — an offramp for the White House to lift the most unpopular tariffs without admitting error.Globally, allies are doubling down on free-trade compacts with each other, even as they grapple with China’s overcapacity and “China shock 2.0.” Meanwhile, dollar dominance may be reinforced by the U.S.’s embrace of stablecoins. Furman closes with a strategic fork: a positive-sum, growth-first reset (more trade, smarter fiscal choices, tech-led productivity) versus a deepening “techlash” that scapegoats AI, risks slower wage gains, and cedes advantage to China. The stakes for business leaders in 2026 couldn't be higher.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

Host and TAG Partner Mira Rapp-Hooper senses we are living through the end of one era and the emergence of another. With U.S. leadership shifting, China fully risen, and technology transforming every domain, she argues that only by examining these geopolitical forces closely can we make smarter strategic and business decisions. Mira sits down with TAG Chairman & Co-Founder Kurt Campbell to parse through the shift to learn what comes next.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.

The world order that defined the last three decades has unraveled. What replaces it will shape the future of business, technology, and power. In this podcast, Mira Rapp-Hooper explores the forces driving this transformation and their implications. Each episode pulls one thread of today’s geopolitical upheaval to reveal how governments and businesses are adapting, and what it means for you.Mira brings a rare mix of policy experience and business insight. From senior roles at the White House to her current work at The Asia Group, she’s helped navigate the challenges of global competition. Now, she shares sharp, practical lessons drawn from her own experience and conversations with the world’s leading strategists.What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.