Engaging a Turbulent World

Editor's Note

William McKenzie

Applying the principles of compassionate conservatism to global challenges

Henry Kissinger on Artificial Intelligence, Authoritarianism, and Hope

Henry Kissinger

After his Forum on Leadership keynote interview in April, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger did a quick-take interview with The Catalyst in the Bush Center Auditorium Green Room.

Hacking, Privacy, and Democratic Freedoms in the Information Age

Michael Chertoff

Michael Chertoff served as secretary of homeland security from 2005 to 2009. During that period, the former federal judge faced the real yet perplexing challenge of protecting Americans from further terrorist attacks and upholding civil liberties. As technology evolves and the world changes, how must the U.S. adapt to protect its freedoms but remain safe?

America’s Values Will Help Win a New Cold War

Niall Ferguson

Riding on the strength of its capacity to innovate technologically, China’s economy could overtake the United States’ economy within the next 10 years. But America’s rule of law gives the U.S. a powerful card in the deck.

A Growing Africa Deserves a Central Place in U.S. Foreign Policy

Holly Kuzmich

While population growth on other continents flattens out, Africa is experiencing a significant population boom — resulting in a younger population that is hungry for opportunity.

Human Rights is the Forgotten Issue in U.S. Foreign Policy

Victor Cha

Historically, human rights have not played a large role in U.S. negotiations with North Korea, yet they are critical to any future credible and comprehensive agreement with North Korea.

I Am a North Korean Refugee. The Plight of Refugees Matters to Everyone.

Joseph Kim

Protecting refugees carries a monetary cost — but ignoring them costs a much greater price.

Why America Must Answer Freedom's Call

Nicole Bibbins Sedaca

America’s role as a leader in supporting democracy outside of our shores directly impacts the freedoms Americans enjoy. Current news stories should be a reminder of both the very real challenges to democracy and the global desire for freedom.

NATO: Still Relevant in a Dangerous World

Lindsay Lloyd

A look back at NATO’s history reveals that the alliance accomplished the objectives it was created to address. And in a new era, NATO can once again prove important to global security.

Facing the Economic Challenge from China

Matthew Rooney, J.H. Cullum Clark

China has taken steps to become more nationalistic, authoritarian, and protectionist. As the United States faces an aggressive, revisionist China, how can we avoid open conflict?

Social Entrepreneurs: A Force for Global Good

Conor French, Neha Misra

Social entrepreneurs see opportunities to solve problems in every corner of the world, from remote villages needing electricity and medicine to under-served communities in large cities. Driven by optimism rather than simply profit margins, these entrepreneurs often see no problem as too big to tackle.

Global Stability Depends Upon Opportunities for Young People to Thrive

Natalie Gonnella-Platts, Farhat Popal

The young people of the world carry limitless potential. But challenges in many countries pose a threat to that potential and require immediate global attention.

International Trade Changed My Country — Let's Keep It That Way

Juan Jose Daboub

Developing nations thrive on free trade to grow their economies and strengthen their countries. El Salvador now has a chance for a Free Trade 4.0 agenda.

Building Community Can Overcome a Global Culture of Contempt

Chris Walsh

A growth in tribalism that relies on negative rallying points at the expense of a focus on shared values has driven wedges in our communities — but we can all help counter that through small acts of building personal connections.

People of Faith are Collaborating to Combat Hatred

James Patton

The Quakers believed in finding “the light of the divine in the other.” During this era of demonizing people who hold beliefs and opinions that differ from our own, people of faith can lead the way in solving our differences.