Munk Members-Only Pod: Episode 45

This is a sample of the Munk Members-Only Podcast. The program provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. This week’s Munk Members podcast focuses on three stories in the news. First, Europe is facing a new border crisis orchestrated by the government of Belarus busing migrants to its borders with Poland and Lithuania. Russia is being blamed for fuelling the crisis as it conducts bomber sorties over Belarus in support of President Lukashenko. What are the origins of this crisis? Why is likely to happen next? And why is Russia seemingly so bent on destabilizing Europe? Second, President Xi's status as China’s supreme leader was further burnished this week with the passage of a “historical resolution” praising his “decisive significance” in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This has only happened three other times in the 100 years of the Chinese Communist Party with similar honours conferred on Mao and Deng. What does this mostly ritualistic event signify about Xi’s leadership and the future direction of China at home and abroad? And finally, the US government reported the highest monthly inflation in more than thirty years this week. How is higher, sustained inflation likely to play out politically? Who are the political winners and losers in a high inflation world? To access the full length episode consider becoming a Munk Member. Membership is free. Simply log on to www.munkdebates.com/membership to register. Under your membership profile page you will find a link to listen to the full length editions of Munk Members Podcast. If you like what the Munk Debates is all about consider becoming a Supporting Member. For as little as $9.99 monthly you receive unlimited access to our 10+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, monthly newsletter, ticketing privileges at our live and online events and a charitable tax receipt (for Canadian residents). To explore you Munk Membership options visit www.munkdebates.com/membership. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.