Beyond the Headlines

China’s Global Strategy: A Conversation with Michael Kovrig

Last week, reports surfaced that four Canadian nationals were executed in the People’s Republic of China earlier this year on drug-related charges. This deeply troubling development represents a new and grave chapter in the ongoing deterioration of Sino-Canadian relations. Beyond the human tragedy, these executions raise urgent questions regarding the state of diplomacy, the role of international legal norms, and the broader strategic posture of China on the global stage.
At a time when geopolitical tensions are escalating - marked by intensifying U.S.–China rivalry, global economic fragmentation, and growing scrutiny of China’s human rights record - Canada finds itself navigating a precarious diplomatic landscape. The challenge is not merely bilateral, but emblematic of the broader struggles that middle powers face in balancing national interests, moral imperatives, and strategic alliances.
As China’s global strategy continues to evolve, it is critical that Canadians and the international community alike deepen their understanding of its geopolitical ambitions, regional influence, and approach to international engagement.
This week on Beyond the Headlines, we are honoured to welcome Michael Kovrig, Senior Adviser for Asia at the International Crisis Group and Chief Executive Officer of the Kovrig Group, a geopolitical risk consultancy. Mr. Kovrig is a distinguished expert in international affairs whose research and advisory work focuses on geopolitics, geoeconomics, global security, and human rights, with a particular emphasis on China, the Indo-Pacific region, and related Western foreign policy.
He previously served for over a decade as a Canadian diplomat, with postings in Ottawa, at the United Nations, and in Beijing. His professional background also includes roles in strategic communications at the United Nations Development Group, as well as journalism and economic research with a focus on China and Central and Eastern Europe. Mr. Kovrig holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and is fluent in both French and Mandarin Chinese.
From 2014 to 2021, he resided in China, where he was arbitrarily detained by the Ministry of State Security for nearly three years. Widely regarded as a case of politically motivated hostage diplomacy, his detention drew international condemnation. Drawing on both his personal experience and professional expertise, Mr. Kovrig offers a unique and authoritative perspective on the shifting contours of China’s foreign policy, the evolving nature of Canada–China relations, and the role of diplomacy in an increasingly polarized international landscape.
Produced by: Sadie McIntosh & Daniel Ebrahimpour
 

America First, Russia Approved? Dissecting the Trump Administration’s Kremlin-Inflected Narratives

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has led a significant realignment of U.S. foreign policy - one that increasingly reflects Kremlin-supported narratives surrounding the war in Ukraine, NATO, and the global liberal order. From proposing ceasefire terms that favor Russian strategic interests to downplaying Ukraine’s sovereignty, the administration’s rhetoric has raised questions about the erosion of traditional U.S. security commitments and a broader shift away from transatlantic norms.
Simultaneously, disinformation campaigns and foreign influence operations—especially those originating from Russia - have intensified, shaping domestic political discourse and shifting public opinion among segments of the American electorate. A growing number of Americans, particularly within Trump’s political base, now express sympathetic views toward Russia, revealing the power of media fragmentation and narrative manipulation.
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we explore the intersections of policy, politics, and media in a moment of global uncertainty. What does the Trump administration’s alignment with Kremlin interests mean for the U.S.-Russia-Ukraine dynamic? What role does the media play in reinforcing or resisting foreign narratives? And how might this shifting landscape impact democratic institutions and global security?
We’re joined by two experts who offer insight into these complex questions.
Dr. Jack Cunningham is a Fellow and Assistant Professor in the International Relations Program at Trinity College, University of Toronto, and serves as Program Coordinator at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History. His research focuses on modern conflict and Canadian foreign policy, with publications on nuclear diplomacy, the war in Afghanistan, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He is a former editor of International Journal, Canada’s leading journal of international affairs.
Jeffrey Dvorkin is a journalist, media ethicist, and Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. He previously served as NPR’s first news ombudsman and Vice President of News and Information, as well as Managing Editor and Chief Journalist for CBC Radio. From 2010 to 2019, he directed the Journalism Program at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He is the author of Trusting the News in a Digital Age (Wiley, 2021), a critical examination of trust and transparency in modern journalism.
Produced by: Julia Brahy

Sustainable by Design: The Power of Low-Tech Solutions in Canada

The prevailing discourse on sustainability is often dominated by high-tech solutions—AI-driven emissions tracking, smart grids, and digital monitoring systems. While these technologies play an important role in measuring and managing environmental impact, they do not address the structural and systemic changes necessary to build a truly sustainable future. The built environment—infrastructure, material use, and urban design—fundamentally shapes environmental outcomes, yet discussions on sustainability frequently overlook low-tech, high-impact solutions in favor of complex monitoring mechanisms.
That being said, the increasing reliance on data-driven climate strategies raises concerns about privacy, governance, and the broader role of digital surveillance in environmental policy. Individuals already provide more personal data to private corporations via smartphones than they do to public sustainability initiatives, yet cities continue to struggle with translating environmental data into meaningful action. This raises an essential question: should we focus less on tracking sustainability and more on embedding it into infrastructure, construction, and urban planning from the outset?
This week on Beyond the Headlines, we examine the intersection of sustainability, infrastructure, and governance. How can we integrate low-tech, scalable solutions into urban design and construction to reduce environmental impact without reliance on constant monitoring? What role do transportation networks, material efficiency, and land-use planning play in driving sustainability outcomes? And how can policymakers balance data collection, climate accountability, and privacy considerations in environmental governance?
To explore these critical questions, we are joined by Dr. Shoshanna Saxe, a leading expert in sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience. She is an Assistant Professor in the University of Toronto’s Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering and holds the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Infrastructure. Dr. Saxe’s research investigates the relationship between infrastructure and society, identifying pathways to align urban development, transportation systems, and material use with long-term sustainability goals.
Beyond academia, Dr. Saxe is actively involved in policy and sustainability governance, serving on Waterfront Toronto’s Capital Peer Review Panel and the board of the International Society for Industrial Ecology. Recognized as one of Canada’s emerging environmental leaders by Clean50, she was also awarded the 2019 Ontario Engineering Medal – Young Engineer. Her research and expert commentary have been widely featured in The New York Times, The BBC, The Toronto Star, The Financial Post, Spacing Magazine, and Wired.
Join us as we move beyond the traditional conversation on high-tech climate solutions and critically examine the foundational role of infrastructure, design, and governance in shaping a sustainable future.
Produced by: Julia Brahy

Redefining Borders: Trump's “America First” and the Future of Immigration

Since the 2016 election, Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine has reshaped U.S. immigration policy and the global conversation around borders, sovereignty, and national security. His administration implemented sweeping immigration restrictions, from the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries to family separation policies and enhanced border enforcement. These measures reflected a broader shift toward nationalism, protectionism, and a rejection of multilateral immigration agreements.
Under his second administration, the legacy of Trump's immigration policies continues to shape debates on migration, security, and human rights. How have these policies altered U.S. relationships with neighboring countries? What have been the economic and social consequences of tightening immigration restrictions? And what does the future of U.S. immigration look like in a global landscape increasingly defined by border fortification and rising nationalism?
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we take a closer look at the long-term implications of Trump’s immigration policies and their impact on migrants, U.S. foreign relations, and international migration patterns.
Our first guest is Professor Renan Levine, an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto. He holds a PhD from Duke University and specializes in American politics, electoral behavior, and public opinion. His research examines the role of political institutions and ideology in shaping policy decisions, including those related to immigration. Today, we’ll be discussing the political motivations behind Trump’s “America First” immigration policies, their impact on voter sentiment, and the broader implications for the 2024 election.
Joining us next is Professor Leah Montange, a human geographer and expert in migration, borders, and resistance. She is the Bissell-Heyd Lecturer in American Studies at the University of Toronto and has published extensively on immigration enforcement, border detention, and migrant rights. Her work explores how migration policies shape lived experiences and resistance movements. In today’s discussion, she’ll provide insight into how Trump’s border policies have affected migrant communities, asylum seekers, and the broader discourse around immigration enforcement.
Produced by: Mia Sunner & Aya Samaha

The Decline of American Soft Power: What’s Next for the Global Order?

Since his January 20th inauguration, President Donald Trump has advanced an increasingly isolationist approach to international relations. From imposing 25% tariffs on Canada to claiming Ukraine instigated the ongoing conflict with Russia and proposing the displacement of Palestinians as a solution to the war in Gaza, his administration has fundamentally shifted U.S. foreign policy. Once the cornerstone of American global influence, soft power is eroding under the Trump presidency. What does this mean for the future of international diplomacy and trade? How will China position itself as America’s greatest competitor? And where does Canada fit into this shifting landscape?
In today’s episode of Beyond the Headlines, we dive into the implications of declining American soft power and its impact on the global order. To unpack these questions, we are joined by two distinguished experts in international relations and economics.
Janice Gross Stein is the Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management and the founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. A leading authority on world politics, she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. She was the 2001 Massey Lecturer and an inaugural Trudeau Fellow, receiving the Molson Prize from the Canada Council for outstanding contributions to public debate. With an academic career spanning decades, she has authored eight books and over a hundred articles, with her latest research exploring the intersection of geopolitics and technology.
Dr. Peter Morrow is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Toronto, specializing in international trade and applied microeconomics. His research focuses on U.S.-Canada trade relations, Chinese trade policy, and the broader economic impacts of globalization. He has served as a Senior Researcher for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and as a co-editor for the Canadian Journal of Economics. His work has been widely recognized, with support from Statistics Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Join us as we analyze the evolving global order and what the future holds for trade, diplomacy, and Canada’s role in a changing world.
Produced by: Sadie McIntosh & Daniel Ebrahimpour

Climate-Conscious Classrooms: Rethinking Children's Education Policy for a Sustainable Future

As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for comprehensive climate education in schools has never been more urgent. However, in Canada, climate awareness and sustainability are not consistently integrated into the national curriculum. Where climate change is addressed, it is often confined to science classrooms, leaving gaps in students' understanding of the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of the crisis. A truly modernized education system must embed environmental responsibility across subjects, ensuring that students grow up not only informed but also empowered to take meaningful action. Without institutional support, educators often struggle to incorporate sustainability into their lessons, leading to patchy, inconsistent learning experiences for students.
Beyond the classroom, children's media plays a crucial role in shaping young minds, as storytelling has the power to foster a sense of connection to the natural world, making environmental responsibility feel both urgent and personal. By examining the intersection of education, policy, and storytelling, this conversation highlights what is needed to ensure that the next generation is prepared to confront the climate crisis head-on. This episode of Beyond the Headlines will explore how education policy and media can work together to create a generation of environmentally literate citizens, featuring insights from this week's special guests.
A dedicated teacher, educator, researcher, and artist, Dr. Hilary Inwood leads the Sustainability & Climate Action Network at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Her work centers on the critical role of education in addressing the climate crisis. Through her graduate courses on environmental and sustainability education, and her coordination of large-scale collaborations between OISE and the Toronto District School Board, Dr. Inwood is pioneering initiatives that empower teachers and embed transformative climate change education into the fabric of our schools.
Mary Bredin is an award-winning television producer, media executive, and lifelong climate activist with over 25 years of experience in animation and children's media. With an international background that spans roles at Canal+, Disney Channels Worldwide, and Viasat, Mary has been at the forefront of developing engaging, climate-conscious children’s programming. Her impressive portfolio includes an Emmy nomination for Justin Time, executive production for the Netflix hit True and the Rainbow Kingdom, and co-creation of Disney Junior’s Pikwik Pack. Currently a consultant at Green Tiger Club Ltd., Mary brings a unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to the challenge of using media as a tool for environmental education.
Produced by: Julia Brahy

American Fascism and the Tech Barons of Authoritarianism: How Silicon Valley Enables Trump's Information War

Tech oligarchs have risen to dominate global politics and public discourse, posing grave threats to democracy and governance. Under Donald Trump’s presidency, the consolidation of power among Silicon Valley elites has exacerbated critical challenges, including the spread of misinformation, the weaponization of social media, and the unchecked development of artificial intelligence. These forces have not only deepened political polarization but also paved the way for the normalization of extremism, undermining the foundations of truth in the digital era. The intersection of technological exploitation, political radicalization, and the information war presents urgent questions for the future of democratic societies.
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we unpack these critical dynamics with two distinguished guests. Andres Kasekamp, an expert on populist radical right movements and European governance, explores the historical and political parallels of authoritarian trends. Ron Deibert, a global authority on cybersecurity and digital rights, highlights the ways in which tech platforms enable political manipulation and disinformation campaigns. Together, they offer in-depth insights into the complex role of digital platforms in amplifying authoritarianism and discuss potential pathways for mitigating their impact on democracy.
Andres Kasekamp is the Elmar Tampõld Chair of Estonian Studies and Professor of History at the University of Toronto’s Department of History and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He is a leading scholar on Baltic politics, memory politics, and populist radical right movements. Formerly a Professor of Baltic Politics at the University of Tartu and Director of the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute in Tallinn, Kasekamp has held visiting positions at esteemed institutions such as Humboldt University in Berlin and the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs. Among his acclaimed works is A History of the Baltic States, which has been translated into multiple languages and remains a definitive text in the field. His research explores European foreign and security policy and the intricate dynamics of cooperation and conflict in the Baltic Sea region. Currently, he is editing The Oxford Handbook of Modern Baltic History.
Ron Deibert is a Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. A pioneer in cybersecurity and human rights, Deibert has led the Citizen Lab’s groundbreaking investigations into cyber espionage, commercial spyware, and digital censorship, producing over 120 influential reports. These include the Tracking Ghostnet investigation into cyber-espionage and the Reckless series, which revealed spyware abuses targeting journalists and activists. Deibert is also the author of RESET: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society, a winner of the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. His work has earned numerous accolades, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award and the Order of Ontario. Beyond academia, he serves on advisory boards for organizations like Amnesty International and PEN Canada, making him a critical voice in addressing the intersection of technology, democracy, and civil liberties.
Produced by: Julia Brahy

Democracy on Trial: President Yoon's Impeachment and South Korea's Civic Engagement

South Korea finds itself at a critical turning point as President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment exposes deep challenges to its democratic framework. Allegations of misconduct and debates over the potential use of martial law highlight the fragility of democratic accountability and the lasting influence of authoritarian legacies. At the same time, the country’s history of transformative grassroots activism, including the Candlelight Protests, underscores the vital role of civic engagement in shaping South Korea’s political landscape.
In this episode, we delve into South Korea's political turmoil with Professor Hye-Su Kuk and Professor Youngju Ryu, where we shall examine the intersection of state power, citizen activism, and the institutions designed to uphold democratic norms. By reflecting on the nation’s struggle for democracy from the 1960s to the present, we explore the lessons its past offers for overcoming modern challenges and safeguarding the integrity of its political future.
Hye-Su Kuk is an Assistant Professor in the Adult Education and Community Development program at OISE/UT and affiliated with the Centre for the Study of Korea at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the dynamic relationship between education, social movements, and democracy, particularly in South Korea’s post-1987 democratization era. Dr. Kuk’s work emphasizes the power of grassroots activism and nonformal education in fostering participatory democracy and driving social change. Her publications include a systematic review of social movement learning and a groundbreaking project on "enunciatory learning," a concept she developed to highlight the lived experiences of activist-educators navigating neoliberal and postcolonial challenges. Drawing on her expertise in institutional ethnography, she examines how education can challenge entrenched power structures and empower citizens as active participants in democratic processes.
Youngju Ryu is a leading scholar in modern Korean literature, whose research explores the intersections of politics, protest, and cultural expression in South Korea. Her award-winning book, Writers of the Winter Republic: Literature and Resistance in Park Chung Hee’s Korea, examines how Korean writers of the 1970s used literature as a tool of resistance against authoritarianism, earning recognition as one of Foreign Affairs’ "Best Books of 2016." In addition to her acclaimed work on literature and resistance, Professor Ryu co-edited Cultures of Yusin: South Korea in the 1970s and contributes to the Perspectives on Contemporary Korea series. Her current research reexamines South Korea’s democratization movement from the 1960s to 2010s through the lens of media and public discourse, exploring how formats such as podcasts shape political engagement. Professor Ryu’s scholarship bridges literary criticism, cultural history, and political analysis, offering deep insights into the forces that have shaped South Korea’s democratic evolution. Through her work, she illuminates the enduring significance of cultural and civic activism in preserving democratic values.
Produced by: Julia Brahy

Ceasefires and Stalemates: Israel, Lebanon, and the Border Battles in the Middle East

The Gaza war has triggered widespread geopolitical repercussions, placing Lebanon at a critical juncture. Regional instability has intensified, exacerbating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel despite a recently brokered ceasefire. Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon raises urgent questions about sovereignty, security, and the viability of peace agreements in this volatile region.
Lebanon faces mounting challenges, including economic collapse, public unrest, and increased militarization along its southern border. Hezbollah’s response to the Gaza conflict, intertwined with its ties to Iran, complicates Lebanon’s internal dynamics and its role within Middle Eastern geopolitics. Meanwhile, the international community grapples with balancing Lebanon’s fragile stability against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, often prioritizing strategic interests over humanitarian needs.
This episode examines the historical, political, and humanitarian dimensions of these issues. What is Lebanon’s path forward amidst regional and domestic pressures? How does Hezbollah influence this complex landscape, and what role can international actors play in fostering peace? Joining us to unravel these questions are this week's special guests.
Jon Allen is a distinguished Canadian diplomat with over four decades of experience in international affairs. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario (LL.B.) and the London School of Economics (LL.M. in International Law), Mr. Allen has held key postings worldwide, including Mexico City, New Delhi, and Washington, D.C., where he served as Minister of Political Affairs. From 2006 to 2010, he was Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, gaining deep insight into the region’s geopolitics. Currently, Mr. Allen is a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs, a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian International Council, and Chair of Rozana Canada, promoting Israeli-Palestinian healthcare collaboration. He previously appeared on Beyond the Headlines in the 2023/24 season to discuss insurgency dynamics in the Middle East. 
Eugene Rogan is a renowned historian specializing in the modern Middle East and North Africa. He serves as Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of Oxford and is a Fellow at St. Antony’s College. A Columbia University economics graduate, Dr. Rogan earned his master’s and doctorate in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University. Professor Rogan’s acclaimed works include The Arabs: A History, The Fall of the Ottomans: The Great War in the Middle East, and the forthcoming The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Destruction of the Old Ottoman World. His expertise spans the Arab-Israeli conflict, Ottoman history, and the First World War’s impact on the region, offering valuable historical context to contemporary events. We are honored to have him join us today.
Production NoteThe segment featuring Jon Allen was recorded on November 11, 2024, before key developments in the Israel-Lebanon conflict. A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was reached in late November 2024; however, Israeli forces remain in southern Lebanon, raising ongoing concerns. These updates are addressed in the second segment with Professor Eugene Rogan, recorded on January 11, 2025, to reflect the latest developments.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
 

Navigating the Future: The AI Policy Playbook

How can policymakers, businesses, and individuals navigate the new era of Artificial Intelligence development? What should we do to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI systems? In which directions should regulations be moving? In this episode, we discuss how we can shape the future of AI by improving regulations to navigate and mitigate its potential risks; with the guidance of this week's special guests.
 
Sonia Sennik is the CEO of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a global seed-stage program for scalable science-based ventures operating in six countries, and a current board member for Futurpreneur Canada, an organization that provides early-stage financing, mentorship, and resources to support aspiring Canadians in launching successful businesses that contribute to sustainable economic development in their communities. With a decade at Hatch Ltd. managing large projects, Sonia founded the Sonia Sennik Resilience Fund at McMaster University, the largest multi-donor endowment in its history. Moreover, Sonia was the head coach of the Rugby Ontario Senior Women’s Team from 2016 to 2018, winning bronze, silver, and gold at the Canadian Rugby Championships.
 
Marco A.O. Soares is the CEO and founder of JasperVocal Inc., an Artificial Intelligence startup based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. An entrepreneur at heart, Marco is passionate about providing people with innovative services to make the world a better place. Initially the developer of a Math App, Marco shifted his focus to AI after seeing the profound impact it had on a political campaign. A strong advocate for using AI for positive change, Marco has centred his efforts on addressing critical issues such as the mental health crisis within the call centre industry. Alongside his role as CEO, Marco is pursuing his studies full-time at the Hult International Business School in London, England.
 
Produced by: Sadie McIntosh, Mia Sunner and Aya Samaha