GTI Insights

In Season 6, Episode 2 of GTI Insights, Ben Sando interviews Sascha Hannig Nuñez, an executive secretary at the Centro de Análisis para la Democracia (CAD) of Chile. As Chile's minerals industry grows more dependent on the People's Republic of China (PRC), Chilean politicians are taking increasingly pro-Beijing lines about Taiwan. Some Chilean organizations like CAD are raising awareness about PRC Spanish-language propaganda, but the Taiwanese government has failed to establish a strong presence in Chilean society and counter Chinese Communist Party narratives.

In Season 6, Episode 1 of GTI Insights, Ben Sando interviews Maksym Skrypchenko, president of the Transatlantic Dialogue Center and an expert in Ukrainian security. In the years since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion, Ukraine's civil defense has evolved to feature software tools, robust air raid shelters, and efficient command of volunteer fighters. As Taiwan readies itself against a possible invasion from the People's Republic of China, Ukraine's civil defense is a more critical example than ever. 

In Season 5, Episode 5 of GTI Insights, Ben Sando interviews Tom Fraser, programs director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), on marshalling parliaments around the world to pass legislation regarding China. In the summer, IPAC held their annual summit in Taipei, with both progress on China legislation and major pushback from the Chinese Communist Party.

GTI's Ben Sando and Lillian Ellis interview Raigirdas Boruta, policy analyst at Lithuania's Government Strategic Analysis Center (STRATA), on trends and challenges since the Lithuanian government's 2021 pivot in diplomatic ties from China to Taiwan. Mr. Boruta shares his insight into the massive economic retaliation suffered by Lithuania, Taiwan and Western allies' efforts to offset the damage, and how democratic governments can better manage similar pivots in the future. 

In Season 5, Episode 3 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Uma Baron interview Dr. Jess Marinaccio, an assistant professor of Asian Pacific Studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills. In an engaging conversation, Dr. Marinaccio shares her thoughts on the complex relationship between Taiwan and Tuvalu, the implications of the recent Tuvaluan elections, and the growing presence of China in the Pacific Islands.

In Season 5, Episode 2 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Research Associate Adrienne Wu interview Cătălin Teniță, a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania. In a wide-ranging and timely discussion, Teniță shares his perspectives on emerging ties between Romania and Taiwan, China's influence in Southeastern Europe, and the need for democratic solidarity in the face of authoritarian aggression.

In the first episode of Season 5 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Research Associate Adrienne Wu interview Kira Rudik, a member of Ukrainian Parliament, the leader of the Holos Party, and vice president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. In a fascinating discussion, Rudik shares her thoughts on Ukraine's resistance against the Russian invasion, Kyiv's role in the international democratic movement, and the importance of growing Ukraine-Taiwan engagement.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and GTI Intern Daniela Martinez interview Dr. Stephen Nagy, a professor at the Department of Politics and International Studies at International Christian University in Tokyo. In a wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Nagy shares his perspectives on Canada's new Indo-Pacific Strategy, sub-national collaboration with Taiwan, and prospects for increased internationalization of the Taiwan Strait.

In Season 4, Episode 9 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and GTI Research Associate Adrienne Wu interview Ben Sando, a research fellow at Doublethink Lab and a recipient of GTI's Taiwan Scholarship. In a timely conversation, Sando shares his perspectives on China's evolving efforts to influence Taiwan's democracy, the crucial role civil society groups play in responding to these operations, and the potential for expanded international cooperation at the grassroots level.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and GTI Research Associate Adrienne Wu interview Dr. Ja-Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore. In a compelling conversation, Dr. Chong shares his insights on Singapore's unique cultural, linguistic, and economic ties with Taiwan, China's mounting efforts to influence diaspora communities in Singapore, and potential future avenues for Singapore-Taiwan collaboration.

In Season 4, Episode 7 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and GTI Summer Intern Eric Jung interview Joshua Espeña, lecturer at the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Resident Fellow at International Development and Security Cooperation in Manila. In an illuminating discussion, Espeña shares his insights into the Philippines' approach to and relationship with cross-Strait tensions and the potential for future Taiwan-Philippines cooperation.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Program Associate Zoë Weaver-Lee interview Dr. Dramane Germain Thiombiano, an assistant professor at National Sun Yat-sen University. In a fascinating conversation, Dr. Dramane shares his perspectives on Taiwan's precarious position in Africa, the growing role of China on the continent, and the potential for future Taiwan-Africa engagement.

In Season 4, Episode 5 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Program Associate Zoë Weaver-Lee interview Julieta Heduvan, a Paraguayan academic and foreign policy analyst. In a timely conversation, Heduvan shares her insights on Taiwan-Paraguay relations, the implications of the 2023 Paraguayan national elections, and China's efforts to pressure Paraguay.

In Season 4, Episode 4 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Melynn Oliver interview Dr. Satoru Nagao, a non-resident fellow at the Hudson Institute. In an expansive discussion, Dr. Nagao shares his perspectives on Japan's security policy, relations with Taiwan and the United States, and participation in regional multilateral organizations.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid interviews Alexandre Dayant, the deputy director of the Indo-Pacific Development Centre at the Lowy Institute. In a timely conversation, Dayant shares his perspectives on Taiwan and China's diverging approaches to the Pacific Islands, Taipei's efforts to refine its foreign aid programs, and the future of Taiwan-Pacific Islands cooperation.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Research Assistant Adrienne Wu interview Jonas Parello-Plesner, the executive director of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation. In a wide-ranging discussion, Parello-Plesner shares his insights on the impacts of the war in Ukraine for European approaches to Taiwan, growing NATO interest in the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan's role in the community of democracies. If you're interested in reading Jonas' newsletter from Taiwan, you can access it here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7000820383566155776/?displayConfirmation=true

In this episode GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Program Associate Zoë Weaver-Lee interview Rasheed Griffith, a non-resident senior fellow with the Asia & Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue. In a wide-ranging discussion, Griffith shares his perspectives on Taiwan's diplomatic partnerships in the Caribbean, growing Chinese investment in the region, and US efforts to push back against Beijing's influence in Caribbean states.

In Season 3, Episode 14 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid interviews Dr. Nicola Casarini, a senior research fellow at Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI). In a wide-ranging conversation, Casarini shares his perspectives on Italy's membership in China's Belt and Road Initiative, potential policy changes under new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and prospects for an expanded Italy-Taiwan relationship.

In Season 3, Episode 13 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Katherine Wagner interview Dr. Jagannath Panda, the head of the Stockholm Centre for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs at the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP). In a timely conversation, Dr. Panda shares his perspectives on India's evolving approach to China, the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the potential for "Quad" involvement in the Taiwan Strait.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Katherine Wagner interview Veerle Nouwens, a senior research fellow and head of the Navigating the Indo-Pacific Program at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). In a timely discussion, Nouwens shares her perspectives on the United Kingdom's worsening relationship with the People's Republic of China, the implications of Rishi Sunak's election, and prospects for expanded UK-Taiwan cooperation.

In Season 3, Episode 11 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Anais Fang interview Frank Jüris, a research fellow with the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute at the International Centre for Defense and Security. In a wide-ranging and timely conversation, Jüris shares his perspectives on Estonia's changing approach to China and Taiwan, recent developments in the Sino-Baltic relationship, and the impacts of the war in Ukraine.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Research Assistant Adrienne Wu interview Dr. Simona Grano, a senior lecturer in China studies and director of the Taiwan Studies Department at the University of Zurich. In a wide-ranging discussion, Grano shares her perspectives on Switzerland's unique approach to China and Taiwan, its relationship with the European Union, and Taiwan's evolving environmental policies.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Program Assistant Zoe Weaver-Lee interview Dr. Marcin Przychodniak, an analyst with the Asia and the Pacific Program at the Polish Institute of International Affairs. In a fascinating discussion, Przychodniak provides his views on Poland's approach to China and Taiwan, broader developments in EU-China policy, and the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In Season 3, Episode 8 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Koji Kawamoto interview Dr. Antoine Bondaz, a research fellow and the director of the Korea Program and the Taiwan Program at the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique. In a timely conversation, Bondaz shares his perspectives on France's evolving approach to China and Taiwan, recent developments in France-Taiwan relations, and the Taiwan Strait's position in France's broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid interviews Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Center's Asia Program. In a wide-ranging discussion, Parameswaran shares his perspectives on ASEAN's approach to the Taiwan Strait, the recent US-ASEAN Special Summit, and prospects for greater Taiwan-ASEAN engagement in the wake of the announcement of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern David Calhoun interview Dr. Seong-Hyon Lee, a visiting scholar at Harvard University's Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and a senior fellow at the George W. Bush Foundation for US-China Relations. In a fascinating discussion, Lee shares his perspectives on the South Korea-Taiwan relationship, the implications of the 2022 Korean Presidential Election, and Korea's role in regional security arrangements.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Program Assistant Zoë Weaver-Lee interview Matej Šimalčik, the Executive Director of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies in Bratislava, Slovakia. In an engaging discussion, Šimalčik shares his perspectives on Slovakia's views on the cross-Strait relationship, China's role in Central and Eastern Europe, and the future of Europe's responses to authoritarian coercion.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid and Intern Adrienne Wu interview Brian Hioe, an activist, journalist, and co-founder of New Bloom magazine. In a wide-ranging discussion, Hioe shares his unique perspectives on Taiwan's efforts to expand its profile worldwide, growing United States-Taiwan cultural links, and the challenges associated with presenting Taiwan to US audiences.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Manager Marshall Reid interviews Dr. Michael Zickerick, the Vice-Chairman of the German-Taiwan Association. In a fascinating discussion, Zickerick shares his thoughts on Germany's approach to China and Taiwan, German-Taiwan medical diplomacy, and the future of Germany's Taiwan policy under Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid and Intern David Calhoun interview Dr. Saša Istenič, an assistant professor of sinology and director of the Taiwan Study Center at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. In an informative conversation, Istenič shares her thoughts on Slovenia's recent outreach to Taiwan, domestic fears of Chinese retribution, and the future of Ljubljana's participation in the 17+1 Initiative.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid interviews Margaret Myers, the director of the Asia and Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue. In an engaging and timely discussion, Myers shares her perspectives on Taiwan's complex diplomatic and economic relations with Central America, Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te's recent visit to Honduras, and the future of Taiwan-China competition in the region.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid and Intern Henry Walsh interview Ambassador Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud, the Chief Representative of the Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan. In a compelling interview, Dr. Hagi shares his thoughts on Taiwan and Somaliland's growing relationship, Taiwan's economic investments in the Horn of Africa, and opportunities for the two to help each other on the international stage.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid and Intern Adrienne Wu interview Tuhi Martukaw, a Taiwanese Indigenous rights activist, journalist, and founder of the LIMA Taiwan Indigenous Youth Working Group. In a captivating interview, Martukaw shares her unique insights on current challenges facing Taiwan's Indigenous communities, the changing state of Indigenous identity in Taiwan, and domestic political efforts to engage with Indigenous peoples.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid and Research Associate Katherine Schultz interview Dr. Konstantinas Andrijauskas, associate professor of Asian studies and international politics at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University. In a wide-ranging interview, Dr. Andrijauskas shares his unique perspectives on the factors that led to Lithuania's withdrawal from the 17+1, Vilnius' role in challenging Chinese influence in Central and Eastern Europe, and its growing relationship with Taiwan.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid and Research Associate Katherine Schultz interviewed Dr. Tamás Matura, an assistant professor at Corvinus University in Budapest and the founder of the Central and Eastern European Center for Asian Studies. In a compelling interview, Matura shares his unique perspectives on Hungary's complex relationship with China, the future of the 17+1 Initiative, and the implications of the upcoming Hungarian elections for Hungary-Taiwan ties.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid interviews Dr. Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor of Chinese Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. In a timely and expansive conversation, Kondapalli shares his perspectives on India's increasingly tense relationship with China, India's role in regional defense arrangements, and prospects for expanded India-Taiwan ties.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid and Program Assistant Zoë Weaver interview Natasha Kassam, the director of the Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program at the Lowy Institute. In a fascinating conversation, Kassam shares her perspectives on Australia's deteriorating relationship with China, growing concerns regarding Chinese influence in Australia, and expanding ties between Australia and Taiwan.

In Season 2, Episode 10 of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid interviews Ttcat and Tim Niven, the chief executive officer and research scientist, respectively, at the Taiwan-based Doublethink Lab. In a timely and wide-ranging interview, they discuss their recent report, "Deafening Whispers: China's Information Operation and Taiwan's 2020 Election," and share their thoughts on Chinese disinformation tactics and Taiwan's efforts to resist them.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid and Research Associate Katherine Schultz interview Dr. Björn Jerdén, the director of the Swedish National China Centre at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. In an illuminating conversation, Dr. Jerdén shares his perspectives on Sweden-China relations, China's changing relationship with the EU, and the potential for expanded EU-Taiwan ties.

In this episode of GTI Insights, GTI Program Associate Marshall Reid interviews Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro, a Center Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University and a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. In a timely and engaging interview, she shares her perspectives on the current state of the cross-Strait relationship, Chinese foreign policy and decision-making, and the future of US deterrence in East Asia.

In this episode of GTI Insights, we interview Jessie Lau, a freelance journalist and Editor-in-Chief at NüVoices. In a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion, Lau shares her thoughts on transnational solidarity between social movements in the Asia-Pacific, efforts to combat violence against Asian communities, and Taiwan's role as a regional progressive leader. Producers: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Sophia Knight, Marshall Reid Editor: Joseph Ross Music: Joseph Ross

We interviewed Dr. Madoka Fukuda, a professor of international politics and China studies at the Department of Global Politics at Hosei University and a visiting scholar at Academia Sinica in Taiwan. In a wide-ranging conversation, Fukuda shares her perspectives on the current state of US-Japan relations, the implications of the Biden-Suga meeting, and Japan's role in cross-Strait relations. Producers: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Joseph Ross Editor: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross This podcast was produced with assistance from GTI Spring 2021 intern Gavin Stark

We interviewed Dr. Kharis Templeman, a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. In a compelling discussion, Templeman discusses his thoughts on the current state of Taiwan's democratic system, internal and external threats it faces, and the role Taiwan can potentially play in supporting democracy in East Asia. Producers: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Daniel Anaforian Editor: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross This podcast was produced with assistance from GTI Spring 2021 intern Gavin Stark

We interviewed Didi Kirsten Tatlow, a Senior Fellow in the Asia Program at the German Council on Foreign Relations, a Senior Non-Resident Fellow with Project Sinopsis, and the co-editor and co-author of a recent book, “China's Quest for Foreign Technology: Beyond Espionage." In a fascinating interview, Tatlow shares her thoughts on China's increasingly authoritarian approach to the Hong Kong protests, the potential implications of these tactics for Taiwan, and the role Western democracies can play in countering Chinese aggression. Producers: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Isabel Eliassen Editor: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross

We interviewed Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, a China reporter at Axios. Through her in-depth investigative reporting, Allen-Ebrahimian has broken several major news stories, including recent investigations into Chinese influence over US tech companies and efforts to suppress criticism worldwide. In a wide-ranging conversation, she shares her thoughts on China's arsenal of influence tactics, Taiwan's long experience with Chinese United Front activity, and growing global efforts to push back on Beijing's influence. Producers: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Joseph Ross Editor: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross This podcast was produced with assistance from GTI Spring 2021 intern Isabel Eliassen

We interviewed Dr. Janka Oertel, the director of the Asia program and senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). At ECFR, Oertel conducts research on a wide range of topics, including EU-China relations, US-China relations, and 5G and emerging technologies. In an engaging interview, she shares her perspectives on the current state of EU-China relations, the potential for expanded transatlantic cooperation under the Biden administration, and opportunities for Taiwan to expand its footprint in Europe. Producer: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Joseph Ross Edit: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross

We interviewed Dr. Mike Hunzeker. Hunzeker currently serves as an assistant professor and associate director of the Center for Security Policy Studies at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, where he conducts research on deterrence, war termination, military adaptation, and simulation design. In a fascinating interview, he shares his insights on the current balance of military power in the Taiwan Strait, Chinese military doctrine, and Taiwanese readiness for a potential attack. Producer: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Joseph Ross Edit: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross

We interviewed US policy analyst Jamie Fly. Currently based in Berlin, Fly serves as the newest member of GTI's Advisory Board, as well as a Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor to the President at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, where he researches transatlantic relations, EU foreign policy, and the relationship between the US, Europe, and China. In a wide-ranging interview, he shares his thoughts on the Trump administration's approach to the Taiwan Strait, potential impacts of Joe Biden's election and subsequent cabinet nominations, and shifting European opinions on China and Taiwan. Producer: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Edit: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross

We interviewed US scholar and professor Dr. Robert Sutter, who currently serves as Professor of Practice of International Affairs at the Elliott School at George Washington University, is a leading authority on the history and practice of US foreign policy in East Asia. In the wake of a tumultuous US presidential election, Dr. Sutter draws on his wealth of experience to provide insights into recent developments in Chinese foreign policy, the Trump administration's approach to Taiwan, and the future of US-Taiwan relations during the Biden administration. Producer: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Hosts: Marshall Reid, Joseph Ross Edit: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross

We interviewed Taiwanese scholar and sociologist Dr. Ming-sho Ho. Ho, who currently serves as a professor of sociology at National Taiwan University, is a leading expert on modern social movements in Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as the complex relationship between identity and politics. In an informative and timely interview, Ho shares his thoughts on the legacy of the Sunflower and Umbrella Movements, the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, and the role of China as an adversary. Producer: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Host: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Edit: Joseph Ross Music: Joseph Ross

We interviewed Taiwan scholar Dr. Shelley Rigger. Rigger, who serves as the Brown Professor of Political Science at Davidson College and is a member of GTI's Advisory Board, has long been recognized as a leading expert on Taiwan's domestic politics, demography, and identity. In an informative interview, Rigger sheds light on Taiwan's shifting electoral politics, youth issues, and relationship with China. Producer: Marshall Reid, Jack Liu Host: Marshall Reid, Joseph Ross Edit: Jack Liu Music: Joseph Ross