Picking Up Where We Left Off

In this episode of Picking Up: Where We Left Off, host Michael Carroll, Executive Director of the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, sits down with Dr. Yakut Ghazi of Duke University and education and technology leader Kapil Gaba to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming global higher education. Drawing on experiences from the United States, South Asia, and beyond, they explore how AI and digital tools can personalize learning, expand access, and enable global collaboration—while also exposing the persistent digital divide. The conversation challenges the idea that “access to content” equals education, underscoring the continued importance of human connection, mentorship, and community in truly democratizing learning. The episode then turns to the rapidly changing world of work, asking what happens when AI and automation reshape both white-collar and blue-collar jobs. The guests discuss the growing vulnerability of traditionally stable professions, the heightened risks for the workforce, and the need for higher education to prioritize distinctly human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment. They outline how universities and policymakers can respond through lifelong learning models, workforce upskilling, transparent AI adoption, and strong safeguards around data integrity and human supervision. The result is a candid, forward-looking discussion about opportunity and the role of higher education in an AI-driven future.

In this episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off, the Center revisits an early 2024 dialogue on disaster management. The dialogue emerged in response to significant disasters that affected long-term Center partners. The dialogue focused on global cooperation in disaster management and mitigation, and discussions emphasized the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, hailed as the most comprehensive international guide. Despite its significance, participants noted its limited adoption by governments, aid organizations, and first responders. Challenges discussed included the need for practical implementation, stronger political will, and greater investments, especially in vulnerable regions of the Global South. Participants acknowledged successes like reduced disaster-related deaths due to improved preparedness, yet economic and human losses remain alarmingly high, underscoring a gap between commitments and outcomes. The dialogue further explored the potential for cross-continental resilience programs, emphasizing the integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge. For instance, Malaysia and Rwanda collaborated on people-centric early warning systems. This highlighted the importance of tailoring global solutions to local contexts. Participants also debated the role of technology, such as advanced forecasting tools and machine learning, in enhancing disaster preparedness. While promising, these tools require sustained local support, robust data systems, and measures to avoid bias or desensitization. To ensure effectiveness, global frameworks like the Sendai Framework must be more actionable, bridging gaps between policy and field-level implementation, and fostering international cooperation to meet increasing climate-related challenges.

This podcast episode discusses the complex relationship between the United States and Türkiye, focusing on how it has evolved into a more transactional and pragmatic relationship. Tensions have arisen over issues such as Syria, Kurdish forces, and Türkiye's acquisition of Russian missile systems. Despite these challenges, both countries have found common ground in areas like counterterrorism and regional stability. The conversation includes insights from experts Meliha Altunışık and Richard Outzen, highlighting the historical context and strategic misalignments between the nations. They emphasized the importance of pragmatic diplomacy in addressing regional challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and the influence of Iran. The discussion concluded that building trust through small agreements is crucial for future cooperation.

In this episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off, the focus is on the challenges surrounding higher education in Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. The discussion features two previous Hollings Center program participants who left the country. Both are academics, now working to establish their careers abroad. The guests reflect on the progress made in education before the Taliban's takeover, particularly for women and marginalized groups. However, these gains have since been reversed, with female students and educators barred from universities, and a regime-backed exam offering degrees to Taliban members without qualifications. They describe the impact this has had on academic standards and the detrimental effect on educational and economic opportunities. The conversation also highlights the personal toll on Afghan scholars. One, who was abroad during the crisis, continues work remotely to support Afghan academics in exile. The other recounts their difficult journey to escape Afghanistan and their current efforts to rebuild their academic career in the U.S. Both guests emphasize the importance of preserving educational opportunities, despite the Taliban's restrictions. The episode concludes with a call for international support to help sustain higher education in Afghanistan through alternative solutions like online learning and scholarships for displaced Afghan students and scholars.

In this episode of "Picking Up Where We Left Off," Michael Carroll, Executive Director of the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, dives into the economic diversification efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The GCC, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has long been synonymous with vast oil wealth. However, with the global energy landscape shifting, these nations are increasingly focused on reducing their reliance on oil and diversifying their economies. The episode features insights from Camille Lons, Deputy Director at the Paris Office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Samer Kherfi, Associate Professor of Economics at the American University of Sharjah. The discussion explores the strategic motivations behind the GCC's diversification plans, the challenges they face, and the sectors targeted for growth, such as innovation, technology, and the knowledge-based economy. Key points include the ongoing competition between GCC states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as they strive to attract similar economic sectors and investments. Despite significant progress, the episode highlights the long road ahead in achieving these ambitious goals, emphasizing the need for structural changes and cultural shifts within these nations. The episode concludes on a note of cautious optimism, recognizing the substantial changes already underway while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

Often during Hollings Center dialogues, there are two voices that we remember. These are two people that may come from two entirely different backgrounds and are eager to solve a challenge of mutual interest. Our dialogues, in-person and virtual, provide a unique venue that allows these individuals to not just express their opinions but also explain how they got there. This podcast series will pick up where the dialogue finished and take those conversations even further. To learn more about our dialogue programs, visit www.hollingscenter.org

There is an undeniable paradigm shift in how societies receive their information and news, and how journalists produce it. To better understand this landscape, we convened a dialogue conference in Tunis in 2019 to discuss new business models for media outlets, diversity in newsrooms, new modes of storytelling, trust in the media, disinformation and misinformation, and the trajectory of journalism. To pick up where we left off in 2019, we invited back Bayan Tal and Fatima Bahja, who discuss opportunities and challenges in new media in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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