NOTE: This episode of Need to Know was recorded March 12, 2025... 2 days before Mark Carney was sworn in as prime minister.

In this episode of Need to Know, Xavier Delgado, Senior Program Associate for the Wilson Center's Canada Program, joins us to discuss the future of Canadian politics following the Liberal Party’s election of Mark Carney as its new leader. Along with host John Milewski, they explore Carney’s background, the potential for an early election, and how Canadian sentiment toward the US is shifting.

In this episode of Need to Know, Robin Quinville, Director of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program, joins host John Milewski to break down Germany’s recent elections, the rise of the far right, economic challenges, and the evolving US-EU relationship.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Benjamin Gedan, Director of the Wilson Center's Latin America Program, about the geopolitical and economic significance of the Panama Canal. They explore the immediate and potential future impact of President Trump's overtures about control of the waterway. Gedan also describes China's role, and Panama's investments in the canal's expansion and modernization.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the recent trade agreements between the US, Canada, and Mexico, with guests Lila Abed, Director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute and Christopher Sands, Director of the center's Canada Institute. They discuss the implications of now delayed tariffs and the political dynamics affecting trade and overall relations. Lila and Chris provide insights into how each country is navigating the challenges, impacts of leadership changes, and the interconnectedness of their economies.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Kellee Wicker, Director of the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program, about China’s DeepSeek AI breakthrough. They discuss its implications for US AI strategy, global competition, and the future of innovation.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Merissa Khurma, Director of the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, to explore the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region and what it means for the new administration. From shifting alliances to economic opportunities and humanitarian challenges, this conversation provides key insights for policymakers navigating the Middle East.

In this episode, Need to Know host John Milewski explores America’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific with Shihoko Goto, Director of the Wilson Center's Indo-Pacific program. Topics include U.S. alliances, China’s growing influence, and strategies for the new administration to strengthen regional partnerships.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Lila Abed, director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute. They discuss key issues like trade, security, fentanyl, and migration. Lila comments on the potential for even stronger collaboration while identifying the challenges both countries face in fostering mutual trust and crafting effective policies.