Humanitarian Needs Are Growing. Can the World Keep Up?

Humanitarian Needs Are Growing. Can the World Keep Up?

Author: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs August 20, 2026 Duration: 21:03

More than 300 million people need emergency humanitarian support as some of the world's biggest donors scale back their aid. Mercy Corps CEO Tjada McKenna joins Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss who steps in when governments pull back, whether new donors, private capital, or advancing technology can help fill the gap, and why ending conflicts may be just as important as funding the response. With the old model of humanitarian aid under pressure, McKenna says "the world is not returning to what it was before." 

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Leslie Vinjamuri, President and CEO of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, sits down each week for conversations that cut through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle. On Deep Dish on Global Affairs, you’ll hear from the journalists, policymakers, and analysts who are directly shaping the international landscape. These discussions aren’t just summaries of current events; they delve into the historical context and political forces that explain how we got here and what might happen next. Whether the topic is the resilience of global trade systems, shifting security alliances, or the humanitarian impact of conflicts, this podcast provides a substantive and clear-eyed perspective. It’s for anyone who feels that headlines alone offer more questions than answers. By engaging with experts who are in the room where decisions are made, the series offers listeners a deeper understanding of the complex mechanics behind world politics. Tune in for a thoughtful analysis that connects the dots between policy, people, and global stability.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Deep Dish on Global Affairs
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