NOTE: This interview was recorded before the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28. Please see the statement from our guest, Lucas Myers, which follows the episode description below.In this episode of Need to Know, Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast Asia for the Wilson Center's Indo-Pacific Program discusses Myanmar’s proposed elections, the junta’s dwindling control, and China's role in the crisis. Along with host John Milewski, they analyze whether or not a vote under military rule would be credible. Statement from Lucas Myers:

Midday local time on Friday, March 28th, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand. The epicenter was near Mandalay, the second largest city in the country, and damage extended throughout the country’s central regions. Thailand was also heavily impacted, including Bangkok.

Given the ongoing civil war, human cost could be catastrophic for the people of Myanmar. Casualty numbers are difficult to verify considering the wartime circumstances but could be well into the thousands.

The humanitarian situation in Myanmar was already dire, and the earthquake only adds to a number of crises across the country. These include a widespread risk of famine in parts of the country and a collapsing economy.

Rapid response international aid will be needed, but the Myanmar military junta is likely to attempt to interfere for its own ends. The international community will need to coordinate closely with the resistance actors who now control almost 50% of Myanmar’s territory.

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.

In this episode, Need to Know host John Milewski discusses the evolving dynamics of US-China relations with Robert Daly, Director of the Wilson Center's Kissinger Institute. From economic realities to ideological divides, Daly offers a nuanced take on managing what he says will be a decades-long competition. He provides valuable insights as a new US Congress and administration take shape.

In this episode, John Milewski discusses the recent political upheaval in Japan with Shihoko Goto, Director, Indo-Pacific Program at the Wilson Center. Their discussion focuses on the implications of the recent elections that resulted in no party gaining a majority. The conversation explores the challenges of forming a coalition government, the potential for political instability, and the impact on U.S.-Japan relations amidst rising tensions with China.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center. They discuss the trilateral collaboration between the US, Canada, and Finland, known as the Ice Pact. They focus on the urgent need for new icebreakers in the US fleet, the geopolitical implications of icebreaker capacity in the Arctic, and the strengths each country brings to the partnership. The conversation also covers the challenges of implementation and the importance of congressional support for future initiatives.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the complexities of migration through the Darien Gap with Ambassador Mark Green and Eddie Acevedo. They explore the motivations behind the increasing number of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, the dangers they face, and the exploitation by human traffickers. The conversation also highlights the role of the U.S. and international community in addressing the humanitarian crisis and the need for a more regional approach to migration policy.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the rise of populism in Europe with Robin Quinville, Director of the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program. They explore the factors contributing to the popularity of far-right movements, including migration, economic uncertainty, and the polarization of political parties. The conversation also touches on the implications of these trends on EU leadership.

In this episode of Need to Know we explore China's growing influence in Africa through investments, diplomacy, and military cooperation. Our guests are Oge Onubogu, Director of the Wilson Center’s Africa Program, and Robert Daly, Director of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States. Together with host, John Milewski, they discuss China’s investment diplomacy, perceptions of its role on the continent, and implications for US policy. 

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski and guest Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center, discuss the ongoing political upheaval in Bangladesh in the aftermath of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. They explore the interim government's challenges, US interests, and the future of Bangladesh’s economy and foreign relations.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski and Ambassador Philip Reeker, Chair of the Global Europe Program at the Wilson Center, discuss key takeaways from NATO's 75th anniversary summit. They explore the legacy of the alliance, as well as its future, as it responds to a growing and evolving array of global challenges.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski, discuses the history and future of US-China agriculture cooperation with Dr. Karen Mancl. She is a professor and water quality specialist at the Ohio State University and a fellow with the Wilson Center's China Environment Program. In addition to exploring the history of cooperation between the two countries, Mancl talks about the impact on trade, the value of scientific exchanges, and hopes for shared climate change solutions. Join us for an insightful discussion of how these two global powers are working together in the field of agriculture despite their ongoing competition in other areas.

In this episode of the Need to Know, we delve into the recent G7 Summit, focusing on the current state of US global competitiveness and assorted economic challenges. Host John Milewski speaks with Mark Kennedy, Director of the Wilson Center's Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition. Kennedy is a former Member of Congress and a former university president. He provides insights into the implications of China's economic strategies, ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities, and the importance of maintaining unity among G7 nations. 

In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski explores what we know and what we think we know about North Korea with expert insights from Sung-Yoon Lee, a Fellow with the Wilson Center’s Indo-Pacific Program. Yoon explains the complexities behind North Korea's strategic maneuvers, military ambitions, and the intricacies of its ruling regime. He also dispels common myths and provides a clear-eyed analysis of the motivations and tactics of one of the world's most secretive and misunderstood nations.