OPINION COMMENTARY:
In the worlds of commerce and environmental protection, the dominant megatrends of the day are artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change. Rajan Mehta (ALI ‘22) details the risks and potential benefits of the relationship between these trends and why smart, coordinated regulation and policies can ensure the world gets optimal public benefit outcomes.
What gives music the power to move people from witness to action? Sociologist Ronald Eyerman reflects on protest songs, political memory, collective identity, and the enduring role of artists from Joe Hill to Bruce Springsteen in conversation with John Carroll ALI ‘21.
What if AI could speed scientific discovery – better protecting communities from extreme heat, hurricanes, and climate disasters while also informing actionable insights for responsible AI infrastructure? Harvard Professor and Time100 Health data scientist Francesca Dominici examines that paradox in conversation with Emily Chien, ALI ’23.
OPINION COMMENTARY:
Drawing on his experience as former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, Thomas Phillips examines rising attacks on the judiciary in an era of political polarization. Cautioning against partisan assaults on judicial decisions and increased initiatives to change the way judges are selected and retained, he argues that safeguarding judicial independence is essential to preserving the rule of law.
What does it take to build power in communities long excluded from it? LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund, reflects on grassroots organizing, voting rights, belonging, and why lasting democratic change begins with activating people’s sense of agency in conversation with Carmel Shields ALI ‘23.
OPINION COMMENTARY:
As polarization deepens, U.S. electoral systems result in the election of candidates who are not representative of a broad swath of their constituents. In this opinion commentary, election law scholar Edward Foley explains how partisan primaries sideline broadly preferred candidates and how all-candidate nonpartisan primaries and a consensus-based voting system for general elections could reduce polarization and strengthen democratic representation.
OPINION COMMENTARY:
Sudan’s war is often seen through a humanitarian lens, yet its resolution has vast global implications. Drawing on over 30 years of crisis leadership, former UN Assistant Secretary‑General Amin Awad (ALI ’20) reflects on why peace in Sudan matters far beyond its borders.
How do personal experiences shape climate leadership and systems change? Rajan Mehta (ALI ‘22) in his discussion with Keith Forman (ALI ’20) reflects on his journey from tech entrepreneur to climate advocate, sharing insights on mitigation, adaptation, and aligning science, policy, and society to address the climate crisis.
How do early career choices shape lifelong leadership and systems change? Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach For All, shares insights on first jobs, proximity, and collective leadership in a conversation with Gina Lazaro (ALI ’21) focused on education equity and developing the leaders our world needs.
As pressure on the world’s oceans intensifies, new models are emerging to link conservation with finance. Torsten Thiele (ALI ’14), founder of the Global Ocean Trust, speaks with Matthias Bosch (ALI ’23) and Alexander Bosch to discuss blue finance, carbon markets, ocean restoration, and how young scientists can shape the future of marine conservation.
