Professor Megan Hess of Washington and Lee University explores the recent wave of accounting ethics scandals and asks a deeper question: has the profession lost its moral foundation? Her argument points to professional identity as a critical path to rebuilding trust.

In this timely Q&A, Dr. Caitlin Rivers, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Outbreak Response Innovation, joins Matt Nathan (ALI ‘20) to examine emerging infectious diseases from Ebola to hantavirus, alongside global health risks, public health funding, and pandemic preparedness in a rapidly changing global health landscape.

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In this powerful opinion commentary, Saeeda Dunston, CEO of Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, challenges the narrative around declining overdose rates — highlighting the persistent and overlooked crisis in Black communities, and calling for equity-driven, care-centered solutions.

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.

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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.

As voter turnout remains low and trust in democratic institutions weakens, mobile voting has emerged as a potential pathway to broader civic participation. ALI Fellows Sandra Kresch ’21 and Anthony Mohr ’21 explore the promise, security, and political realities of mobile voting in conversation with Linda Rebrovick (ALI ‘21) and Bradley Tusk.

OPINION COMMENTARY:

Drawing on decades of social justice leadership, Peter Williams (ALI ‘21) examines the enduring relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” in 2026. From voting rights restrictions to widening inequity, he argues that American democracy faces a defining moral crossroads demanding urgent action.

OPINION COMMENTARY:

As climate impacts intensify, public access to reliable climate information is being quietly restricted. The removal of National Climate Assessments from federal websites undermines informed decision-making. This article argues that state and local governments must step in to widely disseminate this critical data and keep it accessible to the public.

Democratic institutions are under sustained pressure, and lawyers alone cannot meet this moment using familiar tools. Yet experiences from across Europe show that creative lawyering, broader coalitions, and public-centered communication can strengthen resilience. This study tour offers practical lessons for adapting democratic practice to today’s challenges.

Antibiotic resistance is a worsening global crisis, and livestock production plays a key role. Indiscriminate antibiotic use in animal agriculture fuels bacteria resistant to human medicines, threatening health and food systems, especially in low-income communities. With Tom Mahoney (ALI ’24), Dr. Aleks Engel of Novo Holdings examines impacts and urgent solutions to safeguard people and the planet.

Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP, shares insights on aging, equity, and purpose amid a historic demographic shift. In conversation with ALI Fellows Terry Edmonds ’21 and Mary Jo Meisner ’17, she explores the longevity economy, ageism, Social Security, and the role of policy, business, and communities in ensuring dignity and opportunity at every stage of life.

As the United States and its Western democratic allies scale back long-term support for core democratic institutions internationally, authoritarian regimes in crucial regions are using soft power tools to expand their influence and stall democratic progress. Former Georgian ambassador and Harvard fellow Khatuna Salukvadze outlines the challenge and recommends policies the West should adopt to meet this moment and reclaim lost ground.