When Soft Power Meets Hard Borders: How Western Retreat Is Undermining Civic Resilience in the Post-Soviet Space
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.
Information Collapse, Democratic Decline, and What We Can Do About It
False information spreads faster than truth on social media, and newsrooms across America continue to shutter at an alarming rate. Yet citizens aren’t helpless in democracy’s information crisis. By curating deliberate media diets, supporting local journalism, and advocating for anti-SLAPP protections, individuals hold real power to resist forces fracturing our shared reality.
Rebuilding the American Dream: Leadership, DEI, and the Power of Community Connection
Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick reflects on leadership, equity, and rebuilding trust in America. In this powerful conversation with ALI Fellows Kevin Robinson ‘22 and Mary Jo Meisner ‘17, he shares lessons on race, gender equity, DEI, and civic renewal — reminding us that the American Dream thrives when communities act together.
From Loom to Law: The Supply Chain Shake-Up Transforming the Textile Industry
As global supply chains face growing scrutiny, the textile sector is shifting toward greater responsibility. Vaude, a German outdoor company, is leading the way. Matthias Bosch (ALI ’23) speaks with CEO Antje von Dewitz on transforming supply chains and redefining responsible entrepreneurship.
Here Comes the Sun: How Solar Power Is Driving Climate Action and Protecting Democracy
Climate change and rising authoritarian threats put our future at risk. Bill McKibben discusses his book Here Comes the Sun and explains how solar energy, local action, and civic engagement can drive climate solutions, defend democratic values, and inspire hope for a sustainable future.
Tax Advice: How Nonprofits Should Adjust to New Giving Disincentives in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping tax incentives for charitable giving and creating new challenges for nonprofits. Henry and John Carroll of DonorSpring offer actionable strategies to help nonprofits adapt, engage donors, and sustain funding from major, corporate, and small donors.
Crisis Leadership, Public Trust, and Vaccine Confidence: Walenksy’s CDC Response
The CDC’s leadership faced mounting challenges as trust faltered, disinformation spread, and vaccine confidence declined in a polarized environment. Communication missteps and evolving guidance weakened public understanding, while budget cuts constrained response capacity. Former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky reflects on lessons in rebuilding trust, defending science, and restoring confidence through transparency, clarity, and steady leadership amid uncertainty and polarization.
How U.S.-China Cultural Exchange, Music, and the Arts Strengthen Diplomacy Beyond Government
OPINION COMMENTARY:
People-to-people exchanges — not governments — have long defined U.S.-China relations, writes Carla Dirlikov Canales. An acclaimed opera singer, academic and cultural diplomat, Canales shows how music, education, and shared experiences — from ping-pong diplomacy to choral festivals — bridge divides, proving that ordinary citizens are often the most enduring diplomats.
Editor’s Note: Seeing the Humanity in Homelessness
THE EMPATHY IMPERATIVE - ADDRESSING AMERICA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS SERIES:
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Homelessness is a human and societal failure that demands shared responsibility — not judgment. It reflects how easily we turn away from suffering we no longer see. In his interview and opinion commentary, Dr. Brian Klausner calls for renewed urgency, compassion, and reform to address the complex realities behind this national crisis.
In the Gaps: Better Understanding the Expensive Human Suffering of Chronic Homelessness
THE EMPATHY IMPERATIVE - ADDRESSING AMERICA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS SERIES:
Why does chronic homelessness persist despite billions in healthcare spending? Matt Nathan, ALI ’20, interviews Dr. Brian Klausner about his new book, In the Gaps:Better Understanding the Expensive Human Suffering of Chronic Homelessness examining how trauma, inequality, and dehumanization fuel the crisis. Klausner’s insights reveal how empathy, data, and innovative care models can drive real, lasting solutions.
Bridging Political Divides to Tackle the Worsening Social Crisis of Homelessness
THE EMPATHY IMPERATIVE - ADDRESSING AMERICA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS SERIES:
OPINION COMMENTARY:
Homelessness is one of America’s most urgent — and expensive — public health crises. In this powerful reflection, Dr. Brian Klausner shares what decades of caring for unhoused patients have taught him about empathy, policy, and humanity — and why solving chronic homelessness requires community collaboration, data-driven care, and compassion.
Former Federal Judges Fight Back Against Attacks on the Judiciary
Former federal judges Robert Cindrich and Paul Michel launched the Article III Coalition to defend judicial independence amid rising threats and attacks. With bipartisan support, they aim to protect courts, uphold the rule of law, and educate the public on why judges matter.
Changes in US Government Vaccination Policy in a World of Growing Infectious Threats
The recent replacement of the entire CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) raises serious public health concerns, as explored in this interview with infectious disease expert, Dr. Camille Kotton, former ACIP member, by Tom Mahoney (ALI ’24).
In Plain Sight, Out of Mind: Health and Humanity for the Unhoused
Dr. Katherine Koh and Michael Jellison from Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program share urgent insights on rising homelessness and the power of peer-led street teams in this compelling discussion with ALI Fellows Martin Goldstein and Matt Nathan.
Wild in the Streets
We must restore biodiversity in our neighborhoods. Christopher Brown, in an interview with ALI Fellow Tony Mohr ’21, shares how anyone can help “rewild” urban spaces – even junkyards and industrial zones.
From Missing Voices to Common Ground: The Power of Shared American Experiences
OPINION COMMENTARY:
The Midwest is often overlooked for its cultural influence and electoral power. ALI Fellow Katie Kwo Gerson ’25 proposes a national initiative to elevate Midwestern voices and bridge America's cultural divides.
Congress Defuses a Ticking Time Bomb; Thank You, Kansas
OPINION COMMENTARY:
This year’s January 6 Joint Session of Congress to count electoral votes seemed uncontroversial. However, ALI Fellow Rex VanMiddlesworth examines how Congress quietly made a critical decision about the counting of electoral votes that may have a much larger impact in future presidential elections.
Lessons Learned to Prepare for the Next Climate Disaster
Wildfires, floods, and heat waves are intensifying, yet the failure to plan for climate extremes will result in mounting losses and crises. Alice Hill, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, argues that resilience starts with clear communication, forward-looking policies, and tough decisions.
Shaping a Responsible Future: The Push for Human Rights and Environmental Responsibility in Business
How can businesses integrate human rights and sustainability into their core operations? Former German Human Rights Commissioner Markus Löning shares insights on the EU’s game-changing directive and discusses the journey towards corporate accountability in an exclusive interview by Mattias Bosch, ALI Fellow ’23.
From Streets to Shelter: How Los Angeles is Tackling Homelessness by Locking Arms and Working Together
In 2023, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, led by Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum and Mayor Karen Bass, exceeded their goal of rehousing 17,000 people — bringing over 21,000 indoors. ALI Fellows Belinda Juran ‘20 and Paige Warren ‘21 interview Dr. Adams Kellum to explore how innovative programs like Inside Safe and master leasing, fueled by unified government efforts, are transforming the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles.