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MHA Members and Business Leaders Join Crain’s for Healthcare Affordability Roundtable
The MHA partnered with Crain’s Content Studio to facilitate a healthcare affordability discussion, which was highlighted in its Detroit and Grand Rapids publications.
Student-led Africa Health Conference explores innovative development strategies | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
The fourth annual Africa Health Conference featured discussions of innovative strategies for driving public health change.
‘Mayor has not returned his call’: How city staff intervened to get Dallas mayor’s attention
Emails reviewed by The Dallas Morning News show the mayor was not always easy to reach during key economic development discussions.
Why authentic leadership matters more than ever
Mission-driven leaders are facing unprecedented pressure as economic uncertainty, political polarization, rapid technological change and growing public scrutiny reshape how organizations operate, Harvard Business Review writes. A recent analysis highlights how these overlapping forces are turning routine decisions into tests of values, strategy and credibility. Research based on surveys and discussions with nonprofit and social […]
Mental health solutions for the digital age
Ask the digital natives of Gen Z about the source of their biggest mental health challenges, and most will say social media and AI.Several of the nearly 400 guests at the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit, presented by the Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council at UCLA on March 8, explicitly named the endless stream of content on their phones as serious stressors. “Everybody is addicted to (Tik Tok) as if they were addicted to substances,” said Jantin Asmar, 17, a senior at Virtual Academy in Antelope Valley. “We’re always chasing that dopamine. We’re expecting that dopamine rush and it’s really decaying our interactions with others.” High school student Jantin Asmar was among nearly 400 people who attended the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) Even young teens feel pressure to be on social media constantly, both to consume content and collect “likes,” said 13-year-olds Chloe and Sophia, both students at Brentwood School. “Everyone’s always on, and you miss stuff if you’re not on it,” Chloe said, adding that social media’s emphasis on appearances is leading to eating disorders: “That’s a big thing for our generation.”The incessant influx of images and updates creates expectations that “weigh teenagers down,” said Linda Kou, 16, a junior at San Gabriel High School.Even though digital spaces allow people to connect with others beyond their immediate surroundings, it doesn’t always translate to real-life community, said Kelah Morgan, 17, a senior at Animo South Los Angeles Charter High School. High school students Kelah Morgan, left, and Linda Kou, shared about the challenges presented by social media. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) “Even if you see people saying that they relate to you online, it might be hard to find people in your personal life who you see every day who you feel comfortable enough to say, ‘You see me online, but this is me in real life and what I’m actually going through,’” she said.Solutions for our digital timesThe Gen Z Wellness Summit was intentionally designed as a free, in-person gathering where young people interested in mental health from across the southland could meet in person. “Peer support is the most important element of maintaining our mental health in community,” said Helena Hansen, MD, PhD, director of UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.Keynote speakers at the summit addressed AI, social connection and self-empowerment, while breakout sessions included discussions about eating disorders, dating, substance use, phone detox and breathwork. Here are some of the day’s top takeaways:Beware of FOPO: Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, a psychology professor at Columbia University, said that rather than FOMO, or fear of missing out, we ought to be more aware of FOPO: fear of people’s opinions. “Just think about how much your FOPO might be holding you back in your life,” Dr. Kaufman said. “And just that inner contemplation should be enough for you to change your life, because there’s so many things we don’t go after because we have debilitating FOPO.”We don’t need to feel like we’re the best – or what he called “narcissistic self-esteem” – but it’s helpful to acknowledge our own worth, recognize our good qualities and develop self-belief in the skills and talents we’ve cultivated. When we have that – dignity and self-respect, without needing everyone to like us – FOPO is less of a concern.Self-reflection is most effective in community: “When we try to self-reflect alone, we sometimes ruminate,” said Ira Bedzow, PhD, executive director of the Emory University Purpose Project. “But when we self-reflect with people that we trust … (it) allows us to hold ourselves accountable to different ways of seeing and different ways of hearing and different ways of being.”Opening up about our experiences and listening to others are skills we can develop, Dr. Bedzow said.He invited students to participate in what he called a “fishbowl exercise,” where four students sat in a small circle, surrounded by a dozen or so students forming a larger circle. Those in the inner circle answered such questions as: “What stops you from being you today?” and “What helps you feel most like you?”Within minutes, the group in the small circle (the fishbowl), were sharing intimately about their life challenges as those in the outer circle nodded in understanding.After the exercise, one participant said, “I felt like I wasn’t alone, that it wasn’t just me who feels that way.”Another remarked on how “personal” it felt to share face-to-face with others, even strangers.Don’t let AI crush your creativity: Theoretical neuroscientist Vivienne Ming, PhD, has been studying artificial intelligence for more than 20 years. And while she said “it’s reasonable to be concerned” about the fast-growing technology, it can also help humans become better problem-solvers when used strategically.“The smartest thing on the planet today are humans and machines working together creatively,” Dr. Ming said. “What gets more valuable in humans as machines get smarter? Our ability to explore the unknown.“Your unique voice is literally your value to the world … but most of us for most of our lives have been taught to not be unique,” she continued. “Be your own person. Celebrate being different. It is genuinely, measurably, truly valuable.”In a breakout session called “Phone Detox? IYKYK: Living Your Story IRL” led by Don Grant, PhD, students shared their frustrations with AI compromising academic work, art and creativity.“Art is a translation of human experience,” one participant said. “When people use AI, they diminish their own human experience.”Dr. Grant urged them, as “the last generation to remember a world before AI,” to remember the power of imagination and creativity – and to act on it.Remember that social media distorts perceptions: Stuart B. Murray, PhD, PsyD, who directs the Eating Disorders Program and Translational Research in Eating Disorders Program at UCLA, asked the students in his breakout session to take a spontaneous selfie and edit it to conform with society’s beauty standards. All 20 girls in the room immediately got to work, thickening their hair, slimming their faces, plumping their lips.“The pressure to look like what we present on social media can be crippling,” Dr. Murray said. “We now know that social media use is part of a causal pathway into an eating disorder.”Adolescents and young adults are most at risk of developing an eating disorder, he said, with one in three students on college campuses exhibiting clinically meaningful eating-disorder symptoms. More than 4 million people in California will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.Even for those who don’t develop anorexia or bulimia, the ubiquity of modified images online distorts what we consider normal, making us feel worse about ourselves. Remembering that, he and other speakers said, might inspire us to log off occasionally and spend time in the real world with people who love us as we are.
Reubin O’D. Askew Lecture Series returns with discussion on East Asia, the United States, and the Future of Democracy - University of West Florida Newsroom
The University of West Florida Askew Lecture Series returns to the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola on Thursday, April 9, with a timely discussion on “East Asia, the United States, and the Future of Democracy.” This year’s event features Dr. Erik Mobrand, professor at the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University […]
Making small changes: How food impacts our health
Join The Dallas Morning News for a panel discussion on "food as medicine," and learn just how much of a person's health is determined outside the doctor's...
In new memoir, Gov. Gavin Newsom reflects on his political rise
As California’s governor – and a topic of discussion among some as a possible 2028 presidential candidate – Gavin Newsom is an exceedingly public figure with a busy schedule to match. His new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, provides a glimpse into Newsom’s rise to political prominence and his ongoing goal of self-discovery. In today’s episode, Newsom sits down with NPR’s Ailsa Chang to discuss his book, the question of his own relatability, and why he uses “playground insults”’ on social media to push back against the Trump administration.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday
Is Sphere Entertainment (SPHR) Quietly Redefining Its Business Model With the Las Vegas Sphere?
In recent months, Sphere Entertainment’s Las Vegas Sphere venue has seen strong consumer demand for its immersive “The Wizard of Oz” production, alongside expanding concert residencies and original films that are increasing venue utilization. This operational momentum is also encouraging discussions for additional Sphere venues in the U.S. and overseas, while attracting greater institutional interest such as Citigroup’s sizeable stake increase. With this backdrop of “Wizard of Oz”-driven...
Is Sphere Entertainment (SPHR) Quietly Redefining Its Business Model With the Las Vegas Sphere?
In recent months, Sphere Entertainment’s Las Vegas Sphere venue has seen strong consumer demand for its immersive “The Wizard of Oz” production, alongside expanding concert residencies and original films that are increasing venue utilization. This operational momentum is also encouraging discussions for additional Sphere venues in the U.S. and overseas, while attracting greater institutional interest such as Citigroup’s sizeable stake increase. With this backdrop of “Wizard of Oz”-driven...
Sphere Entertainment Eyes Nashville For New Mini Venue
Sphere Entertainment is in early discussions about bringing a smaller version of its iconic Las Vegas venue to Nashville.
Governor Bob Ferguson
I’ve said from the beginning of the discussion around the Millionaires’ Tax: Any bill I sign must send a significant percentage of that revenue back to Washington families and small business owners....
Trump's White House college sports roundtable: Who will be attending, what to know
The discussion will be happening on Friday.
RIPPAC to host CNN’s Elie Honig for discussion on politics and prosecution
CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig is scheduled to discuss U.S. politics and the country’s justice system during a public program at Rowan University on Thursday, March 26.
“Their Grief Is NOT Your Entertainment”: Harry Styles Said He “Struggled” With The Public Scrutiny Over His Response To Liam Payne’s Death — And It’s Sparked An Important Discussion
“People kind of own part of your grief…”
UNC Computer Science showcases foundational AI research powering discoveries across Carolina - College of Arts and Sciences
The inaugural CoreAI Discovery Day featured research, discussions and demonstrations related to artificial intelligence from faculty members and students in the department of computer science.
IMAP opens a new era for heliosphere science and space weather
The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, a Princeton-led NASA mission to study the Sun and everything it touches, has officially begun its science mission. Princeton marked the occasion with a panel discussion of IMAP leaders, science talks and a reception hosted by the Center on Science and Technology.
Gasperini has dinner with Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti is reportedly increasingly close to returning to Roma, with a role within the club yet to be determined. He himself confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a possible return to Trigori...
KU chancellor Douglas Girod to attend White House college sports talk
KU chancellor Douglas Girod will be a part of a pivotal discussion about college sports. He’s set to attend a White House roundtable about this topic.
Experts to examine the use of generative AI in science
The Assessing and Imagining the Impact of Generative AI on Science Symposium, March 3-5, will feature experts from across academia and industry engaging in discussions on the use and implications of generative AI.
Global webinar on core public health capacities to conduct ship inspections and issue ship sanitation certificates
Ships cross borders every day, connecting countries and serving as a backbone of the global economy. However, outbreaks onboard can disrupt maritime traffic, leading to significant economic and operational negative consequences. Without strong public health capacities to detect, prevent, and respond to public health risks on board ships, maritime travel can also become a pathway for the spread of infectious diseases. To support countries in strengthening these capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a two-day webinar on 11–12 February, bringing together more than 700 ship inspectors, port health officers, and public health authorities, primarily from the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and European Regions. The webinar came at a pivotal time. With the amended International Health Regulations entering into force on 19 September 2025, the need to focus on public health preparedness has never been greater. Strengthening public health capacities at borders, including onboard conveyances, is a cornerstone of global health security and central to the amended IHR.“The high level of attendance and active participation throughout the two days of the webinar highlighted the growing demand for technical guidance and capacity-building support in ship inspection and issuance of ship sanitation certificates”, said Dr Ninglan Wang, Head of the Borders, Mass Gatherings and Health Protection Measures (BMM) Unit at the Health Emergency Preparedness Department at WHO headquarters. “The dynamic interactions among experts and countries underscored the value of continued cross-border collaboration in the maritime sector and knowledge exchange in this area”. Conducting regular public health inspections on board ships for the issuance of ship sanitation certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the IHR requirements is crucial for ensuring that ships meet specific health standards, thereby minimizing the risk of the international spread of diseases via maritime traffic. These certificates, mandated by the IHR, require ports to have trained personnel who can identify and control public health risks on board vessels and apply recommended control measures. This standardized global procedure not only ensures compliance with the IHR but also promotes consistency in health practices across ports worldwide. SSCs are the globally-recognized tool used to prevent and control known public health risks on ships, providing a common way to register and communicate public health events and measures taken on board between all stakeholders involved in this process, including public health authorities in ports and ship operators. Only SSCs issued by ports authorized by national authorities to issue such certificates are considered valid. As per the IHR, all States Parties are required to send to WHO their list of authorized ports (available here) and to keep it updated. However, many Member States continue to face practical challenges, such as limited resources, high staff turnover, and competing priorities. These realities underscore the value of platforms such as this webinar, which foster collective learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and practical solutions to help countries build and sustain the capacities required under the IHR.Over the two days, participants engaged in presentations and discussions covering a wide range of technical and operational topics, such as the overarching international legal framework governing ship sanitation; considerations for pre-inspection planning; risk assessment factors by type of vessel; the completion and issuance of SSCs and evidence report forms; or practical insights on the inspection of various technical areas, such as food safety, medical facilities, water systems, or vector control, among others. In addition, public health authorities from the Netherlands, Morocco, and Tanzania shared case studies to showcase their practical application of these IHR requirements in their respective countries. Given its success, WHO plans to replicate similar sessions in the future to reach additional time zones and regions and cover other pressing border health-related topics, ensuring that Member States can continue benefiting from these opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.
VW receives preliminary bids for diesel engine unit Everllence at around $9.4 billion, sources say
Volkswagen VOWG_p.DE has received bids valuing its diesel engine division Everllence at around 8 billion euros ($9.44 billion) including debt, according to three people familiar with the discussions, above what some analysts had estimated.
Sources: Trump, college leaders to tackle issues at roundtable
Conference commissioners are expected to join sports celebrities and dignitaries on March 6 in a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump about the future of college athletics, sources said.
Entertainment This Week with Mike Marra
Airdate: February 25th, 2026 Willbee Transit Mix Previews HBAJ Home & Garden ShowFebruary 25, 2026Chamber Announces Women’s Week Panel Discussion BreakfastFebruary 25, 2026Henry Ford Wellness Wednesday: Cancer Screening with Tumor Board Director Donna Long, RNFebruary 25, 2026Jackson Fire Department Offering Free Smoke AlarmsFebruary 25, 2026Entertainment This Week with Mike MarraFebruary 25, 2026New Downtown Parking Plan…
Why People Don’t Like Talking About Politics
Political discussions are tense and rarely informative.
How Jeffrey Epstein Ingratiated Himself With Top Microsoft Executives
For more than two decades, the convicted sex offender developed a network at the tech giant, making him privy to succession discussions and other business.
Could pro hockey anchor Phoenix's entertainment district?
At a panel discussion hosted by the Urban Land Institute, sports and real estate leaders discussed the future of downtown Phoenix.
Uniting to respond to mental health impacts of digital violence
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), from doxxing and cyberstalking to cyberbullying and online harassment, is reshaping how women and girls navigate digital spaces. Globally, an estimated 23% of women have experienced digital violence. In Indonesia, reported cases of TFGBV reached 1,791 in 2024, a 40.8% increase from the previous year. Yet very few survivors seek help, leaving lasting effects on their mental health and wellbeing. As part of the multi-UN agencies UNiTE campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) co-hosted a talk show on 6 December 2025 to spotlight this urgent issue. The event brought together voices from Meta, the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association and Dr Vivi Syarif, a WHO Fides content creator, creating a cross-sectoral dialogue on the magnitude and mental health impact of digital violence. The talk show introduced psychological first aid as a vital initial intervention that communities can provide to survivors. This intervention aligns with the Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers, a framework that has been standardized for over a decade. The "look, listen, link" approach focuses on ensuring safety and urgent needs, reassuring survivors and connecting them to appropriate services. In addition to this public health approach, Meta also outlined mechanisms to respond to digital violence and reaffirmed its commitment to building safer digital spaces by continuously updating community guidelines based on user feedback. Such collaborative discussions help connect community engagement initiatives with daily digital life. They empower audiences not only to understand how the health sector and industry are responding, but also to educate others, promote first-line support and encourage referrals to appropriate help. By fostering awareness and engagement, these dialogues strengthen collective resilience against digital violence. Written by Jessie O. Yunus, National Professional Officer (Gender, Equity, Rights and Disability Inclusion), WHO Indonesia
Pappas Holds Discussion with NH Health Care Leaders on Protecting and Expanding Telehealth Access
Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) held a roundtable conversation with local health advocates from organizations and hospitals, including New Futures, Speare Memorial Hospital, Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance of NH, HealthFirst, to highlight the importance of telehealth for Granite Staters and his recently introduced bipartisan legislation to protect and expand access to telehealth.
Want Kids To Have Better SEL Skills? Try Using Sports
In a panel discussion, district leaders and an expert discuss why sports is a great place to learn life skills.
Today's podcast episode: The Consumerization of Small Business Lending: Federal and State Regulations Accelerate
On today’s Consumer Finance Monitor podcast, we are releasing an episode about a timely and wide-ranging discussion on one of the most significant and
Davids Hosts Johnson County Small Business Roundtable to Discuss Growth, Challenges
OVERLAND PARK, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a roundtable discussion with Johnson County small business owners and economic development leaders to talk about the successes and challenges facing local businesses and to highlight new data on the region’s growing small business ecosystem. She has hosted similar discussions in each of the other counties across Kansas’ Third District to ensure local perspectives are shaping her work in Congress.
Texas Tech medical school cancels talk on health, ethical considerations in late-pregnancy abortions
University leaders declined to give a reason. Abortion opponents said the discussion would have promoted illegal activity, something advocates deny.
OPINION: Discussing politics in the classroom shouldn’t feel unsafe
I’ve never been one to shy away from a debate or hold back my thoughts. I approach conversations with confidence and have always felt comfortable expressing my beliefs and opinions openly. Valuing open discussion is always important. But when it comes to politics in the classroom, I often don’t f
How a WhatsApp group for D.C. parents broke apart over politics
A parents’ group tried to establish boundaries for discussion on their WhatsApp chat. It led to a schism.
Prince William shares personal message on mental health and male suicide
Prince William has offered his advice to those struggling with their mental health, in a special Radio 1 panel discussion.
Reexamining the “Nation of Immigrants”: The Politics of ICE Enforcement Keynote and Panel Discussion
The keynote and panel event Reexamining the “Nation of Immigrants”: The Politics of ICE Enforcement was held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 and discussed the current state of immigration enforcement.
UMass Lowell Athletics Hosts Career After Sports Workshop for Student-Athletes
LOWELL, Mass. - UMass Lowell Athletics hosted its first-ever Career After Sports Workshop, a panel discussion designed to help student-athletes better understand the transition from college athletics to the workforce.
Covington Business Council's March luncheon to feature discussion of Covington's new city hall
Covington Business Council’s monthly luncheons have experienced sell-outs early, so here’s a chance to sign up early for the March luncheon — all about the City of Covington’s new city hall — to be held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 19 at the Embassy Suites downtown. The plan to build a new permanent City Hall for...
City hosts feedback meeting for entertainment zones
The city of Vacaville’s newly merged Department of Community and Economic Development hosted a community feedback discussion regarding the possibility of Entertainment Zones and a parklet program i…
City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public, and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increase valuable discussions, and decrease division.
Europe has 'failed' in the face of Trump and Putin's ‘wrecking ball’ politics, top security official says
The head of Europe’s biggest security forum said regional powers were “totally on the sidelines” of major discussions — but that it was their “own fault.”
LBGTQ+ business leaders take part in roundtable discussion at City Hall
LBGTQ+ business leaders take part in roundtable discussion to discuss how city officials can support diverse business.
The Real Truth About The Upsides And Downsides Of Generative AI As A Mental Health Advisor
Most discussions about AI that's used for mental health is tilted to one side or the other, either its good or its bad. The full story is a tradeoff. An AI Insider scoop.
Mental Health Collaborative Event To Take Place At Sheridan College
Sheridan Memorial Hospital in partnership with the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation will host “Building a Mental Health Collaborative” on Wednesday, February 11th, at Sheridan College. The event aims to foster partnerships and collaboration among individuals, nonprofits and businesses that work in mental health in Sheridan and Johnson counties. While the half-day event includes panel discussions […]
Sources: North Dakota State in serious discussions to join Mountain West as football-only member
North Dakota State’s long-awaited move to the Football Bowl Subdivision is inching closer to becoming a reality.
Florida Politics Now: Election system changes under discussion
Watch our newest streaming show, “Florida Politics Now,” where we discuss all things Florida politics.
Liverpool Champions League winner set to sign for Celtic
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Opens Talks With Celtic as Coaching Ambitions Take ShapeAlex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s next move in football may blend playing ambition with long-term planning, as discussions wit...
Only 15 and already a PhD: this Belgian genius stunned the scientific world - Futura-Sciences
Laurent’s achievement isn’t just about age. It’s about accelerating possibilities in science — from ultracold quantum systems to ambitious visions of improving human biology and extending healthy life. His journey prompts discussion around talent, education and the pace of discovery in the 21st century. A prodigy rewrites the academic timeline...
Politics Professor Speaks in the Great Hall at the Library of Congress
Brian Alexander, associate professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, participated in a moderated discussion at the John W. Kluge Center’s Member Dinner held Jan. 14 in the Great Hall …
CEPI and Korea discuss future of AI-driven international health cooperation
Seminar held at Korea's National Assembly to discuss the link between AI and health ODA.
2026 Pro Bowl Games discussion
There are plenty of Eagles involved in Tuesday’s flag football game.
Sources: Clippers, Cavaliers engaged in James Harden trade talks
The Clippers have engaged in discussions surrounding veteran guard James Harden.
Packers Discussion: Keep, cut or trade Nate Hobbs in 2026?
The path to a Nate Hobbs trade isn’t as far-out as you might think.
Business Leadership Week 2026 at Texas State University
Business Leadership Week will explore leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and ethics through workshops, panel discussions, engaging sessions and networking opportunities.
Mays Honors Outstanding Doctoral Alumni in Award Ceremony - Mays Business School News
Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School recognized Dr. Michael Drake as the recipient of the Mays Outstanding Doctoral Alumni Award during a special event on January 30 that included a reception and a research discussion highlighting Drake’s scholarly contributions and career impact. The Mays
Xtalks Announces its Life Science Webinar Calendar for February 2026
Stay on top of current hot topics through free webinars presented by leading experts in the pharma, biotech, medical device and food industries. Access to all webinars is free, so be sure to register today to save your place! Participate in the discussion and stay relevant in your field!
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier the big winner at Senior Bowl
Nussmeier likely entered Senior Bowl week with a day three grade, but he might have gotten himself into the day two discussion now.
UNC Basketball vs. Georgia Tech: Live Discussion
Can the Tar Heels conquer their demons and beat the Yellow Jackets on the road?
ASNC says PET is now the preferred nuclear imaging test for CAD
Which imaging modality is better for evaluating heart patients, PET or SPECT? After years of discussions and debates, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology is now ready to point to PET as the No. 1 choice. “There are no clinical scenarios or patient subgroups where cardiac PET with myocardial blood flow should be excluded," the group wrote.
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
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Suds & Science
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LAS VEGAS – The world’s largest tech showcase does not come without theatrics. Innovations and gadgets like a lollipop that sings to you as you consume it, a laundry-folding robot and a “smart” LEGO b...
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LAS VEGAS (AP) — The world’s largest tech showcase does not come without theatrics. Innovations and gadgets like a lollipop that sings to you as you consume it, a laundry-folding robot and a “smart”…
Entertainment leaders amp up discussions about AI, creators and innovative tech at CES 2026
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Entertainment leaders amp up discussions about AI, creators and innovative tech at CES 2026
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