World leaders gather for the sixtieth Munich Security Conference with growing concerns about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cohesion; the African Union holds its annual summit as multiple crises mount, including armed conflict and democratic blacksliding; Kim Jong Un increases aggressive language and acts as North Korea prepares to celebrate the late father and leader Kim Jong Il’s birthday; and former Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is nominated to lead a coalition government as the new prime minister.

Mentioned on the Podcast

“Eight Priorities for the African Union in 2024,” International Crisis Group

“How We Have Portrayed North Korean Leaders on The Economist’s Covers,” Economist

Joshua Kurlantzick, “Pakistan’s Election Results: Imran Khan Claims Victory, But He’s Unlikely to Get It,” CFR.org

Munich Security Report 2024, Munich Security Conference 

Munich Security Index 2024, Munich Security Conference

Scott A. Snyder, “Why is North Korea Turning More Aggressive?” CFR.org

Uzair Younus, “Five Ways Imran Khan’s Party Used Technology to Outperform in Pakistan’s Elections,” Atlantic Council