Jason Thistlethwaite, Director of the Climate Change Adaptation Project at the University of Waterloo, joins podcast host and CIGI Chair of Global Security David Welch for a discussion on the relationship between financial risk and climate change.

With the withdrawal of Western involvement in Afghanistan on the horizon, Mark Sedra visits Inside the Issues to share insights on what we can expect for the future of Afghanistan. The discussion begins by considering if Western withdrawal will simply mark a new stage in the war, as civil war seems to be looming. Sedra moves on to explore the deteriorating security situation, issues of poor governance, and the immense challenge and cost of maintaining the security structures that have been put in place

What does it take to be a successful diplomat? How has the profession changed and what shape will diplomacy take in the future? Jorge Heine, CIGI Distinguished Fellow and Chair of Global Governance visits Inside the Issues to discuss the new book, The Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy and to share insights on the practice of diplomacy in an increasingly globalized world. In discussion with podcast host and CIGI Chair of Global Security David Welch, Heine discusses the history, evolution and craft of diplomacy along with the impact of digital technology on the profession — including issues surrounding WikiLeaks and Twitter diplomacy.

As urbanization, depopulation and climate change continue to alter the face of the Arctic, so too is the definition of sustainability changing within the region. This week, Aileen Espíritu, Director of The Barents Institute, visits Inside the Issues to discuss the many complexities of Arctic sustainability.

What is state capitalism and can the inherently public and private aspects be reconciled? Sarah Eaton, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo joins David Welch, CIGI Chair of Global Security for a discussion on state capitalism in China.

Genia Kostka, Assistant Professor of Chinese Business Studies at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, visits Inside the Issues this week to share insights on the ground-up green politics taking place in China. Kostka notes that while the country may be reluctant to make international environmental commitments, positive change can be seen at the domestic level.

In April 2012, Islamist insurgents seized control of the three largest cities in northern Mali — Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu — claiming independence from the state. Robert I. Rotberg, a visiting Fulbright Scholar at CIGI, stops by Inside the Issues to discuss the recent French intervention in the region and forthcoming rebuilding efforts.

CIGI Senior Fellow Bessma Momani visits Inside the Issues to discuss the shift of the "Arab Awakening" to an "Arab Disillusioning." Beginning with Tunisia, Momani shares her optimism about the structural changes taking place, noting that while economic malaise continues to add to internal pressures, there is hope for eventual progress. Moving across the region, the discussion offers insights on current circumstances and anticipated change in Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iran and Israel.

David Welch, CIGI Chair of Global Security and podcast host welcomes Membathisi Mdladlana the South African High Commissioner to Canada for a discussion on South Africa's evolving place in the world. Describing the nation as a "proud, stable democracy," Mdladlana expands on South Africa's role within the region and as a leader within the continent. The conversation moves on to consider the impact of former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in unifying the nation and in setting an example for other African leaders. The role and contribution of South Africa as part of the BRICS is also discussed along with a review of the long-standing relationship between South Africa and Canada.

Lucie Edwards, a former Canadian High Commissioner and current Ph.D. candidate in Global Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, visits Inside the Issues to consider how the interface between science and public policy is having an effect on climate change, food security and biodiversity.