JGI Policy Pulse

In this episode of the JGI Policy Pulse we delve into the heart of security challenges shaping the landscapes of Latin America and the Caribbean. In a thought-provoking conversation recorded for FIU students, we explore the nuanced perspectives of a seasoned Admiral on the frontlines of defense.

Our guest, the esteemed Admiral Craig S. Faller, shares insights on the region’s security dynamics, China’s growing influence, and personal values that inspired his service and sacrifice for the greater good.

Craig Faller is a retired four star United States Navy Admiral with nearly four decades of global leadership experience. Faller most recently led United States Southern Command where he was responsible for U.S. military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean with the primary objective of forging strong security partnerships. He has served in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions both on large staffs and in Command of a United States Navy Carrier Strike Group and two warships. He has extensive Washington, DC experience in the Pentagon and with Congress as the Department of the Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs (lead representative to Congress on behalf of the leadership of the Navy). In the Pentagon he served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Faller earned a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering and a master’s in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School.

In this special final episode for 2023, Dr. Shlomi Dinar, dean of FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, joins us with Mario Loyola, a research assistant professor at FIU's Institute of Environment and College of Law. They delve into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas war, unraveling the implications of the conflict through the lens of international and human rights laws. 

Mario Loyola

Mario Loyola is a research assistant professor and director of the Environmental Finance and Risk Management Program in the Institute of Environment, an FIU Preeminent Program. He also teaches environmental law courses at the College of Law and advises law students on environment-related matters. Loyola has worked on environmental policy and regulatory issues for many years, both in and out of government. He is a former associate director for regulatory reform at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and has also served at the Pentagon and in the U.S. Senate. Loyola is a fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and has published extensively in National Review, The Atlantic and the Wall Street Journal, in addition to academic and policy journals. He received a BA in European History from the University of Wisconsin and a JD from Washington University School of Law.

Shlomi Dinar

Shlomi Dinar is the dean of the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs and a Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations.

Dinar’s research interests lie at the intersection of international environmental politics, security, and negotiation. In particular, he has published in the area of conflict and cooperation over transboundary rivers (a field popularly known as ‘hydro-politics’). In addition, he works on the linkages between climate change and international water issues, particularly as such a relationship pertains to the resilience and effectiveness of international river basins and institutions, respectively.

Approximately one month after Hamas’ attack on Israel, in this special edition of the JGI Policy Pulse your host is Dr. Shlomi Dinar, Dean of FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs. Together with Miri Eisin, Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel, and retired Colonel of the Israel Defense Forces, they go beyond the attack on October 7th to examine additional factors and challenges facing Israel, Gaza, the Palestinians, and the broader Middle East. 

Colonel (Ret.) Miri Eisin

COL (Ret.) Miri Eisin is the incoming Managing Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism. COL (Ret.) Eisin served in the Israeli intelligence community and retired from active duty at the rank of full colonel in 2004. Over her twenty-year career in the military, she served as the deputy head of the combat intelligence corps, the personal assistant to the director of Military intelligence, and as the intelligence officer in combat units and research departments.

Shlomi Dinar

Shlomi Dinar is the dean of the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs and a Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations.

Dinar’s research interests lie at the intersection of international environmental politics, security, and negotiation. In particular, he has published in the area of conflict and cooperation over transboundary rivers (a field popularly known as ‘hydro-politics’). In addition, he works on the linkages between climate change and international water issues, particularly as such a relationship pertains to the resilience and effectiveness of international river basins and institutions, respectively.

In our latest episode, Florida International University's JGI Policy Pulse, brought to you by the Jack Gordon Institute at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, delves deep into the unrelenting conflict between Israel and Hamas. Host Leland Lazarus is joined by Eric Lob, an expert in Middle Eastern politics at FIU, to explore the dire consequences of the recent Hamas attack on Israel. This is a continuing saga that goes beyond headlines, acknowledging the human impact and ongoing tensions in the region. Join us for a sobering discussion that delves into the heart of the matter, demanding our unwavering attention and understanding. 

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month just around the corner, this episode features Randy Pestana, the Associate Director of Cybersecurity Policy at the Jack D. Gordon Institute. Randy's perspectives stem from his most recent publication in America's Quarterly, where he delves into the prevailing cyber landscape in Latin America and examines how the U.S. can offer vital support. Additionally, we explore several initiatives that Randy currently spearheads, all aimed at expanding cyber education throughout the region. One of these initiatives, the Veteran and First Responder Training Initiative, holds a special place in his heart. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation on the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity and its ongoing impact.

Ali Rahman is the President and CEO of Lithium Energi Exploration, Inc. (LEXI) and CEO of Triangle Lithium LLC. With extensive geopolitical experience across regions like Latin America, MENA, West Africa, and the Balkans, he specializes in natural resource economics, infrastructure, and logistics. Ali's expertise extends to dealmaking in cross-border acquisitions, divestments, and joint ventures. He leads projects globally at the Global Oil Management Group, following his role as Vice President of Phoenix Partners Group's expansion into various countries. He holds a law degree from Columbia Law School and is a member of the New York Bar Association. Ali is also the General Counsel for the Global Oil Management Group, a Senior Fellow at the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, and a board member of companies operating in MENA and Latin America.

In this special episode our host, Leland Lazarus, takes the seat as our guest as fellow Jack D. Gordon Program Director, Mike Asencio, speaks with him as on why more wealthy Chinese individuals are becoming Caribbean citizens. Five Caribbean countries have benefited immensely from CBI (Citizenship by Investment), a program that contributes as much as a third of some countries’ gross domestic product (GDP). Throughout recent years, a growing number of wealthy individuals from China have been applying for CBI in the Caribbean. This raises the question of how affluent Chinese people might use their political influence in the future as they continue to relocate their assets and citizenship to the Caribbean, and what it means going forward.

Leland Lazarus, Associate Director of Research at Florida International University's Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy, is a prominent expert in China-Latin America relations. Leading a team analyzing U.S. security and governance in Latin America, he previously advised the U.S. Southern Command on China's role in the region. With an extensive career including State Department service and roles such as Fulbright scholar and China Central Television Associate Producer, Leland's insights have been featured in major publications. Recognized for his contributions, he holds awards like the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award and the Distinguished Honor Award. Fluent in Mandarin and Spanish, Leland holds an M.A. in U.S.-China Foreign Policy and a B.A. in International Relations.

When you think of all the transnational organized crime out there—drugs, arms, human trafficking—you wouldn’t immediately think of illegal wildlife trafficking. But it’s the 4th most profitable illegal trade in the world. A global network of traffickers sells shark fins, rhino horns, jaguar skins, illegal fish, and elephant tusks to their global customers. Much of this demand comes from China. In this episode, Andrea Crosta, Executive Director of the NGO called Earth League International, gives us a glimpse into the dark world of wildlife traffickers, and how his team, called the “intelligence agency for Earth” is trying to stop them. 

With over 35 years of global conservation experience, Andrea combines nearly two decades of international consultancy in high-end security technologies, homeland security, and risk management with his passion for conservation, environmental crime, and wildlife protection. He founded Earth League International (ELI), played a key role in the Wildlife Justice Commission and The Africa Conservancy Foundation, and led the groundbreaking WildLeaks initiative. Andrea advises the Nature Crime Alliance and has been featured in documentaries like Netflix's 'The Ivory Game' and NatGeo/Disney's 'Sea of Shadows'. Collaborating with U.S. law enforcement, governmental agencies, and academic institutions including Florida International University and Edinburgh University, he's a multidisciplinary entrepreneur and holds degrees in Natural Sciences, Business & Innovation, and Psychology. He's also a Fellow of The Explorers Club.