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Everyday global financial markets are ingesting millions of datapoints and investors utilize these signals to search for understanding and opportunity. Top tier financial firms, such as Morgan Stanley, employ teams to parse the data, identify the trends, and find the throughlines that will inform solid investment advice, looking at the geopolitical picture all the way down to how local decisions may impact long term growth. In this month's episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Monica Guerra, executive director and the head of Policy and Geopolitical Strategy for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, who provides key insights into the trends she and her team are tracking.This episode provides you with key insights into why global understanding can benefit even the smallest of investors and how to parse the signal from the noise. Whether trying to understand the future of the USMCA Trade agreement, how global elections will shape relationships, or how AI and data centers will shape future economies, this podcast unlocks the door to these opportunities. One key insight to listen for surrounds the importance of defense spending and how ongoing wars fuel demand. Not only does understanding the world provide insights for investing, following the money through investment cycles can help you understand the world. If you see major investments going to one sector or economy, that can be a signal that the outlook is positive for that region. If you see capital flight, it could be an area to pay attention to. At the end of it all, knowledge is powerful and will ultimately provide you with the insights you need to understand the world.Monica Guerra is an executive director and the head of Policy and Geopolitical Strategy for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, where she leads public policy-driven market research and translates fiscal, monetary, and regulatory developments into actionable investment insights for financial advisors, with a focus on multi-asset investment strategy. Previously, Monica served on the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Municipal Research team and was a credit analyst in the Public Finance Group at Fitch Ratings. With more than a decade of public service experience, she has held senior roles shaping economic and fiscal policy, including director of Capital Budget and Economic Development for the Cityof New York; member of the New York State Regional Economic Development Council; and legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she developed financial services policy, such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protections Act, and led federal appropriations efforts. Her background also includes early experience as a campaign strategist, informing her assessment of political risk, policy implementation, and market outcomes. Monica is a regular contributor to Bloomberg News and CNBC, and her investment views have been cited by The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Barron’s, and Politico. She is a member of the SIFMA Private Client Services Committee and Digital Assets Committee. Monica holds an MPA in Public Finance from New York University and a BFA from Northern Illinois University.

Many people have written about the dismantling of the U.S. global order and that countries are turning to China for new leadership. While this may be overblown, as many countries don't seem to be abandoning the US totally, it does seem clear that fewer countries view the world in the same way. Whether it is India continuing to buy Russian oil, or fewer countries reliably voting with the U.S. at the United Nations, or the idea that the U.S. promotes stability and peace, it seems America has lost its ability to rally the world. In this month's episode, we explore with Sarwar Kashmeri, host of the Polaris Live web series, how the world has left the United States behind and forged new strucutures and alliances to secure their own national interests. He also outlines the ways in which the U.S. could regain its lost status and begin to retake global ground it has ceded to China. By rebuilding relationships, recommitting ourselves to the international order, and leading with values, the United States can live up to its lofty goals for itself and the world. This is not easy work and is strengthened by friendships, which requires an engaged and informed voter base to demand it from their government.Sarwar Kashmeri is an international relations specialist, author, and commentator, noted for his expertise on U.S. global strategy and national security. He speaks frequently before business, foreign policy and military audiences. He is the founder and host of Polaris-Live. com, “United States and China in the world,” a live internet video program featuring 30 minute conversations on the business and geopolitical impact of China’s rapid rise to superpower status. Kashmeri is author of the Foreign Policy Association’s report “The Telegram: A China Agenda For President Biden“ (2021); “The Telegram II: The Business of America and China is Business“(2022); “China’s Grand Strategy: Weaving a New Silk Road to Global Primacy,” (Bloomsbury), his third book, was published in July 2019. It is a centennial book of the Foreign Policy Association where Sarwar is a Senior Fellow. The book was released at a Washington D.C. launch featuring Kashmeri and former U.S. Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel. He is also an Applied Research Fellow of the Peace and War Center of Norwich University, Vermont, USA  and served a four year term as a non-residential Senior Fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center for International Security of the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C. Kashmeri has hosted “China Focus,” a podcast series for the Carnegie Corporation of New York and discussed China’s Belt and Road Initiative on television with Deutsche Welle, the German news network, and in a series of interviews with Xinhua, China’s global news agency.

Over the past decade or so, the United States has pursued an approach to global trade that seems to rest on the idea that globalization has not worked, that we have lost too much, and that the world is taking advantage of us. From Hilary Clinton campaigning against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (a free trade agreement she worked to craft) to the current tariff frenzy, politicians on both sides of the aisle have blamed trade for a whole host of problems here in the U.S. However, as the U.S. moved in a more protectionist direction over the past three administrations, the rest of the world continues to craft trade deals that go around the United States. In this month's episode, we take a look at the history of international trade and unpack how things have shifted from the protectionism of the 1930s, to the opening of trade in the Post World War II era, and into today. It remains fascinating that Americans, for the most part, are supportive of free and open trade with other countries, that majorities do not like the tariffs, and many would be disappointed to see their favorite products disappear from store shelves, that both Parties are implementing policies that fly in the face of public opinion.Join the global conversation to take a deeper dive into the world of trade, its challenges, and what it looks like when the United States decides to sit on the sidelines. William Reinsch is a senior adviser and Scholl Chair emeritus with the Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Previously, he was a senior advisor at the law firm of Kelley, Drye & Warren and served for 15 years as president of the National Foreign Trade Council, which represents multinational companies on international trade and tax policy issues. From 2001 to 2016, he concurrently served as a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He is also an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, teaching a course in trade policy and politics. Reinsch also served as the under secretary of commerce for export administration during the Clinton administration. Prior to that, he spent 20 years on Capitol Hill, most of them as senior legislative assistant to the late senator John Heinz (R-PA) and subsequently to Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV). He holds a BA and an MA in international relations from the Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies respectively.

Cuba has long played a role in U.S. foreign relations, including as a one time part of the country following the Spanish American War in 1898. However, since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the relationship has been rocky to say the least. As tensions between the two countries ratchet up, now is an important time to dive into this history and understand where things are headed. While the popular image of Cuba as a Communist stronghold has faded, many reforms have taken place to open up the space for private ownership and community organizing. Recently, the Cuban government announced the passage of 176 economic reforms, which they say are based on lessons learned from other communist countries like China and Vietnam.However, the United States has  continued to ratchet up the pressure on this island nation, continuing the longest running embargo/sanctions regime against any one entity. This has pushed an economy that was already in a precarious position over the edge, causing major power outages and food shortages. Under the threat of invasion by the U.S., tensions are high,  but hope for a collaborative approach remains. In this month's episode, we dive into this long and complex history to better understand the challenges and opportunities to collaboration. We also explore where these two governments have found agreement in the past and discuss if a complete change in Cuba's government is even in the U.S.' best interests at this point.Dr. Jorge Dominguez is a former professor, with a particular interest in Cuba and Mexico. His current research focuses on comparative politics across Latin America and is the author and co-editor of several dozen books on the subject. Born in Cuba, his family left the island in 1960 for Miami and New York. He now resides in New Hampshire.

As one of the most important geopolitical relationships in the world, the United States - China relationship has the opportunity to set the course of a number of issues that would ripple across the world. Unfortunately, it seems that misperceptions, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities abound in this vital relationship. In this month's episode, we speak with Sarwar Kashmeri, a leading international relations scholar, academic, business leader, and host of the Polaris Live program, about his recent trip to China and what insights he gathered during his travels. During his two weeks in China, a country he has not visited in over 20 years, he became confident that both sides of this relationship do not understand each other and that the only solution is exchanges, travel, and everyday interactions which can lead to a better path forward. He outlines the worldview that many in China hold and what their government seems to want from engagement with the world. This certainly is not a relationship free of critical challenges, but we can all do our part to solve them by accurately understanding what each side wants from the other.Sarwar Kashmeri is an international relations specialist, author, and commentator, noted for his expertise on U.S. global strategy and national security.He speaks frequently before business, foreign policy and military audiences. He is the founder and host of Polaris-Live. com, “United States and China in the world,” a live internet video program featuring 30 minute conversations on the business and geopolitical impact of China’s rapid rise to superpower status. Kashmeri is author of the Foreign Policy Association’s report “The Telegram: A China Agenda For President Biden“ (2021); “The Telegram II: The Business of America and China is Business“(2022); “China’s Grand Strategy: Weaving a New Silk Road to Global Primacy,” (Bloomsbury), his third book, was published in July 2019. It is a centennial book of the Foreign Policy Association where Sarwar is a Senior Fellow. The book was released at a Washington D.C. launch featuring Kashmeri and former U.S. Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel. He is also an Applied Research Fellow of the Peace and War Center of Norwich University, Vermont, USA  and served a four year term as a non-residential Senior Fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center for International Security of the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C. Kashmeri has hosted “China Focus,” a podcast series for the Carnegie Corporation of New York and discussed China’s Belt and Road Initiative on television with Deutsche Welle, the German news network, and in a series of interviews with Xinhua, China’s global news agency.

Access to energy has been one of the major driving forces in geopolitics since at least the industrial revolution. Without reliable access to the dominate form of energy, economies stall, people protest, and governments fall apart. The United States has become an energy superpower, leading the way in multiple forms of diversified energy resources, however, its economy remains vulnerable to supply disruptions, particularly for oil and the rare earth minerals currently necessary for renewable energy production. How does the closing of the Strait of Hormuz lead to higher gas prices? What steps can we take to insulate ourselves from these shocks? What are the new and emerging technologies that will reshape our energy infrastructure of the future?This month we speak with Dr. Stephen Bird, Director of the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire, to explore these questions and more. Dr. Bird's career has focused on all aspects of energy policy, with a particular focus on energy conflicts, polarization, and the energy transition. Join the conversation as we explore the critical spaces that energy occupies in our daily lives and how decisions made thousands of miles away can shape your daily life.Stephen Bird is the Director of Carsey School of Public Policy and a professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire. He is also a research professor (courtesy) at the Institute for Sustainable Environment at Clarkson University where he was formerly a full professor of political science. In addition, he's a faculty Research Affiliate with the Positive Energy Project at the University of Ottawa. Stephen's work examines all aspects of energy policy and regulation broadly, with a deep focus on impacting the energy transition. Engagements and research awards have included New York’s Energy Research Authority, the U.S. State Department, the European Commission, National Resources Canada, a 2016 Fulbright Research Chair, and the National Science Foundation. Corporate partnerships have included the NY Power Authority, GE, National Grid, AMD, the US Green Building Council, and IBM. His current research and engagements focus on energy conflict & polarization, drivers of energy acceptance (fracking, solar, wind), split incentives and smart housing, and energy technology governance & implementation (microgrids, green data centers). Stephen completed his PhD at Boston University and his Masters at Harvard University.

Conversations about women’s health are often avoided in polite company — but ignoring challenges does not make them disappear. Period poverty is a global issue affecting communities everywhere, creating serious consequences not only for women and girls, but for society as a whole. In this month's episode, we speak with the Fihri Foundation and its founder, Ceylon Rowe, to explore this important yet often overlooked topic. Together, we unpack the data, share personal stories, and examine practical solutions to a challenge impacting more than 500 million people worldwide who lack reliable access to period products. This conversation offers meaningful insight into how individuals and communities can make a difference — whether through donations, organizing or joining a Period-Palooza, or simply helping raise awareness by sharing the discussion. Small actions can help empower women and ensure no one feels isolated by an issue that affects so many.Ceylan Rowe is the Founder and CEO of the Fihri Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing period poverty by providing sustainable menstrual products to women and girls in underserved communities around the world. Under her leadership, the foundation has reached communities in over 16 countries, supporting those affected by natural disasters, displacement, and lack of access to essential resources. Ceylan’s passion for equity and humanitarian work stems from her personal experiences as a child of Turkish immigrants and from witnessing the impact of the 1999 earthquake in Turkey. She has served as a Commissioner for the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women, advocated for menstrual equity legislation in Massachusetts, and even ran for Massachusetts State Representative in 2020. She has also been a featured speaker at the Massachusetts Conference for Women, the MetroWest Conference for Women, and the Vital Voices Global Festival, among others. In recognition of her impact, Ceylan was nominated as a 2025 Northeastern University Women Who Empower Innovator Fellow. She holds a BA in Political Science and International Affairs from Northeastern University and an MBA from Babson College. A dedicated mother of two, she continues to inspire through her commitment to ensuring that no one is held back by their period.

47 years. That is how long the U.S. and Iran have been circling each other, probing for weaknesses, and demonizing the other (in many cases for good reason). Tensions reached a tipping point on February 28, 2026 and the United States, along with Israel, initiated a new wave of strikes which has lead to chaos across the Middle East. 11 countries have been targeted by retaliatory strikes from Iran and the death toll on all sides continues to rise. How did we get here? Why was now the time to act? Where does it all end and what decisions will shape the final outcome of this latest use of military force? In this month's episode, we speak with Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, where he focuses on Iran. We review the terse relationship between these two countries since the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and outline the litany of moments that have shaped the course of history. In addition, the conversation outlines how this war got started and what shape it has taken in the early days, providing key insights into possible outcomes. While much is left to be written in this story, the key moments have been set in motion. Listen to gain critical insights into this fast moving and ever changing conflict that will reverberate across the world for years to come.(Please note: This episode was recorded on February 27, one day before U.S. and Israeli airstrikes started. We have tried to capture the latest updates to the fighting, but understand this conflict has shifted rapidly in the first few days).Alex Vatanka is a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute. He specializes in Middle Eastern regional security affairs with a particular focus on Iran. He was formerly a Senior Analyst at Jane’s Information Group in London. Alex is also a Senior Fellow in Middle East Studies at the US Air Force Special Operations School (USAFSOS) at Hurlburt Field and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at DISAS at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He has testified before the US Congress and lectured widely for both governmental and commercial audiences, including the US Departments of State and Defense, US intelligence agencies, and a list of international corporations. Born in Tehran, he holds a BA in Political Science (Sheffield University, UK), and an MA in International Relations (Essex University, UK), and is fluent in Farsi and Danish. He is the author of two books: The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran: The United States, Foreign Policy and Political Rivalry Since 1979 (2021) and Iran and Pakistan: Security, Diplomacy, and American Influence (2015). He has also written chapters for a number of books, including Authoritarianism Goes Global (2016); Handbook on Contemporary Pakistan (2017); Russia in the Middle East (2018), Winning the Battle, Losing the War: Addressing the Drivers Fueling Armed Non-state Actors and Extremist Groups (2020); Global, Regional and Local Dynamics in the Yemen Crisis (2020); Routledge Handbook of Counterterrorism and Irregular Warfare Operations (2021); and Understanding New Proxy Wars (2022). He is presently working on his third book, Iran’s Arab Strategy: Defending the Homeland or Exporting Khomeinism?

This month marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a conflict that has reshaped global politics, security, and the international order. To reflect on this grim anniversary, Global in the Granite State welcomes a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Sviatoslav Yuras, Ukraine’s youngest member of parliament and a recent participant in the Open World Leadership Program hosted in New Hampshire. Drawing on his experiences as both a lawmaker and a frontline soldier, Yuras offers rare insight into how Ukrainians view the war, the prospects for peace, and the hard lessons learned from broken agreements with Russia. He speaks candidly about why Ukrainians remain deeply skeptical of ceasefires without real security guarantees, how morale endures amid staggering personal sacrifice, and what “Live Free or Die” truly means when national survival is at stake. The conversation also explores the broader global implications of the war—from the authoritarian coalition backing Russia to the role of democratic accountability inside Ukraine itself, including how the country confronts corruption even in wartime. Above all, this episode asks a critical question for Americans and Granite Staters alike: why does Ukraine matter to us—and what role can citizens play in shaping what comes next? This is a sobering, hopeful, and ultimately urgent discussion about sovereignty, democracy, and the cost of indifference in a world where might is once again testing right.Sviatoslav Andriyovych Yurash is the youngest ever Ukrainian MP and a public figure. An active participant in the Revolution of Dignity. MP of Ukraine of the IX convocation from the "Servant of the People" party. Initiator and Chairman of the largest caucus in the history of the Parliament "Values. Dignity. Family", Initiator and Secretary of the second largest Parliamentary Caucus "Intermarium". Member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Relations and Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Ukrainians Abroad.

In the wake of the U.S. capture of Nicholás Maduro, a lot of questions have swirled around this major international event. Two things seem indisputable at this point. First, this was a near flawless and impressive operation by the U.S. military. Second, Nicholás Maduro is not a good guy. Beyond that, people around the world seem to fall into two main camps, this was a law enforcement operation taking a dangerous person off the "streets" or this was an illegal capture of a sitting leader that sets a bad precedent. As with most international events, the truth probably lands somewhere in the middle. For this month's episode we brought back Henry Ziemer, associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to update us on the latest information about the raid, the future of Venezuela, and what this all means for the region. This episode does not aim to decide the legality of the U.S.' action, but rather to provide key insights and context into how this may shape the world moving forward. From providing insights into the background of interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, to how the U.S. is reshaping its relationship to Latin America, listeners will come away with greater insights on this major geopolitical shake-up.Henry Ziemer is an associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he supports the program’s research agenda and coordinates event planning and outreach. He previously served as an intern for the Americas Program. His research interests include transnational organized crime and human rights and security in Central America. Mr. Ziemer holds a BA in global affairs and history from Yale University.The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is a non-partisan, non-profit, community supported organization. We do not take stances on policy, politics, politicians, or Parties. We rely upon a strong community of supporters to ensure these programs remain free and available to the public.Please consider a donation to support this engaging work.

Sudan, once one of Africa's largest countries, has had a tumultuous history since independence in 1956 from Egypt and the United Kingdom. Over that 70 plus year history, the country has struggled through multiple civil wars, coups and coup attempts (20 overall and 7 successful), creating a very unstable and violent history. That violence continues today with a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) each holding power over vast parts of the modern day country. The most recent fighting, which kicked off in 2023, has caused over 400,000 deaths and the world's worst displacement of people, numbering over 11 million. In addition, hundreds of thousands are on the brink of starvation and the number of documented atrocities continues to rise. Yet, this is the issue the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire consistently gets asked about why this conflict does not draw more attention. In a follow on to our conversation with Susan Stigant from 2023 (you can view here), the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire spoke with Husam Mahjoub, a Sudanese journalist and activist, to gain insights into the roots of this intractable conflict and why the United States has seemed disinterested in getting involved in over a decade. This episode aims to bring valuable attention to this critical issue and to provide key insights for the listener. By engaging with this conversation, you will better understand where things stand today and hear why your voice matters in this all. To support this program, please visit wacnh.org/donate to show the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire and its global community the value you find in these episodes. Husam Mahjoub is a cofounder of Sudan Bukra, an independent nonprofit TV channel watched by millions of Sudanese viewers. A telecom professional and activist, he holds master’s degrees from the London Business School and Georgia Tech and currently lives in Austin, Texas. He has published articles on politics, human rights, the economy, culture, and international affairs

You have likely heard about the buildup of American naval forces in the region around Venezuela. You have also, probably, heard conflicting reports on why this is happening. Does the United States want only to target drug trafficking groups and use all tools of the US military to stop it? Are they instead building up forces to scare Venezuela's government, led by Nicolas Maduro, to fold and flee the country? Is this the prelude to a war designed to completely reshape the future of this once democratic country? In this month's episode you will hear a deep conversation about the history of this impending crisis and where things go from here.Speaking with Henry Ziemer, associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Tim Horgan outlines the various voices leading these countries down this path, explores the rhetoric and highlights the complex realities, as well as provides some predictions on outcomes, understanding there are many factors that will shape this over the next weeks, months, and perhaps years. Whether designed to simply target drug boats or something more, the clock is ticking on the potential for conflict and the public relations battle that will follow no matter what happens.Henry Ziemer is an associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he supports the program’s research agenda and coordinates event planning and outreach. He previously served as an intern for the Americas Program. His research interests include transnational organized crime and human rights and security in Central America. Mr. Ziemer holds a BA in global affairs and history from Yale University.

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the ways in which people, governments, and other entities engage with it morph right along with these generational changes. This is true for the current wave of protests sweeping the globe that got its start in countries from the Andes to the Himalayas. What ties these protests together are not only the demands for a better future, in each country's context, but also the marrying of A.I. with social media to mobilize at hyper-speed. From Nepal, to Madagascar, to Peru and beyond, people are jumping online to then organize and bring people to the streets in protest of the "nepo-babies", living standards, and a lack of a clear path to a better future. In this month's episode we speak with Dr. Janjira Sombatpoonsiri, a Research Fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies, about the features of these protests, what ties them together, and what drives them to change. Looking at the issues of how social media can be used to organize or infiltrate, provide anonymity or easy tracking, and a open playground for manipulation and rage. These trends have all been supercharged over the past several years, as Artificial Intelligence has allowed protest movements and governments to amplify their own messages at the speed of thought, creating catchy graphics, videos, and re-post chains that brings the fight online. Dr. Janjira Sombatpoonsiri is a political scientist whose work sheds light on how people organize, resist, and find their voices under authoritarian pressure. Based at the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and as a Research Fellow with the German Institute for Global and Area Studies, she studies social movements, digital repression, and nonviolent activism across Southeast Asia. The author of Humor and Nonviolent Struggle in Serbia, Dr. Sombatpoonsiri brings a unique perspective on how creativity and courage shape movements for change in today’s complex political landscape.

How does studying or working abroad change the way we see ourselves—and the world? In this episode of Global in the Granite State, host Tim Horgan shares his own story of transformation through exchange, alongside insights from Mark Overmann, Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange. Together, they explore the lifelong impacts of international exchanges, from shaping careers to building cross-cultural understanding, and from strengthening local communities to advancing U.S. diplomacy. Discover how exchange programs—from study abroad to the International Visitor Leadership Program—empower individuals, enrich communities, and create global connections that ripple far beyond borders. Whether it’s learning adaptability, forging unexpected friendships, or contributing to citizen diplomacy, these experiences prove that exchange isn’t just travel—it’s life-changing.Mark Overmann joined the Alliance as Executive Director in 2022, after having served as Assistant Director and Deputy Director from 2009-2015. Mark has nearly 20 years of experience in the NGO, association, federal, and university sectors. He excels at association management, government relations, including extensive work with the U.S. Department of State and Congress, strategic communications, and organizational development. Mark also served as a Senior Manager at Accenture Federal Services supporting global health and diplomacy programs; Vice President of External Affairs at InterExchange; Director of College Communications at Georgetown University; and Program Associate for Communications at Global Ties U.S. Mark has a bachelor’s in English from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in International Communication from American University’s School of International Service. He is co-author with Sherry Mueller of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development (Georgetown University Press, 2008, 2014). He studied abroad during college in Angers, France, and taught English in Yanji, China, along the North Korean border.

What does it take to hold a dictator accountable for decades of atrocities? In this episode, Tim Horgan speaks with Chris Ried, Director of Operations at Mercury SGS and former Regime War Crimes Liaison in post-Saddam Iraq. Drawing on his firsthand experience in building the case against Saddam Hussein, Chris reflects on the challenges of documenting crimes, ensuring a fair trial, and balancing peace with justice. Together, they explore what Saddam’s trial revealed about international law, the dangers of “victor’s justice,” and how history can shape the pursuit of accountability today. As new atrocities emerge across the globe, this conversation highlights the hard lessons of Iraq, the importance of truth-telling, and the enduring struggle to make justice real—even in the aftermath of brutality.Chris Reid is the Director of Operations at Mercury SGS in New Hampshire, where he leads organizational strategy, program development, and operational efficiency for the firm. With a career spanning high-stakes international justice, security, and organizational leadership, Chris brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience in both government service and the private sector. From 2004 to 2006, Chris served as a Regime Crimes Liaison in Iraq, where he played a critical role in supporting the Iraqi High Tribunal during its prosecution of Saddam Hussein and other senior regime figures. In this capacity, he worked closely with Iraqi judges, prosecutors, and international partners to help build a judicial process capable of addressing some of the most significant crimes against humanity of the modern era. His efforts contributed to laying the groundwork for post-conflict accountability and the rule of law in Iraq. In addition to his work abroad, Chris has held senior leadership roles that bridge global affairs and local impact, ensuring that complex operational goals are achieved with integrity and precision. His expertise spans crisis management, security operations, and organizational strategy. At Mercury SGS, Chris applies these skills to strengthen operational performance and advance the company’s mission of delivering innovative solutions to clients across sectors. He is committed to fostering resilience, building effective teams, and creating systems that drive measurable results. Chris continues to be an active voice in conversations about international justice, security, and organizational leadership, drawing on his deep experience in conflict zones and in executive management.