The Most Surprising Success Stories Around the World Right Now

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast
In a world filled with crisis, we rarely hear about what’s working. But some of the most useful solutions are coming from unexpected places. Journalist John Kampfner went looking for them.
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About The Episode

There seems to be an abundance of global challenges, from aging populations to political gridlocks to immigration. But solutions are emerging in unexpected places. John Kampfner, author of the new book Braver New World, shares what he discovered traveling to 10 countries including Japan, Estonia, and India in search of ideas that are actually working.  A self-professed former ‘professional pessimist,’ he joins Council President & CEO Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss what countries can learn from each other and what’s standing in the way.

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About the Experts
John Kampfner
Author, Journalist, and Foreign Affairs Specialist
John Kampfner
John Kampfner is an award-winning author, columnist, and foreign affairs specialist. Kampfner regularly columns for the Guardian, Foreign Policy, Politico and other major news outlets. In addition, he is also the author of eight books, in his most recently published book, Braver New World, he travels to inspiring countries that are dealing with the challenges of our times.
John Kampfner
Leslie Vinjamuri
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Leslie Vinjamuri headshot
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She is Professor of Practice in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.
Leslie Vinjamuri headshot
Issues Global Politics
Regions Global
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