Middle Eastern Challenges
New Thinking for a New World - a Tallberg Foundation Podcast
02/19/26
•36m
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No, not Iranians and Israelis on the brink of war. And, no, not the seemingly endless search for a Palestinian state. Rather, to the implications of the newest rivalry that is defining Middle Eastern politics: Saudi Arabia vs. United Arab Emirates.
These two countries are rapidly passing through the geopolitical equivalent of the five stages of grief: from allies to collaborators to competitors to adversaries and---possibly---to enemies.
Why? What's at stake? Is it personal or just business? What are the potential consequences?
It is probably too soon for answers, but not for informed speculation. Professor Rob Geist Pinfold is a close observer of the Arab Gulf and the Levant. Listen as he explores how the Saudis and the Emiratis---and their leaders, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed---are maneuvering for power in a region that is critical to all of us.
Know a leader who is courageous, innovative, and rooted in universal values? Nominations are open for the 2026 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize, recognizing individuals whose leadership is global in outlook and rooted in universal values.
Three winners receive unrestricted $50,000 awards, global recognition, and entry into the Tällberg leadership network.
Help us find them. Submit a nomination by March 31.
Previous Episode
GOOOAL!!!
January 29
•30m
This year is going to be memorable for all sorts of reasons, most of which already look to be depressing. The biggest offset to that is likely to be a global event that will distract much of the world from dismal headlines about war, climate, and tariffs. On June 11th, the FIFA World Cup kicks off, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The first match will be played in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium between co-host Mexico and South Africa. The final will be played on July 19th, at MetLife Stadium outside New York City. If the past is prelude, many billions of people will watch the 104 matches that comprise this year's tournament.
Have you ever wondered how such an extravaganza is organized and executed? Today on New Thinking for a New World, we depart from our usual fare to consider the answer. Gabriela Cuevas, an experienced Mexican political leader and friend to the Tällberg Foundation, has the near-impossible task of preparing and producing Mexico's World Cup experience. But if anyone can do it, Gaby can.
Listen as she shares some of the challenges and opportunities presented by this year’s edition of the World Cup. Then tell us who you think will play in that championship game on July 19th.
Next Episode
This Is What Leadership Looks Like
February 26
•24m
What does leadership look like in practice? This episode brings together the 2025 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize laureates for a wide-ranging conversation moderated by Helena Nilsson.
The laureates represent three distinct yet interconnected paths to impact:
Rhett Ayers Butler, founder and CEO of Mongabay, redefining environmental journalism through a global network of independent reporting.
Bryan Doerries, artistic director of Theater of War Productions, using ancient texts to create brave spaces for dialogue and healing.
David Gruber, founder and president of Project CETI, pioneering efforts to decode whale communication and reimagine humanity's relationship with non-human life.
Guided by Helena Nilsson's thoughtful moderation, the discussion explores leadership beyond politics---leadership rooted in innovation, empathy, accountability, and universal values. Audience questions deepen the exchange, revealing both the distinctiveness of each laureate's work and the shared principles that unite them.
You can watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hInSO2ZCC-4
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