China’s growing presence in African port development is shifting global power dynamics. This week, Elisa is joined by Paul Nantulya of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies to examine China’s growing influence across the continent’s maritime infrastructure. Drawing from his recent study, they discuss how port investments tie into China’s long-term economic and military ambitions, what it means for U.S. interests, and how African nations are navigating the pressure between opportunity and sovereignty.

Paul Nantulya is a Research Associate with the Africa Center for Strategic Studies

References:

Nantulya, Paul. "Mapping China’s Strategic Port Development in Africa." Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 10 Mar. 2025

The Africa Center The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

As misinformation fuels mistrust, the challenge ahead is restoring shared civic ground. In Part 2 of their conversation, Elisa is joined by Barbara McQuade, Professor at the University of Michigan Law School and former U.S. Attorney, to examine the legal, cultural, and educational solutions that could help strengthen democratic stability. Drawing from Attack from Within, they explore the role of bots on social media, the importance of civic education in schools, the risks of executive overreach, and how lawyers can help lead a less partisan, more principled future.

Barbara McQuade is a Professor from Practice at Michigan Law

References:

McQuade, Barbara. Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America. Seven Stories Press, 2024.

#SistersinLaw Podcast

NSLT, Ep. 337, Power and Profit: How Lobbying Shaped Washington with Brody Mullins (Part 1)

Buckley v. Valeo

Citizens United v. FEC

Haidt, Jonathan. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Penguin Press, 2024.

Koh, Harold Hongju. The National Security Constitution in the Twenty-First Century. Yale University Press, 2024.

Changes in how we share and receive information are reshaping democratic stability. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa sits down with Barbara McQuade, Professor at the University of Michigan Law School and former U.S. Attorney, to examine how disinformation, digital echo chambers, and the decline of civic infrastructure are reshaping public trust. Drawing from her book, Attack from Within, Barbara explores the long-term effects of polarization, the influence of algorithms, and the role lawyers and lawmakers can play in defending democratic values.

Barbara McQuade is a Professor from Practice at Michigan Law

References:

McQuade, Barbara. Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America. Seven Stories Press, 2024.

#SistersinLaw Podcast

NSLT, Ep. 229, "Broken News and the Media Rage Machine with Chris Stirewalt"

Minow, Martha. Saving the News: Why the Constitution Calls for Government Action to Preserve Freedom of Speech. Oxford University Press, 2021.

Putnam, Robert D. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Touchstone Books by Simon & Schuster, 2001.

FISA Section 230

S.2972 - A bill to repeal section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934