From arms trafficking to transnational organized crime to kleptocracy and authoritarian regimes, the illegal wildlife trade overlaps with a host of national security challenges across the supply chain. 

Join us as host Dr Tim Wittig welcomes special guest Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA). Rep. Garamendi is a senior leader on the Armed Services Committee and a long-time and passionate leader in Congress on the issue of wildlife trafficking. He will give his insights on how exactly wildlife trafficking intersects with national and international security and discuss his innovative bipartisan legislation that would dramatically assist in the fight against these trafficking rings. 

We're in for a great discussion about overcoming partisan divisions to combat wildlife trafficking and authorize innovative funding opportunities for wildlife conservation

This is the sixth episode of Voices from the Arena, a groundbreaking interview series about global wildlife trafficking and the future of politics, business, national security, and the planet.

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the world's biggest illicit industries, on par with drugs, arms, and human trafficking. It is also one of the most bipartisan issues in Congress today, a crisis that effects everyone, no matter which side of the isle you represent.

Join us as host Dr Tim Wittig welcomes special guest Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA). Rep. Costa sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee and has traveled extensively in Africa and around the world. His work on the Committee resulted in Rep. Costa’s deep commitment to combatting international wildlife trafficking. With partisan gridlock this midterm election year, he was able to have the House of Representatives pass innovative legislation which works with the US Postal Service to help save endangered species.

We're in for a great discussion about overcoming partisan divisions to combat wildlife trafficking and authorize innovative funding opportunities for wildlife conservation.

This is the fifth episode of Voices from the Arena, a groundbreaking interview series about global wildlife trafficking and the future of politics, business, national security, and the planet.

Natural resource exploitation, including wildlife trafficking, is a source of illicit wealth for kleptocratic governments worldwide, driving corruption, organized crime, and political oppression.

Join us as host Dr Tim Wittig welcomes special guest Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA). Rep Wild is an active member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and champion of efforts to improve the rule of law and support African development.

We're in for a great discussion about the nexus between democracy and rule of law with combating wildlife trafficking.

This is the fourth episode of Voices from the Arena, a groundbreaking interview series about global wildlife trafficking and the future of politics, business, national security, and the planet.

Good intelligence and collaborative sharing across law enforcement, the private sector and field conservationists is the key to dismantling high level wildlife trafficking syndicates and has led in recent years to the arrest of some of Africa’s most notorious wildlife criminals.
Join us as host Dr Tim Wittig welcomes special guest Congressman Mike Quigley (D-Ill). Congressman Quigley is a senior leader on the House Intelligence Committee and the powerful Appropriations Committee and joins us to discuss intelligence, law enforcement, and some very innovative legislation that will play a major role in combating global wildlife trafficking.
This is the third episode of Voices from the Arena, a groundbreaking interview series about global wildlife trafficking and the future of politics, business, national security, and the planet.

What do wildlife traffickers have in common with dictators, oligarchs and organized crime groups? They all rely on the global financial system to launder their money and finance their illicit activities.

Join us as host Dr Tim Wittig welcomes special guest Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-Pennsylvania), a passionate and long time supporter of wildlife conservation. Sitting on both the Judiciary and Financial Services Committees, Rep. Dean offers unique insights into the fight against wildlife traffickers, and the critical role the US Justice Department as well as the banking sector and financial regulatory system can play in the fight against global wildlife trafficking.

This is the second episode of Voices from the Arena, a groundbreaking interview series about global wildlife trafficking and the future of politics, business, national security, and the planet.

On #worldwildlifeday, Voices from the Arena is a groundbreaking interview series about global wildlife trafficking and the future of politics, business, national security, and the planet.

In our premier episode, host Dr. Tim Wittig welcomes special guest Texas Congressman Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

Rep McCaul is deeply familiar with transnational organized crime syndicates and wildlife trafficking. 

In the 117th Congress, he has used his position to develop innovative foreign policy legislation which will talk more about in this episode.