PINDROP: Recent Episodes
Francisco Camacho
From WRGW District Radio, PINDROP brings the latest in international headlines and footnotes. Join the team each Friday as they spin their globe, drop a pin on a new country, and guide you through the big issues facing it alongside decision-makers, diplomats, and doyens (that's a fancy word for experts).
Two years into Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Pindrop examines the origins of the war, the current frontline, and the future of the conflict. To what extent is a stalemate breaking in Russia's favor and how does Washington's indecision play into it? What has two years of war done to the societies of both Russia and Ukraine? What should we expect for the future? Pindrop is joined by two excellent scholars of Ukraine and Russia, Dr. Julian Waller and Dr. Henry Hale to find out.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
As Serbia tries to balance relations with Russia and the EU, its dispute over Kosovo flares and an incumbent government wins rigged elections. How did Serbia find itself in such a state and where will it go from here? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes the former U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michael Polt.-------PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
PINDROP is putting the "Christ" back in Christmas with coverage of three Christian news stories worldwide. First, Diego takes us to the Holy Land where Christians in Gaza are spending the season in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas War and Bethlehem, the city of Jesus' birth, has largely canceled public Christmas celebrations. Next, Nick explores a major schism in Ukraine's orthodox churches and what they mean for the ongoing war with Russia. Finally, A.J. delves into protestants in China and how they practice their faith under a hostile Communist Party.
Most monarchs have lost power over the past century, but not Thailand's King Rama X. How is the continued power of the monarchy affecting the country's democracy and how is the new Thai government addressing a struggling agriculture sector? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes McGill University political science professor Erik Kuhonta.-------PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Much has been said about Iran's Axis of Resistance. From Hamas in the Gaza Strip to Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen, these militant organizations have cast a long shadow over Middle East geopolitics and security. On this episode of PINDROP, we delve into this network of Iranian-backed militias to answer core questions about these groups. How and why did Iran create this network? To what extent do these groups have operational autonomy from the Islamic Republic? Most importantly, how will the various militant actors in this network be involved in the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza and the broader regional tension that entails?PINDROP Co-Producers Nick Castillo and Diego Austin will speak with Middle East political expert Faysal Itani of the Newlines Institute to find out.-------PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Argentines just voted for an anarcho-capitalist libertarian presidential candidate, taking a hard right after decades of left-leaning economic policy. Yet the president-elect will face hurdles from an unfriendly legislature. For a rundown of the election at what it means for Argentina and the rest of the world, join PINDROP and Fmr. U.S. Amb. to Argentina Edward C. Prado.
For 20 years Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has captained Türkiye's ship of state. But despite jailing opponents, restraining the media, and poor economic policy, President Erdoğan remains genuinely popular and just won re-election which should keep him in power through 2028. How has he held on without throwing the country into a complete autocracy? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes two political science professors from the Turkish Sabancı University, Mert Moral and Berk Esen.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
The PINDROP crew reminisces about their favorite moments from season 3 and tease upcoming projects in season 4.
While Season 4 is in the works, the PINDROP crew sit down to chat about what they see as the big issues the world is facing in the coming months.
For years Poland's right-wing government has butted heads with the European Union, even as it leads the charge to support Ukraine as it defends itself against the Russian invasion. What will the election of a new government led by former European Council President Donald Tusk mean for Poland's role in EU foreign policy? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Cordelia Buchanan Ponczek, an expert on Russian and East European politics, as well as Julian Waller, a professor of political science at George Washington University who specializes in East European politics.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
As the Israel-Hamas war rages three weeks after Hamas's unprecedented attack, Israeli-Palestinian relations appear to be at an all-time low. To discuss the implications of the war on the prospects of future peace, PINDROP welcomes George Washington University professor Ned Lazarus who previously served as Middle East Program Director for the Jerusalem-based Seeds of Peace.
With the Holy Land witnessing its first full-scale war in 50 years, the region's security situation and political landscape stand to be completely overturned. To discuss this and more, the PINDROP team is joined by political scientist Dr. Jenab Tutunji.
October's Polish parliamentary elections saw a united opposition coalition oust the incumbent Law & Justice party. Watch to hear George Washington University political science professor Julian Waller discuss what the results could mean for Poland, the European Union, and Ukraine.
Nepal, as an old king said, is a "yam between two boulders" -- namely, China and India. Today, we might add a third boulder to the mix: the United States. As Nepal tries to navigate relationships between these three larger and often-competing states, it continues to strive towards economic development and strengthen a new and fragile democracy. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, Michael Kugelman, and co-founder of the Nepal Institute for Policy Research, Santosh Sharma Poudel.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
While it remains far from reaching its full economic potential, the Mongolian mining industry is in the global spotlight as the West seeks to shore up its supply of strategic minerals. But how does Mongolia navigate the interests of the West with that of neighboring China and Russia? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes former US ambassador to Mongolia, and Rector of the Forman Christian College, Dr. Jonathan Addleton.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Only two years after Niger's first peaceful and democratic transition of power, the country was rocked by a military coup d'etat. As neighboring democracies demand the release of the democratically elected president, many fear the situation will escalate into a full-scale war. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes former US ambassador to Niger, and Senior Fellow at the Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs, Bisa Williams.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
It's only August and already more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank in 2023 than in any other year on record. Not coincidentally, brand new Palestinian paramilitary groups like the Lion's Den are becoming ever more influential. After 75 years of conflict, is there any path to peace in the West Bank? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence and Arab affairs official, and Amb. Feda Abdelhady Nasser, the Deputy Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations.
PINDROP World News is produced by Diego Austin, Francisco "A.J." Camacho, and Nicholas Castillo.
In August 2023, Dennis Jett, a former U.S. Amb. to Mozambique and a professor at Pennsylvania State University, joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss rampant corruption in Mozambique and the Islamist Insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
Mozambique is easily one of the world's poorest countries, and uncontrolled corruption and an Islamist insurgency are making further development of the country extremely difficult. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes former US ambassador to Mozambique Dennis Jett.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
In July 2023, Aron Ouzilevski, a freelance journalist, editor, and cybersecurity analyst currently working with the Institute of Current World Affairs, joined PINDROP's Nicholas Castillo to discuss why Russians are moving to Georgia and what the long-term impacts of their migration will be.
In July 2023, Salome Kandelaki, a Project Coordinator and Policy Analyst at the Georgian Institute of Politics, joined PINDROP's Nicholas Castillo to discuss how Russians fleeing the Invasion of Ukraine and conscription are being received in Georgia.
At PINDROP World News we bring the world to your ear, one country at a time. Join us every week as we spin the globe, drop a pin on a different country, and take a look at the big issues facing them alongside decision-makers, diplomats, and doyens (that's a fancy word for experts).
At least 200,000 Russians have crossed into Georgia since the Invasion of Ukraine began. How have they been received in Georgia and how is their presence affecting Georgian politics? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Salome Kandelaki, a policy analyst at the Georgian Institute of Politics, and Aron Ouzilevski, a journalist and researcher working at the Institute of Current World Affairs.
PINDROP World News is produced by Nicholas Castillo, Francisco "A.J." Camacho, and Diego Austin.
PINDROP's Diego Austin reports on Israel's ongoing judicial reform protests and political crisis from Jerusalem. Joining him to discuss the country's most significant domestic problem in 28 years are Nicholas Castillo and Francisco "A.J." Camacho.
New Zealand is often upheld as a model for race relations, but is that reputation deserved? And with geopolitical tensions raising security and economic concerns, a debate is rising as to what New Zealand's position with China should be. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Chris Bishop, a National Party member of parliament and the Shadow Leader of the House.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
In July 2023, Will Salgado, Mayor of San Miguel and GANA party member, joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss the country's adoption of Bitcoin, President Bukele's crackdown on gangs, and the US State Department's decision to sanction Salgado for aiding drug trafficking and money laundering.
President Nayib Bukele is a hero to Salvadorans and a villain to international human rights groups. His administration made headlines for formally adopting Bitcoin, but a massive crackdown on gangs has garnered praise for improving the country's safety and condemnation for skirting civil rights. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Will Salgado, mayor of San Miguel, El Salvador.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
In June 2023, Illinois State University political science professor Ali Riaz, considered America's top Bangladesh scholar, joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss the 19-year-old administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the controversial Digital Security Act, and the fuel shortages facing Bangladesh.
In 1991, Sheikh Hasina helped restore democracy to Bangladesh. But after 19 years as Prime Minister, some say Hasina might now be destroying. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Ali Riaz, a professor of politics and government at Illinois State University. Kai Camacho joins the PINDROP panel.
PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
In the series finale of PINDROP, National Science Foundation Official Paul Sheppard discusses the end of the world -- Antarctica -- and why it is crucial for science despite the extremities faced by the researchers living there. Plus the season concludes with Ian Kearns, Kate McKown, Wajeeha Amir, Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Taylor McKinnie, and Jacob Schwartz on a PINDROP roundtable to reflect on the past year of programming.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio.
Sri Lanka's economy is slowly recovering from a crisis as the country navigates competition between China and the United States and debates implementing the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act. To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes Sri Lanka's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya. Redzuan Raffe and Francisco "A.J." Camacho join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
Dutch economic growth has slowed to a crawl in recent years, and as people are beginning to wonder if growth can ever return, the government is raising concerns over Chinese economic interference and suffering significant political losses. To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes Dutch Socialist Party Senator Bastiaan van Apeldoorn. Ian Kearns, Taylor McKinnie, and Jacob Schwartz join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
As Chinese President Xi Jinping enters his third term -- the first to do so since Mao Zedong --- China is sending mixed signals on where it stands on climate policy, suddenly repealed its Zero-COVID Policy after rare nationwide protests, and is further pushing Hong Kong's integration with the mainland. To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes political science professors Burce Dickson of George Washington University and Jessica Liao of North Carolina State University. Patrick Ko, Carl Mackensen, and Francisco "A.J." Camacho join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
The Georgian public's desire to join the EU is being thwarted by a pro-Russian government that is eroding judiciary independence and possibly poisoning an imprisoned former president. To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes former US Amb. to Georgia Ian Kelly. Nicholas Castillo and Lizzie Brimmidge join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
Venezuela remains under an oppressive dictatorship as economic turmoil continues to ravage the nation and the opposition movement fragments. To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes the deputy director of the CSIS Americas Program, Christopher Hernandez-Roy. Francisco Camacho and Taylor McKinnie join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
The cherry blossoms are in peak bloom in Washington, DC! To discuss the history of the cherry blossom festival and the US-Japanese relations they symbolize, PINDROP welcomes a Counsellor of Education at the Embassy of Japan, Kaneshiro Taichi. Maia Kiniylactos, Patrick Ko, and Carl Mackensen join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com/listen-live on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
While PINDROP is away on break, Francisco "A.J." Camacho sat down with his friend John D. Cobb to speculate and theorize as to how the world today would look different if Brazil instead of France was a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Moldova's pro-Western government collapsed for a week in early February, facing a severe cost-of-living crisis and increased concerns over Russian aggression. Is Moldova the next target of Russian President Vladimir Putin? To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes a professor of international affairs at George Washington University, Dr. Robert Orttung. Ian Kearns, Taylor McKinnie, and Francisco "A.J." Camacho join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com/listen-live on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
The European Union (EU) isn't a country . . . right? As the EU brokers deals with the UK on the final status of Northern Ireland, imposes sanctions on Russia, and internally discusses how its politics should work, it certainly appears country-like. To discuss this very country-like country that isn't a country, PINDROP welcomes Queen's University Belfast Professor David Phinnemore and political scientist specializing in EU policy Joe Cerrone. Carl Mackensen, Ian Kearns, Nicholas Castillo, and Queralt Vidal join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com/listen-live on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
In October 2022, former First Minister Paul Givan joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss education integration, the Northern Ireland Protocol, and Irish unity.
Nigeria is undergoing the largest election in African history. To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes American University Professor and author of the book Contemporary Nigerian Politics Carl LeVan. Carl Mackensen, Wajeeha Amir, and Jacob Schwartz join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com/listen-live on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
Iran faces diminishing but persistent nationwide protests, an ongoing conflict with Kurdish separatists, and challenges in renewing a nuclear deal with the United States. To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes former Pentagon official and American Enterprise Institute fellow Michael Rubin. Audrey Tillman and Carl Mackensen join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
In December 2022, former Pentagon Official and American Enterprise Institute Fellow Michael Rubin joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss the ongoing division of Cyprus and America's shifting policy towards the divided island.
Burkina Faso underwent two military coups last year and continues its struggle against jihadist insurgents. Can these security problems be overcome? To discuss this and more, PINDROP welcomes the Director of the Institute for African Studies at George Washington University Jennifer Cooke, Burkina native and Student Association President at the George Washington University Christian Zidouemba, and former U.S. ambassador to Burkina Faso Jimmy Kolker. Christian Zidouemba and Nicholas Castillo join the PINDROP student panel.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
In October 2022, former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso David Shinn joined PINDROP's Francisco Camacho to discuss the Tigray conflict.
Mauritius looks to gain a big political win in negotiations with the UK over the Chagos Archipelago, their historically robust democracy faces an uncertain future, and China looks to up investment in and trade with the Indian Ocean island nation. What does the future hold for Africa's poster child of a prosperous state? To discuss this and more PINDROP welcomes the former U.S. ambassador to Mauritius Mark Erwin and student panelists Arushi Khari and Zoe Leclezio.
PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio. You can listen live at gwradio.com on Fridays at 9 pm EST.
PINDROP crew:
Co-host & Scriptwriter: Francisco "A.J." Camacho
Co-host: Taylor McKinnie
Engineer: Kate McKown
Researcher: Wajeeha Amir
Producer: Ian Kearns
PINDROP is WRGW District Radio's international news show, spinning the globe and seeing on which country the pin lands every week!
We're excited to be uploading Season 2 as podcasts as well as some of the amazing interviews from Season 1! Want to know what the show's about? Give this greeting from anchor and scriptwriter Francisco "A.J." Camacho a listen!