Matters of State - Underreported Issues in World News & International Relations: Recent Episodes
Young Professionals in International Relations
Sporting events such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup never fail to capture the world’s attention, no matter what other international events are going on. Governments have noticed sports as a global attention-getter and for decades have been using sports as a means to achieve higher global standing or other foreign policy objectives. In this episode, we discuss soft power in the form of “sports diplomacy.”
Dig Deeper
- “The Mixed Record of Sports Diplomacy.” Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/interview/mixed-record-sports-diplomacy “Thing Again: Soft Power.” Foreign Policy. https://foreignpolicy.com/2006/02/23/think-again-soft-power/ “Soft Power and the Public Diplomacy Revisited.” The Hague Journal of Diplomacy. https://www.hks.harvard.edu/publications/soft-power-and-public-diplomacy-revisited
Featured photo by Tim Hipps, FMWRC Public Affairs
In this episode, we focus on Mongolia, one of the least densely populated countries in the world at 2 people per square kilometer. We outline the history of the country, its domestic politics, where it sits in relation to the rest of the world, and what that means for its future.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- Mongolia’s President Is Slicing Away Its Hard-Won Democracy, Foreign Policy, Anand Tumurtogoo Mongolia: Bridge or Buffer in Northeast Asia?, The Diplomat, Elizabeth Wishnick History of Mongolia, Embassy of Mongolia to the United States
In this episode, we speak with Mark Hofberg from the International Fund for Animal Welfare to talk about human-wildlife conflict. We discuss the inherent challenges that both humans and wildlife face while trying to simply exist in an increasingly hungry and crowded world.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- 1995 Reintroduction of Wolves in Yellowstone, Yellowstone Park, Tori Peglar* Human-wildlife conflict in Africa, Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN
Photo Credit: Doug Smith
In this episode, we discuss the origins, successes, and challenges of the East African Community, a political and economic bloc comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- EAC Webpage Headwinds toward East African regional integration: Will this time be different?, Brookings Institute, Aloysius Uche Ordu DR Congo applies for admission to East African Community, The East African, Aggrey Mutambo
In this episode, we explore the history of compromised infrastructure, which countries are engaged in this kind of behavior, and what sort of advantages they seek to gain.
Over the past ten years, the world has seen a strong resurgence of piracy, particularly around the Horn of Africa. While international coalitions have largely succeeded in reducing the presence of piracy in that region, the activity has most recently emerged in other locations like Latin America and pockets of Asia. In this episode, we discuss the phenomenon of contemporary piracy and look into ways to alleviate the problem.
As we become more and more dependent on the internet, basic notions such a person’s country of residence are shifting. Estonia is the first country in the world to introduce an eResidency program, which allows people living anywhere in the world the ability to enjoy the same opportunities and services as people who physically live in Estonia.
In this episode, we are joined by Ott Vatter, Managing Director of the Estonia’s eResidency, to talk more about this program.
You can learn more about eResidency at the following links:
- eResidency Site* Ott Vatter appointed director of Estonia’s e-Residency programme, ERR
In this episode, we discuss the impact of video games on international security and international relations. Video games have had a significant impact on critical topics in global affairs, such as anti-terrorism, cultural relations, and military training. Check out our conversation!
Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis represents the interests of the European Union in Washington, DC. Ambassador Lambrinidis has held previous positions as the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Greek Foreign Minister, and Vice-President of the European Parliament. In our discussion, Ambassador Lambrinidis provides insights into the EU’s relationship with the US, the positive contributions of the EU to European prosperity, and some of the challenges of “dual citizenship” within EU member states.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- Delegation of the European Union to the United States, EU The European Union: Ongoing Challenges and Future Prospects, Congressional Research Service The European Union: A Guide for Americans, Delegation of the European Union to the United States
In this episode, we speak with author, Elisabeth Asbrink, who discussed her new book, Made in Sweden. Born and raised in Sweden to English and Hungarian parents, Elisabeth is an internationally renowned journalist, author, and playwright whose work has been translated into 19 languages. In her latest book, Elisabeth examines some of the unknown or forgotten aspects of Swedish culture and history that contribute to the foundation upon which Swedish society and identity are built.
You can find more information about her book here.
Photo Credit: Tove Falk-Olsson
In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Prudence Bushnell about her experience as a leading woman diplomat in the US foreign service. Amb. Bushnell provides an overview of the historical challenges for women in US diplomatic circles and offers an optimistic outlook for the future of women in US diplomacy. She also discusses her experience dealing with major African events, such as the Rwandan genocide and the US Embassy bombings in Kenya, as detailed in her new book: Terrorism, Betrayal, and Resilience: My Story of the 1998 U.S. Embassy Bombings.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite resources that we came across while researching this topic:
- About Prudence Bushnell Terrorism, Betrayal, and Resilience: My Story of the 1998 U.S. Embassy Bombings, Amb. Prudence Bushnell Key Diplomat’s Personal Notebook Sheds Light on Inner Workings of US Government Response to Genocide Unfolding in Rwanda in 1994, George Washington University National Security Archive, Edited by Emily Willard
Each year, tens of millions of people migrate all over the world in search of safety, economic prosperity, or a better quality of life. Although split by national boundaries, many families still rely upon migrants for support, resulting in a global flow of money and remittances. In this episode, we will discuss foreign remittances and their impact on the source and recipient countries.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- Remittances from abroad are major economic assets for some developing countries, Pew Research, Drew Desilver Migration and Remittances Factbook 2016, World Bank Group Remittances Are Blowing Up, but Economic Growth Isn’t. What Gives?, Center for Global Development, Michael Clemens
Millions of people around the world do not have access to formal banking or means of transferring money across borders. A popular substitute is the “Hawala House,” an efficient and informal alternative money exchange system. In this episode, we explore this ancient form of banking that operates “off the books.” But while Hawala Houses boast a deeply trusted and reliable network of brokers, they also provide a secure way of financing illicit activities such as terrorism.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- The Hawala Alternative Remittance System and its Role in Money Laundering, Department of Treasury, Patrick M. Jost & Harjit Singh Sandhu How hawala money-transfer schemes are changing, The Economist Following the Migrant Money Trail, Wall Street Journal, Giovanni Legorano & Joe Parkinson
Photo Credit: Images of Money Flickr Account
In this episode, we take a close look at the country of North Macedonia. Once a part of the former Yugoslavia, North Macedonia changed its name in February 2019 after years of tensions with its neighbor Greece. It has faced a number of diplomatic conflicts with its neighbors–including Greece and Kosovo–while also dealing with internal corruption and ethnic challenges.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- North Macedonia, CIA World Factbook * Kosovo and Macedonia sign border agreement, University of Durham* Macedonia officially changes name to North Macedonia, drawing line under bitter dispute, CNN, Stephanie Halasz, Elinda Labropoulou and Sheena McKenzie
Photo Credit: OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
In this episode, we speak with former George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs graduate students, Mehmil Zia and Rubi Corral Hinojos, about their capstone project focusing on cyber trafficking in Mexico. In particular, they dissect how human traffickers leverage the internet to facilitate human trafficking in Mexico and across the border to the United States. They make recommendations to the governments of the United States and Mexico, as well as tech companies, to help combat this endemic crime.
International relations are being conducted via digital communication more than ever. However, one aspect of international diplomacy has remained constant for thousands of years: the ceremony and tradition of sharing food and eating together. In this episode, we will explore the role of food in international relations, or as we will call it, culinary diplomacy.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- Don’t Drink the Mao-Tai, Washingtonian, Margaret MacMillan Diplomacy on the menu: How food can shape politics, BBC, Soraya Auer US Department of State to Launch Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, US Department of State
In the sixth, and last, episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we discuss the aftermath of genocide. Throughout modern history, nations have taken vastly different approaches when attempting to “move on” from genocides. Some have established reconciliation policies that try to bring justice to the victims, while others have sought to ignore or refrain from admitting culpability. After assessing a number of different cases, we discuss how a nation can best provide justice and fairness to victims in the aftermath of a genocide, while taking steps to mitigate the possibility of future conflicts.
Stay Involved
There are many ways you can stay informed about modern day genocides and work with those who work to prevent genocides. See below links of some important organizations in the field:
- Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Work on Genocide Prevention US Institute of Peace Genocide Watch Sentinel Project for Genocide Prevention The Enough Project
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- Khmer Rouge’s Slaughter in Cambodia Is Ruled a Genocide, New York Times, Hannah Beech Why The Herero Of Namibia Are Suing Germany For Reparations, NPR, Daniel Gross How a Nation Reconciles After Genocide Killed Nearly a Million People, New York Times, Megan Specia
Photo Credit: Michael Büker
In the fifth (and penultimate) episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we speak with Dr. Matthew Levinger, Research Professor of International Affairs and Director of the National Security Studies Program at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, about genocide prevention. Dr. Levinger provides a framework for analyzing conflicts and exploring solutions to prevent or mitigate conflicts. Dr. Levinger also argues that preventing genocides and mass atrocities is a core national security interest of the United States, necessitating closer attention from US policymakers.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- Conflict Prevention – A Strategic Framework, US Institute of Peace Preventing Genocide: A Bleuprint for Policymakers, US Institute of Peace, Madeleine Albright & William Cohen Conflict Analysis: Understanding Causes, Unlocking Solutions, Matthew Levinger
Photo Credit: Jordi Bernabeu Farrús
In the fourth episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we speak with Theogene Rudasingwa, former Chief of Staff to Rwanda President Paul Kagame (2000-2004) and former Ambassador to the United States (1996-1999). Rudasingwa, now living in exile in the United States, speaks about how propaganda was used to intensify divisions within Rwanda and eventually contribute to the Rwandan genocide in 1994. He also provides insights into the aftermath of the genocide and discusses how the suppression of speech can impede ongoing reconciliation efforts in Rwanda.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite books and articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- Healing a Nation: A Testimony : Waging and Winning a Peaceful Revolution to Unite and Heal a Broken Rwanda, Theogene Rudasingwa Paul Kagame’s life-presidency: The world abandons Rwanda again, African Arguments, Theogene Rudasingwa Hate Speech and Incitement to Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Photo Credit: Adam Jones, Ph.D./Global Photo Archive/Wikimedia Commons
In the third episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we talk about forecasting with Lawrence Woocher, research director at the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Woocher discusses the center’s Early Warning Project, which aims to contribute to the prevention of genocide by using data to forecast where atrocities are most likely to occur. We ask him about the methodology behind the project, its limitations, and its potential for positive impact.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of the resources that we found interesting while creating this episode:
- Preventing Genocide: A Blueprint for US Policymakers More, Better Assessments Can Prevent Conflict Atrocities Prevention Board
In the second episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we discuss the Circassian and Bangladeshi genocides of the 19th and 20th centuries, where nearly 3.5 million people were collectively murdered. Despite the large numbers of people murdered, we question why these genocides are lost into obscurity. Though cultural proximity and impact to national identities may factor into the popular knowledge of genocides, access to information and competition in journalism can also hinder awareness or action. We also apply these assumptions to the current situation in western China to help decipher what may actually be happening to the Uyghurs.
Dig Deeper
Take a look at some of our favorite books and articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- A Problem from Hell, Samantha Power Why Not Kill Them All, Clark McCauley and Daniel Chirot 10 Facts About the Circassian Genocide, The Borgen Project The Genocide the U.S. Can’t Remember, But Bangladesh Can’t Forget, Smithonian, Lorraine Boissoneault Xi Jinping’s Genocide of the Uyghurs, Foreign Policy Journal, Mamtimin Ala
The Ten Stages of Genocide is the first episode of our new series, Again and Again: A Series on Modern-Day Genocide. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Gregory Stanton, Chairman and Founding President of Genocide Watch and Professor at George Mason University, who provides an overview on the “Ten Stages of Genocide.” As Dr. Stanton explains, genocide is a process and all genocides follow a similar path. Having a better knowledge of how genocide manifests can help us identify a genocide’s early stages–and help to prevent genocide before it reaches its violent stages.
Dig Deeper
- The Ten Stages of Genocide, Genocide Watch, Dr. Gregory H. Stanton
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Daniel Pauly, an award-winning marine biologist at the University of British Colombia. Dr. Pauly speaks with us about his new book, Vanishing Fish: Shifting Baselines and the Future of Global Fisheries,
In 2017, the US Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency, often referred to as the opioid crisis. This crisis, which addresses the significantly imbalanced ratio of prescription drugs to the patient population,
In this episode, we speak with Andrew Davis of the Catalonia America Council about recent discussions and events surrounding the Catalonia’s relations with Spain. Mr. Davis provides background and context for the ongoing discussions regarding Catalonia...
Estonia is a small, high-tech country with democratic values and a capitalist economy. It is also seen as a pivotal player for NATO, especially in cyberspace. In this episode, we will detail Estonia’s background and history,
As humans have migrated around the world throughout the centuries, they often brought with them various animals and plants to help colonize this planet. Whether intending to establish sources for food in otherwise barren landscapes or unleashing unknow...
In this episode, we speak with two recent graduate students from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University here in Washington, DC, Prerna Balasundaram and Christina Parker,
Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory on the northwest coast of Africa. Bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria, the former Spanish colony has been under dispute since 1976. Ethnic tensions continue to erupt between the native Sahrawi p...
Virtual reality–commonly referred to as VR–is an emerging technology that will become increasingly more sophisticated and widespread in the 5G era. VR can improve education, revolutionize healthcare, and even bolster security services.
GPS is a critical part of our everyday lives and underpins much of the infrastructure surrounding us. But the GPS satellite system is just one of a growing list of so-called global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that can provide space-based positi...
The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, covering 40% of South America and spanning eight countries and one territory across the continent. It is home to a broad array of languages and cultures that must find a way to ensure a peaceful coexistence...
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tom Catena, the current Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, about his work at the Mother Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountain region of Sudan. The people of Sudan’s Nuba Mountains have long been marginalized b...
In this episode, we look into the history and current affairs of Lesotho, a country roughly size of Maryland that is landlocked in South Africa. Much of Lesotho’s history and culture has been shaped by its mountainous terrain,
The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of sportsmanship and national pride. However, they can also be a target of terrorism. In this episode, we explore case studies of how organizations and nations have attempted to commit acts of terrorism in the ...
In today’s episode, we put a spotlight on the island nation of Papua New Guinea. PNG, bordering Indonesia and Australia on the edge of the south Pacific ocean, is defined by its diversity. Incredibly rich in resources and cultures,
Professor Robinson joins us for a candid discussion about his book, ‘Why Nations Fail’. In it, he makes the case that the key differentiator between countries is “institutions.” Nations thrive when they develop “inclusive” political and economic instit...
Emergency warning systems are used by countries across the world to alert citizens about a variety of incidents, from natural disasters to military threats. Modern emergency warning systems are taking advantage of new technologies such as text messagin...
Ethiopia and Eritrea have been in near constant tension over the past several decades. In recent months, however, the two countries have ended their state of war and are working toward full normalization of relations. In this episode,
The term “mail order brides” does not often invoke similar connotations to human trafficking, but bride trafficking is just that. Victims of this trade are forced to marry men they don’t know from foreign countries that are sometimes thousands of miles...
Around the world, governments and nation-states have issued–and continue to issue–national apologies to victimized communities, populations, or countries. These apologies are often contentious and can cause ripple effects that influence foreign or dome...
In this episode, we examine the growing issue of water scarcity that has begun to plague cities and regions around the world. From California to Cape Town to Sao Paulo, we assess the causes and effects of water scarcity,
In this episode, we speak with journalist Patrick Winn about his book, Hello, Shadowlands. Our conversation explores the various organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and even vigilante groups operating within Southeast Asian countries.
The top leadership job in Australia is like a revolving door: since 2007, not a single Prime Minister has been able to serve a full term. But why is this? Join us for a discussion on how the Australian political system, parties, and public all contribute to one of the toughest jobs in the Western democratic sphere. The System Australia is one of the few democracies which has mandatory voting. Yet despite voter turnout of over 95%, the country has had six Prime Ministers from both sides of the political spectrum in just over ten years. But this is not necessarily at the hands of the public: in Australia, the party determines the leader rather than the people. The Process When a Prime Minister loses the confidence of the party, they call for a “spill” vote among party members. These “life and death” votes within political parties have become a regular occurrence in Australian political life and have started a legacy of in-fighting, maneuvering, and grudges. The Future As China and the United States both look to Australia as a trading and strategic partner, does changing leadership help or hinder the nation down under on the global stage? And have the Australian populace given up on having a long term leader? Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Why Does Australia Keep Getting Rid of Its Prime Ministers? Billy Perrigo, Time Magazine Politics In Australia: Turnbull’s Turn, The Economist Why Australia Can’t Keep a Prime Minister In Power, David Fickling, Bloomberg
Established in 2001, the African Union (AU) represents all African countries in the pursuit of economic development, human rights and security, and good governance. Africa is the youngest continent in the world with a booming population and several emerging economies, representing both immense potential and a serious challenge. In this episode, guest speaker Ambassador Reuben Brigety, the former US Ambassador to the African Union and current Dean of the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, discusses his experience representing the US within the AU. Ambassador Brigety also explains why he is optimistic about the future of the AU in terms of economic development and interstate relations. However, he cautions that lack of serious US engagement with African nations could undermine US interests on the continent. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Humanity as a Weapon of War, Amb. Reuben Brigety, Center for American Progress History of the African Union, US Agency for International Development Aid for the Future, Amb. Reuben Brigety, Center for American Progress Photo credit: Center for American Progress
Afghanistan is the world’s largest supplier of heroin and opium. The Afghan government, United Nations, and other international stakeholders have tried endlessly to prevent Afghan farmers from growing poppy, the plant used to produce heroin,
Space is becoming more crowded. A growing number of governments are launching satellites each year, and companies like SpaceX and OneWeb plan to send thousands of satellites into orbit over the next several years.
The island nation of Cyprus can be summed up in one word: divided. Since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1960, tensions between the ethnically Greek and Turkish sides of the island escalated to a Greek coup d’Etat attempt and invasion by Tur...
Special guest Jamie Franklin, Executive Director of Mines Advisory Group America, joins us for a discussion on the post-war effects of land mines and campaigns to eliminate them. The use of landmines is said to have first been used during the American Civil War in the 1800s and more widely during the Second World War. With over 8,000 landmine related deaths and injuries as recent as 2016, and of which 80 percent of the victims were civilians, landmines continue to present a unique challenge as an instrument of war that is as deadly at times of peace as it is during conflict. In this episode, we explore the post-war effects of landmines and the efforts taken by governments and organizations such as the Mines Advisory Group – America to work toward a world free of the use of antipersonnel landmines. 163 countries are now signatories to the 1999 treaty that banned the production, stockpile, and the transfer of land mines. The episode also explores what parts of the world are more affected by landmines and other unexploded ordnance. Read more: * Why Do Land Mines Kill So Many? The New York Times * Mine Ban Treaty, The United Nations * Land mines: Hidden Killers, UNICEF
As the world turns its focus toward nuclear proliferation issues in North Korea and Iran, the international community faces another critical threat: the loss or theft of nuclear materials. This episode explores security risks of lost or stolen nuclear ...
South Sudan has been plagued by a brutal civil war that has killed thousands and displaced millions, with violence threatening to spill into neighboring countries, Meanwhile, the international community has failed to work with the competing factions to...
Michael McFaul, former Ambassador to Russia, joins us from Stanford for a conversation about his time serving during the Russian reset, what it’s like to be the target of a Russian disinformation campaign, and his new book, From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin’s Russia. McFaul served for five years in the Obama administration, first as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House and then as the 7th U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation. McFaul became the first non-career diplomat to be the U.S. ambassador to Russia. He returned to academia and now is Professor of Political Science, Director and Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and the Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is also an analyst for NBC News and a contributing columnist to The Washington Post.
North Korea is notoriously isolated, but Daniel Wertz explains that the Hermit Kingdom in fact welcomes tourism – or at least tourist dollars. In this episode, our guest helps us understand what tourism looks like in North Korea and discusses the moral questions regarding tourism to the country.
Following the death of three US soldiers in Nigeria, there has been a re-examination of the relationship between terrorism, Western intervention, and African nations. Given that Africa is seen as a strategic priority in preventing...
The dirty story about where your chocolate comes from, and why boycotting may not be the best idea.
Managing national debt is a significant issue that every country in the world must face. While media outlets often report on national debt with forecasts of doom and gloom, it is important to understand that...
What is a government, and what are the essential elements for statehood? To what extent can sovereignty be disentangled from jurisdiction over territory? In this episode, we approach these enduring questions by focusing on a...
The global illicit trade and financing market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, with smugglers and financiers engaging in unorthodox illicit dealings with goods like cigarettes and medicine. Several global initiatives have tried to...
As the ice in the Arctic continues to melt, countries are staking claims and preparing for economic and military development in the region. This “new frontier” has promise of prosperity, yet is rife with geopolitical...
As the world becomes more reliant on space-based capabilities for everyday use, leaders across the world have expressed concern about the vulnerability of space assets. In this episode, we detail weaponized threats to space systems,...
From acquisition of equipment to finances and personnel, peacekeeping missions are massive, complicated endeavors. To help us understand the logistics peacekeeping missions and the partnerships that make them work, we spoke with Dr. Paul Williams, an expert on security, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping. For a more in depth analysis and policy recommendations, we recommend Dr. Williams’ and Katharina Coleman’s recent report titled Logistics Partnerships in Peace Operations. Personnel, Equipment, and Finances Once the UN has a mandate to create a peacekeeping mission, it has to go about acquiring and transporting all of the personnel and equipment necessary to fulfill its mission. UN member states negotiate on three-year cycles to decide how much each government should contribute. While the United States contributes the most financially, African and Asian countries contribute more personnel. UN vs Regional Missions Regional organizations like the African Union also run peacekeeping missions. Compared to the UN, regional organizations often better understand the terrain and politics. They also have a more vested interest in success, as their countries are more likely to feel the effects of conflict spillover. That said, regional organizations are also often less prepared or equipped to fulfill the mission. Case Studies To help give context to the logistical difficulties, Dr. Williams discusses several different case studies, including: UNAMID (Sudan-Darfur), AMISOM (Somalia), and the MNJTF (to end the Boko Haram insurgency). Listen in for details. Dig Deeper Want to dive deeper into the world of peacekeeping? Check out these suggested readings by our guest Dr. Paul D. Williams:
- The Oxford Handbook of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Joachim Koops, Norrie MacQueen, Thierry Tardy, and Paul D. Williams. Oxford University Press
- UN Support to Regional Peace Operations: Lessons from UNSOA, Paul D. Williams. International Peace Institute
The disputed region of Kashmir and Jammu has endured persistent conflict since Indian and Pakistani independence in 1947. Militancy and fears of nuclear escalation abound as both states and state-sponsored groups battle for control and influence in the area. A History of Conflict A Himalayan region bordering India, Pakistan, and China — Kashmir and Jammu was not immediately claimed during the 1947 independence movements. India and Pakistan fought over the area in 1947, 1965, and 1999, but failed to resolve the territorial dispute. Today, Pakistan controls the western and northern areas of the region, China claims eastern portions, and India controls most of the area including the Kashmir valley. A 450-mile militarized Line of Control separates the Indian and Pakistani sides. In addition to border militarization between Pakistan and India, militant groups and home-grown insurgents regularly clash with Indian security forces. Seeking to promote independence or religious ideological pursuits, militant groups in the region have for decades launched attacks against Indian military forces. Even local protests in Indian controlled cities have spiraled into deadly confrontations. Global Security Implications Nuclear warfare and proliferation of terrorism are key security challenges in Kashmir and Jammu. With both India and Pakistan as nuclear powers, any conflict that spreads from Kashmir into a broader border conflict risks escalation into nuclear posturing between the nations. Additionally, militant groups fighting in the area have connections to al Qaeda, and Kashmir can operate as terrorist safe havens and training grounds. The Road Ahead No nation or militant group in the region seems open to peaceful negotiation at this time. Instead, all sides are content to bear a moderate amount of conflict as they continue to fight for control of the area. As deaths mount and human rights abuses continue, the various stakeholders should look toward economic development as a starting point for peaceful resolution to the dispute. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Kashmir: India and Pakistan’s bitter dispute, CNN, Moni Basu Kashmir: A Problem in Search of a Solution, United States Institute of Peace, Shahid Javed Burki Why It’s So Hard to Solve the Indo-Pakistan Dispute in Kashmir, Newsweek, John Elliott
Bangladesh is a country with a significant gender gap, steeped in patriarchal tradition. So it may come as a surprise that its Prime Minister is a woman. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on PM Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina, who is the daughter of Bangladesh’s first president, has been the leader of her party (the Awami League) since 1981. The opposition (the Bangladesh Nationalist Party) is also led by a woman, Khaleda Zia. Gender Context Sheikh Hasina’s position stands in contrast to the country’s patriarchal tradition. It is important to understand the context in which Sheikh Hasina has risen to her post. While the constitution specifies equal rights for women, reality does not always reflect policy. For example, violence against women is rampant; almost half of women in Bangladesh report having been physically assaulted by their partners. Likewise, the education gap remains a significant challenge. Bangladesh is doing more than ever to educate young girls, but there is still a long road ahead. The education issue is compounded by the fact that young girls often marry at a very young age — in spite of the legal age of 18 — and are relegated to fulfilling traditional family roles. Projects and Initiatives One of Sheikh Hasina’s earliest and most significant successes was the water sharing treaty with India. This codified the sharing of the Ganges and set the foundation for a more amicable relationship with India. She also ensured that Bangladesh became a part of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which brings together countries around the world to achieve shared interests. Sheikh Hasina’s “Vision 2021,” which her party ran on in 2008, set forward the lofty goal of becoming a middle income economy by 2021. While the country has made significant progress on millennium development goals, it has fallen fall short of fully achieving Vision 2021’s mission. Controversy While the episode discusses a number of scandals, nothing has soiled Sheikh Hasina’s reputation more than the 2014 election and its aftermath. She won in an election that many call a farce, because the opposition party boycotted. With a low voter turnout and no real opposition, her party’s electoral mandate is weak. In response to the unrest that ensued, the administration has reportedly overseen the arrests of opposition members, the suppression of news outlets, and even extrajudicial killings. Sheikh Hasina has denied any wrongdoing.
Which emerging technologies will become the next game-changers in the international arena? In this episode, we give an overview of three technologies could have significant impacts throughout the world: space-based solar power; artificial intelligence; and voice recognition and computer-based communication. Space-Based Solar Power The United States, China, and Japan are spearheading research and development efforts to create space-based solar energy collectors. These satellites would collect high intensity, uninterrupted solar radiation in Earth’s orbit and transmit the energy via microwave or laser beam to ground stations on earth. Although these projects require massive investment and time commitments, China and Japan are both developing projects that would create 1-gigawatt of energy output — the equivalent of a nuclear power plant. If they can overcome financial and engineering hurdles, these solar-based power concepts can provide vast quantities of safe, renewable energy to help replace carbon-based energy production. Artificial Intelligence AI is a machine that uses neural networks to perform cognitive functions similar to human brains, such as learning and problem solving. With billions in investments in countries like the United States, China, and Japan, AI has created machines, such as IBM’s Watson, that can revolutionize big data computing. These machines can contribute to productivity growth in economies, help doctors more quickly diagnose patients, and even increase effectiveness of teaching in schools. At the same time, critics suggest that AI’s expansion could lead to job loss, growing economic inequality, and other unintended consequences. Voice Recognition and Computer-Based Communication A company in Massachusetts is making headway giving voices to the over 10 million people living with voicelessness. VocaliD has created a “voice bank” of donated voices for those who cannot speak. A three-to-four hour recording can cover all of the different combinations of sound for a language. Currently, VocaliD has recorded over 14,000 speakers from over 110 countries to contribute 6 million sentences to its repository. These three technologies are a small sampling of the vast number of innovative technologies that will alter our personal, social, economic, and political realities in the coming years. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Space-based solar power: the energy of the future? CNN, Peter Shadbolt Machine Learning is Fun Part 6: How to do Speech Recognition with Deep Learning, Medium, Adam Geitgey China has now eclipsed us in AI research, Washington Post, Brian Fung
Gun control laws vary from country to country in rigor and effectiveness. In this episode, we explore how countries across the globe differ from the United States in their gun control policies. U.S. Gun Control With less than 5 percent of the world’s population, US citizens own roughly 35-50 percent of the world’s civilian-owned guns. It also has the highest homicide-by-firearm rate in the developed world. Most U.S. gun control regulations are governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968, which exempts private sellers from meeting strict rules governing businesses that sell guns. This lax standard for private sellers is sometimes called the “gun show loophole.” Shaping of National Gun Laws Some national gun laws are shaped by historical tragedies. For instance, Australia had lax gun laws until April 1996, when a lone gunman killed 35 people in Port Arthur. In reaction, the Australian government implemented the 1996 National Firearms Agreement and Buyback Program, which established stricter rules on gun storage, concealed carry, and selling and purchasing guns. Australian deaths by firearm have since reduced by approximately 72 percent. Other national laws, like those of Israel, are driven by homeland security challenges. Although military service is compulsory in Israel, citizens must adhere to strict civilian gun laws, including being able to speak basic Hebrew. Some of these standards are meant to help mitigate risks of civilian violence between Palestinian and Israeli citizens. However, there is a robust black market for firearms in Israel, particularly the Palestinian sectors, that likely outnumbers legally obtained firearms. Given the absence of international gun norms or laws, countries will continue to shape their gun laws based on cultural norms and unique security concerns. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
U.S. Gun Policy: Global Comparisons, Council on Foreign Relations, Jonathan Masters What it’s Like to Own Guns in a Country with Strict Gun Control, Time Gun Control Around the World: A Primer, The Atlantic, Jonathan Masters
What is Finland’s role in Europe and the broader global community? In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi about Finland’s role in Europe, its relationship with Russia, and her career. US-Finnish Relations The Finnish mission to the United States fosters increased collaboration with the United States on several fronts. Finland is working to promote trade and investment and advance cooperation in innovative technological development with the United States, especially in IT and alternative energy sectors. Finland also seeks continued security cooperation with the United States. Current Security Environment Ambassador Kauppi counts pandemics, climate change, and global inequality as some of Finland’s greatest security threats. It works through global institutions to promote development and security measures to confront these issues. She also called neighboring Russia a security threat. Finland seeks to manage the relationship by clearly stating its principles and condemning Russian aggressions, while cooperating on mutual goals to achieve stability and avoid escalating tensions. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Russia’s changing role in Finland’s neighbourhood, The Finnish Institute of International Affairs Finland, Observatory of Economic Complexity “Nordic duo should stay together” — study on NATO membership published in Finland, NATO Review Magazine
Featured image credit: Embassy of Finland
Positioned in China’s resource-rich northwestern region, the city of Urumqi is gaining strategic importance as China seeks to diversify its energy resources. However, ethnic and cultural tensions between the Chinese government and Uighur minority population continue to threaten the region’s stability. A Unique City Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang province, which borders eight countries in China’s northwest corner. With a population of over 3 million people, Urumqi is made up of roughly 75% ethnic Hans and 25% ethnic Uighurs. However, the Uighurs—a Muslim minority group within China—make up about half of the greater Xinjiang province. The city and surrounding region boast an abundance of natural resources, including oil and gas, minerals, and farm fields. Ethnic Tension and Integration in Xinjiang Xinjiang has a long history of violence between the People’s Republic of China and the Uighur population. Separatists have executed violent attacks within Xinjiang since the PRC re-established control of the region in 1949. In 2009, thousands of Uighurs rioted in Urumqi in response to news of a brawl in southern China in which two Uighurs had been killed. Hundreds died in the riot. In 2014, Uighur separatists attacked and killed over 30 people in attacks within the Xinjiang region in what the Chinese government called a “violent terrorist incident.” In February 2017, the government held a series of “anti-terror” rallies involving tens of thousands of soldiers and police officers in response to a recent terrorist attack. Attacks and government countermeasures are likely to continue as the Uighur population fights for autonomy and more religious freedoms. Urumqi’s Role in China’s Strategy Map In the midst of ethnic tensions, Urumqi and the greater Xinjiang area are growing in economic importance. Xinjiang has significant oil, coal, and natural gas reserves, and is a major route through which gas pipelines from Central Asia traverse. This region will become increasingly important to China, as its demand for energy sources far outpaces domestic production. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
In a Region Disturbed by Ethnic Tensions, China Keeps Tight Lid on a Massacre, Andrew Jacobs, New York Times China Unrest Has Roots in History, NPR China-Turkey relationship strained over Uighurs, Selin Girit, BBC
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Africa. This episode explores the dam’s potential benefits, development hurdles, and controversy. An Economic Boon for Ethiopia The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), located 40km east of Sudan on the Blue Nile River, is expected to be completed by summer 2017. Set to be the largest dam in Africa, it will have 6,000MW of installed electricity capacity. The Ethiopian government is funding the majority of the $4.8 billion project through bond issuances and taxes, with outside investors such as Chinese banks providing funding for the dam’s turbines and electrical equipment. The electricity produced from the dam will help meet the massive demand from Ethiopia’s burgeoning economy, which has grown 10% every year in the past decade. Now the second-most populous country in Africa and a rising political power in east Africa, Ethiopia’s continued economic and political growth largely depends upon getting electricity to the 73% of citizens without access. GERD will foster development both in Ethiopia and neighboring countries. The dam’s construction will create up to 12,000 jobs, and increased electricity access will make Ethiopia more attractive to foreign investment. Ethiopia could also earn as much as $1 billion per year in electricity exports. Regional Roadblocks The Ethiopian government faces significant hurdles in completing and operating the dam. Its neighbors downstream, Sudan and Egypt, fear that the dam will threaten their scarce water supplies, as they receive the vast majority of their water from the Nile. Egyptian officials in particular worry that using the water for irrigation will make it highly salinated when it enters into Egypt. The construction of the dam, while in Ethiopia’s development interests, will certainly strain its relationship with downstream countries like Egypt. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
The most important dam you probably haven’t heard of, Jennifer Drake, Raw Story The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the Blue Nile: Implications for transboundary water governance, Michael Hammond, Global Water Forum Ethiopia’s $5bn project that could turn it into Africa’s water powerhouse, Milena Veselinovic, CNN
What makes a country a country? In this episode, we look at Transnistria, Taiwan, and Somaliland while exploring competing definitions of statehood. Differing Metrics of State Sovereignty The 1648 Treaty of Westphalia, which marked an end to Europe’s 30 Years War, established the modern western concept of statehood, or the idea that the nation-state is the ultimate authority within its territorial boundaries and has a right to non-interference from outside states. Since this treaty, there have been differing theories as to what constitutes a nation-state. Constitutive theory is the belief that a state exists only if diplomatically recognized. Declarative theorists believe that states are states if they declare themselves as such. Monopoly theory is the idea that the only necessity for statehood is that the governing authority maintains a monopoly on the violence or power in a territory. The 1933 Montevideo treaty defined four necessary elements of statehood: a permanent population; a defined territory; a governing body; and a capacity to participate in international relations. Many use this treaty as the metric for determining statehood. Case Studies in Statehood There are several examples today that illustrate these conflicting definitions of statehood. Transnistria is an internationally unrecognized, self-declared country that lies between the borders of Moldova and Ukraine. Internationally recognized as a part of Moldova, Transnistria boasts its own government, currency, passports, and even army. Transnistria also maintains strong ties with Russia, as many of its 500,000 population are of Russian descent. Russia even provides Transnistria with natural gas exports and support for its army. Taiwan is the 22nd largest economy in the world, a member of several international organizations, and has embassies in several nations. However, China and numerous other nations—along with the UN—do not consider it a state. China will continue to lead the effort against Taiwan’s statehood in pursuit of its “one China” policy. Somaliland is a self-declared independent nation that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia. It has a working political system, government institutions, a police force, and its own currency. Although it is currently not recognized as a state, Somaliland is taking legal steps to establish legal statehood recognition.
Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
What Makes A State? Joseph William Davids, The New International Somaliland: International Jurisdiction as an Alternative Way to Gain Recognition? UNPO China Pushes Taiwan’s International Status To A New Low, Ralph Jennings, Forbes
Do more nuclear weapons make the world a safer place? Since 1945, nuclear weapons have underpinned the global balance of power. This episode explores the development and practice of nuclear deterrence. Foundation of Nuclear Deterrence Developed in the Cold War, the Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) doctrine is the foundation of nuclear deterrence theory. MAD is the concept that two nuclear-armed nations will not strike each other under the understanding that nuclear war would annihilate both nations. MAD only works if both sides can withstand a nuclear strike and then strike back. Both sides must possess a credible threat – both the capability and willingness to strike back. But even under the relative stability of MAD, nations are still subject miscalculations and mistakes when interpreting the adversary’s intentions, which could lead to escalation and nuclear warfare. Nuclear Deterrence in a Multi-Polar World As nuclear technology spread, nations adopted different policies to confront their specific geopolitical situations. China developed its nuclear arsenal in the 1960s with the understanding it could not match the United States or Soviet Union in their nuclear arms race. Instead, it advanced a minimal deterrent strategy, which used a smaller number of nuclear weapons to threaten the “lowest level of damage” necessary to deter attack. Pakistan and India face bipolar nuclear tensions. Both countries began developing and testing nuclear weapons in the 1970s, and even demonstrated capabilities in the 1990s. Although they exist in a multipolar world, their nuclear strategies only seek to deter each other. Dig Deeper Want to dive deeper into nuclear deterrence? Check out these articles:
The indelicate balance of nuclear modernization, Adam Mount, The Bulletin Trump’s Nuclear Deterrence Challenge, Franklin Miller and Keith Payne, Wall Street Journal Careful, we might nuke you: The consequences of rejecting a nuclear no-first-use pledge, James Doyle, The Bulletin
This episode explores the origins of the Meiji Revolution, how it changed the Japanese society, and how it shaped regional and world dynamics. A New Era For Japan 150 years ago, the Meiji Restoration restored the central governing power of the Japanese emperor and catapulted Japan into great power status. Japan had been governed under the feudal bakufu system since the 12th century, where the bakufu retained power and the emperor played a minor, symbolic role. Commodore Perry’s arrival in 1853 precipitated rapid change as he pressured Japan to open its society and forced the bakufu to sign unequal treaties. Disillusioned local daimyo governors restored Emperor Meiji to a position of centralized power in 1867, hoping he would take a strong stance against western pressure. Instead of leading Japanese resistance against the west, Emperor Meiji sought to understand western society and technologies. In 1871, he dispatched the Iwakura Mission, a group of top government officials on a nearly two-year mission to learn about the United States and Europe. Impressed by western advances, the group advised the emperor to spearhead modernization initiatives. For decades after, Japan became a technological and industrial hub. At the turn of the 20th century, it adopted western expansionism by invading its neighbors Korea and later China. A Different Path From China Internal political dynamics and external incentives prevented China from modernizing alongside Japan. In the 1860-70s, China’s weak central government which oversaw a chaotic society was unable to push modernization initiatives Japan’s central government was undertaking. At the same time, western powers sought to exploit Chinese economic potential and undermine its power, prompting China to react with hostility to the outsiders. Shaping Regional and World Dynamics The Meiji Restoration fundamentally changed regional dynamics and world order. A modernized, expansionist Japan became the nexus of Asian power, eventually leading to military demise in WWII. Even after the war, Japan has remained an economic powerhouse and technological innovator with the intention to remain a great world power. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite sources that we came across while researching this topic:
Meiji: Japan in the Age of Imperialism, Mark Borthwick, Pacific Century, 4th Edition. The Meiji Restoration and Modernization, Columbia University
Myanmar is experiencing one of the world’s fastest rollouts of mobile phones. What are the political, social, and economic effects of the smartphone revolution in Myanmar? Changing the Political Scene The explosive growth of mobile phones, especially smart phones, in Myanmar over the past several years has helped shape the political scene. Myanmar’s new parliamentary republic governs a fractured population with high ethnic tensions. Its minority Muslim community has for decades been the target of violence. The proliferation of smartphones is spreading misinformation, radical propaganda, and hate-speech that can exacerbate tensions and endanger minority populations. After decades of military rule, Myanmar’s republic government must confront challenges like protecting online free speech while regulating hate speech and incitement of violence. A New Economy Myanmar’s expanding mobile phone market provides opportunity for economic growth. Demand for mobile phones and new pro-business policies have driven foreign telecommunications companies, phone accessory stores, and technical service companies to enter Myanmar. Mobile banking and mobile financial services may be the next trend in its digital revolution. Even public institutions may be able to develop mobile apps to better reach citizens in rural areas. Poor infrastructure in Myanmar presents roadblocks to taking full advantage of mobile phones. Limited electricity access and underdeveloped internet infrastructure constrains the quality and bandwidth of mobile internet capabilities. There are ways to mitigate these problems. In India, for instance, Vodafone created a distributed network of mini stores that sell equipment, assist with connectivity, and provide technical support within a 18-32km radius. Telecommunications companies will continue to invest in Myanmar’s growing market. They must collaborate with in-country partners to work toward innovative solutions to provide mobile phone and internet technologies across Myanmar. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
This Is What Happens When Millions Of People Suddenly Get The Internet, Sheera Frenkel, Buzzfeed. 2016 Freedom on the Net: Myanmar, Freedom House Understanding Myanmar, Beina Xu and Eleanor Albert, Council on Foreign Relations
The Panama Canal’s opening in 1914 transformed global trade and fostered economic development in Panama. Today, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Chinese financier Wang Jing are trying to emulate its success by constructing a canal through Nicaragua. The Next Great Canal? President Ortega and Wang are spearheading the Nicaragua Canal proposal. If completed, the $50-80 billion project would span 172 miles across the country, nearly four times the length of the Panama Canal. Wang, a Chinese billionaire who made his fortune in the telecommunications industry, would finance the project through his HKND Group. The canal would accommodate new cargo megaships that are too large for the Panama Canal. Pros and Cons The Nicaragua Canal presents opportunities and risks. On one hand, the project promises economic opportunities for Nicaragua. Its government believes the multi-billion dollars of investment into building and operating the canal will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and provide a significant boost to its GDP. This new transportation hub will likely provide lasting financial benefits to citizens and become the focal point of its economy. On the other hand, the Nicaragua canal would expose the country to political, environmental, and human rights risks. Under the current agreement, the HKND Group would have expropriation authority, giving it power to claim any Nicaraguan land it needs for the canal’s development. Additionally, recent assessments by environmental groups reveal that the project would create severe biodiversity consequences to ecosystems along the canal route. Moreover, residents along the proposed route—including protected indigenous peoples—would be forced to relocate. Arrested Development? Mounting opposition from environmental groups and investment challenges seem to have delayed the project; despite promises to start construction in 2015, no visible progress had been made as of December 2016. The delay is fostering increasing speculation on the project’s viability. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Project Background, HKND Group Lost in Nicaragua, a Chinese Tycoon’s Canal Project, Suzanne Daley, New York Times Why China and Nicaragua’s Canal Project Is Floundering, David Z. Morris, Fortune
Since the start of the Cold War, NATO has been the world’s preeminent military alliance. However, escalating hostilities between NATO and Russia are creating geopolitical challenges for NATO members. In this episode, our friend and guest Rachel Rizzo discusses NATO’s changing security environment. An Intergovernmental Military Alliance NATO is a 28-member intergovernmental military alliance established in 1949 between the U.S. and European nations to counter the Soviet military threat. Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, NATO’s core functions have remained collective defense and cooperative security. Its members also collaborate on anti-piracy initiatives, peacekeeping missions, and military trainings. Underpinning the alliance is NATO’s Article 5, which states that an attack against one is an attack against all. It has only been invoked after the September 11 terrorist attacks. More than just a military alliance, Rizzo argues that NATO is a testament to western values of liberalism and inter-governmental cooperation, as well as a sign of western nations’ geopolitical cohesion. Changing Dynamics in Europe Over the past several years, Russia and NATO have spiraled into a security dilemma. Russia claims the 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act should have precluded NATO from expanding membership and bases to eastern European nations during the past several years. NATO members, on the other hand, argue that the security landscape has changed to where expansion is permissible. At the same time, NATO members are increasingly concerned about Russian incursions against neighboring Georgia, Estonia, and Ukraine. In the midst of this rapidly changing security environment, NATO is preparing for future risks. For instance, it is becoming better equipped to respond to cyber and energy security threats. NATO and the Trump Administration During his campaign, President-elect Trump said he may not defend NATO members under attack. Although he has since walked back on his language, NATO members experiencing increasingly precarious security situations are alarmed by Trump’s noncommittal rhetoric. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Donald Trump Sets Conditions for Defending NATO Allies Against Attack, David Sanger and Maggie Haberman, New York Times Putin says Russia planning ‘countermeasures’ to NATO expansion, David Filipov, Washington Post NATO Needs...
Caribbean island nations are uniquely positioned to become leaders in renewable energy development. How can clean energy in the Caribbean increase energy reliability, lead to job growth, and help the environment? Today’s guests, Andrew Polich and Chad Johnson from Vittoria Energy Expedition, help us explore the issue. The Caribbean’s Renewable Energy Potential Caribbean island nations have potential to produce a significant amount of power from renewable energy sources. Although currently dependent on oil imports primarily from an increasingly tumultuous Venezuela, the islands’ abundance of sunshine and high winds make them ideal markets for clean energy. A dedicated campaign to invest in renewable energy in the Caribbean can improve livelihoods and help the environment by decreasing reliability on foreign oil, spurring economic growth and job creation, and reducing the region’s carbon footprint. Efforts Underway Initiatives like Vittoria Energy Expedition, the Clinton Foundation’s Island Energy Program, and Engage Cuba are working to promote sustainable energy projects in the region. Caribbean governments have also spearheaded clean energy initiatives. For instance, Cuba is developing solar and wind projects as part of its effort to increase renewable energy production from 5% of electricity generation today to 24% by 2030. Barriers to Entry Not all Caribbean countries will be easy to enter. Despite the Obama administration’s recent outreach to the Cuban government, U.S. businesses face legal and congressional barriers to entry into Cuban markets. Moreover, the incoming administration has threatened to “terminate” recent efforts to normalize U.S.-Cuban relations. U.S.-based groups and initiatives promoting renewable energy in the Caribbean will continue to face an uphill battle. Dig Deeper We encourage you learn more about our friends at Vittoria Energy and their mission. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Additionally, take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Is the Caribbean a paradise for renewable energy?, David Ince, The Guardian It’s Time For Solar in the Caribbean, Edouard MacGuffie, Caribbean Journal Cuba wants clean energy. Can the U.S. deliver?, David Ferris, E&E News
What has made Pope Francis such a dynamic international figure who has captivated Catholic and non-Catholic audiences worldwide? In this episode, we explore key events that have shaped Pope Francis’ foreign policy. Papal Election The Papal conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio on February 28, 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Bergoglio (who took the name of Pope Francis) is Argentinean, making him the first pope from the global south. He is also the first pope from the Jesuit order, a sect of the Catholic priesthood and brotherhood known for engaging in diplomacy and immersing themselves in diverse cultures. Papal Election High-Profile Foreign Policy Actions Pope Francis was instrumental in mediating the U.S.-Cuban rapprochement that was announced in December 2014. He facilitated secret discussions between the two countries that eventually led to warming relations. He was not the first Pope to advance this policy, though; both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI tried to persuade the United States to end the Cuban embargo. Later in April 2015, Pope Francis called the 1915 Turkish slaughter of Armenians a genocide. The Pope’s bold message was met with both acclaim and criticism. Armenians praised Pope Francis for the recognition of the grave crimes, believing this declaration sent a powerful message to the international community about the evils of genocide. Angered Turkish officials recalled their ambassador from Rome and stated that the pope had overstepped the papacy’s historical bounds. Conflict Mitigation and the Papacy Pope Francis has traveled to conflict zones and violent countries to try to foster peaceful resolutions. His visit to the Central African Republic in November 2015 caused both sides to agree to a day-long ceasefire. However, despite his visit and message of peace, conflict still rages in CAR today. He also traveled to a tumultuous Venezuela to help mediate discussions between the president and opposition. Though there are limitations on his ability to help resolve crises worldwide, Pope Francis has remained committed to fostering peace. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Pope Francis visits besieged mosque in Central African Republic, Harriet Sherwood, The Guardian How Pope Francis Became a Foreign Policy Player, Sylvia Poggioli, NPR How Pope Francis became such a force in foreign policy, Kevin Clarke, Washington Post
Hello, Germany! In this episode we briefly discuss how German history impacts its current struggles to cope with the refugee crisis, and ask our listeners there to tell us more about what’s going on in the country these days. document.write('\u003C','\u0070\u003E','\u0049','\u0066 \u0079\u006F\u0075’\u0072\u0065 \u006C','\u0069\u0073','\u0074\u0065\u006E\u0069\u006E','\u0067',' \u0066','\u0072','\u006F\u006D \u0047\u0065\u0072','\u006D\u0061\u006E\u0079\u002C \u0070\u006C','\u0065\u0061','\u0073','\u0065',' \u003C\u0061 \u0068','\u0072\u0065\u0066','\u003D','\u0022\u006D\u0061','\u0069','\u006C','\u0074','\u006F\u003A','\u0063','\u006F\u006E','\u0074\u0061\u0063','\u0074\u0040\u006D\u0061','\u0074\u0074','\u0065\u0072\u0073','\u006F','\u0066\u0073\u0074\u0061','\u0074\u0065\u002E\u006F\u0072\u0067\u0022\u003E','');send us an email to let us know what we missed, what we got wrong, and what else we should be talking about in future episodes. We’d like to do a more detailed episode on Germany in the near future, and we’d love your help! You may also contact us through our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We look forward to hearing from you!
Tucked away in the northeast corner of South America, Guyana is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. However, the Guyanese are a diverse and resilient people who play an integral role in the region. Colonialism’s Impact Guyana’s colonial past contributed significantly to its diverse population. The Netherlands colonized Guyana in the 17th century. Throughout the 17th and 18th century, the Dutch imported African slaves to work on Guyanese plantations. In 1831, Britain gained formal control of Guyana. To continue to grow the colony’s economic output, the British imported indentured servants primarily from India. Consequently, Guyana’s population today comprises 43% ethnic Indians, 30% ethnic Africans, and a mix of indigenous and other populations. Although one political party largely dominated Guyana’s political system for decades, the 2015 presidential election brought in a coalition government to the executive. The People’s Progressive Party, primarily composed of ethnic Indians, held executive power since 1992. In 2015, a multiracial coalition of six political parties called the Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change won the majority of seats in Parliament. Its leader, David Granger, became president. Internal and External Issues The most pressing social issue for President Granger is that Guyana has the highest suicide rate in the world. Mental illness is a significant social stigma for Guyanese, as many citizens attribute signs of mental illness to witchcraft. The government has not developed robust mental health institutions to address the problem; Guyana has fewer than 10 full-time psychiatrists. Externally, Guyana has ongoing territorial disputes with Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has long claimed its right to control a large tract of land known as the Essequibo, which comprises about 40% of Guyana’s current territory. In 2015, Exxonmobil announced that it discovered a large reserve of oil off Guyana’s disputed coastline, which amplified Venezuela’s calls to reclaim Essequibo. The dispute is likely to continue as Exxon starts to drill the oil reserves. If you’re listening from Guyana, please send us an email to let us know what we missed and what else we should be talking about in future episodes. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Guyana and Venezuela in bitter border dispute after oil discovery, David Connett, The Independent Timeline: Guyana, BBC In the Valley of the Shadow of Death: Guyana After the Jonestown Massacre, Tim Cahill, Rolling Stone
How can a large influx of money into a country become a “curse” to its citizens? In this episode, we discuss how the finance curse can crash economies and upend livelihoods in developing nations. Finance Curse Versus Resource Curse In an earlier episode we discussed the resource curse, a phenomenon known where discovery of a natural resource can impede economic development, fuel conflict, and create instability. The finance curse is another form of the resource curse, where the resource is human capital in financial services instead of natural resources like oil. The finance curse generally occurs in international tax havens, or countries where the financial sector exceeds 50% of GDP and government authorities divulge little to no information to foreign tax authorities. Curse Barrier to Development Political and regulatory policies of developing countries help create the finance curse. Lack of reasonable regulations engender tax havens that attract foreign financiers, and the financiers’ economic successes increase their political power. As a result, the financial sector crowds out other economic sectors, which can spark a brain drain of local talent in these other sectors. High wages in the financial sector exacerbate income inequality and lead to local price increases. Moreover, many of these finance sector employees are expatriates, meaning foreigners take a significant amount of the financial gains. Antigua and Barbuda is a tragic example of the finance curse. One American financier single-handedly became the most powerful employer in the country and subsequently crashed its economy after he was convicted of fraud and his operations were halted. Role of Developed Nations The finance curse also hurts developed nations. Wealthy citizens and corporations of developed nations that seek tax havens abroad cost their governments billions of dollars a year in tax revenues. Nations like the United States must work to mitigate factors contributing to this unsustainable phenomenon. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Why Tax Havens Are Political and Economic Disasters, Brooke Harrington, The Atlantic The Finance Curse, Nicholas Shaxson and John Christensen, Tax Justice Network The Quiet Coup, Simon Johnson, The Atlantic
This episode presents various bits of folklore and curses from Ireland, Central Asia, Central Europe, and the United States that have purportedly made a significant impact on history.
One of the many stories that go untold in conflict zones is the fate of zoos and their animals. There are concerns for the animals’ safety as well as for humans if predatory animals escape. In this episode, we explore just a few examples of efforts to safeguard zoos during war. World War II The Ueno Zoo in Tokyo and the London Zoo had contrasting experiences during and after the WWII bombing campaigns. Ueno zookeepers were forced to euthanize many animals to prevent escapes during bombing raids. After the war, the zoo suffered from food scarcity and many animals starved to death. The London Zoo also euthanized many predatory animals before it was hit by multiple air raids. Amazingly, no animals were killed in the raids, and the London Zoo prospered after the war. Middle East Conflicts The 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq nearly destroyed the Baghdad Zoo. The shock and awe U.S. air campaign was followed by excessive zoo looting, and the total number of zoo animals decreased from 650 to 30. However, Iraq refurbished the zoo with the help of wildlife conservationist Lawrence Anthony as well as U.S. soldiers. It remains open today with over 1,000 animals. In contrast, the 2008-2009 Gaza War between Israel and Palestine caused so much damage to the Gaza Zoo that it was eventually shut down, the remaining animals transferred elsewhere. Yemen Civil War Zookeepers in Yemen are using social media to fund their war-torn zoo. Taiz, a city in southern Yemen, is caught in the crosshairs of the Yemen civil war. A blockade precludes resources like food from entering into the city, resulting in desperate conditions not only for the human population but also for the zoo’s animals. However, Taiz zookeepers and a philanthropist from Sweden have raised over $100,000 USD in an online initiative to help feed the animals. Online funding initiatives will continue to play an important role helping zoos in conflict zones. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite sites that we came across while researching this topic: Lawrence Anthony – CBS video of the Baghdad zoo rescue, Youtube Animals Starving at Venezuelan Zoos, Elaina Zachos, National Geographic Emergency Response and Disaster Relief, Four Paws
Emperor Akihito of Japan is not your traditional emperor. In light of Akihito’s unconventional remarks hinting at a possible desire to abdicate, we spend this episode discussing the emperor’s place in Japanese government and culture. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching Emperor Akihito:
In Japan, an Emperor Constrained by History and a National Identity Crisis, New York Times The Emperor and the Prime Minister, New York Times The Long Goodbye, Economist * Emperor Akihito: A life in the service of healing and peace, Japan Times
Sand is the world’s second most consumed natural resource and a critical component of the world’s construction and manufacturing industries. Some governments have attempted to regulate excessive sand dredging, which has led to the rise of black market “sand mafias.”
Uzbekistan will soon make its first transition of power since it became an independent state more than 25 years ago. In this episode, we discuss expectations for Uzbekistan’s upcoming presidential election after the recent death of President Islam Karimov, and explore the country’s domestic and foreign affairs. The Power Transition Long-time president Karimov had ruled Uzbekistan with an iron fist since it became an independent state after the fall of the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan’s human rights record was “atrocious” under his rule, as the government held thousands of political prisoners, controlled media organizations, and committed violence against protesters. The next president will likely be another strongman from Karimov’s inner circle who will continue the former president’s policies. Foreign Relations Uzbekistan has the largest population and military in central Asia. It is an active player in the region, with a history of border disputes with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Uzbekistan is also a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an international organization run by China and Russia with the goal of defeating terrorism. China and Russia use this alliance to maintain influence in Uzbekistan and the larger central Asia region. Internal Tensions Karimov’s fight against terrorism led to political persecution of Muslims, many of whom fled the country. His secular government—in a country whose culture has a significant Islamic influence—branded his political opponents as Islamic extremists. Some radicalized Uzbeks have joined the Islamic State and al Qaeda in their Middle East operations. Radicalization and emigration will continue as the Uzbekistani government maintains its policy of persecution. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Uzbekistan profile – Leaders: Islam Karimov, BBC Can Uzbekistan’s New Leader Balance Russia, China, and the U.S.?, Reid Standish, Foreign Policy Uzbekistan After Karimov, Erica Marat, Foreign Affairs
Does a nation’s economy suffer when it makes a large natural resource discovery? In this episode, we explore the economic and financial consequences associated with resource abundance with recent Elliott School graduate alumnus Josh Park. He explains the underlying factors of the “resource curse” phenomenon and how states can mitigate its harmful effects. Paradox of Plenty The resource curse can trigger severe consequences for nations. Discovery of a natural resource in a nation attracts massive amounts of investment that can disrupt the nation’s economic equilibrium and redirect money away from other economic sectors. Moreover, industries created to extract the natural resource are subject to volatile valuations and eventual resource depletion. Dutch Disease The discovery of gas fields in the Netherlands in the 1970s precipitated a massive influx of investment money into its extraction industry. Despite the economic disequilibrium resulting from the flow of currency into the Netherlands (coined the Dutch Disease), the Dutch government redirected the money into a national fund to pay for state expenditures. This response illustrates that a nation exhibiting good governance can mitigate consequences of the resource curse. Oil-rich Gulf states have also weathered consequences of the resource curse, but they face future challenges. States such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have managed their oil wealth to create welfare states and increase standards of living. As oil prices drop, however, these nations are seeking ways to diversify their economies. Impact on Weak States In weak states that have different groups competing for power, natural resource discovery can trigger and perpetuate conflict. In resource-rich countries such as Nigeria and the DRC, militants fight for resources and use the extracted resources to pay for wars. Resource discovery will continue to hurt economies and exacerbate conflicts in areas with poor governance and civil strife. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
The paradox of the plenty, Special Report, The Economist What Resource Curse?, Charles Kenny, Foreign Policy Why Natural Resources Are a Curse on Developing Countries and How to Fix It, Stewart M. Patrick, The Atlantic Beating the Resource Curse: Global Governance Strategies for Democracy and Economic Development, Terra Lawson-Remer, Council on Foreign Relations
Cryptocurrencies from Bitcoin to Ripple were hot topics in 2017, but how much do you understand how they work? Blockchain technology is a rapidly expanding industry that underpins these cryptocurrencies. As this data architecture grows, it may spread to transform how other sectors process and store data. This conversation on the blockchain was originally published in September 2016 but, given the meteoric rise of some cryptocurrencies in 2017, we decided to repost it.What is Blockchain? A blockchain is a distributed public ledger of all transactions and items that are contained within a record. Every transaction is visible to all users in chronological order. It also allows access to any internet-connected device, making this technology accessible to billions of devices worldwide. Bitcoin: A Digital Currency The world’s most popular digital currency, Bitcoin, uses blockchain technology. Users execute financial transactions using anonymous accounts, with all transactions publicly recorded on the blockchain. To ensure validity and security of digital transactions, bitcoin pays “miners” a small sum to verify transactions. Bitcoin users’ anonymity has presented problems to law enforcement. Bitcoin can be used as a platform to purchase illegal items or facilitate illicit activities (including terrorism) because there is no reliable way to track the users. This issue makes it difficult for traditional financial institutions looking to emulate its model. The Future of Blockchain Some companies are using blockchain for non-currency purposes.Bitfury is an IT company that develops and delivers software and hardware solutions to ensure its clients access to the blockchain. Specifically, it employs blockchain to give clients secure and efficient asset transfer capabilities. Blockchain’s ability to execute and track transaction can be applied to several other functions. For instance, it could transform international aid monitoring by giving public access to where and when program money is being dispensed. Blockchain technology could revolutionize the internet as people find more ways to employ it. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
- How the Bitcoin protocol actually works, Michael Nielsen, Michael Nielsen blog
- Bitcoin and the Future of Blockchain in International Payments Systems, Frances Coppola, American Express
- CIO Explainer: What Is Blockchain?, Steven Norton, Wall Street Journal
The Horn of Africa is one of the most complex, diverse, and conflict-afflicted regions in the world. While much of the region continues to be mired in violence and instability, it remains a nexus of global trading routes and is growing in geopolitical importance. The global community cannot ignore its fate.
The States The Horn of Africa, situated in the easternmost projection of the African continent, comprises the countries of Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti; the Greater Horn includes the adjoining states of Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan. Ethiopia is the historical power of the region and has enjoyed recent economic success despite its authoritarian government. Djibouti, though a beacon of economic stability in the region with its gulf ports, suffers from rampant unemployment. The other states in the region—particularly Somalia and South Sudan—are facing seemingly intractable challenges of state formation and development. Regional dynamics The Horn of Africa is marked by porous borders and interstate competition. The inability of central authorities to maintain control within their colonial-era borders has exacerbated ethnic conflicts and precipitated refugee crises. Moreover, states actively support neighboring governments’ rebel groups to strengthen their own regional power. Such instability has provided fertile ground for the growth of terrorist organizations. There are, however, signs of progress and regional cooperation. The African Union is establishing new infrastructure for African-led peace and security initiatives. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development is active in South Sudan’s peace process and negotiations. These security developments, coupled with economic development in some states, could set the foundation for future stability and prosperity. Geopolitical Significance The Horn of Africa has strategic importance to outside actors. The United States, France, and China have established overseas military bases in Djibouti to protect economic interests and neutralize extremist threats. The region promises to continue to grow ever important in geopolitics and global trade. Recent Developments Between the time that we recorded and published this episode, there were two developments that we thought we should note. 1) As speculated in the episode, the Somali election was postponed to a later date. 2) The Kenyan government is no longer closing the Dadaab refugee camp. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
The Horn of Africa – Its Strategic Importance for Europe, the Gulf States, and Beyond, Alexander Rondos, Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development Horn of Africa: Webs of Conflict and Pathways to Peace, Paul Williams, Elliott School of International Affairs Regional Security in the post-Cold War Horn of Africa, Roba Sharamo and Berouk Mesfin, Institute for Security Studies
As more people in the world gain internet access, global online education will continue to increase in scope and importance. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free, easily accessible courses covering an array of topics that are helping advance education for a global audience. An Educational Revolution? When early investors in educational technology companies established MOOCS in the late 2000s, they believed they would revolutionize education and displace universities in a few short years. Though these initial predictions were over-enthusiastic, MOOCs have succeeded in departing from the conventional educational model and have made advanced subjects accessible to thousands of people around the world. Countries and international organizations have also used MOOCs to advance their public policy goals. Though the vast majority of providers are based in the United States, countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are establishing their own MOOCs. These courses are vehicles through which nations and organizations can promote their cultures and values. Education for Refugees MOOCs have been instrumental in providing free education to refugees, many of whom are left out of host countries’ formal education system. The US State Department and MOOC provider Coursera have partnered to launch the MOOCs-for-Refugees program to make courses accessible to displaced people around the world. Another MOOC provider, edX, has partnered with an education organization called Kiron to offer college credit to Syrian migrants. Challenges and Opportunities MOOCs must overcome several challenges in the future. Though many courses enroll thousands of students, they can suffer from a lack of student-teacher relationships and some students may not have the prerequisites needed to excel in the course. As a result, student participation rates are lower than traditional university courses. Additionally, many in the world still do not have internet access. Despite these challenges, MOOCs will continue to adapt and grow to help hasten international development. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
MOOCs: The Next Foreign Policy Tool, Nicole Bailey, International Affairs Review. Why MOOCs are failing the people they are supposed to help, Maria Konnikova, The New Yorker. Who’s Benefitting from MOOCs, and Why, Chen Zhenghao et al., Harvard Business Review.
During periods of major disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and deadly conflicts, victims can count on one organization to come to their aid. Doctors Without Borders, or Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is an internationally focused non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides assistance to areas in critical need of medical care. Born out of Unrest MSF formed in response to the Nigerian civil war and social unrest in France in the late 1960s. French Red Cross workers stationed in Nigeria during the civil war grew frustrated because of the lack of political advocacy for their patients. At the same time, social unrest in France and televising of worldwide peril inspired many to advocate for those suffering around the globe. These developments prompted a group of doctors, clinicians, and journalists to create MSF in 1971. Providers and Advocates MSF sends volunteers around the world to respond to health and medical crises, train medical staffs, conduct field research, and advocate for their victims. It currently has 450 ongoing medical projects in 69 countries. Unlike many of its peers that have sustained operations, MSF responds to short-term crises and then exits once the situation is stabilized. MSF volunteers also engage in “witnessing,” or taking political stances when they believe political neutrality would exacerbate suffering. For instance, it called upon the French government to intervene in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The political nature of MSF has led to tension with governments in which it has operated. The Ethiopian and Somali governments, for example, have removed MSF groups in the past after accusing them of political disloyalty. Money Well Spent MSF primarily receives private donations from individuals worldwide. According to CharityWatch, MSF only spends $12 of every $100 on fundraising, with the vast majority of funds dedicated to programmatic cost. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of these articles to learn more about Doctors without Borders:
As War Dangers Multiply, Doctors Without Borders Struggles To Adapt, Jackie Northam, NPR. The race to contain West Africa’s Ebola outbreak, Liat Clark, Wired. Doctors Without Borders Pulls Out of Somalia, Nicolas Kulish, New York Times.
On December 31, 2016, Ban Ki Moon will end his term as UN Secretary General. As the UN General Assembly begins vetting candidates to replace him in the coming months, it has a historic opportunity to elect the first female Secretary General. Position Description and Application Process The UN General Secretary is the UN’s main decision-maker and top authority. Since 1945, elected officials from around the globe have served 5-year terms as Secretary General. He or she is responsible for setting decision-making agendas, acting as the official UN spokesperson, overseeing annual reports, and advising the UN Security Council. The UN General Assembly and Security Council are responsible for selecting the Secretary General. Candidates submit letters and vision statements to both bodies announcing their desire for candidacy. Both bodies invite the candidates to closed-door discussions about their qualifications and agendas. The Security Council then sends a short-list of recommendation to the General Assembly, which must then elect a candidate by a two-thirds majority. A Female Secretary General? The current election could be historic in two ways. First, the overwhelming majority of the 11 current candidates are from Eastern Europe, the only region of the world that has not produced a Secretary General. Second, both UN bodies released declarations encouraging women to seek candidacy. Five of the 11 candidates are women. There are several highly qualified candidates. Bulgaria’s Irina Bokovo, Moldova’s Natalia Gherman, and Slovenia’s Danilo Turk are just a few of the several well-respected and experienced officials seeking the office. The future Secretary General faces many challenges such as UN peacekeeper sexual assault scandals, Paris climate agreements implementation efforts, and the worldwide refugee crises. The General Assembly has the ultimate responsibility to elect the candidate who can best tackle these issues in the next five years. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
List of UN Secretary General Candidates Will the next UN Secretary be a woman? Salima Yacoubi Soussane, The Guardian Bulgaria: UN Candidate Property Wealth Raises Questions, OCCRP UN Secretary-General Selection Process Goes Public Amid Peacekeeping, Corruption Scandals, Lydia Tomkiw, IBTimes.
As its conflict with the FARC rebel group comes to a close, the Colombian government faces another pressing humanitarian challenge. Rampant sex trafficking victimizes thousands of vulnerable, displaced, and poor Colombians. In this episode, we interview Garrett Suarez and David Medina about their field research on Colombian sex trafficking, government failures to combat it, and successes of the NGO Corporación Espacios de Mujer in helping trafficked victims. Global Trafficking Networks Garrett and David’s research and travels to Bogota and Medellin in Colombia revealed an expansive and international sex trafficking network. Colombian criminal groups called “bandas criminales” (BACRIM) operate sophisticated networks that traffic men, women, and children both within Colombia and to South America, Asia, Europe, and the United States. Poor and internally displaced victims are persuaded, tricked, and coerced to become sex workers. They experience unspeakable atrocities. Colombia’s Insufficient Response Several factors constrain the Colombian government’s ability to address sex trafficking. The government has focused its resources on its internal conflict with the FARC. Additionally, most municipal government officials are unaware of specific human trafficking laws, and processes to prosecute traffickers and provide assistance to victims are convoluted and slow. Moreover, the government’s rampant corruption and connections to BACRIM groups dissuade many victims from seeking help. Garrett and David’s research offers several recommendations to improve government efforts to prevent trafficking and assist victims. It focuses on bolstering prevention education programming, enhancing government coordination to fight sex trafficking, and increasing transparency of government funding to agencies and NGOs. A Space for Women One successful NGO based in Medellin, Colombia called Corporación Espacios de Mujer (A Space for Women) provides shelter, medical assistance, and job training to sex trafficking victims. Its founder, Betty Pedraza Lozano, recently received a State Department Trafficking in Persons “Hero” award. Organizations like this can lead the way in confronting Colombia’s sex trafficking crisis. Dig Deeper For more information about this topic, check out these links:
2015 Trafficking in Persons Report: Colombia, U.S. State Department Sex trafficking ‘staggering’ in illegal Latin American gold mines: researchers, Anastasia Moloney, Reuters Colombian Drug Lords Seek Virgins for Sex Slaves: Reports, Jaime Saldarriaga, Newsweek
In this episode we look at Gwadar port, a deep-sea port located in the Balochistan province in southwest Pakistan, along a strategic trade route in the Arabian Sea. A Chinese state-owned company, Overseas Ports Holding Company, signed a 40-year lease for the port in 2014 to advance China’s economic and trade interests in the region. Gwadar Port Development Failures The Gwadar port has a history of foreign ownership, but has never been developed into a fully functional port. Foreign countries had occupied the port until Pakistan purchased it in 1958; however, it was never able to fully develop the port despite attempts in the 1990s. Gwadar remained a poor fishing village until China inked its 40-year lease in 2014. China’s Lease of Gwadar Port China has strong economic interests in the Gwadar port. Up to 82% of China’s crude imports and 30% of its natural gas is transported through the route on which Gwadar port is located. The Overseas Ports Holding Company leased operative components of the port in 2014. It is building a liquid natural gas pipeline and other features to bolster Gwadar’s economic and trade prospects. These investments could benefit millions in the area. The Gwadar port is a piece of the larger China-Pakistan economic corridor, which is a strategic route of pipelines, railroads and highways running from Gwadar and other Arabian Sea ports in Pakistan into China. Balancing India and Tensions with Balochi Separatists China’s purchase of the Gwadar port has geopolitical implications. Some speculate that the China-Pakistan economic corridor is a means to balance against their mutual enemy, India. Furthermore, Pakistan is raising up to 10,000 soldier—including 2,000 troops near the Gwadar port—to protect the entire corridor from threats from the Balochi separatist group. A Balochi attack targeting oil tankers in the Gwadar port in March 2015 illustrates the group’s threat to future port operations. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Chinese State Firm Takes Control of Strategically Vital Gwadar Port, Ankit Panda, The Diplomat Gwadar, Pakistan — the most important city you’ve never heard of, Post Staff Report, New York Post 5 Reasons Gwadar Port Trumps Chabahar, Muhammad Daim Fazil, The Diplomat
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental organization of 13 oil-exporting nations that coordinate petroleum policies of member states. OPEC has exercised large control of the global oil market since its inception in 1960. However, it is now confronting major challenges, including changes to the global oil market and tensions between member states. OPEC Price Wars Since 2014, several non-OPEC oil exporters have expanded their production, increasing the global supply and lowering OPEC’s share of global oil production to 40%. OPEC responded by increasing its volume of oil exports to capture more of the global oil revenue and block out non-OPEC producers. Though unscheduled supply shortages have recently stabilized oil prices, many believe this price leveling is not sustainable. Member State Tensions OPEC’s decision to increase oil production has sparked internal disagreements. While most member states seek to reduce production to stabilize prices and revamp their economies, the most powerful members (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran) insist on increasing production. Members have not reached a unanimous consensus needed to decide the path forward, prompting critics to lambaste OPEC as dysfunctional. Problems within member states also threaten OPEC. Poorer member states such as Angola continue to struggle with conflict and corruption. Saudi Arabia—OPEC’s most powerful member which relies upon oil for 70% of government revenue—recently published an economic plan, coined “Vision 2030,” to become oil-independent by 2030. If accomplished, the goal would cripple OPEC’s market share and power. OPEC’s Uncertain Future Diminished control of a changing oil market, domestic instability, and tensions between member states could spell the end for OPEC. Time will tell if OPEC can survive its current crisis. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:
Listing of the world’s top oil export countries Report on mounting tensions within OPEC in a June 2016 meeting. CNBC Iran’s Oil Exports Have Tripled. CNN. Where does America Get Oil? You May Be Surprised. NPR.
How can demographics positively or negatively impact a country’s economic growth and national security? In this episode, we discuss how an unbalanced age or gender structure can be a boon or a curse for stability.
Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching population structure and stability:
- “Young Saudis See Cushy Jobs Vanish Along With Nation’s Oil Wealth,” NYTimes.
- “What Every Dictator Knows: Young Men Are Natural Fanatics,” Aeon.
- “The Young and the Restless: Population Age Structure and Civil War,” ECSP Report
- “What Africa Will Look Like in 100 Years,” Telegraph
This episode originally aired in May 2016. Join us on our first installment of Conversations with Ambassadors as we sit down for a chat with Omar Arouna, the then Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to the United States, Mexico, and the Organization of American States (OAS). Ambassador Arouna described his journey from the IT industry and various NGO and public advocacy projects to his current role as Benin’s top diplomat. We then learned more about Benin’s journey to democracy, and how proud the country is to have achieved sustained political stability. Ambassador Arouna also discussed some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Benin, such as its goal of developing self-sufficient electricity production capabilities instead of relying on Nigeria for its supply. The Ambassador spoke excitedly about Benin’s future, particularly because of its strategic location as a major port of access for supply lines extending into the inland of sub-Saharan Africa. Toward the end of this episode’s fascinating conversation, Ambassador Arouna gave us a vivid virtual tour of the sights, sounds, and tastes of Benin’s capital city, Cotonou. Listen with us to understand a little bit more about what’s going on in Benin from its top diplomat to the United States, Omar Arouna More reading! Find out more about Benin, Ambassador Arouna’s background, and read some of his writing below:
- Allgov.com’s profile on Ambassador Arouna (October 2014)
- Embassy of Benin
- Ambassador Omar Arouna, “Do not overlook Nigeria’s smaller neighbor to the west,” Africa Sun Times, June 3, 2015.
In this episode, we examine the International Criminal Court (ICC). We briefly touch on the history of the ICC, what the court is intended to do, and a recent expansion in what kinds of cases the court considers. We also discuss some of the weaknesses and criticisms of the ICC, particularly the fact that all of its 32 indictees come from Africa. Finally, we compare the ICC system with other international tribunals and reconciliation processes. International Criminal Court Building Photo by theglobalpanorama
Further information: Take a look at some of the articles we used to get up to speed on the ICC:
- ICC’s “About the Court” page
- Congo politician guilty in first ICC trial to focus on rape as a war crime, Guardian
- Obstruction of justice: the collapse of the case against William Ruto is terrible news, Economist
- Why so many African leaders hate the International Criminal Court, Washington Post
Live in DC? Want to get involved in Matters of State? document.write('\u003C\u0070\u003E','\u0049','\u0066 \u0079\u006F\u0075 \u0068\u0061','\u0076\u0065 \u0065','\u0064\u0069','\u0074','\u0069\u006E\u0067\u002C \u0077','\u0072\u0069','\u0074\u0069','\u006E\u0067','\u002C \u006F','\u0072 \u006D','\u0061\u0072\u006B\u0065','\u0074\u0069\u006E\u0067 \u0073\u006B','\u0069','\u006C','\u006C\u0073 \u0026\u0023','\u0038\u0032','\u0031\u0031\u003B',' \u006F\u0072 \u006A','\u0075\u0073\u0074 \u006C','\u0069','\u006B\u0065 \u0061\u0073','\u006B','\u0069\u006E','\u0067 \u0071\u0075','\u0065\u0073','\u0074','\u0069\u006F\u006E','\u0073',' \u0061\u006E','\u0064 \u006C\u0065\u0061','\u0072','\u006E\u0069','\u006E\u0067 \u0074\u0068','\u0072\u006F','\u0075\u0067\u0068 \u0064','\u0069','\u0073','\u0063','\u0075','\u0073','\u0073\u0069','\u006F\u006E',' \u0026\u0023','\u0038\u0032\u0031','\u0031','\u003B',' \u0077','\u0065 \u0077','\u0061\u006E\u0074',' \u0079\u006F\u0075',' \u006F','\u006E',' \u006F','\u0075\u0072',' \u0074','\u0065','\u0061','\u006D','\u0021 \u0053\u0065','\u006E\u0064',' \u0075\u0073 \u0061','\u006E',' \u0065\u006D\u0061\u0069\u006C \u0077','\u0069','\u0074\u0068',' \u0079','\u006F\u0075\u0072 \u0072','\u0065','\u0073\u0075\u006D\u0065 \u0074','\u006F \u003C','\u0073','\u0074\u0072\u006F\u006E\u0067','\u003E\u0063','\u006F','\u006E','\u0074','\u0061','\u0063','\u0074','\u0040','\u006D','\u0061\u0074','\u0074\u0065\u0072','\u0073','\u006F\u0066\u0073\u0074\u0061','\u0074\u0065','\u002E','\u006F','\u0072','\u0067');! Be sure to let us know what you might be interested in doing at Matters of State, and definitely tell us what your favorite episode is! Subscribe! If you haven’t already, you should really subscribe to our show. It’s free and you’ll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you’re not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page. And if you’re really averse to podcasts, you can also subscribe to us on YouTube
What is the difference between sex and gender? How do prescribed gender roles and other social constructions of gender harm everyone? Can we even approach these issues through the standard “international affairs” lens that we normally use here at Matters of State? Join us as we sit down with our special friend and guest, Camry Haskins, to explore gender as a global issue.
“In order to get to that level of gender equality, we also need the whole population.” – our guest Camry Haskins
Also check out:
-
HeForShe, an initiative by UN Women to encourage men and boys to push back against the negative inequalities suffered by women and girls.
Live in DC? Want to get involved in Matters of State? If you live in the DC area and might be interested in participating in Matters of State, we’d love to see you at our upcoming info session! If you’d like to attend to find out how you can be a part of the podcast, register at eventbrite. The session will take place next week at the earliest, within walking distance of the Foggy Bottom metro station. We’ll let you know specifically when and where the session will occur after we get your email! Subscribe! If you haven’t already, you should really subscribe to our show. It’s free and you’ll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you’re not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page. And if you’re really averse to podcasts, you can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Photo by jackol
Hello Cambodia! We noticed that the last few episodes had an increase in listeners in Cambodia, so we decided to shout out to you directly! In this episode, we briefly discuss the history of Cambodia into the present day, and ask our listeners there to tell us more about what’s going on in the country these days. document.write('\u003C\u0070\u003E\u0049','\u0066 \u0079','\u006F','\u0075\u0026','\u0023\u0038\u0032','\u0031\u0037','\u003B','\u0072','\u0065 \u006C','\u0069\u0073','\u0074\u0065\u006E\u0069','\u006E\u0067 \u0066','\u0072','\u006F','\u006D \u0043','\u0061','\u006D\u0062\u006F','\u0064','\u0069\u0061','\u002C \u0070','\u006C','\u0065\u0061','\u0073\u0065',' \u003C','\u0061',' \u0068\u0072\u0065','\u0066','\u003D','\u0022\u006D\u0061\u0069\u006C\u0074\u006F\u003A\u0063\u006F','\u006E\u0074','\u0061','\u0063','\u0074\u0040\u006D\u0061\u0074','\u0074\u0065','\u0072','\u0073\u006F','\u0066\u0073\u0074','\u0061','\u0074\u0065','\u002E\u006F\u0072','\u0067','\u0022','\u003E');send us an email to let us know what we missed, what we got wrong, and what else we should be talking about in future episodes. We’d like to do a more detailed episode on Cambodia in the near future, and we’d love your help! You may also contact us through our Facebook and Twitter accounts if you can access them! We look forward to hearing from you!
References from the Episode:
- Video of President Richard Nixon explaining the bombing campaign in Cambodia during the Vietnam War (YouTube)
Subscribe! If you haven’t already, you should really subscribe to our show. It’s free and you’ll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you’re not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page. And if you’re really averse to podcasts, you can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Photo by jafsegal
Maybe you’ve at least heard of most countries around the world. But have you ever heard of Comoros? This small island nation east of Africa and north of Madagascar has had an outsized impact on international trade and the the history of its region. Today’s Comoros has a complex political system and a rich diversity of culture. Join us as we discuss Comoros in this latest installment of our Spotlight series!
More information Check out these great sources on Comoros:
- Diane Selkirk, “A Famous Island Nobody Knows,” BBC Travel.
- “Comoros Imports, Exports and Trade Partners,” The Observatory of Economic Complexity.
- Dr. Matin Oppenheimer and Dr. Harriet Oppenheimer, “Comoros: The Comoro Islands’ Home Page,” Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Kansas State University.
- Also listen to a fun sampling of twarab, a traditional music form on The Comoros!
Subscribe! If you haven’t already, you should really subscribe to our show. It’s free and you’ll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you’re not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page. And if you’re really averse to podcasts, you can also subscribe to us on YouTube.
Who decides when it might be appropriate for a country to intervene in another conflict? Is there an international consensus on when it is acceptable to use force? Join us as we tackle these complex issues in today’s episode, “International Law and Use of Force.”
For reference:
- CHAPTER VII: Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression, UN Charter.
Subscribe! If you haven’t already, you should really subscribe to our show. It’s free and you’ll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you’re not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page. And if you’re really averse to podcasts, you can also subscribe to us on YouTube.
Up to one billion people live in slums around the world and the numbers are only expected to rise.1 In this episode, we look at what drives the rapid urbanization around the world, how it leads to overcrowded slums and informal housing, and what can be done to improve the lives of the people living in these overcrowded areas. Our special guest, Elizabeth Ramey, spent over two years working on local adult education and empowerment programs in one of Nairobi’s largest slums, Mukuru kwa Njenga. She helps us understand what life is like in this slum and some possible approaches to the problems she saw. Liz is a young professional who specializes in democracy and governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a Master of Science in African Studies from the University of Oxford and a Master of Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. Liz has worked with the World Bank, The Government of Liberia, Vital Voices Global Partnership, the International Food Policy Research Institute, and numerous domestic and international nonprofits. Elizabeth is currently the Program Associate with the Africa Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC. She also offers personal branding services through her organization, Mimi Ni. Related Articles Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching:
- UN-Habitat Urban Data
- Urban Squatters and Slums: Sites and Services
- Kenya Slum Upgrading Program
- World Bank: Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project
Subscribe! If you haven’t already, you should really subscribe to our show. It’s free and you’ll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you’re not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page. And if you’re really averse to podcasts, you can also subscribe to us on YouTube.
The number of people living in slums varies widely from source to source, but the UN has reported up to one billion. There is greater consensus on the fact that the numbers are rapidly increasing. http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/cities/vitalstats.shtml ↩
Photo by WikiImages (Pixabay) What do we get out of space? What rules do countries use to ensure that everyone will “play fair” with the resources that might be out there? Will these rules truly ensure that countries will play fair in space, or will the same political dynamics that divide us here on Earth continue to plague us indefinitely out into the infinite universe? Join us and our special guest, Ken Tanaka, as we ponder these issues and more on today’s episode, “Asteroid Mining and the Outer Space Treaty.” More reading! Take a look at some of the sources we used to prepare for this discussion:
- The full text of the Outer Space Treaty
- Timeline of developments related to the Outer Space Treaty, Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI)
- U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act (2015)
Subscribe! If you haven’t already, you should really subscribe to our show. It’s free and you’ll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you’re not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page. And if you’re really averse to podcasts, you can also subscribe to us on YouTube.
Note: this episode was originally published in February 2016. Given today’s announcement that Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro will not allow the main opposition parties to run in next year’s presidential election, we’ve decided to republish this episode to provide context to Venezuela’s political and economic struggles. Venezuela recently elected a majority-opposition legislature. Will the new majority bloc, characterized by its opposition to the Venezuelan government’s entrenched chavismo ideology, be able to stand up to current president Nicolás Maduro? What other challenges stand in their way? Join us as we discuss the political and economic causes and possible consequences of what’s afoot in Venezuela. Check out our sources! Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while preparing for this episode:
- “In graphics: a political and economic guide to Venezuela,” The Economist.
- Matt O’Brien, “Venezuela is on the brink of a complete economic collapse,” Washington Post.
- Harold Trinkunas, “Three things to know about the Venezuelan election results,” The Brookings Institution.
- Harold Trinkunas, “Venezuelan elections: could Chavismo lose?,” The Brookings Institution.
Did you ever think that animals (and other lifeforms for that matter) could be trafficked like they were illegal drugs? In fact, some of the same people, networks, routes and tactics are involved in this massive illicit trade. Join us as we discuss the motivations, methods, and consequences of wildlife trafficking in this week's episode.
Digging Deeper Check out some of the resources we used to prepare for this discussion:
- "International Illicit Trafficking in Wildlife," John M. Sellar (CITES Secretariat), The Police Chief.
- "The Disappearing Act: The Illicit Trade in Wildlife in Asia" (PDF), Vanda Felbab-Brown, Brookings Institution.
- "Five Myths about Illegal Wildlife Trafficking," Johan Bergenas, Stimson Center.
- "Malaysia's 'Lizard King' under probe for wildlife smuggling, report says," Malay Mail Online.
Also check out this Al-Jazeera documentary about Malaysia's notorious "Lizard King." This is Anson Wong the animal trafficker by the way, not Jim Morrison. Sorry Doors fans!
Want to contribute to a future episode? If you have an idea for a topic that we should cover in a future episode, then tweet it to us, post it on our Facebook wall, or contact us on LinkedIn. If you want to participate or contribute in any other way, send us an email! Subscribe! If you haven't already, you should really subscribe to our show. It's free and you'll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you're not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page.
Featured Photo by Romana Klee
How far do the limits of modern society reach? What is “modern society,” and who belongs to it? What happens when states, organizations, and other members of the “connected world” come into contact with groups that may have little intersection with it? Should these groups be actively protected, thoroughly researched, or simply left alone? Follow along with us as we wrestle with these questions and more during this week’s episode, “Uncontacted Peoples.”
Further Reading: Check out some of the articles we used to prepare for this discussion:
- The Sad Truth about Uncontacted Tribes, BBC
- Uncontacted Tribes: The Last Free People on Earth, National Geographic
- Five "Uncontacted Tribes" Most Threatened with Extinction, National Geographic
Also, here's that video we mentioned in which a team of researchers interact with the inhabitants of North Sentinel Island.
Want to contribute to a future episode? If you have an idea for a topic that we should cover in a future episode, then tweet it to us, post it on our Facebook wall, or contact us on LinkedIn. If you want to participate or contribute in any other way, send us an email! Subscribe! If you haven't already, you should really subscribe to our show. It's free and you'll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you're not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page.
The recent attacks in Paris shocked the world and left us wondering what could possibly motivate such barbarism. In this episode, we ask that question about terrorism in general. What has motivated terrorists around the world and through recent history? Spoiler: groups representing all kinds of ideologies have used terrorism as a tool long before the more recent (and more violent) attacks by Islamic extremist groups. Related Articles Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching [this topic]:
- Europol Terrorism and Situation Report (pdf)
- This is the group that's surprisingly prone to violent extremism, Henry Farrell on the Washington Post
- Deadly Attacks since 9/11, New America Foundation
Want to contribute to a future episode? If you have an idea for a topic that we should cover in a future episode, then tweet it to us, post it on our Facebook wall, or contact us on LinkedIn. If you want to participate or contribute in any other way, send us an email! Subscribe! If you haven't already, you should really subscribe to our show. It's free and you'll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you're not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page.
Rwanda has been lauded as a development success and a role model for Sub-Saharan Africa, but critics suggest that this development has come at the expense of healthy democratic governance. Kagame's Rwanda is an excellent case study for a broader question in international development: does democratic change lead to development, or does development lead to democratic change? Can you have one without the other?
Related Articles Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching democracy and development in Rwanda:
- Authoritarian Regimes are Changing the Way the World Defines Democracy, Washington Post
- Freedom in the World 2015, Freedom House
- Aid and Democracy, International IDEA
Want to contribute to a future episode? If you have an idea for a topic that we should cover in a future episode, then tweet it to us, post it on our Facebook wall, or contact us on LinkedIn. If you want to participate or contribute in any other way, send us an email! Subscribe! If you haven't already, you should really subscribe to our show. It's free and you'll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you're not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page.
This week, we debut our Spotlight series. Unlike in our traditional round table discussions, the spotlight series will allow us to occasionally choose an interesting figure, location, or phenomenon to discuss. This episode's figure is the world's longest-reigning monarch alive: King Bhumibol Adulyadej. We start from his birth in the United States, move to his unexpected rise to the throne, and finally discuss his apotheosis. Related Links Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching [this topic]:
- Bio on the Embassy to Singapore's website
- Thai King Sparks Pink Shirt Craze, BBC
- Running Afoul of the Thai Monarchy, NYTimes
Lastly, here is the video that we mentioned in the episode:
Want to contribute to a future episode? If you have an idea for a topic that we should cover in a future episode, then tweet it to us, post it on our Facebook wall, or contact us on LinkedIn. If you want to participate or contribute in any other way, send us an email! Subscribe! If you haven't already, you should really subscribe to our show. It's free and you'll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you're not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page.
Most of us are familiar with ISIL's use of oil smuggling, but how do they do it? Who facilitates and who buys the oil? What other regions around the world are also seeing oil smuggling. Some of them are closer to home than you might have imagined. Join us as we invite our good friend Siree Allers to discuss these questions and more.
Further Reading
Check out some of the sources we used to research this topic:
- Matt Herbert. “Partisans, Profiteers, and Criminals.” Fletcher Forum 38, vol. 1. (Winter 2014).
- SE ASIA PIRACY: CRIMINAL NETWORKS, CORPORATE COLLUSION AND CORRUPTION. Laufer Group International. September 28, 2015.
- “Oil pipeline explosion kills 28 in Mexico.” CNN. December 20, 2010.
Want to contribute to a future episode? If you have an idea for a topic that we should cover in a future episode, then tweet it to us, post it on our Facebook wall, or contact us on LinkedIn. If you want to participate or contribute in any other way, send us an email! Subscribe! If you haven't already, you should really subscribe to our show. It's free and you'll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you're not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page.
The U.S. Department of Defense calls climate change a threat multiplier, but for some countries it is an imminent and existential threat. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly at risk, facing the possibility of their nations literally go under in the next few decades. Join us as we discuss who's to blame, the future for these nations and their citizens, and what can be done.
Related Articles Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable countries:
- Will Pacific Island Nations Disappear as Seas Rise? - National Geographic
- Sinking States: Climate Change and the Pacific - The Diplomat
- Climate Change - UNHCR
- Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap - U.S. Department of Defense
And just for fun, here is Sen. James Inhofe, Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee:
Want to contribute to a future episode? If you have an idea for a topic that we should cover in a future episode, then tweet it to us, post it on our Facebook wall, or contact us on LinkedIn. If you want to participate or contribute in any other way, send us an email! Subscribe! If you haven't already, you should really subscribe to our show. It's free and you'll have our episodes delivered to you automatically every week. You can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, in your email, or just about any way possible outside of carrier pigeons (coming soon). In case you're not sure how to subscribe, check out our instructions page.
More and more countries are fencing off their borders in an attempt to curb illegal immigration and smuggling. In this episode, we talk about how India has fenced off almost its entire border with Bangladesh - one of the longest borders in the world. Why does India feel that it needs a fence? How does it impact the people living along the border, and what will the threat of climate change mean for the future? Is the fence even effective? Join us as we explore these questions and more!
We’ve heard a lot about the drug wars in Mexico. We’ve even become familiar with the cartels that wage them- their names, territories and sagas given ample play in US media. But how much do we know about what drives the violence and keeps it aflame? In what ways are the cartels able to innovate in order to keep ahead of law enforcement on both sides of the US-Mexican border? Can law enforcement keep up with these ever-evolving organizations? If drug demand in the US were to vanish, how would the cartels cope? How much does corruption dilute successful cooperation between the United States and Mexico? Come join us for a chat about the ins and outs of Mexico’s Drug Cartels.