Global in the Granite State: Recent Episodes
Tim Horgan
We look at top international issues that are facing the world today, as well as how NH interacts with the world in various ways. This interview style podcast will keep you in the know about global conflict, international relations, and interesting New Hampshire based organizations.
In this month's Global in the Granite State, we delve into the recent coup in Niger, analyzing its far-reaching implications and underscoring its significance on the global stage. On the ominous date of July 26th, the Presidential Guard took a daring step by placing President Mohamed Bazoum under house arrest, sealing the borders, imposing airspace restrictions, and boldly proclaiming their seizure of power. The world was caught off guard by this unforeseen upheaval, prompting a wave of sanctions and international condemnations.
To provide deeper insights into this complex situation, we had the privilege of speaking with two distinguished individuals: Kamissa Camara, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Mali and current Senior Advisor on Africa at the U.S. Institute of Peace, and Susan Fine, a retired Foreign Service officer with 30 years of experience at USAID, working extensively in the region. Their perspectives are informed by their extensive contacts in the region, a profound understanding of the country, and their ability to grasp the broader contextual landscape within which this crisis has unfolded.
While it might be tempting to perceive this coup as having no direct impact on the United States, the truth is that there are several intricate complications that could arise if Niger becomes the fourth West African country to succumb to authoritarian leadership in the span of just two years. The insights shared by Camara and Fine shed light on these potential complications and underscore the interconnectedness of global politics and stability. As the situation continues to develop, it becomes increasingly evident that proactive engagement and thoughtful consideration of these events are imperative, even for those geographically distant from the affected region.
Kamissa Camara - Kamissa Camara is a senior advisor for Africa at the U.S. Institute of Peace. She is a sub-Saharan Africa policy analyst and practitioner with 15 years of professional experience. She has served as Mali’s minister of foreign affairs, minister of digital economy and planning, and most recently, as chief of staff to the president of Mali. Previous to that, she served as senior foreign policy advisor to the president. Prior to working with the Malian government, Camara held leadership positions in Washington, D.C. with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and PartnersGlobal. At NED, Camara co-founded and co-chaired the Sahel Strategy Forum. She also spearheaded a multi-million-dollar program supporting civil society initiatives in West and Central Africa, with a particular focus on the Sahel.
From 2015 until 2018, she was the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa instructor at the State Department’s Foreign Service Institutewhere she trained U.S. diplomats before their postings in the region. Camara holds a master’s in international economics and development from Université Grenoble Alpes and a bachelor’s in international relations from Université de Paris.
Susan Fine - Susan Fine had a 30 year career with USAID, the agency that manages most US development and humanitarian aid. She oversaw USAID programs in Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Senegal from 2013-2015 and held senior policy positions in Washington DC. Since leaving the Foreign Service several years ago, Susan has continued to be involved in international development including serving on the board of the NH-based nonprofit Rain for the Sahel and Sahara which works with rural and nomadic communities in Niger.
In this month’s episode we explore the challenges surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need for global cooperation to minimize potential negative outcomes. By speaking with Ben Porter of Promethius endeavors, a technology think-tank, the conversation provides a balanced viewpoint of the challenges and opportunities surrounding the development of AI, from the robot overlords of the Matrix to the lifesaving programs identifying cancer cells, there are a lot of potential programs that can be used for good and evil. In response to a National Telecommunications and Information Administration request for comment, Promethius Endeavour has outlined some guidelines that governments should adopt to protect everyday citizens from the potential harms of uncontrolled AI development. Recognizing the global competition between countries like the United States and China to lead AI innovation, we stress the need for coherent and consistent regulations worldwide. There is a strong need to highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to privacy and copyright laws in AI development. While many people are calling for the slowing down or ending of AI development, it remains critical to many national development plans and simply needs positive oversight to ensure a reduction of harms to the end users. Join us as we dive beyond the headlines and provide you with the right insights to help you sleep better at night, without a robot overlord watching over you.
Ben Porter - Ben porter is a consultant and educator focusing on innovative use of technology. He has created, built and managed world leading management consulting companies focusing on the strategic use of information technology, as well as led Fortune 500 companies through the development of IT Vision, Strategy, and delivery of strategic business value. He holds a BS in Mathematics from Carnegie-Mellon University and an MS in Industrial Administration from Purdue.
Over his more than 40 years of consulting and decade plus of teaching, he is passionate about finding ways for organizations to creatively use technology to achieve their business and organizational visions. He has developed careers for scores of consultants and students in the fields of Information Technology, Data Science and Analytics.
Prometheus Endeavor - "At Prometheus Endeavor, we challenge conventional wisdom. We research, make observations, ask questions about endeavors and publish our ideas. We apply our knowledge, management experience, frameworks and models to separate issues and good ideas from traps and blind alleys. We uncover unknowns, identify scenarios, set priorities and plans, calibrate adjustments and measure progress."
With over 719 million people across the world living below the international poverty line and the current data indicating the world will miss its target of eliminating poverty by 2030, we dive into the issues facing these efforts, what is missing from these efforts, and why it is so important to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal Number 1 as soon as possible. Talking with Marc Blumenthal of Social Ventures Foundation and the EPIC program, we hear from him about how the top down approach of the global development agencies has failed those experiencing poverty and how his new social venture program will tackle the issue from the bottom up.
The Global in the Granite State brings you a extra special, bonus episode, through a collaboration with the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. In this episode, Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett and Tim Horgan join forces for a dynamic conversation about the complex and often problematic ways in which the world of sports intersects and interacts with human rights issues. They cover everything from sportswashing (ancient and modern!) – including the two biggest sporting events of 2022, the Beijing Winter Olympics and the World Cup in Qatar – to the responsibility of sports federations to promote and uphold human rights, to the powerful role that athletes can play as advocates for human rights and other social issues. The episode introduces many of the topics that the Sports & Rights season will dive into more fully, with a special focus on how they play out close to home in the Granite State.
Throughout our work, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire tries to identify unique and amazing connections to the world from right here in the granite state. From nonprofits doing work across the globe, to stories of international connections fostered by our global exchange programs, it never ceases to amaze the many ways that granite staters are impacting the world. In this month's episode, we speak with Maria Horne, co-founder and CEO of BLI Global, a nonprofit with a unique global history and a deep connection to the state. Through a variety of youth focused programs in countries as far away as Peru and Vanuatu, they are empowering youth to become changemakers in the world. Join us to dive deeper into the great work this program is doing right here in the state.
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As with many other wars and conflicts that grew out of the collapse of the Soviet Union, there is a much deeper history to what is going on between Azerbaijan and Armenia. You have to understand the historical context to understand why these two countries cannot get together and come to a lasting agreement over their border and what to do with Nagorno Karabakh. With a breaking of the ceasefire last month, and at least 300 dead, this region continues to see instability that has the potential to flare up again and again. For this episode we talk with Mary Glantz, a former US Foreign Service Officer and a current Senior Advisor to the Russian and European Center at the US Institute of Peace, about the intractable nature of this conflict. On a rare positive note, there is hope that a breakthrough in the peace process is closer than ever and there is a high likelihood that the United States could help push this over the finish line. Listen today to help better understand the drivers of this conflict and what the what is happening here!
Dr. Mary Glantz was a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service and was detailed to USIP as a State Department fellow prior to her retirement in 2022.
Most of her 20-year career as a diplomat has focused on Russia, the former Soviet Union, and other countries of Europe and Eurasia. Previous overseas postings include Baku, Jerusalem, Estonia, and Kosovo. Dr. Glantz also has served as a Russia analyst in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research as well as on the Russia and Poland desks at the State Department. Prior to joining the State Department, she worked as an intern for the Special Adviser for Central and Eastern European Affairs to the Secretary General of NATO, serving in Moscow, Russia and Vilnius, Lithuania.
Dr. Glantz received her bachelor’s in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her master’s in post-Soviet studies from the University of London’s School of Slavonic and East European Studies, and a doctorate from Temple University with a specialization in military and diplomatic history. She recently completed a certificate in data science at Montgomery College.
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The nature of work has consistently changed and morphed, through technological innovation and societal upheavals. Currently, the world sees both factors pushing new ways for people to work, as well as what employees value in their work lives. We speak with Kevin Cassidy, Director and Representative to the Bretton Woods and Multilateral Organizations at the International Labour Organization, about the work that the ILO does to bring together governments, businesses, and workers to ensure a human centered approach to work. Through collaborative efforts of these three stakeholders, a more positive and successful environment for employers and employees can be created. Whether viewed through the lens of the "Great Resignation" the "Great Reshuffling" or the "Great Exploration", the fact of the matter is that major changes are underway and understanding the reason are vital to ensuring a positive outcome.
If you would like to join us for our event with Kevin on October 5th, either in-person or online, you can find more information at: https://wacnh.org/event-4953543DONATE TODAYif you enjoy this program!
Over the past few month, Sri Lanka has undergone massive protests that have led to the dissolution of the Cabinet, the resignation of the Prime Minister, and the fleeing of the President. Protests were fueled by rising inflation, inaccessible basic goods, corruption, and a feeling that the government was more interested in serving itself than the people. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Neil DeVotta, Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University, about the historical roots of this crisis and what the future looks like for this island nation.
Understanding this crisis can provide insights and lessons for other countries to help them avoid destabilizing protests, brought on by economic mismanagement. It is also a cautionary tale for countries experiencing democratic backsliding and high levels of corruption. For the everyday person, it is important to understand this crisis as Sri Lanka is located in a geo-strategic location, situated in-between India and China. A prolonged crisis in this country can lead to further supply chain disruptions, open the door for criminal organizations to operate, and intensify the U.S. - China competition for influence in the region.
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The war in Ukraine continues to rage, despite international efforts to end it. Russia has redefined their end goals, while Ukrainians continue to fight for their homes. NATO and its allies have continued to support the war effort, while punishing Russia through one of the largest sanctions regimes the world has seen. However, other countries continue to provide support to Russia, refusing to condemn this invasion. Here in the U.S., we continually hear about this war through an American lens, not gaining insights from other countries. In this episode, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire brings you a view of the war from Lithuania, a country on the front lines of Russia aggression. Gintautas Paluckas, a member of Parliament in Lithuania, visited NH through the International Visitor Leadership Program and shares insight on the ongoing war from his country's perspective.
Over the years, the United States has worked with many different international partners. Some of these partnerships have grown out of a shared sense of values and understanding of the world. Other partnerships have been merely for a narrow set of strategic goals, while ignoring the challenges these partners have posed. Turkey, particularly in the past ten or so years, has challenged the US's ability to balance these competing forces, as Erdogan has worked tirelessly to make as many people question their reliability as a partner, while doing just enough to remind people of their geopolitical importance. With their latest gambit to hold the NATO alliance hostage for their own gain, Turkey has raised objections to the expansion of the alliance to include Sweden and Finland. What is behind their stated concerns? Are they simply looking to leverage this crisis for their own personal gain? Can they be counted on as a reliable partner, or would it be better to cut them loose at this point? We explore these questions, and more, with Dr. Melinda Negron Gonzales, Chair of the Department of Security Studies at the University of New Hampshire Manchester and our resident Turkey expert.
Dr. Negrón-Gonzales has taught at UNH since fall 2008 and teaches courses on global studies and comparative politics. She is the Chair of the Department of Security Studies and the Founding Program Director of the Global Conflict and Human Security master's program.
Her research covers social movements and civil society, counter-terrorism and human rights, international norms that promote human security (especially the responsibility to protect/R2P), and Turkish and Middle East politics. Her latest research explores the tension between counter-terrorism and human rights and analyzes the ways civil society organizations in Turkey have attempted to promote human rights and hold state officials accountable for gross human rights violations during armed conflict.
Dr. Negrón-Gonzales was a Fulbright Scholar (Turkey, 2006-7). She received UNHM's Faculty Excellence in Teaching award in 2013 and a Silver UNH Sustainability Award in 2021. She serves on the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire.
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You never know when your next global connection will happen. While host and executive director, Tim Horgan, took his daughter to a play group, he met the leader of a twice yearly service trip to Rwanda right here in New Hampshire. After talking about the program and how it is a true grassroots effort, Tim wanted to tell the story of how the people of New Hampshire forge inspiring connections to the world in various ways. This month's episode focuses on NINH's efforts to bring a little light and progress to communities in and around Kigali, Rwanda. It highlights the power that small groups can have to create change in the world, as well as how those going on the trip are changed, too. Even here, in the small state of New Hampshire, people are able to have a positive impact on others six time zones away.
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On February 4th Russia and China announced a renewed relationship that "has no limits". Three weeks later Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, violating the territorial sovereignty of an independent nation. In this month's episode we explore the relationship between these two countries and what the invasion signals for the future. Sarwar Kasmeri, host of the Polaris Live Podcast, joins us to provide his perspective on the issues and opportunities that he sees as the world grapples with the largest invasion of a European nation since World War II.
Sarwar Kashmeri is an international relations specialist, author, and commentator, noted for his expertise on U.S. global strategy and national security. He speaks frequently before business, foreign policy and military audiences. He is the host of Polaris-Live, featuring 30 minute live conversations on the business and geopolitical impact of China’s rapid rise to superpower status.
Kashmeri is author of the Foreign Policy Association’s report “The Telegram: A China Agenda For President Biden“ (2021); “China’s Grand Strategy: Weaving a New Silk Road to Global Primacy,” (Praeger), his third book, was published in July 2019. It is a centennial book of the Foreign Policy Association where Sarwar is a Fellow. The book was released at a Washington D.C. launch on 7 November 2019 featuring Kashmeri and former U.S. Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel.
He is also an Applied Research Fellow of the Peace and War Center of Norwich University, Vermont, USA. He served a four year term as a non-residential Senior Fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center for International Security of the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C. He serves on the American Advisory Board of UK’s Ditchley Foundation.
In a recent article for Foreign Affairs, Erica Chenoweth and Zoe Marks argue that Authoritarians repress women's rights for more than just chauvinism, but because they actually "fear" the power women hold in creating lasting democratic change through pro-democracy movements. In this episode, we discuss why women help to make these movements so successful and what this means for the prospects of democracy around the world. In a time when authoritarianism is on the rise and women's rights are being rolled back by these same governments, it is important to understand how these issues intersect.
Article Link Here: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/2022-02-08/women-rights-revenge-patriarchs
Zoe Marks - A Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. Her research and teaching interests focus on the intersections of conflict and political violence; race, gender and inequality; peacebuilding; and African politics.
Her current book project examines the internal dynamics of rebellion in Sierra Leone to understand how and why rebel groups can sustain a viable threat to the state without widespread support. It draws on nearly a decade of fieldwork, several hundred interviews with former combatants and community members, and private archives from members of the Revolutionary United Front. Professor Marks is leading a separate project that examines how wartime experiences shape individual wellbeing and community reintegration after war. Using surveys and social network analysis in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the project compares peaceful and protracted conflict settings, respectively, to explain how mobilization for violence affects prospects for poverty alleviation and peace.
Erica Chenoweth - the Frank Stanton Professor of the First Amendment at Harvard Kennedy School and a Susan S. and Kenneth L. Wallach Professor at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies at Harvard University. They study political violence and its alternatives. At Harvard, Chenoweth directs the Nonviolent Action Lab, an innovation hub that provides empirical evidence in support of movement-led political transformation.
Chenoweth has authored or edited nine books and dozens of articles on mass movements, nonviolent resistance, terrorism, political violence, revolutions, and state repression. Their recent book, Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford, 2021), explores what civil resistance is, how it works, why it sometimes fails, how violence and repression affect it, and the long-term impacts of such resistance. Their next book with Zoe Marks, Rebel XX: Women on the Frontlines of Revolution, investigates the impact of women’s participation on revolutionary outcomes and democratization.
Chenoweth maintains the NAVCO Data Project, one of the world’s leading datasets on historical and contemporary mass mobilizations around the globe. Along with Jeremy Pressman, Chenoweth also co-directs the Crowd Counting Consortium, a public interest and scholarly project that documents political mobilization in the U.S. since January 2017.
In this month's episode, we take a look at the ongoing diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Olympic Games held in Beijing. As a part of the wider geopolitical competition between the US and China, this effort to highlight human rights abuses in China has been met with mixed success. We talk with former Olympian and NH resident, Julia Ford, former US Olympic Committee member, Dick Swett, and China expert, Vikram Mansharimani, we explore the positives and negatives of this effort. There are many ways to make your voice heard and we hope you will find valuable information here. As the Olympics kick off in a couple days, it is important to understand why the US has taken this route and what the goal is.
Donate Today Julia Ford - Ms. Ford is a former member of the U.S. Ski Team, with whom she competed in 40 F.I.S. World Cup races and the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. She is a two- time U.S. National Downhill Champion. Before joining the U.S. Ski Team, she was a multi-sport athlete at Holderness School.
Vikram Mansharimani - Dr. Vikram Mansharamani is a global trend-watcher who shows people how to anticipate the future, manage risk, and spot opportunities. He is the author of the recently-released THINK FOR YOURSELF: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence and BOOMBUSTOLOGY: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst. He has been a frequent commentator on issues driving disruption in the global business environment. Vikram’s ideas and writings have also appeared in Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, The New York Times and a long list of other publications. Linkedin twice listed him as their #1 Top Voice for Money, Finance and Global Economics and Worth has profiled him as one of the 100 most powerful people in global finance. Millions of readers have enjoyed his unique multi-lens approach to connecting seemingly irrelevant dots.
Ambassador Dick Swett - Richard N. Swett was nominated to be ambassador to Denmark in 1998. In 1990, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served on the U.S. Congressional Delegation for Relations with the European Parliament; the Congressional Human Rights Caucus; and the Committees on Public Works and Transportation, and Science, Space and Technology. Ambassador Swett’s business experience encompasses architectural design, corporate management, project development and finance. He recently served as managing principal of the Washington, D.C., office for the eighth largest architecture and engineering firm in the United States, and currently is developing alternative energy and socio-economic enterprises in developing countries around the world. His activity is primarily in real estate, alternative energy, energy conservation, industrial development and international export promotion. He has consulted on energy technology projects and assisted with financing through the World Bank and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development in Eastern and Central Europe. He also worked with U.S. government organizations, such as USAID and the United States Trade and Development Agency.
The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire sat down with Vikram Mansharamani to gain his insights into why the Uyghurs matter. This discussion dives into the history of the Uyghur lands, why China views them as a problem, and the geopolitical standoff that is occurring around these people. With competing narratives around what is actually happening (re-education vs. forced labor), it can be difficult to find the truth. Take a listen to this episode to find out more about this global challenge and what steps you can take to bring about change.
Dr. Vikram Mansharamani is a global trend-watcher who shows people how to anticipate the future, manage risk, and spot opportunities. He is the author of the recently-released THINK FOR YOURSELF: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence and BOOMBUSTOLOGY: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst. He has been a frequent commentator on issues driving disruption in the global business environment. Vikram’s ideas and writings have also appeared in Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, The New York Times and a long list of other publications. Linkedin twice listed him as their #1 Top Voice for Money, Finance and Global Economics and Worth has profiled him as one of the 100 most powerful people in global finance. Millions of readers have enjoyed his unique multi-lens approach to connecting seemingly irrelevant dots.
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Over the past several years the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire has hosted a number of exchange participants from Afghanistan to talk with them about ways to improve their countries. From government officials to nonprofit leaders, these people have left a lasting impact on the people of New Hampshire. In this episode, WACNH executive director, Tim Horgan, speaks with an alumni of a 2019 exchange that brought together visitors from across the Middle East. The visitor recounts her experiences in leaving the country during the hectic evacuation lead by the United States. This personal account provides you with an inside look at the challenges people faced and decisions they had to make in order to escape to a better situation.
It seems that everyday a story about the crisis at the border bubbles to the surface, either eliciting sympathy or stoking fears. However, what drives people to make the journey north for an opportunity to enter the United States, where there are so many perils along the way. Dehydration, starvation, exposure, rape, kidnapping, and even murder occurs as people traverse various terrains, lead by unscrupulous criminals. In this episode, we explore the push and pull factors that lead people down this path, with no guarantee of success. We also look at the dangers that these migrants face on their journey, further highlighting the dire situations they are coming from.
Speaking with Mariana Campero of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, we get the the heart of the challenges facing these people and the countries involved, looking for solutions to help end the need for this migration.
Refugee: Any person who is outside any country of such person's nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided, and who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion...
Asylum Seeker: Asylum is a protection granted to foreign nationals already in the United States or arriving at the border who meet the international law definition of a “refugee.”
Migrant: Migrants are people who move from their home countries willingly for many different reasons, like pursuing education or a job in a new country.
Immigrant: Immigrants also move from their countries willingly to settle in another country with the help of a green card, but their reasoning is different. They are moving to the new country legally to settle permanently and work without any restrictions
There is a long and complex history that helps to explain the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia today. It is a diverse country with many different ethnic groups, all of whom have competing interests. Those in power call for unity, while those without it call for respect of cultures and diffuse power structures. An understanding of the country's history is vital to an understanding of the current conflict between the Federal government and the Tigray region. It is a story of power struggles and international intervention. It is also a story of compromises made that did not satisfy the groups involved and opportunities lost to bring people in through effective power sharing.
This episode features Jason Mosely, of the African Studies Centre at Oxford, who breaks down these complex issues to help you understand a conflict that could spill over throughout the Horn of Africa, destabilizing an area littered with international terrorist groups.
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For the past several decades, foreign policy experts have been sounding the alarm bells about a rising China who would one day pose a threat to the United States of America as a global leader. Those bells seemingly ring louder each and every day. Whether it is a trade war, war of words, or something worse, the relationship between the two countries are at an all time low. This episode explores a new report from the Foreign Policy Association that looks to reimagine the relationship between the world's two biggest economies. The report's author, Sarwar Kashmeri, tries to get his audience to think differently about how these two countries interact and engage. It is his assertation, and that of many war game simulations, that the U.S. does not hold a strategic advantage in the military space anymore and this demands a new posture that looks for cooperation on key issues. Follow this link to read the full report: https://www.fpa.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Printproduction09Jul_red.pdf
The recent discovery of over 1,000 unmarked graves at the sites of three former residential schools for First Nations people, has brought these institutions back into the spotlight. However, many people were never taught about the history of these programs to wipe out native cultures. In this month's episode we talk with Dr. Ronald Niezen of McGill University about the ongoing history of the treatment of First Nation peoples.
Dr. Niezen is the author of a 2017 book, "Truth and Indignation: Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools", which explored the Canadian government's truth and reconciliation process that occurred from 2010-2015. There is still more work to be done, despite the 94 calls to action that the commission came out with. Explore this important topic with us.
Ronald Niezen, is Professor of Anthropology and Associate Member of the Faculty of Law. He held the Katharine A. Pearson Chair in Civil Society and Public Policy in the faculties of Law and of Arts between 2013 and 2020, and is a former Chair of the Department of Anthropology. He also held the Canada Research Chair in the Anthropology of Law between 2012 and 2019. He was selected as the William Lyon Mackenzie King Chair for Canadian Studies, Harvard University, for 2018-2019.
Professor Niezen researches and teaches in the areas of political and legal anthropology, indigenous peoples and human rights. He is an anthropologist with wide ranging research experience: with the Songhay of Mali, the Cree communities of Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba, and the Sami of northern Europe.
Iran is a key player in the Middle East and occupies an outsized amount of U.S. attention when it comes to foreign affairs. From proxy wars in Yemen, Syria, and other places, to the ongoing nuclear negotiations, understanding Iran is key to understanding U.S. policy in the region. With an upcoming election in just a few days, it is important to examine what this latest election can tell us about the future of Iran.
In this episode we talk with Negar Mortazavi and Trita Parsi to find out more about the process and likely outcomes of the election. As a slate of mostly hardliners jockey for the role of President, many Iranians are dissatisfied with the overall process.
It is hard to believe, but there is a world leader who laments that previous dictators did not kill more of their countrymen. He also has pretty clear ties to violent militias, including one militia who killed a city councilwoman in Rio. However hard it may be to believe, this is the case with Brazil and their President, Jair Bolsonaro. In this episode we speak with Harvard University Professor, Bruno Carvalho, about the rise of President Bolsonaro and how people can support such a man. This insightful discussion provides listeners with the opportunity to learn more about authoritarians and how they come to power. It is helpful to understanding the wider trend of democratic backsliding and what needs to be done to confront it.
Where does the global fight against climate change stand? What can you do about it? Why is it important on both a local and international scale? Speaking with Julie Cerqueira of the US Climate Alliance and Rob Werner, State Director of the League of Conservation Voters, we dive into these questions and more to help you better understand what is needed to avoid a potential disaster.
On February 1, 2021, the military instigated a coup of the democratically elected government. In short order, this relatively new democracy went from aspirational to regressive. Protests started immediately and have only grown over the past month. In this episode, we speak with an American who has lived in Myanmar since 2016. She has a close connection to New Hampshire, having served as an AmeriCorps member several years back. We speak with her about her experiences living in the country during an overthrow of a government and what the reality on the ground is. This inside view provides unique insights and perspectives to the realities of the situation and the dangers it poses within the country and around the world.
For information on how you can support local, vetted, charities, please visit https://www.isupportmyanmar.com/.
For high quality local English language coverage, visit: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/myanmar-protests-live/
Like much of the rest of his Presidency, the Trump Administration's Foreign Policy legacy draws quite different reactions based on who you speak with. In this episode, we focus solely on breaking down the successes, failures, and missed opportunities of the past four years. Speaking with Gil Barndollar, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for the Study of Statesmanship, we dive into these issues and his overall assessment. From relations with China, to coming to the brink of war with Iran and North Korea, there is certainly a lot to unpack.
Over the past several years, attention has waxed and waned on a number of global conflicts that are more important to global affairs than their coverage seems to give them. In this month's episode, we talk with Alejandro Velasco, Associate Professor at NYU, about the current crisis in Venezuela. We also speak with Elise Guilano about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As you will hear, just because coverage of these issues have disappeared, doesn't mean they are any less important or challenging.
In this month's episode, we look at two cold international conflicts that seem to be headed in different directions. First, we talk with Dr. Ezzedine Fishere, senior lecturer at Dartmouth College, about the history of the Arab Israeli conflict and what the warming ties between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors really means. We then talk with the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston about the rising tensions between Taiwan and China, as well as the importance of the US Taiwan relationship.
During this mid-month episode, WACNH Executive Director, Tim Horgan, and UNH Associate Professor, Melinda Negron-Gonzales, talk about the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as well as disinformation campaigns by Russia and China.
For those looking for the video mentioned in this podcast, here is the link: https://youtu.be/Q5BZ09iNdvo This comes with the disclaimer that it is produced and distributed by the Chinese Communist Party.
"You can't escape it and if you are not able to escape it, you ought to understand it; you ought to participate in it; you ought to try and shape it." This quote comes from Craig Snyder, outgoing President of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, when asked about why people should learn about international issues. This episode looks at the importance of global understanding to the larger society and how it works to make the world a better place. We also talk with Adjunct Professor of African (Security) Studies for the Naval War College, Richard Lobban, about the national security threats that disease poses in Africa.
Join World Affairs Council of New Hampshire Executive Director, Tim Horgan, and Dr. Melinda Negron-Gonzales, Associate Professor at UNH Manchester, as they discuss top international stories including the poisoning of Alexsy Navalny, the Afghan- Taliban Peace Process, and the challenges of the Eastern Mediterranean gas exploration.
Have you found yourself asking a lot of questions about TikTok, since it has broken into the mainstream with the Administration working to ban the video sharing service over national security concerns? We speak with Xiaomeng Lu, Senior Analyst of Geo-Technology at the Eurasia Foundation, about the geo-political nature of this issue and whether or not TikTok is a national security threat. We also take the time to speak with the Fulbright Association about why this program is so valuable and how it builds global understanding, as well as knowledge.
During this episode we cover a wide range of topics on issues facing the African continent. Through our discussions with Susan Stigant, Director of Africa Programs at the US Institute of Peace, you will learn about the current state of Sudan, one year after they overthrew the dictator, Omar al-Bashir. Also, in conversations with Rain for the Sahel and Sahara, we cover the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, and the work of this organization to build resiliency through education and training.
Susan Stigant:
Susan Stigant is the director of Africa Programs at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) where she oversees programming in South Sudan, Nigeria, Sudan, CAR, DRC, Tanzania and Kenya and with the African Union. Susan’s thematic focus is on the design and implementation of inclusive constitutional reform and national dialogue processes. She has and continues to advise government officials and civil society actors on inclusive processes in Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Somalia and elsewhere. Susan also serves as co-chair of USIP's national dialogue working group. Prior to joining USIP, she managed constitutional development, citizen engagement and election observation programs with the National Democratic Institute (NDI). From 2005-2011, she served as program director with NDI in South Sudan, where she supported the implementation of the peace agreement. She also worked with the Forum of Federations on comparative federalism and with the research unit of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in South Africa.
Rebecca Black:
Rebecca recently returned to the US after 25 years with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Most recently, she was Mission Chief in Cambodia, managing a diverse assistance portfolio with emphasis on governance and health. Prior to that, she served as Mission Chief in Mali during a period of turmoil following a Coup d’Etat and rebel take-over of the northern two thirds of the country. She also co-led a $2.5 billion assistance program in Afghanistan, and managed economic development and urban environment programs in India, South Africa, and Eastern Europe. Rebecca has a Masters in City Planning from MIT.
Susan Fine:
Susan began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer and ultimately spent 30-years with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), including two years as Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator responsible for development policy and representing the U.S. in multilateral forums. Susan led USAID’s technical and logistical support to Southern Sudan’s 2011 self-determination referendum. As Mission Director for Senegal and the Sahel she guided a ground-breaking resilience program in Niger and Burkina Faso. Susan holds a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Susan is based in Sunapee, NH and serves as a Senior Associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Katherine Kolios:
Katherine’s experience spans education, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and malaria prevention. She joined RAIN in 2017 having lived, worked, and studied in Francophone communities throughout Africa, South America, and Europe. Katherine has experience working in the field and in headquarters of organizations large and small. Currently, she leads RAIN’s strategic planning, serves as the liaison between Niger and U.S. operations, and ensures RAIN has the resources needed to implement programs effectively in tandem with community partners. She is a graduate of Brandeis University’s Health: Science, Society and Policy program.
Protests, both at home and abroad, have created a bi-polar news cycle for the past couple of weeks. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minnesota Police Officer, many countries held protests in support of racial justice. This was on top of many different protests around the world, striving for justice in our time. We speak with Bill Wanlund and Dawn Brancati about Global Protest movements, how effective they are, and what impact COVID-19 has had on stifling momentum towards change.
We also speak with a local organization, Education for All Children, that works in Kenya to ensure a equitable opportunity for all children to be educated. We hear from the Executive and Country Directors about the power this small NH based non-profit has.
In this episode we explore the importance of international understanding through the two main programs the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire runs. First, we speak with Bill Clifford, President and CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America, about the power of this network to effect change across the country. Second, we speak with Anne Grimes, Director of the Office of International Visitors at the US Department of State, about the amazing International Visitor Leadership Program and how it touches lives around the world. Join us to learn more about these wonderful programs.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to ravage economies worldwide, we take the time to speak with Dr. Bruce Elmslie of UNH about the global economy during this time. Also, we speak with Dr. Sarwar Kashmeri about China's Belt and Road Initiative, as well as how China's relations with the world will be affected by the current crisis. Join us for these interesting discussions and hear more about how this crisis is shaping our world today and into the future.
This month, the Global in the Granite State Podcast spoke with Ambassador Adrian Basora and Javier Corrales, Professor at Amherst College, about why democracy is important. We look at this question through the lens of rising authoritarianism around the world and the challenges that this presents to the world, the US, and New Hampshire. Venezuela is taken as a case study on how democracy can fail and the impact that can have globally and regionally. Join us as we discuss this important point in history and better understand the global landscape.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Duke Global Health Institute about the coronavirus epidemic. We look at what you need to know about the global and local responses, as well as how to keep yourself well. This episode takes a balanced approach to the topic and will help you to wade through the various theories, conspiracies, and half-truths that are circulating.
In this month's episode, we take a closer look at the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program and the importance of this exchange program. We interviewed four US leaders from around the country to talk about why this is such an amazing program and the benefits each community sees through hosting visitors. We also have the opportunity to speak with a recent visitor who came to NH through this program to learn about youth political engagement. This episode will help you to better understand why this program is celebrating 80 years of exchanges and why it receives such strong bi-partisan support in Congress.
In this episode, we recap the amazing program we hosted in December of 2019 with Ambassador Nicholas Burns. He talks about the challenges facing the nation on the international level, as well as what gives him (and his students) hope for the future. We also talk with Ambassador Dick Swett about his experiences as an Ambassador and how he was able to rise to this position.
Protests are rocking the world everyday, with over 25 different countries experiencing citizens out on the streets in the past few months. The WACNH staff explores some of these protests and what commonalities are driving them. We also speak with Lt. Col. Matthew Butler of the Air Force Warfighting Capability Integration about what the future of the Air Force is and what challenges they are preparing for. More information about this unit can be found at: https://www.afwic.af.mil
We are back and are looking at interesting stories of international issues and New Hampshire. This episode takes on the challenges facing the Kurds in Northern Syria in the wake of the removal of US support. Speaking with Dr. Melinda Negron Gonzales about the history of the conflict between the Kurds and Turkey. We also meet with the Freedom Cafe, in Durham, to talk about how an IVLP visit lead to a partnership with a NGO in India.
During this episode we talk with Chase Sova of the World Food Program, USA about tackling global hunger and how his organization is working to support these efforts. We also meet two alumni of the Global Education Movement at Southern New Hampshire University to hear about this program and how it changed their lives. This program works to educate displaced people, so they can reach their full potential, despite their circumstances.
With Cyber-conflict on the rise, as well as global terrorism, we speak with Senator Maggie Hassan about her work on the Senate Homeland Security Committee to help protect the US against these types of attacks. We also talk with the Founding Dean of the School of Global Learning at SNHU to discuss the vision for a more globalized campus, right here in Manchester, NH.
In this episode, we explore the current state of Brexit, interview a Russian Journalist on a US Department of State IVLP Exchange Program, and host a conversation with Brig Gen Donald Bolduc about his experiences in the Military overseas.
In this month's episode, you will hear from Dr. Melinda Negron-Gonzales about human rights and conflict in Turkey. You will also hear from Howard Brodsky about the power of cooperatives around the world to create a more equitable world. Finally, we talk with Katherine Brown about her upcoming presentation on how media coverage of Afghanistan has shaped people's understanding of the country and the war.
In the first ever episode of the Global in the Granite State Podcast, we take the time to sit down with Winato Adi, Minister of Economy for the Consul General of Indonesia in New York. We also hear from Dominic Goude from the UK who was in New Hampshire on a Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program. Finally, we hear from WACNH Board President, Steve Solomon, about his interests in international affairs and why the World Affairs Council of NH is so important to the state.
In this episode, we explore the crisis in Venezuela, speak with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Boston, as well as with Farmer's First Africa, a local non-profit dedicated to helping farmers obtain better data to increase crop production.
In this episode, we speak with two Dartmouth College professors. First, we hear from Professor Carey about the current situation in Venezuela and how that country began its decline into chaos. Also, we speak with Professor Subrahmanian about cyber warfare and how technology can be used to predict terror attacks.
In this episode we sit down with New York Times National Security Correspondent, David Sanger, to talk about Cyber Warfare and Conflict. We also take the opportunity to speak with Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett about the work of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice.
In this episode, we meet with two Foreign Service Officers, who are married, and talk to them about their careers working for the Department of State. We also learn about the role that the Department of State plays here in NH, through the National Visa and Passport Centers. Then we take the time to meet with our Academic WorldQuest winners to talk about their experiences in our global trivia high school program.
In the following episode, WACNH speaks with Dr. Jim Walsh of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology about the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, looking at the different challenges each nation poses to the US. We also take the opportunity to sit down with Angelica Beltran Franco, a UNH Senior, to talk about her upcoming trip to Tanzania. She will be studying wildlife biology while there, thanks to a Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship.
In this episode, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire speaks with Professor Chris Reardon about the growing protests in Hong Kong over a controversial extradition bill. We also hear from the Office of International Commerce and the US Commercial Service about what international trade means to the NH economy and businesses