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Politics ~ International Relations

Politics ~ International Relations

International Relations ~ Politics ~ Diplomacy

Read and listen to podcasts about activities associated with the governance of a group, state, or region, particularly the debate or conflict among the actors seeking power. Info about consequential elections, leadership transitions, geopolitics, diplomacy, and other relationships between UN members and non-member states. These activities and relationships – be they competitive, collaborative, or multilateral – are shaping the outcomes of global actors’ pursuits, including sustainability, security, and increased political, social, and economic power.

Below are some of our most popular in-depth insights, articles, and podcasts about global political events and their significance, along with the various politics, diplomacy, and international relations that are occurring between the principal actors. Click to see a list of other popular global topics.

Kenya’s UN Ambassador Martin Kimani | Live from the Aspen Security Forum
Listen to Martin Kimani, in August 2022, discuss the motivation behind his viral speech at the Aspen Security Forum.  Learn why Russian aggression against Ukraine is so resonant to Africa’s own experience with colonialism. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How “Longtermism” is Shaping Foreign Policy | Will MacAskill
Listen to experts, in August 2022, discussing longtermism, an emerging philosophy that prioritizes the survival of humanity and avoidance of extinction scenarios. Learn how it is shaping foreign policy at the UN and with its member states. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Philippines Gets a New President With A Very Familiar Name
Listen to experts discussing, in August 2022, the Philippine’s election of Fernando Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte to President and VP, respectively. Learn how the kids of two past presidents ganged up to win the election and what they’ve committed regarding policy reform. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Kenya’s High Stakes Presidential Elections
Listen to experts discussing, in July 2022, the upcoming Kenyan presidential election and the controversial candidates, Raila Odinga and William Ruto.  Learn about the significance of the election and the history of the candidates, and their affiliations. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz | Live From The Aspen Security Forum
Listen to experts discussing, in July 2022, Poland’s first-hand experience with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s ruthless politics, and the resulting consequences of Russia’s unprovoked war on  Ukraine and other interdependent countries. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Is the United States “Inflating” the Military Threat From China?
Listen to experts discussing, in July 2022, the concept of military threat inflation, evidence that it is affecting assessments, possible influence on China-US and US-Taiwan policy decisions, and how it can be avoided as a deterrent to improved global collaboration. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why There’s a Resurgence of Armed Conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Listen to experts discussing, in July 2022, the political and regional grievance history within the DRC and the origin of the M23 group. Learn about the various periods of conflict, UN intervention, and the current resurgence of a renewed M23 organization and its escalating attacks against a flawed central government force. Click here to listen to the podcast.

From “Pariah” to Partner: Why President Biden is Going to Saudi Arabia
Listen to experts discussing, in July 2022, the history of US-Saudi relations with the Obama administration, during the Trump years, and now with the Biden Administration. Learn what the trip says about Biden’s approach to the Middle East and Saudi’s foreign and domestic policy priorities. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Last Humanitarian Lifeline to Syria May Soon Be Severed | A View From Northern Syria and the United Nations
Listen to experts discussing, in July 2022, Russia’s Security Council veto authority to close the only access route to trapped civilians in northern Syria. Closing the special UN-sanctioned route would isolate the civilians and would end the life-sustaining Humanitarian aid. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Hostage Diplomacy and the Case of Brittney Griner
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2022, Russia’s arrest of professional basketball player and Olympic gold medal winner, Britney Griner, for cannabis oil. Learn about the practice of hostage-taking at international security,  the consequences of hostage diplomacy, and the US’s approach to such cases. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Colombia’s VERY Surprising Presidential Election
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2022, Columbia’s surprise choice of populists over establishment candidates to compete in the final presidential election. Learn more about the role of voter frustration, candidate biographies, and implication for the 2016 civil war peace deal. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How the United Nations is Responding to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine | Richard Gowan
Listen to experts discussing, in May 2022, The UN’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and to the global crisis that ensued. What actions were taken by the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and the UN Secretary-General?  How effective was the UN in fulfilling its charter and what effect has the crisis had on UN diplomacy? Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Rise and Fall of Imran Khan and What’s Next for Pakistan
Listen to experts discussing, in May 2022, the rise and fall of Imran Khan, Pakistan’s cricket star Prime Minister.  Learn about his hero status as a cricket player, his entrance into Pakistani politics, and the causes of his downfall and forced resignation. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The View From Moldova — Is This Putin’s Next Target?
Listen to experts discussing, in May 2022, Moldova’s vulnerability to Russian aggression, the history of its breakaway Transnistria region, and the Russian-Ukraine war’s influence on its society and politics. Learn about Moldovan’s mood as Russia continues to attack nearby Odesa. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Is China Suddenly Expanding Its Nuclear Arsenal?
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, China’s sudden expansion of its nuclear arsenal, what’s driving the expansion, and US concern over China’s nuclear strategy. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Join Us For Live Coverage From The United Nations General Assembly
Listen to experts discussing, in September and October 2022, the key sessions, meeting outcomes, and perspectives on UNGA 77 High-Level Week. Browse UNDispatch.com, sign up for updates, or subscribe to world-class podcasts and global news. Click here for Popular Topics or click Subscriptions And Feeds or click here for more information about UNDispatch. Click here to read the post.

Live From The UN General Assembly: The Key Stories To Follow During UN Week | What Happened At The Transforming Education Summit? (Day 1)
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, Day 1 of the UNGA 77. Learn about the Transforming Education Summit, the value of closing the education gap, the investment surge in Africa, and the need for increased multilateralism in formulating global solutions. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Live from the UN General Assembly: Food Security In Focus | The Global Refugee Crisis (UNGA Day 2)
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, Day 2 of the UNGA 77. Learn about the key messages of the Food Security Summit, plans for addressing the global refugee crisis, and the linkages that exist between local and regional conflict, famine, IDPs, refugees, and fertilizer access. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Live From The UN General Assembly: President Biden’s Speech And Other Key Moments | Pandemic Preparedness And Response (UNGA Day 3)
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, Day 3 of the UNGA 77. Learn about the key messages in US President Joe Biden’s speech, progress in pandemic preparedness and response, UN Security Council reform, food security in Africa, and Chinese nuclear proliferation. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Live From The UN General Assembly: Global Fund Replenishment | War Crimes In Ukraine | Clean Energy And The Run-Up To COP27 (UNGA Day 4)
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, Day 4 of the UNGA 77. Learn about the Global Fund Replenishment campaign, transition to clean energy (SDG7), info on the upcoming COP27 climate conference, and the Security Council meeting on Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Europe Is In The Midst Of A Deepening Energy Crisis
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, the deepening European energy crisis, soaring energy prices in Europe, uncertainty surrounding Russian gas exports, and Putin’s strategy to break European support for Ukrainian sovereignty. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How The Inflation Reduction Act In The United States Will Impact International Climate Diplomacy
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act’s historic contribution to decarbonization and its impact on climate diplomacy. Learn about the act’s provisioning of State and Federal clean energy initiatives, as well as its testimonial to US leadership credibility at the COP27 Climate Summit. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why This Female Civil Society Leader In Afghanistan Is Urging Greater Engagement With the Taliban
Listen to Zuhra Bahman discussing, in August 2022, her mission with Search For Common Ground, a peacebuilding NGO in Afghanistan. Learn why she returned to Kabul after the Taliban take-over and how her work has changed. Learn about “conflict-sensitive” aid and the progress being made with local Taliban leaders. Listen to her pragmatic message urging greater engagement with the country’s de facto authority, the Taliban. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Big Problem With “Great Power Competition” | Ali Wyne
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, the architecting of an optimal strategic basis for US Foreign policy. Learn about opportunities that exist for an affirmative US global posture, and the pros and cons of “great power competition”, containment, and competitive goal setting vis a vis a resurgent China and revanchist Russia. Click here to listen to the podcast.

What We Get Wrong About Missile Defense And Nuclear Deterrence
Listen to experts discussing, in August 2022, what the US gets wrong about missile defense as a major component in strategic nuclear attack deterrence. Learn about the technology, history, and role they play, alongside treaties and the principle of AMD (assured mutual destruction), in avoiding a nuclear disaster. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The White House Makes Biosecurity A Pillar Of National Security. Can Doing So Prevent The Next Disaster?
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2022, biosecurity, biodefense, and the White House’s expansive new strategy to mitigate pandemics and other biological threats. Learn the strategy’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential barriers to implementation, including pathogens, trends, and the bio-risk threat landscape. Click here to listen to the podcast.

What A More Powerful Xi Jinping Means For Chinese Foreign Policy
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2022, the Chinese Communist Party Congress and the likely appointment of Xi Jinping to a third presidential term. Learn how an emboldened Xi could alter Chinese Foreign Policy and how those changes could affect US-China relations and competition. Click here to listen to the podcast.

What Brazil’s Elections Mean For The World
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2022, the Brazilian presidential elections and the upcoming run-off between right-wing populist, Jair Bolsonaro and former president “Lula” da Silva. Learn why this election is considered hugely consequential for the future of democracy in Brazil and its important international implications. Click here to listen to the podcast.

If Putin Goes Nuclear, How Should The United States Respond?
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2022, Putin’s actions and threats to use nuclear weapons in defense of Russia and its troops. Learn what scenarios and circumstances could cause Putin to use a nuclear weapon and if he did how might Biden and NATO respond. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Coming War Of Economic Attrition Between Russia And The West
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2022, the strategy, history, and effectiveness of the West’s sanctions against Russia and Russia’s counterstrategy of European energy deprivation. Learn why the external component of the Russia-Ukraine war may become one of economic attrition.  Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Foreign Policy Implications of the US Midterm Elections
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, the role of the US Congress in Foreign policy and the possible implications of a 2023 republican-controlled house or full congress.  Learn which elections and candidates have the greatest potential to alter current foreign policy, and what it could mean for existing policy toward Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Taiwan, and SDG16. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why is North Korea Suddenly Launching an Unprecedented Number of Missile Tests?
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, North Korea’s unprecedented surge in missile testing.  Learn about the technologies being tested, how they fit into a context of geopolitics and what it all suggests about North Korea’s nuclear strategies and intentions. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen On Congressional Support For Ukraine And Shoring Up Democracy In The Balkans | Live From The Halifax International Security Forum
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, the uncertainty that a new republican house majority brings for support of Ukraine and Western Balkan Democracy.  How might congress alter existing aid policy and will those changes embolden Russian and Chinese escalations? Learn about the perspectives from the Halifax International Security Forum. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why is Turkey About to Invade Syria?
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, suspected Kurdish militant bombings in Istanbul, Turkey’s initial response and intent to attack Northern Syria. Learn how Turkey’s evolving relationships with its regional neighbors may be influencing the trajectory of the conflict. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Do People Like Having US Military Bases In Their Country? New Public Opinion Research
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, the groundbreaking public opinion research on how exposure to a US Military presence, in an allied country, impacts attitudes toward the US government, military, and Americans in general. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Geopolitics of Microchips | “Chip Wars” Author Chris Miller
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the history and geopolitics of microchips. Learn about the criticality of the technology, supply chain realities, and why microchips are having such an impact on international relations. Chriss Miller, author of “Chip Wars: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology” provides commentary and additional insight. Click here to listen to the podcast.

A New Plastics Treaty Is Being Negotiated At The UN: What You Need To Know
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, why regulating plastics through an international agreement is necessary.  Learn about the treaty negotiation process, the progress made in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, and the initial positions of global governments. Countries weighing in include the USA, China, the European Union, and the global south. (SDG14,15). Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Xi Jinping Went To Moscow
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the Xi Jinping-Putin summit in Moscow, the mutual objective of the autocratic leaders, and how the summit may have evolved Chinese-Russian relations and policy. Learn about the internal forces in China that may form a practical limit on the “no limit” stated partnership. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Did The USA Invade And Occupy Iraq 20 Years Ago And What Are The Iraq War’s Legacies Today?
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, a 20-year hindsight perspective on the real reasons the US invaded and occupied Iraq. Learn about the decision’s many lasting legacies and their effect on US Foreign policy and international relations today. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Nigeria Elections: The Key Challenges Facing Incoming President Bola Tinubu
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the three candidates’ Nigerian presidential results and the challenges that face the incoming government.  Learn why the new president will need to articulate a positive vision, increase revenue, and negotiate a fuel subsidy. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs | How (And Why) Congress Can Support UN Peacekeeping
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the role UN multilateral initiatives, like Peacekeeping, play in the US-led coalition success. Learn from an insider how the nuance of US Congressional support of UN Peacekeeping, linkage to the pruned Competes Act, and outdated funding caps, is causing US influence in UN voting to be leaked to China. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Better Know Ajay Banga, Biden’s Pick To Lead The World Bank
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, Ajay Banga, World Bank Presidential nominee, and the challenges ahead for the Bank to grow its global relevance.  Learn about member pressure for the bank to better align with global initiatives of climate change, climate shock, sustainability, and to achieve the required capital capacity. Click here to listen to the podcast.

It’s Syria Earthquake Relief Vs Messy International Politics
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, the non-symmetric supply of humanitarian resources to Turkey Vs Syria. Learn about the international politics that is blocking the access route needed by the UN, to provide the massive cross-border response that is available. Understand the constituents, complexities, and probability that sufficient aid will ever get to those desperately in need.  Click here to listen to the podcast.

An Escalating Cycle of Violence In Israel And Palestine
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, the escalating violence cycle in Israel and Palestine, the potential causes, and consequences of a continuing trend of escalation. Learn about the second intifada and conditions that could precipitate a third. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How To Catch A Dictator
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, Hissene Habre, exiled Dictator of Chad, his crimes against humanity, and his ultimate accountability. Learn about Reed Brody, author of “To Catch A Dictator”, and veteran war crimes prosecutor, his coalition, campaign, and practices that brought Habre to justice. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How To Prosecute Vladimir Putin For The Crime Of Aggression
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, mechanisms to prosecute Vladimir Putin for ordering the invasion of Ukraine, and the nuance of international law that is blocking his accountability.  Learn about the “crime of aggression”, how it is charged against the person ordering the aggression, its history, and how it could be the basis of an international prosecution of V. Putin. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Crisis In Peru
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the escalating political crisis in Peru, its history, current leadership chaos, class-based protests, police corruption, and disproportionate police response. Learn about the escalating cycle of violence and prospects for a consensus leader and political stability. Learn the causes and consequences of this political crisis.  Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Young People May Determine The Outcome Of Major Elections In Nigeria
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the upcoming Nigerian Democratic election, its parties, platforms, and 3rd party candidate Peter Obi. Learn how a protest movement against police brutality, has inspired a youth political awakening that may disrupt traditional 2 party dominance. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Growing Global Backlash Against US Sanctions
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, US sanctions in support of Ukraine, global backlash regarding perceived over-reliance in foreign policy, and potential negative effects on US interests. Learn about Agathe Damaris’s perspective on the unintended impacts of US Sanctions and her new book on the subject. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Are So Many African Countries Facing A Huge Debt Crisis Right Now?
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the elements and complexity of the debt crisis across many African countries. Learn about the causes and consequences of the crisis and what accommodations are required to prevent bankrupting the populations that must live under their government’s unserviceable debt load. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Bangladesh: Protests, Crackdowns And A Coming Election
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the eruption of pre-election protests across Bangladesh, the significance of these protests, it’s skyrocketing inflation and the remarkable economic growth it has experienced under its authoritarian prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Learn more about other global issues: