Big World

Venezuelan Oil and a Crisis in Cuba

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this new episode of Big World, SIS professor emeritus Philip Brenner joins us to discuss the politics behind the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and how it connects to the growing crisis in Cuba.

Brenner kicks off our episode by contextualizing the close alliance between Venezuela and Cuba (1:54) and the history of U.S. relations with both nations (4:31). Brenner also explains what was happening in the months leading up to the United States’ capture of Maduro and why the Trump administration was pressuring Venezuela to cut off oil to Cuba (9:23).

Does the capture of Maduro fall within the bounds of international law? (11:02) How has the ongoing oil embargo fueled a humanitarian crisis in Cuba? (12:43) Brenner answers these questions and considers the Trump administration’s current approach to U.S.-Cuba relations (16:47) and where Cuba’s political future stands (19:54).

Big World is a production of the School of International Service at American University. This episode was produced by Madison Minges with assistance from Morgan Desfosses.

Workers’ Rights in the Global Supply Chain

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service's Judy Gearhart joins Big World to discuss international labor organizing and the fight for workers' rights within the global supply chain.

Gearhart, a research professor at the Accountability Research Center and host of The Labor Link Podcast, begins the conversation by describing challenges and abuse that workers currently face in the global supply chain, highlighting forced labor in the seafood industry as a case study (3:24). What makes migrant workers particularly vulnerable (6:54)? How has global supply chain governance evolved, and what impact did the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have on corporate responsibility (8:56)? Gearhart explores these questions while addressing the staggering $236 billion in annual profits illegally generated through forced labor (13:27). She also shares powerful stories of resilience from organizers in Thailand and Bangladesh (14:59) and explains how transnational solidarity networks connect local worker movements to international reform campaigns (18:54).

To conclude, Gearhart discusses the impact of US funding cuts to USAID and international labor programs and emphasizes the necessity of supporting collective worker agency to address the root causes of abuse (23:20).

Episode Credits

Host: Madi Minges

Producer: Morgan Desfosses

Art: Amy Zawada

Social Media

The Intellectuals Behind the MAGA New Right

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:15:00 -0400

In this new episode, SIS visiting scholar in residence Laura Field joins Big World to discuss the intellectual backbone of the New Right.

Field is a writer, political theorist, and the author of the recently published book Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right. In this episode, Field explains why she wrote this book (2:15) and what surprised her most in her research (3:30). Field also explains why Donald Trump was not the New Right’s first choice for the 2024 Republican nominee (6:38), discusses the differing factions that make up the New Right (10:20), and shares why she decided to focus her book on the intellectuals behind New Right ideology (19:04).

Is there a gender divide on the New Right? (22:44) How much influence do the intellectuals in the New Right have on Trump’s voter base? (26:16). Field answers these questions and considers where the New Right movement goes from here (28:59). The episode concludes with Field sharing what she hopes readers will take from her book (31:36).

So, You Want to Be a Diplomat?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this new episode, School of International Service professor and former US Ambassador to Mongolia Piper Campbell joins Big World to share reflections on her 30-year career in diplomacy and provide practical advice for aspiring foreign service officers.

Campbell, the chair of the Department of Foreign Policy & Global Security, begins our conversation by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in diplomacy (2:01) and discusses the multiple stages of her career (3:49). Campbell also describes the various pathways available within the State Department to engage in diplomacy (8:11) and shares advice for how future diplomats can prepare for the variety of situations they are likely to encounter in their career (10:24).

What are the different “cones” within the State Department, and what do they mean for a diplomat’s career path (14:53)? Why does it remain important for students to continue studying diplomacy amid recent changes in the federal hiring landscape (19:42)? Campbell answers these questions and shares her biggest piece of advice for aspiring foreign service officers (26:17).

Career Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Why the Kurds Still Don't Have a Country

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor Yerevan Saeed joins Big World to talk about Kurdish history, geopolitics, culture, and more.

Saeed, the director of the Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace and Barzani Scholar-in-Residence in the Department of Politics, Governance, and Economics (PGE), begins the conversation by talking about the history of the Ottoman Empire and the struggles of the Kurdish people to gain statehood (1:41). He then discusses the importance of statehood recognition and what gaining that would mean for the Kurds (6:27).

How do a stateless people conduct diplomacy with surrounding nations and the United States? (11:39). Saeed considers this question and emphasizes the severity and longevity of the Kurdish struggle in the Middle East (18:28). Despite facing centuries of marginalization, Saeed explains how the Kurds have kept their culture and traditions alive and have remained resilient throughout time (22:53). To conclude our episode, Saeed talks about SIS’s Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace and how folks can follow their work online and on social media (25:25).

How Are Governments Using AI?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor William Akoto joins Big World to discuss the intersections of artificial intelligence and international affairs.

Akoto, a member of the SIS Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security and the director of research at the Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, begins our conversation by explaining what is currently known about how governments are using AI and emerging technology (1:58). Akoto then examines the potential usefulness and dangers of AI’s rapid global proliferation (4:41).

How can governments make sure AI is kept in the right hands and out of the wrong hands? (9:54). What role is AI playing in interstate cyber conflict, and how it will impact future challenges in cybersecurity? (13:35). Akoto answers these questions and considers the potential impacts of integrating AI models into government systems when they have proven to be imperfect (15:36). To conclude this episode, Akoto provides us with a few insights about the conversations he is currently having with his students about emerging tech (19:57).

The Economics of Hunger

Tue, 06 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor Jesse Ribot joins Big World to discuss his current research on migration, vulnerability, and the “hungry season” in West Africa.

Ribot, a member of the SIS Department of Environment, Development, and Health, begins our conversation by discussing how a ship that sunk off the coast of Italy and killed hundreds of migrants on board was the precursory climate event that spurred his latest research in West Africa (2:02). Ribot then shares what he learned when he traveled to Tambacounda, Senegal, to interview several families of migrants who died on the ship about their reasons for leaving home (5:59).

What is the hungry season, and what role does it play in migration out of Senegal? (13:20) Jesse addresses these questions and shares how misconceptions about the roots of hunger can be addressed (24:16) and how he hopes his research is applied in the future (25:44).

US Immigration Realities and Futures

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professors Tazreena Sajjad and Maria De Jesus join Big World to discuss the history of US immigration policy and unpack how recent shifts are impacting our local DC community and beyond.

Sajjad, a professor in the Department of Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations, begins our conversation by explaining common misconceptions surrounding the US immigration system and the evolution of immigration policy (2:03) before explaining the pathways that currently exist for immigrants to enter the US (7:37).

Sajjad and De Jesus, a professor in the Department of Environment, Development & Health, also break down the ripple effects of recent shifts in US immigration policy both domestically and internationally (11:45).

How are recent policies impacting immigration advocates and immigrant communities? (25:00) What are the key skills required for the next generation of folks working on migration issues? (31:05) De Jesus and Sajjad answer these questions and provide a preview of the new Global Migration Certificate launching at SIS in fall 2025 (31:44).

Tariffs and Trade Wars

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor Michael Stanaitis joins Big World to discuss trade wars and tariffs during President Donald Trump’s second term.

Stanaitis, a member of the SIS Department of Global Inquiry and professor for SIS online graduate programs, begins our conversation by defining tariffs and explaining how the United States has historically used them (2:01). Stanaitis also explains the difference between Trump’s tariff use in his first term versus his second term thus far (7:43).

What are the president’s goals with recent tariff threats against Canada, Mexico, China, and Colombia (11:47)? What do Trump’s tariffs mean for American consumers (17:03)? Stanaitis answers these questions and explains what he believes the legacy of Trump tariffs will be by providing an illustration from Thomas and Friends (22:55).

You can find more analysis from Professor Stanaitis in these recent pieces on our website: “Understanding Trump Tariffs 2.0” and “Analyzing Trump Tariffs 2.0.”

A Development Dilemma in Haiti

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this new episode, School of International Service professor and anthropologist Scott Freeman joins Big World to discuss development, displacement, and international aid in Haiti.

Freeman, a professor in the Department of Environment, Development, and Health, begins our conversation by explaining the background of the 2011 Caracol Industrial Park development project that displaced more than 400 Haitian families (2:20). Freeman also explains how the displaced families reacted (6:02) and discusses what their eventual agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank entailed (8:47).

What compensation or settlements were offered in the agreement (10:15)? Why did it take so long to reach an agreement (13:20)? Freeman answers these questions and discusses the lasting impact of a flawed process on families that are still awaiting compensation (18:51). Freeman concludes our conversation by discussing the lessons learned from this situation, and how similar ones can be prevented in the future (21:43).

The Power of the Dining Table

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this new episode, School of International Service professor Johanna Mendelson Forman and University of Milan professor Andrea Borghini join Big World to discuss the power of the dining table.

Mendelson Forman, who teaches and researches culinary diplomacy and social gastronomy, and Borghini, an expert in food philosophy, begin our conversation by discussing the symbolism of the dining table and its role in trust building (1:58). Mendelson Forman and Borghini also examine how issues like social justice and identity intersect at the dining table (9:45).

How does the dining table function as a proxy for different types of behavior (19:42)? In a world of conflict, what does it mean to gather around the dining table (26:29)? Forman and Borghini answer these questions and evaluate the dynamics of power and peace at play around the dining table (26:51).

Lessons in Climate Resilience

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this new episode, School of International Service professor Ken Conca joins Big World to discuss climate resiliency in the face of natural disasters.

Conca, a professor in the Department of Environment, Development, and Health, begins our conversation by explaining why he wrote his new book, After the Floods: The Search for Resilience in Ellicott City (2:19). Conca also discusses the issues that communities face following natural disasters (6:28) and analyzes why prevention and recovery efforts tend to become politicized (7:50).

Do climate havens still exist (10:40)? How do we approach living in such a climate-impacted world (13:07)? Conca answers these questions and discusses the importance of prioritizing the community’s needs when finding solutions for climate change impacts (15:58). Conca concludes our conversation by discussing how communities can learn from previous natural disasters to better prepare for the future (17:08).

What's Ahead for Mexico's Democracy?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this new episode, School of International Service Distinguished Diplomat in Residence and former US Ambassador to Mexico Earl Anthony Wayne joins Big World to discuss Mexico’s recent election and US-Mexico relations.

Wayne, a professor in the Department of Foreign Policy & Global Security, begins our conversation by explaining why Mexico is important to the United States (1:55). Wayne also provides background on Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president (2:37), and discusses what her presidency may mean for Mexico (4:08).

What is at stake for Mexico’s democracy under Sheinbaum’s administration (7:12)? What legacy is President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, “AMLO,” leaving as he exits office (11:08)? Wayne answers these questions and discusses the impact of a controversial judicial overhaul bill supported by AMLO’s party that was passed in September (12:51). Wayne concludes our conversation by discussing the implications of the upcoming US Presidential election on US-Mexico relations (15:47).

How to Get a Job in International Affairs

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Sara Jones, the director of the SIS Office of Career Development joins Big World to discuss the topic at the forefront of many international affairs students’ minds: how to get a job. Jones oversees career development support for SIS undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni, including events, advising, and employer relations.

Jones begins our conversation by sharing the best kinds of internships for international affairs students (1:35). She also explains how international experiences and foreign language skills can help prepare students for the job search (4:21).

How has the job search process changed in recent years (8:42)? What are some common mistakes that students make on application materials (14:02)? Jones answers these questions and ends our discussion by offering practical advice for students who don’t know where to start their job search (19:22).

In the “Take 5” segment (12:01) of this episode, Jones answers this question: What are the top five job sites for students to utilize in their job searches?

Sports Diplomacy and the Olympic Games

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Cue the fanfare: in this new episode, School of International Service professor Robert Kelley joins Big World to talk about sports diplomacy and the soft power of the Olympic Games.

Kelley, an expert in new diplomacy studies who researches at the intersection of politics and culture, begins our conversation by defining and explaining the objections of both sports and public diplomacy (1:45). Kelley, an Olympics enthusiast, also discusses this year’s Opening Ceremonies in Paris (3:54) and explains how Olympic athletes serve as diplomats during the Games (6:18).

When have the Olympics served as an important diplomatic bridge (13:16)? When have the Games spotlighted simmering political disputes and conflicts (17:29)? Kelley answers these questions and discusses the history of human rights abuses surrounding the Olympics (25:10), and he considers how the Games have served as a platform for protest in years past (28:54).

In the Take 5 segment (20:32) of this episode, Kelley answers the question: what are five examples of Olympic Games that have been diplomatically successful, and why?

Abortion Access in a Post-Roe World

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

*Note: This episode was recorded before the US Supreme Court in Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine unanimously rejected a lawsuit challenging the FDA's rules for prescribing and dispensing the abortion medication mifepristone on the issue of standing.

American University School of Public Affairs professor, lawyer, and reproductive rights and policy expert Jessica Waters joins Big World to discuss the status of abortion access and bodily autonomy in the US. The discussion takes places two years after the Supreme Court overturned the nearly 50-year precedent established in Roe v. Wade with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, authored by Justice Samuel Alito.

Waters begins our conversation by discussing global abortion access (1:57) and explaining the impact of “heartbeat bills” that several states have implemented (3:26). She also describes the importance of protecting access to abortion medications such as mifepristone and misoprostol (5:41).

What is fetal personhood and how does it affect other reproductive healthcare like IVF (8:45)? What is the rationale for restricting abortion medications (18:53)? Waters answers these questions and ends our discussion by highlighting the impact that limited abortion access and the need to travel—often long distances—for reproductive care has on women across the country (22:24).

In the “Take 5” segment (14:33) of this episode, Waters answers this question: What are five policies the government can enact to protect reproductive health?

Intercultural Communication in the Global Workforce

Thu, 30 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

SIS online programs professor and intercultural consultant Melissa Hahn joins Big World to discuss the importance of fostering strong interpersonal relationships in the global workforce. Hahn is the author of a recent book titled, Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce: Build Rapport, Camaraderie, and Optimal Performance No Matter the Time Zone.

Hahn, who teaches intercultural communication, begins our conversation by sharing her inspiration for writing this book with her colleague, Brandeis University professor Andy Molinsky (1:47). She also describes, in broad strokes, the approach her book lays out for building more authentic cross-cultural relationships in the workplace (2:37).

Why is it important to build cross-cultural relationships in business settings (6:46)? Does the United States’ approach and framework for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives translate to a global context (12:00)? Hahn answers these questions and ends our discussion by offering practical advice for anyone wanting to form more authentic intercultural relationships (14:44).

In the “Take 5” segment (9:54) of this episode, Hahn answers this question: What are five tools to help build cross-cultural relationships?

Star Wars, Imperialism, and Post-Conflict Societies

Wed, 01 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

School of International Service professor Patrick Thaddeus Jackson joins Big World to discuss imperialism, post-conflict societies, and the parallels between the Star Wars universe and our own.

Jackson, the chair of the SIS Department of Global Inquiry, begins the discussion by describing how the original movie trilogy depicts the struggles of organizing a resistance movement (5:26). He also discusses how Star Wars shows such as Andor explore the lived experiences of everyday citizens under autocratic rule (7:22) and explains how the show depicts bureaucratic corruption within regimes (9:31).

How do Star Wars shows like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian portray post-conflict societies? (18:09) How do the power struggles we see after the fall of the Empire mirror those in our world? (26:20) Jackson answers these questions and discusses how rebuilding the galaxy has mirrored real-world state-building after the fall of a regime (29:46). To close out the discussion, Jackson discusses how Ahsoka and The Mandalorian explore the impact of imperialism and post-conflict society on individuals and how conflict and trauma shape one’s journey (32:26).

In the “Take 5” segment (21:49) of this episode, Jackson ranks his top five lightsaber combat sequences from the Star Wars shows and movies.

Thirty Years after the Rwandan Genocide

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

School of International Service professor Claudine Kuradusenge-McLeod joins Big World in this episode marking the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. In 1994, a roughly 100-day massacre by Hutu militias targeting the Tutsi minority ethnic group resulted in the death of about 800,000 people, including Tutsis, moderate Hutus, and Twa.

Kuradusenge-McLeod, who is a scholar-activist specializing in genocide studies, begins our discussion by describing, in broad strokes, the events that led up to the genocide in 1994 and what occurred during the 100 days (1:23). She also discusses the international response to the events of the genocide (5:26) and explains where relations between Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda stand today (8:49).

What is life like for survivors of the genocide today, both within Rwanda and in the diaspora? (10:57) What has been President Paul Kagame’s impact on Rwanda since the genocide, and do people consider him a dictator? (15:59) Kuradusenge-McLeod answers these questions and analyzes whether or not justice has been served in the punishment of genocide perpetrators (26:43). To close out the discussion, Kuradusenge-McLeod discusses the state of human rights in Rwanda today (31:29) and explains the lasting impact of the genocide on the nation (33:37).

In the “Take 5” segment (22:59) of this episode, Kuradusenge-McLeod answers this question: What are five things Rwanda needs to do to become fully democratic?

Did the Woman, Life, Freedom Protests Change Iran?

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:00:12 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service professor Shadi Mokhtari joins Big World to discuss the history of protests in Iran, the unprecedented international reaction to Mahsa Amini’s death, and the greater impact of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests. Over a year has passed since Mahsa Amini was detained and died in Iran after being detained by Iran’s morality police for improperly wearing a hijab in September 2022. Her death sparked massive protests around the world and was the catalyst for the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Mokhtari begins our conversation by providing a brief background on Iran’s long history of protests (1:51). Mokhtari also describes the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests (8:59) and discusses the key grievances raised by the protesters (16:33). How did the Iranian diaspora respond to these protests (18:04)? Did the protests help to unite Iranians or did it cause further divides (30:22)? Mokhtari answers these questions and more. Mokhtari ends our conversation by discussing how the Woman, Life, Freedom protests will be viewed in Iran in the future (33:38). In the “Take 5” segment (28:14), Mokhtari answers the question: What things would need to change before we see meaningful political change in Iran?

Labor Strikes Back

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:00:02 -0400

Organized labor is having a moment. In this episode, School of International Service professor Stephen Silvia joins Big World to discuss the evolution of the labor movement, the significance of the recent United Auto Workers strike and recent organizing attempts by both Starbucks and Amazon employees, and what the future holds for unions. Silvia, who researches comparative labor employment relations with a focus on the US and Germany, begins our conversation by discussing how union organizing has changed over the past few decades (1:50). Silvia also analyzes the importance of the recent UAW strike and resulting contracts with the Big Three automakers (3:47) and discusses efforts by the UAW to organize foreign-owned auto plants in the American South, as detailed in his recent book, The UAW’s Southern Gamble: Organizing Workers at Foreign Owned Vehicle Plants (8:22). What challenges will the UAW face surrounding electric vehicle manufacturing (19:27)? How will organizers confront declining union membership (25:02)? Silvia answers these questions and discusses how the “union avoidance playbook” can make organizing difficult at places like Amazon and Starbucks (26:53). Silvia ends our conversation by explaining why Gen Z is making unions cool again (28:42). In the “Take 5” segment (15:04), Silvia answers the question: What steps or practices are necessary for workers to have more of a voice in the workplace?

How Do We End "Lies about Black People"?

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:00:09 -0400

Can you think of a stereotype or lie you’ve heard about Black people? Do you know how or when that stereotype came to be? In this episode, SIS professor Omekongo Dibinga joins Big World to discuss his new book, Lies About Black People: How to Combat Racist Stereotypes and Why it Matters, and explain how we can improve on our antiracist journeys. Dibinga begins our conversation by explaining the original idea and his research and writing process for the book (2:14), then moves to discussing how lies and stereotypes gain power in people's minds (4:28). Dibinga also explains why he doesn’t use the term “BIPOC” (7:55) and why reexamining our vocabulary is so important (9:44). Where did the ‘Black people can’t swim’ stereotype come from (12:19)? How have whitewashed, revisionist versions of history detracted from our knowledge of our authentic history and experiences as Americans (20:02)? Dibinga answers these questions and more. To close out the discussion, Dibinga shares why celebrating and acknowledging Black history and achievements is so important (28:45). In the “Take 5” segment (17:55) of this episode, Dibinga answers this question: What are five ways that people can identify preconceived notions and work to improve on their anti-racist journey?

Will Climate Shock Cause Climate Change Action?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:00:06 -0400

Does throwing tomato soup at a famous painting force the world to respond to climate change? In this episode, Dana Fisher, School of International Service professor and director of American University’s Center for Environment, Community & Equity, joins Big World to discuss the evolution of climate activism, the demographic of people participating in climate protests, and the goal of more radical climate action. Fisher, whose research interests include climate activism, environmental stewardship, and climate politics, begins our conversation by explaining the evolution of climate activism over the past few decades (1:38) and discussing the rise of the “radical flank” of climate activists (5:25). Fisher also defines the term “climate shock” (10:00) and explains what happens when climate shocks are no longer shocking (13:16). What is motivating the population of people currently participating in climate activism (14:33)? Can we expect any significant actions or agreements coming out of COP 28 this month (20:02)? Fisher answers these questions and explains why she believes international climate conferences are not worth the carbon footprint, particularly if you are not a delegate involved in negotiating (21:52). To close out the discussion, Fisher gives our listeners a preview of her forthcoming book, Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shock to Climate Action (27:15). In the “Take 5” segment (17:37) of this episode, Fisher answers this question: What are five climate policies you'd like to see adopted in the United States?

Why are Rohingya and Ukrainian Refugees Treated Differently?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 12:00:14 -0400

In this episode, School of International Service professor Tazreena Sajjad joins Big World to discuss the difference in global responses to Rohingya and Ukrainian refugees. Sajjad, an expert on refugees and forced displacement, begins our discussion with a brief overview of the history of the Rohingya refugee crisis (2:53). Sajjad also discusses life inside the refugee camps in Bangladesh (7:26) and explains how other countries and international aid organizations are working to help Rohingya refugees (11:19) displaced from Myanmar. Why is there a disparity in media coverage of the Rohingya and Ukrainian refugee crises (16:13)? How are international aid dollars being spent, and who decides which refugees receive this aid (25:08)? Sajjad answers these questions and discusses the impact of geographical proximity and geopolitical importance when it comes to assisting refugee groups (27:58). To close out the discussion, Sajjad asks our listeners to consider both the public perceptions and lived realities of both the Rohingya and Ukrainian refugees (33:23). In the “Take 5” segment (19:23) of this episode, Sajjad answers the question: How can countries and international organizations better work to support refugees from all situations and ensure that resources and aid are shared more equally among those threatened groups who need it the most?

Netanyahu and Democracy in Israel

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:00:06 -0400

In this episode, Guy Ziv, School of International Service professor and associate director of American University’s Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies, joins Big World to discuss democracy in Israel, the political longevity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and current protests over Netanyahu’s attempts to limit the power of Israel’s highest court. Ziv, who teaches courses on US foreign policy, international negotiations, US-Israel relations, and Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, begins our discussion by explaining how Netanyahu is a “political magician” (2:02). Ziv also analyzes the parallels between Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial and the indictments against former US President Donald Trump (6:03) and discusses the results of Israel’s November 2022 election, in which Netanyahu led a far-right coalition to win the majority of the 120 seats in Israel’s legislature, the Knesset (11:44). Why was the judicial overhaul plan passed by the Knesset in July so significant (14:19)? How are less conservative segments of the Jewish population in Israel responding to Netanyahu’s efforts to weaken Israel’s judiciary (19:18)? Ziv answers these questions and discusses recent tensions in Israel’s military caused by the judicial overhaul plan (25:22). To close out the discussion, Ziv gives our listeners a preview of his upcoming book titled Netanyahu vs the Generals: The Battle for Israel’s Future (28:41). In the “Take 5” segment (22:17) of this episode, Ziv answers the question: What are five policy recommendations for the Biden administration in terms of its response to the Netanyahu government’s controversial actions?

Disinformation, Part 2: the US

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:12:11 -0400

In this episode, SIS professor Samantha Bradshaw joins Big World to discuss the spread of disinformation online in the US. Over the last decade in the United States, disinformation is a topic that has dominated discussions surrounding elections, political campaigns, COVID-19, and more. Bradshaw, who is a leading expert on new technologies and democracy, begins our discussion by explaining her definition of disinformation (1:41) and overviews the factors that have contributed to the rise of disinformation in the US over the last decade (2:41). Bradshaw also identifies the kinds of groups who primarily spread disinformation in the United States (5:40). Are people being targeted with disinformation roughly equally, or do disparities exist between racial and ethnic groups (8:41)? What does Bradshaw think about the methods social media companies are using to combat the spread of disinformation (11:55)? Bradshaw answers these questions and discusses her research into Russian trolling operations (15:16) and press freedom (24:03) before rounding out the episode with some thoughts on disinformation and AI (27:00). In the “Take 5” segment (18:53), Bradshaw answers the question: What five policies would you want to see enacted in the US to address disinformation?

Disinformation Part 1: India

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:00:16 -0400

“Disinformation” and “misinformation” are two words we often hear, but how many people know what those words mean? How do we identify disinformation? How is it spread? The disinformation issue is not unique to the US, as countries around the world are facing the consequences of the spread of false and sometimes even harmful information. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Sumitra Badrinathan joins us to discuss disinformation and misinformation in India (1:17) and the ways in which the spread of disinformation in India is both similar and different to the ways disinformation spreads in the US. Badrinathan explains her definition of disinformation (1:25) and shares why she uses the term “misinformation” when discussing her work (2:42). She also describes how different types of disinformation and misinformation, such as health and political misinformation, affect both India and the world (3:38). How does India’s status as the world’s most populous country affect the spread of misinformation (6:37)? How do social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp contribute to the spread of misinformation (9:14)? Badrinathan answers these questions and discusses the impact of misinformation on political outcomes in India (20:33). The podcast concludes with Badrinathan’s comments on foreign influence in the spread of disinformation and misinformation in India (23:46). During our “Take Five” segment, Badrinathan shares five ways that researchers and academics have worked to counter global misinformation (13:46).

Disability Rights are Human Rights

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:00:05 -0400

This July marks 33 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed — a landmark law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, communications, and government resources. The ADA is meant to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in everyday life, and the law’s signing made the US the first country in the world to adopt a declaration of equality for persons with disabilities. The legacy of the ADA has included increased activism and policy gains for persons with disabilities worldwide. In this episode of Big World, SIS and Kogod professor Derrick Cogburn joins us to discuss the ongoing legacy of the ADA (2:12), noting that disability policy was once a bipartisan issue in the United States but is no longer. He also describes disability policy as emanating from three imperatives: moral, economic, and legal (4:37). Cogburn explains the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) (6:28), explaining that the US is not among the more than 180 countries who have ratified the convention, despite then-President Barack Obama signing the CRPD (8:28). He also describes global disability movements (9:42) and discusses frameworks like the New Urban Agenda, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Sendai Framework, all of which incorporate disability policy. What are some policy shifts in the realm of online accessibility over the last decade (20:23)? What are the ramifications of untapped potential when spaces, either physical or online, are not accessible to people with disabilities (29:32)? Cogburn answers these questions and discusses shifts in activists’ approach to creating disability policy goals in recent years. The podcast concludes with Cogburn’s comments about how the inclusion of persons with disabilities can have many positive impacts on our world (33:29). During our “Take Five” segment, Cogburn shares the five disability policies he would want to see instituted globally (16:39).

Politics, Religion, and Diplomacy in Pakistan and India

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:44:38 -0400

Together, Pakistan and India account for nearly a quarter of the world’s population. The two nations and their peoples also have made innumerable contributions to the world’s great religions, history, and culture. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Akbar Ahmed joins us to talk about the interfaith dynamics within and between India and Pakistan; their global roles and influence; and his own influential career as a diplomat, scholar, and author. Ambassador Ahmed briefly explains the origins of his career, including how an experience as a child influenced both his life and his future commitment to interfaith dialogue (3:25). He discusses his three decades of experience in the Pakistani civil service and the impact of that time on his views about peace (7:10). Ahmed gives his thoughts on the state of Pakistan’s democracy and his hopes for the nation’s future (9:41). Reflecting on his arrival in the US and Washington, DC, the week before September 11, 2001, Ahmed talks about how and why the tragic events of that day impressed upon him the importance of interfaith dialogue (11:56). He also answers the question: was there ever a moment, post-9/11, in which he was afraid to be a Muslim living in America (18:35)? What kind of productive interfaith dialogues are happening within India (21:33)? Can interfaith dialogue help ease tensions between India and Pakistan (24:41)? Is Hindu nationalism, at its core, divorced from the actual tenets of Hinduism (26:36)—and are extremist versions of religions always similarly out of step with their own foundational beliefs? Ambassador Ahmed answers these questions while also explaining how he got his students heavily involved in the various projects he’s produced over the years (31:29). Finally, what does he think will be his legacy (34:54)? During our “Take Five” segment, Ambassador Ahmed shares the five things he believes people and nations can do to improve interfaith relations inside and outside of their borders (29:05).

Classified Documents 101

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:13:18 -0400

Classified information is utilized by nearly every agency in the government, but what happens when that information is leaked or mishandled? After classified documents were discovered in the private residences of both former and current presidents, and classified Pentagon documents were leaked online, classified documents and their handling have become a hot topic of discussion. In this episode of Big World, former FBI intelligence analyst Jorhena Thomas, SIS/MA ’04, joins us to discuss the classification process, document handling, security clearances, and more. Thomas discusses the type of information that get classified and the different classification levels (2:45). She also walks us through the classification process (5:24) and discusses who gets to decide what information is classified (6:00). Recent leaks have raised questions and concerns over security clearances, including: how does one get a security clearance in the first place (7:40)? Once a document is classified, how long does it stay that way (11:52)? What is proper handling protocol for classified documents (17:43)? Closing out the episode, Thomas discusses why some government agencies may “overclassify” documents (20:47) and explains the tear-line process of declassifying documents in part (23:19). During our “Take Five” segment, Thomas shares five things that listeners should know about classified documents (13:33).

Why We Talk About Corruption

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:13:09 -0400

Whenever we hear the word corruption, we always think that it’s others who are corrupt; it’s never the people we support, and it’s certainly never us. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Malini Ranganathan and AU’s College of Arts and Sciences professor David Pike join us to talk about corruption, the stories we tell about it, and the narratives to which we cling. Professors Ranganathan and Pike discuss the inspiration behind their recent book, “Corruption Plots,” and explain why the story is so important now (2:01). Ranganathan walks us through defining what exactly “corruption talk” is and how it differs from actual corruption (4:39). Pike describes the meaning behind the book’s title and explains the ways in which the multiple connotations of the word “plots” make up different aspects of the co-authors’ research expertise (6:32). Since the book itself is comprised of a multitude of stories, Ranganathan (8:40) and Pike (11:25) give their favorite anecdote and memory from their on-the-ground research. Pulling from his own discipline, what does Pike think fiction can teach us that real-life fieldwork cannot (13:29)? Ranganathan also describes what Operation Clean the Nation was and how understanding it can teach us about corruption narratives (18:35). Why do social difference and inequality matter in the study of corruption (21:49)? And how does corruption apply to the middle class (25:12)? What is the relationship between corruption and capitalism, and are there economic systems that do a better job of preventing systemic corruption (27:48)? During our “Take Five” segment, Professors Ranganathan and Pike share the five things they would tell anti-corruption agencies (15:14).

NATO Expansion Past, Present, and Future

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:00:07 -0400

Since its inception in 1949, NATO has expanded both its size and role to keep up with a changing world. Its initial role as a counterweight to the Soviet Union was both reenforced and updated when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor and former dean Jim Goldgeier joins us to discuss the enlargement and role of NATO from its inception to today. Professor Goldgeier discusses the thought process behind his latest book about NATO enlargement and explains what he hoped to accomplish by bringing together a group of scholars with diverse opinions and viewpoints (2:12). He also walks us through pivotal moments related to NATO’s enlargement in the 1990s (5:43), including Russian President Boris Yeltsin’s warnings to President Bill Clinton (8:30). Was there ever a moment when Russia might have joined NATO (10:49)? And moving into the 2000s, what was the rhetoric within Russia about NATO (13:28)? Does Russian President Vladimir Putin truly believe that pro-democracy protests borne of popular uprisings are really just puppet protests engineered by the US and other NATO countries (16:10)? Professor Goldgeier answers these questions and describes Russia’s aggression toward Georgia and Ukraine since 2008 (20:01) and the impact of NATO enlargement as it grew ever-closer to Russia’s borders (23:26). During the Trump administration, some Americans began to buy into the rhetoric that NATO was obsolete. So what should Americans understand about the continued importance of NATO (25:40)? Closing out the episode, Goldgeier discusses why the likely prospect of Sweden and Finland joining NATO doesn’t seem as problematic in the eyes of Putin as when countries once part of the former Soviet Union have desired to join (29:58). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Goldgeier shares the policies and practices he would institute for the transatlantic community (17:44).

Who Really Controls the Military?

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:00:10 -0400

The United States military is the most powerful in the world; it is ordered from within by a strict hierarchy—people in uniform—and from without by civilian leadership, or people in suits. The Joint Chiefs of Staff bridge the gap between the military and executive branches to maintain the balance between military and civilian leadership. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Sharon Weiner joins us to discuss the roles of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Professor Weiner discusses her new book “Managing the Military” (2:46) and explains the history of the JCS’s policy of public disagreement (4:41). She discusses how Robert McNamara shaped the practices of the JCS (time) and talks about the impact of the Goldwater-Nichols Act (9:55). Why does an increase in so-called “jointness” increase the power of the chairman of the JCS (12:03)? Will we see another chairman as powerful and influential as Colin Powell again (14:07)? Why was it so shocking when current JCS chairman Gen. Mark Milley appeared in a certain famous photo with former President Trump (27:37)? Weiner answers these questions and discusses the importance and impact of the public and political image of the chairman and the JCS (28:35). The episode concludes as Weiner examines who really manages whom and how the government and military exert their leverage over one another (32:03). During our “Take Five” segment, Weiner shares five policies and procedure that would improve military and civilian relations (20:57).

Europe Veers Toward Nationalism

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:00:10 -0400

The continent of Europe has been home to every conceivable type of government over thousands of years, with democracy being the dominant force since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Yet, with the elections of far-right politicians across the continent in recent years, the landscape has changed. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor and Transatlantic Policy Center co-director Garret Martin joins us to evaluate what this shift toward right-wing nationalism might mean for the future of European democracy. Professor Martin defines far-right nationalism (2:27) and explains its difference from the mainstream conservatism that functions within democratic norms (4:48). He discusses how Brexit has changed politics and the internal dynamics of political parties in the United Kingdom (6:17). He also talks about the results of Sweden’s most recent general election and the new right-wing majority bloc (8:00). What effect does American support for right-wing leaders like Polish president Andrzej Duda and Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán have on European politics (11:25)? How has the war in Ukraine further complicated relationships and intercontinental politics among European countries (21:36)? Martin answers these questions and discusses what we can expect from Italy’s new government, led by far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (24:55). The episode concludes as Martin examines both the extent to which this surge of right-wing parties threatens European democracy (29:13) and also current measures the European Union is taking to put pressure on countries that act undemocratically (31:04). During our “Take Five” segment, Martin shares five ways in which Europeans—whether officially, as in the European Union, or unofficially at the individual citizen level—can act to safeguard democracy (15:48).

Can the US Win the Technology War?

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:00:07 -0400

The United States has been the leader in digital technology and innovation for decades. However, in recent years, the race between countries to control this space has become closer than ever. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Daniel Gerstein joins us to explore the global technology war and the power that comes from being its winner at every stage. Gerstein discusses his new book “Tech Wars: Transforming US Technology Development” (1:25) and how the US rose to the top of the global technology and innovation race (2:31). He explains how US innovation has benefitted the rest of the world (5:28) and the US government's role in technological innovation (10:04). How are innovations like airplanes, medical equipment, smartphones, and the internet regulated (13:04)? What are the dangers of unregulated social media sites (22:02)? Gerstein answers these questions and discusses the importance of collaboration and evaluation to tackle data privacy and free speech concerns online (25:16). The episode concludes as Gerstein shares his thoughts on whether China and the US can ever have a symbiotic technology relationship (26:32). During our “Take Five” segment, Gerstein forecasts five innovation trends as the US continues to compete in the global technology war (17:14).

AIDS, COVID, and the Politics of Public Health

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:00:13 -0400

December 1 is World AIDS Day, and January 2023 marks 20 years of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides for groundbreaking AIDS treatment, prevention, and research. In this episode of Big World, SIS dean Shannon Hader, an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology and a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, joins us to explore how the AIDS response informed policies during the outbreak of COVID-19 and how politics impacts the public perception of public health crises. Dean Hader discusses how PEPFAR’s monumental achievements have influenced public health policy (3:22) and how PEPFAR continues to garner bipartisan, bicameral support from Congress, even throughout a time of intense political division (5:43). She explains how blame and shame are not sustainable or effective responses to an infectious disease (11:30). She also talks about the dangers of putting the goals of disease prevention and treatment in opposition to one another (13:23). How did the HIV community respond to the emergence of the COVID-19 virus (17:07)? While with UNAIDS, how did Hader help advise public health officials on how to protect human rights amid a crisis (18:51)? Hader answers these questions and discusses the importance of data in making sound decisions and targeting resources (21:01). The episode concludes as Hader shares how her impressive career in public health prepared her to lead a top-10 international relations school (27:17) and what she hopes to accomplish while at SIS (31:20). During our “Take Five” segment, Hader shares the five steps she would recommend to governments around the world to create and sustain positive forward momentum on AIDS research, prevention, and treatment (22:29).

Border Battles in Eurasia

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:00:15 -0400

When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, its republics were established as countries with internationally recognized borders. But borders are only as stable as the people within them will allow them to be. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has seemingly opened the floodgates for revisiting old conflicts and tensions, sparking border clashes among other former Soviet republics in the region known as Eurasia. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Keith Darden, an expert on Eurasian politics, joins us to explain the (literal) lay of the land, why tensions are so high, and why each of these border conflicts is unique. Professor Darden discusses how the post-Soviet borders were settled (2:00) and explains the rationale for Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea (4:14). He talks about why Russia invaded Ukraine and how the different, recently annexed regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson can be viewed as “historically Russian” (11:32). How has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacted the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region (13:37)? Why have Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan disputed their shared, semi-undemarcated border since it was established (22:15)? Darden answers these questions and discusses the impact of demographics and geography on these current border clashes. The episode concludes as Darden shares his thoughts about Putin’s future role in the region and the future of borders and border clashes in Eurasia more broadly (28:30). During our “Take Five” segment, Darden shares policies and procedures he would enact to create and settle international borders more effectively (17:30). Keith Darden discusses how the post-soviet borders were settled (2:00) and explains the rationale for Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea (4:14). He talks about why Russia invaded Ukraine and how different regions that have been recently annexed can be viewed as historically Russian (11:32). How has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacted the border conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan (13:37)? Why have Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan disputed their shared border since it was established (22:15)? Keith answers these questions and discusses the impact of demographics and geography on these current border clashes. The episode concludes as Keith shares his thoughts on Putin’s role in the future of the region, and what the future of border clashes in Eurasia may look like (28:30). During our “Take Five” segment, Keith shares five policies or procedures he would enact to create and settle international borders more effectively (17:30).

How are Political Prisoner Swaps Negotiated?

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:00:12 -0400

Taking hostages and prisoners is not a new occurrence; people have been taken hostage by those seeking to gain a political upper hand for thousands of years. What is new today is that more US hostages currently are being held by foreign governments than by terrorist or militant groups. Some of the most recent, high-profile political prisoner cases are those of WNBA star and US citizen Brittney Griner and US citizen Paul Whelan. They have both been detained in Russian prisons, and with these wrongful detention cases featured so prominently in the news, many questions have arisen about prisoner swaps and how the process works. In this episode of Big World, our guest is Professor Danielle Gilbert, a Rosenwald fellow at Dartmouth College, Bridging the Gap fellow, and hostage diplomacy expert. Dani Gilbert discusses how the US determines wrongful detentions (2:20) and explains the difference between a hostage and a political prisoner (4:45). She talks about why Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan are being held in Russia and how they may be used as leverage by Russia in a negotiation process (6:05). She also explains how the US decides whom to offer in a prisoner swap and the reasons why some political prisoners get left behind in these deals (8:09). How have past US-Russia and US-Soviet prisoner swaps shaped relations, and do current tensions make a swap more difficult (13:30)? How does outside involvement and media coverage help or hinder prisoner swaps (22:47)? Dani answers these questions and discusses the impact of political prisoner swaps on both the families of the prisoners and the governments that are involved. The episode concludes as Dani shares her thoughts on the likelihood of an agreement between the US and Russia in which Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan are released together (28:13). During our “Take Five” segment, Dani shares the five policies she would enact to protect political prisoners around the world and help expedite the repatriation process (18:46).

Life After Roe

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:00:19 -0400

On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health case. The ruling overturned nearly 50 years of judicial precedent set by Roe v Wade in 1973 and sent the question of abortion regulations and laws back to individual US states. The impact of this decision and the precedent it sets will have far reaching effects on the current and future state of reproductive rights and abortion policy in the United States. In this episode of Big World our guest is American University professor Tracy Weitz, a sociologist and abortion care, policy, and politics expert. Professor Weitz discusses the trigger laws prohibiting abortion to different extents that went into effect in some states (2:43) immediately upon the Dobbs ruling. She explains how state legislatures, upcoming ballot initiatives, gubernatorial elections, and state Supreme Court challenges could play a role in determining the future of abortion access in several states (3:26). She talks about whether abortion policies might change from election cycle to election cycle in purple states (6:48) and why she believes that abortion will remain a divisive issue at a national level—even if state laws remain relatively settled (9:21). How are the Hyde and Helms Amendments connected to reproductive rights policy, and how do they impact women both in the US and around the world (11:47)? What are some of the consequences of restrictive abortion laws, and can policies be made to safeguard women from those unintended consequences (17:27)? Professor Weitz answers these questions and discusses both the real-life impacts that abortion restrictions have on women with other medical conditions (19:20) and the threat to bodily autonomy caused by limiting reproductive rights (26:56). The episode concludes as Professor Weitz shares her observations on the likelihood of either a national right to terminate pregnancy or a national ban on abortion rights being codified by Congress or the Constitution and what challenges would have to be overcome for either of those to occur (27:09). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Weitz shares the five policies she would enact to protect reproductive rights in the United States (15:28).

How America’s Militias Threaten Democracy

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:00:12 -0400

In the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, anti-government militias like the Oath Keepers thrust themselves to the forefront of public consciousness. The ongoing January 6th committee hearings have increased the pressure on these groups to defend their actions leading up to and during that day. But the word “militia” is a very old word that appears in the founding document of the United States. It wasn't always associated with people attacking democracy but rather safeguarding it. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Carole Gallaher joins us to discuss American militias. Professor Gallaher explains what constitutes an American militia (1:21) and how that’s vastly different from the militias referred to in the Second Amendment of the US Constitution (2:47). She breaks down the overlap among today’s American militia groups, white nationalism, and white supremacy (3:51); the relationship militias like the Oath Keepers have to far-right groups like the Proud Boys (6:51); whether or not American militia groups are always violent (9:22); and who, in the US, is most likely to join such groups (11:08). Why are the violent and tragic events of Ruby Ridge in 1992 and the Waco siege in 1993 associated with the American militia movement of the 1990s? (16:03). Does the political party of the sitting US president have any impact on militia membership and activity (17:21)? Professor Gallaher answers these questions and discusses why the presidency of Barack Obama spurred a rise in militia movement activity (19:52). She then reveals how US public attitudes about militias have changed since the ’90s (22:306) and her experiences interviewing Kentucky militia members for her research (27:19). The episode concludes with Professor Gallaher explaining the relationship between militia groups’ support of former president Donald Trump and their own anti-government views. (28:39). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Gallaher suggests five things that should be done to tackle the threat that American militias pose to democracy (12:28).

Erdogan's Hold on Turkey

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:14:59 -0400

While the modern Turkish Republic was founded in the 1920s as a secular republic, the last two decades have seen this nation move from a democratic regime toward an authoritarian one. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Doga Eralp joins us to discuss the political career and the politics of a man who’s been Turkey’s leader for most of that time period, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Professor Eralp breaks down Erdogan’s rise to power, including how his controversial—and criminal—recitation of a poem played a role in that rise (2:48), and describes the beginnings of the leader’s dominant AK Party (5:42). He then showcases how Erdogan has steered Turkey toward religious nationalism (8:21) and what motivated him to do so (15:33). To explain Turkey’s current stance on the war in Ukraine, Professor Eralp describes Erdogan’s unique relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin (18:27). He then describes why and how Turkey came to be the world’s largest host of refugees and the role Erdogan has played in that situation (24:33). The episode concludes with Professor Eralp weighing in on whether Erdogan’s power is waning and how much longer he may stay in power (28:19). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Eralp shares five policies he would enact to improve Turkey's standing in the world (12:58).

Can We End World Hunger?

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 12:00:20 -0400

Food insecurity is a serious problem that affects many, with people going hungry in all regions of the world. According to the US Department of Agriculture, approximately 1.2 billion people globally lack consistent access to enough calories. In this episode of Big World, SIS alumna Valerie Guarnieri, assistant executive director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), joins us to discuss world hunger as well as her career combating food insecurity. Guarnieri first explains how the global experiences in her childhood and adolescence influenced what she wanted to do with her career (2:03) and why she chose to come to SIS (2:52). She also describes the roles she held in the US government as well as how combating hunger became a part of her work (4:16). Guarnieri then shares the WFP initiatives of which she’s most proud (6:33). Digging into the complex causes of hunger, she explains how hunger challenges are intertwined with other global issues, such as climate change and refugee crises (9:39). Guarnieri explains how the war in Ukraine has impacted WFP’s overall strategy (13:06) and how the programme is working to counteract the impacts of the war (15:42). She also breaks down the specific challenges that WFP has faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic (18:59). Lastly, Guarnieri shares her advice for SIS students who want to dedicate their careers to combating hunger (21:58) and states why she believes it’s possible to end world hunger, as well as why we haven’t yet done so (23:55). During our “Take Five” segment, Guarnieri shares five things that she would want governments to do to end world hunger (11:04).

How Do Rebel Groups Govern?

Mon, 02 May 2022 12:00:13 -0400

While the immediate image that the phrase “rebel groups” brings to mind may be men dressed in fatigues and carrying Kalashnikov rifles, the activities of rebel groups extend beyond paramilitary engagements and into the provision of public goods and social services. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Megan Stewart joins us to discuss rebel governance. Professor Stewart defines rebel governance (1:29) and breaks down the different ways that rebel groups approach governance (2:03). She shares a few projects that rebel groups have undertaken (3:42), explains whether these governance projects are mostly meant to serve PR purposes (4:41), and gives an example of when a rebel group bit off more than they could chew while attempting governance (6:47). Based on research she conducted for her book, Governing for Revolution: Social Transformation in Civil War, Professor Stewart shares what rebel groups have learned from the Chinese Communist Party (8:32) and explains the risks that rebels face when they take on expensive governance projects (14:44). She reveals the impacts of rebel governance on civilians (16:22) and how the international system relates to civil wars, as well as the conflicts in which these rebel groups are involved (17:51). Finally, Professor Stewart shares how she conducted research for her book (19:01) and some of the unexpected findings from her research (21:36). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Stewart shares the five most unique rebel governance projects she has heard of (12:39).

Dirty Money

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:00:23 -0400

Last year, the release of the Pandora Papers exposed secret offshore accounts belonging to world leaders, billionaires, and celebrities, and when Russia invaded Ukraine, Western nations responded, in part, with economic sanctions on Russian oligarchs. And, of course, in the US, April is known for Tax Day, which this year falls on April 18. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Dan Schneider joins us to discuss dirty money and illicit finance in the international system. Professor Schneider first defines the terms “dirty money” and “illicit finance” (1:32). He then shares how widespread this type of corruption is (3:42) and some factors that have led to the rise of illicit finance (5:45). He also describes the current efforts to fight dirty money and illicit finance (7:03) and breaks down how economic sanctions are supposed to impact the individuals on which they’re placed (8:33). What are the dangers of kleptocracy, which is a political system organized around oligarchy, self-dealing, and illicit finance (15:50)? How can governments best tackle illicit flows of money and work to restore the rule of law (18:31)? Professor Schneider answers these questions and explains the difference between unethical and illicit finance, using tax preparation as an example (21:54) and explaining that while something may be legal, that doesn’t mean it’s also ethical. During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Schneider shares the first five things he would do to fight dirty money and corruption, both in the US and the international system (12:30).

How Does Humanitarian Relief Fall Short?

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 13:00:10 -0400

Humanitarian assistance tends to be associated with aid workers figuratively parachuting into a country or a region to do work in times of event-based trauma, but that conceptualization only scratches the surface of what such work entails. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Lauren Carruth joins us to discuss a different kind of humanitarianism. Professor Carruth discusses the issues that arise from the humanitarian responses of large relief organizations (2:03) and explains why the field work she conducted on humanitarianism, which culminated in her recent book, took place in the Somali region of Ethiopia (5:46). She also breaks down why the use of the word “industry” is at odds with what she believes humanitarian aid should be trying to accomplish (7:35). What does the Somali word “samafal” mean, and how does it differ from what's been the norm in the humanitarian industry (13:00)? How often does samafal take place when it comes to humanitarian work around the globe (17:26)? Professor Carruth answers these questions and describes the inequitable hierarchy of the aid industry (19:15). Closing out the episode, she shares her advice for what people should do when they want to provide assistance during a humanitarian crisis (27:23). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Carruth shares the policies and practices she would institute to make the aid industry more equitable and more effective (11:06).

What Do We Get Wrong About Afghanistan?

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 13:00:15 -0400

On August 30, 2021, nearly 20 years after they arrived, the last US troops left Afghanistan. Now, some six months later, the world has largely moved on from the story of Afghanistan and the people who remain there in the wake of the US withdrawal and the reinstatement of Taliban control. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Tazreena Sajjad joins us to discuss what we get wrong about Afghanistan when we only talk about the ways that other nations, including the US, intersect with it. Professor Sajjad shares how she become interested in Afghanistan, both personally and professionally (1:59), and explains the historical events that have resulted in Afghanistan’s long-standing displacement crisis (4:05). She also describes factors that have led to forcible displacement from the country during the last 20 years of ongoing occupation (5:24) and points out which countries are currently hosting refugees from Afghanistan (7:42). What is happening to the Afghans who are displaced or remain within the country’s borders, including ethnic minorities, journalists, government workers, educators, human rights activists, and women and girls (15:57)? What would Professor Sajjad like to see for the people of Afghanistan, both those who remain and those who felt they had no choice but to leave (22:31)? Professor Sajjad answers these questions and takes on the trope that Afghanistan is the “Graveyard of Empires” (23:56). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Sajjad shares the first five things she would do to help displaced Afghans and others seeking refuge (11:52).

Capitol Insurrection, Riot, or Domestic Terrorism?

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:00:02 -0400

On January 6, 2021, a throng of Donald Trump supporters attacked the US Capitol building. Their stated goal was to overturn the valid results of the 2020 presidential election by interrupting the US Congress's count of electoral votes that would certify the election. One year later, SIS professor Joe Young joins us on this episode of Big World to discuss the January 6 attack on the Capitol and domestic terrorism. Young explains what differentiates domestic terrorism from other acts of violence (2:08) and states how he categorizes the events of January 6 (5:10). He also shares how he classifies the ideology and actions of those who took part (6:44) as well as what movements and groups have taken part in acts of domestic terrorism in the US over the past few years (8:44). What does the radicalization of US domestic terrorists look like (13:03), and what part do misinformation and disinformation play in the radicalization pipeline (15:12)? Are there similarities between how US domestic terrorists and Islamist terrorists become radicalized and the tactics they use (17:17)? Young answers these questions and reveals whether or not there is a trend of extremist movements becoming transnational (18:44). Our episode ends with Young clarifying whether or not domestic terrorism is more prevalent now than at any other time in US history (19:51). During our “Take Five” segment, which in this episode is a “Take Three,” Young shares three policies and practices he would institute to reform people who are radicalized (10:31).

Secrets, Spies, Intelligence, and Lines

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:00:34 -0400

Hollywood has made big business of spy films and television for decades, but the truth of intelligence gathering has always been opaque, even in a democracy like the US. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Aki Peritz joins us to discuss intelligence and national security. Peritz shares his definition of intelligence, discusses which US agencies gather intelligence (1:58), and dispels a DC urban legend about those who work for the CIA (5:10). He also explains how intelligence is collected and used during counterterrorism efforts (5:56) as well as how intelligence gathering has changed over the years (9:35). What role will intelligence play in counterterrorism and national security in the future (15:13)? What role do ethics and civics play in intelligence and counterterrorism efforts (17:17)? Peritz answers these questions and explains what a reality show—which he appeared on—revealed about the intelligence field and the balance between liberty and security (20:07). During our “Take Five” segment, Peritz shares five ways the intelligence community influences movies and TV and vice versa (11:20).

What Do We Owe Veterans?

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 12:00:14 -0400

Since the US military transtioned from a draft to an all-volunteer force in 1973, most Americans can go their entire lives without thinking too much about their fellow citizens who sign up to serve in uniform. In this episode of Big World, Kayla M. Williams, SIS/MA ‘08, the assistant secretary of the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, joins us to discuss veterans affairs and advocacy. Williams describes the work she did as an Arabic linguist in the US Army from 2000 to 2005 (2:08), where she deployed to in Iraq (3:05), and how her time in the military impacted her decision to pursue veterans advocacy (5:14). She also explains what veterans advocacy work entails (7:26) and how her master’s degree from SIS impacted her career path (9:56). What kinds of unique hurdles do women in the military and women veterans face (16:17)? What are Williams’ duties in her current, politically appointed role, and what does she hope to accomplish as assistant secretary (21:01)? Williams answers these questions and gives her advice to SIS students hoping to pursue veterans advocacy and become leaders in that endeavor (24:28). During our “Take Five” segment, Williams tells us five military policies that she thinks could benefit the rest of American society (13:09).

International Education Isn’t Optional Anymore

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:00:22 -0400

The world’s most pressing problems—including climate change, pandemics, and cybersecurity—cross borders. And to solve these problems, our students need international experience, believes Fanta Aw, vice president for undergraduate enrollment, campus life, and inclusive excellence at American University and Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer at SIS. In this episode of Big World, Aw joins us to discuss the importance of international education. She shares how she became interested in international education (2:16), defines international education and cultural exchange and their differences (3:48), and discusses how international education and cultural exchanges impact our world (5:34). Aw also explains the role that international education plays in fulfilling the mission of American University’s Office of Campus Life: to integrate students into a diverse learning community; promote their intellectual, social, and spiritual development; and prepare them for lifelong learning and global citizenship (7:06). Why should undergraduate and graduate students consider studying internationally (9:01)? Why do international students want to study at AU (13:21)? What are the opportunities for students to engage in international education and cultural exchange while they're at AU (14:42)? Aw answers these questions and explains why she believes international education is a sufficiently durable concept and practice to bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic (18:44). During our “Take Five” segment, Aw shares five ways students can develop a sense of global citizenship (11:01).

The National Security Legacy of 9/11

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 12:00:15 -0400

At 8:46 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center—the first of four plane crashes that morning—and nothing was ever the same again. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and in this episode of Big World, SIS professor Josh Rovner joins us to discuss the national security legacy of 9/11. Professor Rovner shares where he was when the first plane hit the north tower (2:03), explains what then-president George W. Bush called the “War on Terror” in response to the attacks (3:00), and discusses some of the immediate impacts of 9/11 on national security (5:58). He also describes the long-term changes to national security measures after 9/11 that continue to impact Americans today (8:41) and how the legacy of 9/11 and the War on Terror impacted the overall US defense apparatus (11:10). What was achieved during the 20-year mission in Afghanistan, which was America's longest running war (17:56)? How does the US approach counterterrorism now that troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan and the Taliban is in control (21:48)? Professor Rovner answers these questions and explains how the priorities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security have been affected by 9/11 (25:07); he also shares an unforeseen legacy of the attacks that might surprise people (27:57). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Rovner details the advice he would give to the current secretary of state, secretary of defense, and director of national intelligence as the Biden administration implements its approach to counterterrorism (13:38).

Star Trek and Global IR

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 12:00:14 -0400

The original Star Trek television series, which aired from 1966 to 1969, spawned movies, sequels, and an entire pop culture universe. Along the way, the show and its successors have used their futuristic settings to animate a universe that both reflects and challenges the attitudes of their viewers. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Patrick Thaddeus Jackson joins us to discuss Star Trek, popular culture, and international relations. Professor Jackson tells us why Star Trek appeals to him as an international affairs scholar (2:36) and some of the metaphors the original Star Trek contained that related to multilateral agreements or organizations (5:56). He also discusses in what ways he thinks Star Trek, either the original show or its successors, anticipated the movement within international relations known as Global IR (10:57). Why did a show that tried so hard to show humanity at its best seem to sometimes rely on offensive stereotypes (20:52)? Is there a case to be made that Deep Space Nine was essentially an indictment of American exceptionalism (26:14)? Professor Jackson answers these questions and explains why he thinks this show and this world, originally created by Gene Roddenberry, still resonates with so many people (29:49). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Jackson tells us the the five politically relevant Star Trek episodes everyone should watch, and why (14:59).

How to Get a Fellowship in International Affairs

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:00:10 -0400

Fellowships can help students and recent graduates gain hands-on experience in international affairs and bolster their résumés for their desired career paths. In this episode of Big World, Chris Swanson, associate director of the Office of Merit Awards at American University, shares his expertise about landing a top fellowship in international affairs. Swanson discusses the landscape of major international fellowships and scholarships available to students as well as the benefits of applying for them (1:13). He shares when undergraduate and graduate students should start looking into applying for such programs (5:13), and he explains what kinds of experiences students should pursue to stand out from the rest of the applicant pool (8:19). Are there any skills that students can acquire through their coursework at SIS that can help them prepare a competitive application (14:43)? What are the common mistakes students make when applying for fellowships (18:05)? Swanson answers these questions and shares his personal experience of applying for—and receiving—a Fulbright grant as a graduate student (20:04). During our “Take Five” segment, Swanson gives five insights into applying for fellowships in international affairs that would surprise most students (10:45).

Farming's Racist Roots

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:00:13 -0400

Agriculture in America is older than the United States itself. But agriculture policy and the politics that drive it have always been, like so much of our world's history, unequal at best. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Garrett Graddy-Lovelace joins us to discuss agricultural policy, racial inequities, and the need for a new way of thinking about land both in the US and around the world. Graddy-Lovelace explains what political ecology and decolonial studies are (1:55) and how these two concepts play directly into her research on agricultural policy and agrarian politics (3:12). She also discusses how lending and land ownership policies have historically disenfranchised Black farmers (5:41), the long history of Black agrarian resistance and excellence (7:36), and what the latest COVID-19 relief bill accomplishes for Black farmers (10:01). What needs to be done to right the historical mistreatment of non-white farmers by the US government (11:55)? What are the global impacts of US agricultural policies that disenfranchise farmers of color (18:58)? Professor Graddy-Lovelace answers these questions and explains why discrimination in agriculture is a global phenomenon (21:59). She also examines the significance of the ongoing farmers’ protests in India (23:59). Finally, she discusses transnational agrarian justice movements (25:40) and shares how she is inspired by Black and Indigenous-led agrarian resistance movements within the US (27:57). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Graddy-Lovelace tells us the top five barriers to achieving food justice that she would eliminate if she could (17:01).

Who Controls the Internet?

Mon, 03 May 2021 12:00:12 -0400

Over the past decade, the internet’s role in international affairs has expanded, with governments, including India’s, periodically shutting down the internet; great powers, like Russia in the 2016 US presidential election, spreading disinformation; and private companies like Facebook and Twitter becoming the gatekeepers of public discourse. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Eric Novotny joins us to discuss how the internet is used and misused to impact international affairs. Professor Novotny describes how governments’ internet shutdowns impact democracy (2:01) and the implications of social media platforms making decisions that affect international affairs (5:33). He also breaks down issues that arise when large social media companies interact with the US government (6:04) and differentiates what constitutes misinformation and disinformation (9:41). Now that the internet and social media have become our digital public squares, what happens when those spaces host a rise in truth decay (16:04)? How important is internet freedom in citizens’ abilities to spark change and grow human rights movements (17:56)? Professor Novotny answers these questions and describes the kinds of anti-censorship tools he’s built that have been used in different countries (20:20). Lastly, he reveals whether he believes the internet is still a great equalizer or if it has been completely taken over by governments and corporate interests (21:52). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Novotny shares the five practices he would institute to address misinformation and disinformation on the internet (12:10).

Is the US a Flawed Democracy?

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 12:00:10 -0400

The United States has long considered itself the world's bastion of democracy. However, independent analysis currently doesn't support that belief, and the Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Democracy Index has rated the US a “flawed democracy” for the past several years. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Agustina Giraudy joins us to discuss democratic backsliding in the US. Professor Giraudy gives her take on whether the US's institutions proved durable or failed during the Trump years (1:29) and evaluates former President Trump’s treatment of the country’s bureaucracy, including the cronyism and the nepotism of his political appointees (3:54). She also discusses why Trump’s refusal to concede after losing the 2020 election was damaging to the democratic process (6:04) and why autocrats sow doubt on election results or discredit elections entirely (9:19). What do the January 6 riot at the US Capitol and the subsequent acquittal of Trump by the US Senate mean for the US going forward (13:25)? What can President Biden and his administration do to help alleviate the damage done to American democracy during his predecessor's tenure (17:45)? Professor Giraudy answers these questions and explains what positively differentiates the US’s democracy from those of other countries evidencing democratic backsliding (20:21). She also describes the reforms and policies that can help reduce political polarization in the US (22:27). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Giraudy tells us the first five things she would do to help mend American democracy (11:39).

A "New START" for Nuclear Weapons

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:00:22 -0400

In the early 1990s, the US and the USSR signed the first of a series of treaties designed to limit the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Sharon Weiner joins us to discuss the many nuclear weapons treaties between the US and Russia—the world's two largest nuclear powers. Professor Weiner explains the significance of START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) signed in 1991 (2:14). She also breaks down why START II was signed in 1993, SORT (Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty) was signed in 2002, and New START was signed in April of 2010 (4:06) as well as whether all these treaties were successful (6:11). Professor Weiner describes what might have happened if President Biden and President Putin did not agree to extend New START before its expiration date in February 2021 (10:04). Now that the two leaders have agreed to extend the treaty for five years—the maximum allowed in its text—Professor Weiner discusses what might occur in the next few years as New START nears expiration (15:54) and shares why the nuclear arsenal is a mistake waiting to happen (17:57). What does the future hold for nuclear relations between the US, Russia, and other countries around the world (21:53)? Why do nuclear weapons pose not only a physical danger but also a danger to global cooperation (23:27)? Professor Weiner answers these questions and shares if she thinks the US, Russia, and other nuclear powers would ever agree to abolish the use of nuclear weapons (25:52). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Weiner tells us the first five things the Biden administration should do to achieve nuclear disarmament (13:15).

Black Masculinity & the Wage Earner Ideal

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 13:00:17 -0400

Amidst the long-overdue reckoning with systemic racism in the US and globally, an area of study that focuses on the lives of Black people and seeks to more fully share a totality of Black experience has gained increased attention. In this episode, SIS professor Jordanna Matlon joins Big World to discuss her research on one of these areas: Black masculinity. Matlon explains why individual Black men who garner great wealth or celebrity status become performing commodities in popular culture (1:53). She also describes her fieldwork in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, where she found that global media depictions of Black American artists have impacted how Abidjan street vendors view their roles as men (5:28). The patriarchal idea that the sole measure of a man is his capacity to earn money—the wage earner ideal—is not specific to any one country. Matlon breaks down how this idea impacts Black men across the African diaspora worldwide (10:07) and shares why she uses scare quotes when describing a “crisis” of Black masculinity (15:33). In a nod to the unusual life of an enthnographer as compared to other academics, Matlon reveals what was it like to record two songs with a former street vendor and her research assistants while she was in Abidjan (17:16). Finally, the year 2020 spurred a level of activism not seen in the US in decades. This activism mostly was aimed at redressing the country’s systemic racism. Looking forward, Matlon shares what she thinks success looks like for this generation of activists (21:06). During our “Take Five” segment, Matlon states what five things she would do to disassociate Black masculinity from “crisis” (13:35), once and for all.

The Long Shadow of the Long '60s

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:00:04 -0400

The 1960s started 60 years ago, but the shadow cast by that decade in the US is long. It was a decade that fundamentally changed how the US treats our citizens and views our role in the world. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Sarah Snyder joins us to discuss the long 1960s and US human rights policy. Snyder tells us how she defines the “long ’60s” (1:28) and explains how US human rights policy evolved over this time period (2:32). She also discusses John F. Kennedy’s potential, had he not been assassinated in 1963, to have been the first US president to prioritize human rights abroad (4:06). Based on research she conducted for her book, From Selma to Moscow: How Human Rights Activists Transformed US Foreign Policy, Snyder explains how transnational activism during the long ’60s fundamentally altered US foreign policy related to human rights (7:35) and how the decade and a half set the stage for human rights policy today (9:20). Is promoting human rights abroad a partisan issue (13:28)? Can we expect to see human rights return as a US foreign policy priority in the Biden administration (15:25)? Snyder answers these questions and discusses whether or not current activism for human rights reflects what we saw in the ’60s (17:20) and if the influence on US politics of that influential decade is beginning to wane (20:40). During our “Take Five” segment, Snyder tells us five steps that a new presidential administration should take to signal that it prioritizes human rights (11:13).

Russia-US Relations After Trump

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 13:00:22 -0400

Russia is defined, at least in part, by its relationship with the United States. In January 2021, US leadership will transition again, and the world's most significant dysfunctional relationship will evolve yet again. In this episode, SIS professor Keith Darden joins Big World to discuss the future of Russia-US relations. Looking back, Darden first discusses whether or not the United States’ relationship with Russia is the worst that it has been since 1985 (1:43). He then describes why Russia-US relations were less strained right after 9/11 and during the 2008-2012 “reset” between then-US president Barack Obama and then Russian president Dmitry Medvedev (4:55). Finally, he shares how much of an impact Russia’s 2016 election interference campaign had on the relationship (8:01). Looking ahead, how will the Biden administration affect Washington’s relationship with Moscow (15:21)? Will the new US administration continue a visible and vocal role of promoting democracy in other countries, and—if so—would that serve as a barrier to improving Russia-US relations (17:40)? And, for the million dollar question, Darden discusses whether or not better Russia-US relations are even feasible with Vladimir Putin in power. During our “Take Five” segment, Darden shares the five policies he would institute to improve Russia-US relations (9:39).

The Politics of Food

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 13:00:15 -0400

It is not surprising that food—something so universal yet so individual and culturally specific—would have a place in foreign policy. In this episode, SIS professor Johanna Mendelson Forman joins Big World to discuss culinary diplomacy, gastrodiplomacy, and conflict cuisine. Professor Mendelson Forman shares how governments use food as a tool for soft power (1:38) and explains the difference between culinary diplomacy and gastrodiplomacy (4:46). She also discusses the connection between food and war—what she calls conflict cuisine (6:40). Why is conflict cuisine a unique part of DC’s culinary scene (10:46)? How does Professor Mendelson Forman use food and visits to local restaurants to teach students about war and peace, diplomacy, and conflict resolution (12:43)? She answers these questions and explains what has changed in DC’s conflict cuisines over the last five years (15:03). Finally, Professor Mendelson Forman examines the possible impact of COVID-19 on family or chef-owned global cuisine restaurants (17:05) and discusses the important role social gastronomy, or the use of food to do good, is playing during the coronavirus pandemic (18:48). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Mendelson Forman tells us the five ways she’d like to see people use food as a tool for activism and social change (9:39).

Can US Policing Be Redeemed?

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:00:17 -0400

Breonna Taylor. Eric Garner. Michael Brown. George Floyd. The list of names goes on and on and on. They are US citizens killed by the police. They are all Black. And those two facts are inextricably linked. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Cathy Schneider joins us to discuss racial profiling and police violence. Professor Schneider explains how ethnic, racial, and religious minorities are policed differently than other groups in the US (1:28) and why Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people are more likely to be victims of police violence (5:59). She also discusses whether other countries have grappled with the degree of police violence seen in the US (8:56). Why did the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis spark anger and mass protests around the world (14:50)? What does defunding or abolishing the police actually mean (18:15)? Professor Schneider answers these questions and describes the kinds of reforms that can effectively be enacted to allow the public to hold police accountable for misconduct (21:26). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Schneider shares the first five things she would do to reform policing in the United States (10:53).

The Netanyahu Effect

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:00:27 -0400

*Note: This episode of Big World was recorded with Guy Ziv prior to the agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates that was signed on August 13th, 2020. Over his decades in and out of power, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has redefined what it means for Israel to be a Jewish democratic state. In this episode, Professor Guy Ziv joins Big World to discuss Netanyahu’s outsized role in Israeli politics. Ziv explains how Netanyahu rose to power (2:17), how his stance toward a two-state solution has shifted (6:04), and his annexation plans for West Bank territory (7:19). He also breaks down how the prime minister has influenced foundational pieces of Israel’s democracy like press freedom (13:34) and rule of law (15:46). Has the coronavirus pandemic helped Netanyahu stay in power (19:55)? On a democratic scale that includes leaders like Poland’s Andrzej Duda, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, and the US’s Donald Trump, where would Netanyahu be placed, and why (22:48)? Ziv answers these questions and discusses the prime minister’s relationship with religion (24:25) as well as if the corrosion of Israel’s democracy can be reversed with Netanyahu still in power (26:10). At a time in which the upcoming US election looms large, Ziv shares the five practices he would institute to improve the US’s global standing in the world during our Take Five segment (18:06).

How to Get an Internship in International Affairs

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 12:00:06 -0400

A college graduate’s search for their first professional job is made a lot easier when they have a great internship or two on their résumé. In this episode, Shaine Cunningham, SIS director of career education and employer relations, joins Big World to share her insights on landing an internship in international affairs. Cunningham discusses when students should start looking for internships for any given semester (1:30) and what types of experiences their résumés should highlight (2:49). She also discusses the value of transferable skills (4:50) as well as how to talk about one’s experiences during an interview for an internship (6:26). Are there any particular skills that SIS students can aquire through their courses that can help them land internships (8:49)? Cunningham answers this question and explains what students can do to get their foot in the door at a government agency (13:37). She ends our episode by revealing the common mistakes to avoid when applying for an internship (17:20). During our “Take Five” segment, Cunningham shares the five ways to get the most out of an internship experience (10:45).

War by Proxy

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 12:00:11 -0400

What happens when a country is powerful enough not to fight its own battles? In this episode, SIS professor Dylan Craig joins Big World to discuss proxy warfare. Professor Craig provides an expansive understanding of proxy warfare and how a proxy war differs from a traditional war or armed conflict (2:01). He explains why proxy wars are a “rediscovered classic” rather than a recent development in international affairs (3:34) and breaks down whether or not most modern conflicts are proxy wars (5:18). Can the American Revolution be considered a proxy war (7:47)? Why do states engage in proxy warfare in the first place (14:41)? Professor Craig answers these questions and explains what “winning” a modern-day proxy war looks like in an era of “endless wars” (16:56). Finally, Professor Craig examines the ethical considerations for a state when engaging in proxy warfare (19:00) and discusses the role of non-state actors in modern conflicts, including the US presence in Afghanistan and Iraq (21:41). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Craig tells us the five things he would do to reduce the prevalence of proxy wars around the world (10:30).

Who Stole Democracy from the Arabs?

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:00:17 -0400

As far as the West is concerned, World War I is largely a European story, but that's only part of the full narrative. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Elizabeth Thompson discusses stolen democracy in the Middle East after “the war to end all wars.” Professor Thompson, the Mohamed S. Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace at SIS, provides a more expansive understanding of the impact of World War I and the Paris Peace Conference (2:25), including the Syrian Arab Congress that convened at Damascus in 1919 (6:24). She also explains how Britain and France intervened to destroy this newly-declared, independent Arab kingdom (9:01) and why Syrian Arabs were not, at the time, protected by international law or the new League of Nations (10:00). Based on research she conducted for her book, How the West Stole Democracy from the Arabs, Professor Thompson breaks down how the British and French attempted to erase all evidence of the Syrian Arab State's democracy (14:54). She also explains why knowledge of this part of history helps us understand more recent events in Greater Syria (18:31) and reveals how different the present-day Middle East might be if the Syrian Arab Congress had successfully instituted a representative democracy in the 1920s (21:45). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Thompson tells us the five changes she would make in US policy that would help people in the Middle East achieve their own democratic desires (11:49).

The Lethal Inequity of Coronavirus

Fri, 01 May 2020 12:00:28 -0400

Viruses are supposed to be the ultimate equal opportunity offenders–they’re just looking for a host. Why, then, have inequities become magnified during the coronavirus pandemic? SIS professor Nina Yamanis joins Big World to discuss how COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequities in the United States. She discusses how foreseeable the pandemic was (1:42) and explains how the social determinants of health impact people’s health care experiences on a normal basis (2:54) versus during the coronavirus pandemic (5:59). Professor Yamanis also showcases how COVID-19 has brought income inequality issues to the forefront (7:05). In the US, how have the effects of COVID-19 been experienced differently by different populations (9:06), and have other pandemics or epidemics followed the pattern of amplifying access and health care inequities (15:03)? Professor Yamanis answers these questions and reveals the policies that could get to the roots of inequity in the US (18:16). We end our podcast with Professor Yamanis describing why health care providers need to recognize and address the impacts of institutionalized racism on peoples’ health (20:32). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Yamanis shares the five policies she would institute to improve health care access and equity in the US (12:27).

What Cuba Got Right

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 19:04:49 -0400

Though Fidel Castro was an authoritarian leader with no tolerance for dissenting views and little regard for human rights, Cuba under his rule developed and maintained robust public education and healthcare programs. This seeming contradiction exemplifies some of the challenges that understanding Cuba presents. In short, Cuba’s governance in the past and today is complicated. SIS professor Philip Brenner joins Big World to discuss what Cuba has gotten right. He shares his thoughts on Senator Bernie Sanders’ surprisingly controversial remarks about the country earlier this year (2:22) and reveals what we may not know about present-day Cuba when our perceptions are colored by attitudes toward Castro (5:00). Professor Brenner also breaks down the impact of Cuba’s investment in public health after the revolution, including its medical diplomacy efforts before and during the coronavirus pandemic (7:41). What has led to Cuba’s modern-day emergence of entrepreneurship (12:30), and how different is life in the country today for the average school kid than it was under Castro (18:43)? Professor Brenner answers these questions and describes the current state of the US’s bilateral relationship with Cuba (21:10). We end our podcast with Professor Brenner recommending what US-Cuba relations should be like going forward (25:24). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Brenner shares the five practices he would change to improve the US’s policies toward Latin America (15:07).

Human Rights & the Middle East

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:00:22 -0400

According to Amnesty International’s 2018 review of human rights in the Middle East and North Africa, this is not a great time for human rights activists and defenders in the Middle East. That year saw an increased crackdown on civil society in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. In 2019, massive protests took place in Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran. Against this backdrop, SIS professor Shadi Mokhtari joins Big World to discuss human rights in the Middle East. She shares the current state of human rights in the region (1:35) and dives into the relationship between human rights and political change (5:38). Professor Mokhtari also hones in on the rights of Middle Eastern women and their involvement in protest movements (7:41). How do US actions toward the Middle East affect protest movements in some Middle Eastern countries (13:51)? Professor Mokhtari answers this question and challenges the perception that people in the Middle East have a resistance to the human rights framework (18:50). Lastly, she discusses the impact of Middle Eastern protest movements on the rest of the world (23:41). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Mokhtari shares the five policies she would institute to help Middle East protest movements achieve their aspirations (10:24).

Selling Terrorism Online

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:29:45 -0400

Over the past two decades, the roles of social media and other digital technologies have evolved. What started as a means of communication among friends quickly snowballed into tools for business, activism, and more. But these new technologies have also been used by terrorists for malicious purposes. Professor Audrey Kurth Cronin, founding director of SIS’s Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, joins Big World to discuss how the Internet and social media have impacted terrorism and counterterrorism strategies. She gives us the background on new technology developments during the Fourth Industrial Revolution (1:45) and tells us why this new technology is unprecedented (2:46). How have digital technologies affected the strategies of terrorists and other rogue actors (5:43)? Cronin explains how terrorists use tactics similar to those used by online marketers (9:00). She also provides insights on whether the trend of social media organizing helps or hurts democracies and democratic interests (16:12) and how governments use social media and digital technologies to combat rogue actors (18:16). Is social media good or bad for people and society? We end the podcast with Cronin’s response to this existential question that social media tends to provoke (24:00). During our “Take Five” segment, Cronin shares what five policies she would institute to influence the future of digital technologies and security (13:18).

What's a Normal Presidency?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 13:00:20 -0400

To say the president's foreign policy agenda has been an item of interest lately is a dramatic understatement. The American president traditionally sets foreign policy priorities for the country, but can the modern president do whatever they want? When the subject is the US presidency, what is normal? SIS professor Jordan Tama joins Big World to discuss the role of the US president in foreign policy. He explains how the American system is supposed to work regarding foreign policymaking, including the differences in authority between the president and Congress in conducting foreign affairs (2:11). What is an “imperial presidency” (4:27), and how has the modern US presidency exceeded its constitutional limits (7:35)? Professor Tama answers these questions and reveals how far recent presidents—including Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush—have deviated from established norms regarding foreign policymaking (13:57). Finally, Professor Tama breaks down the role of Congress and partisan gridlock in foreign policymaking (17:06) and suggests ways to move away from an imperial presidency and back to normalcy (21:11). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Tama lists the five steps the president and Congress should take to improve US foreign policy (11:08).

Where Do Refugees Go?

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 13:00:03 -0400

Every minute in 2018, 25 people were forced to flee their homes. That's according to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which also revealed in their 2018 annual report that there are currently more than 70.8 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, including 25.9 million refugees. SIS professor Tazreena Sajjad joins Big World to discuss where refugees go. She reveals which countries are producing and taking in the most refugees (1:34) and explains why most of the world’s refugees are hosted by countries in the developing world (4:21). Professor Sajjad also discusses her research in Bangladesh, which opened their borders to more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees (7:34), and the complexities that have emerged from the country’s decision to take in a large number of refugees (9:56). Why are Western countries increasingly closing their borders to refugees (16:47), and what measures do these wealthier nations take to control and prevent migration (20:51)? Professor Sajjad answers these questions and notes the far-reaching implications of the current migration narrative in countries of the Global North (24:34). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Sajjad lists the five things she would do to reduce the number of forcibly displaced people around the world (13:33).

The Rise of Putin

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 13:00:03 -0400

On December 31, 1999, Vladimir Putin became acting president of Russia. Twenty years later, he is still the country’s president and will be for the foreseeable future—at least until 2024. But how exactly did he come to occupy such a prominent global role? SIS professor and former dean James Goldgeier joins Big World to discuss the rise of Vladimir Putin. He relays the historical context of Russia in the 1990s (2:09) as well as what defines a Russian oligarch and why they hold such power in the country (4:06). Professor Goldgeier explains why Putin was picked to be the successor of Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia (6:28), pointing out that free and fair elections were not part of that process (8:37). What was the international community’s reaction to Putin’s initial rise to power (10:12) and its expectations of his presidency (12:08)? Professor Goldgeier answers these questions and discusses when it became clear that Putin was going to become a more influential figure than he was originally predicted to be (16:41). He also explains the president’s views of the liberal international order (19:25) and reveals the word that he would use to best describe Putin’s time in power (21:19). Looking to the future, Professor Goldgeier shares his thoughts on if and how Putin might transition out of power in 2024 (23:25) and how his government may impact our 2020 presidential elections (26:40). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Goldgeier lists the five big moments in Russia-US relations since the collapse of the Soviet Union and explains why they were important. (13:52).

US Foreign Aid Deconstructed

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:00:12 -0400

How effective is US foreign assistance, and why is it offered in the first place? In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Jessica Trisko Darden discusses foreign aid and how it can be more thoughtfully implemented. Professor Trisko Darden provides background on how US foreign aid got started in the years after World War II (1:23) and explains why the US became one of the largest providers of assistance (3:28). She discusses whether exporting American values plays a role in US foreign aid (4:32), and how the United States balances serving populations at home and abroad (5:54). Based on research she conducted for her book Aiding and Abetting: US Foreign Assistance and State Violence, Professor Trisko Darden gives us a glimpse into both the positive and negative effects of US foreign aid (8:59). She also expands on how the United States should strategize to provide aid (12:17), reveals how US foreign assistance impacted her mother’s family in the Philippines (15:10), and shares how foreign aid is viewed in the age of social media (16:52). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Trisko Darden tells us the five major global issues with which foreign assistance can play a role (7:09).

Brazil: Does Corruption Corrode Democracy?

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:00:24 -0400

Authoritarianism and corruption are on the rise in Latin America, while democracy may be receding. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Matthew Taylor joins us to discuss politics and corruption in Brazil, which is a bellwether because of its status as the largest democracy in Latin America, the ninth-largest economy in the world, and a member of the G20. Professor Taylor breaks down what the Lava Jato, or “Operation Car Wash,” scandal has revealed about money laundering and corruption in Brazil (3:14) and how former president Dilma Rouseff’s impeachment in 2016 was related to the corruption investigation (7:08). He shares the role that corruption played in President Jair Bolsonaro’s rise to power (10:39) and how Brazil’s expensive and inefficient civil service is often incorrectly labeled as simply corrupt (16:54). Finally, Professor Taylor discusses the extreme polarization in Brazilian politics (19:04) and how Bolsonaro fits into the larger trend of countries electing right-wing, nationalist leaders (21:47). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Taylor lists the top five lessons that countries interested in fighting corruption can learn from Brazil’s “Car Wash” investigation (13:26).

Teaching Today's World

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 12:00:06 -0400

International affairs education is changing. From teaching, learning, and administrative perspectives, the curriculum continues to evolve alongside a transforming world. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor and Assistant Dean for Masters Education Mike Schroeder joins us to discuss the changing nature of international affairs education. He talks about how introductory world politics courses have changed since he took them (1:21) and how the ideas of interdependence and globalization affect international affairs education (6:18). Professor Schroeder also relays how he works to make his SIS courses more inclusive (10:21) and the new emphasis on interdisciplinarity and experiential learning in international affairs education (15:47). Finally, he discusses how universities can best prepare undergraduate and masters students for careers in international affairs (19:54). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Schroeder lists the top global forces that should be included in every introductory international studies course (13:14).

Rape during Wartime

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:00:05 -0400

As long as there have been people, there has been conflict and war among them. And too often, this conflict has been accompanied by sexual violence. Through the centuries, there has been a move to re-classify war rape as a war crime rather than as spoils of war. But there has also been a recognition that sometimes sexual violence is not just a traumatic outcome of conflict; sometimes rape is part of the strategy. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Wanda Wigfall-Williams joins us to discuss sexual violence as a strategy of war and to share her experiences as a scholar-practitioner who has seen the traumas of conflict first-hand. She breaks down why groups use rape as a war strategy (2:18) and tells us about her interactions with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (4:38). Where does this type of sexual violence take place? Professor Wigfall-Williams explains the global scope of rape as a war strategy (16:01). She also illustrates the dangers she came across while working with an NGO aiming to help survivors (17:14) and discusses the impact of the increased awareness and discussion around sexual violence (21:10). During our “Take Five” segment, Professor Wigfall-Williams lists her recommendations for how governments and NGOs can help survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (12:31). This episode of Big World contains discussion of sexual violence in war and conflict zones that some listeners may find disturbing.

How to Get a Job in International Affairs

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 13:00:00 -0400

The School of International Service takes an enormous amount of pride in our students and their potential to positively impact the world. We believe that a crucial piece of preparing students to effect positive change is preparing them for landing a great job when they graduate. In this episode of Big World, Cunningham joins us to give her insights on landing jobs in international affairs. She shares the types of experiences that students should acquire while they’re in school (1:29), ways to gain experience abroad (3:39), and the mistakes applicants should avoid when applying for jobs in international affairs (6:14). Networking is an integral part of preparing for the job hunt, but how should students make time to do so (9:19)? And how can introverts and extraverts network in different ways (11:11)? Cunningham breaks down the different tactics for building a network. Employers want to hire people with specific skill sets; Cunningham lists the skills that can bolster an applicant’s resume (15:25). She also suggests how students can figure out which jobs they should pursue (19:49) and discusses why paying attention to political landscapes around the world can help students in their international affairs job searches (24:05). During our “Take Five” segment, Cunningham reveals the five key elements of a good job search strategy (13:31).

The Difference a Union Makes

Fri, 31 May 2019 13:00:17 -0400

There is, perhaps, no better measure of a country than how it treats its workers, and Germany, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is a manufacturing powerhouse that is known for its progressive ideals on labor relations. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Steve Silvia joins us to discuss labor in Germany and to contrast its labor relations with that of the US. He explains why the German manufacturing sector is so strong (1:50), the differences between German and American attitudes toward unions (4:52), and the way German unions engage with politics (8:41). What does ‘exporting power’ mean, and why is it so difficult for unions to do (16:31)? Silvia discusses how German trade unionists have tried to export power to German car plant workers in the US (20:08). After a decade of economic expansion, Germany narrowly avoided a recession at the end of 2018. Silvia breaks down why the country has dealt with several economic hardships over recent years (22:35). He also takes a look into the future to discuss some of the challenges that labor markets in Germany and the US may face in five to ten years (24:10). During our “Take Five” segment, Silvia tells us some things he would change about labor relations (12:33).

A Leg Up for Startups

Wed, 01 May 2019 13:37:50 -0400

Small businesses are often referred to as the engine or the backbone of the economy. Entrepreneurs, the people who build new businesses and come up with innovative ideas, can help deter economic stagnation. In this episode of Big World, Professor Krista Tuomi joins us to discuss entrepreneurship and startups, as well as how local governments stake a claim in the promotion of innovation (1:08). She explains how disproportionate regulation can be a barrier to small businesses (2:53) and highlights the actions cities have taken to bolster startups (4:45). Tuomi doesn’t just teach her students about entrepreneurship, she also supports entrepreneurs through her pro bono work (10:26). During her free time, Tuomi serves as a consultant to organizations like the Angel Capital Association; we ask her to define angel investors and explain how they support startups (12:01). A class on entrepreneurship sounds like a business school course, but Tuomi discusses how the study of startups is relevant to international affairs (14:22). And what kind of personality is best suited for an entrepreneur? Tuomi’s answer may surprise you (17:20). We ask Tuomi what five policies she would institute that would have a positive impact on the world of startups during our “Take Five” segment (7:06).

Show me the (Border) Money

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:35:03 -0400

At the heart of the 35-day partial government shutdown, the longest in US history, was a fiery debate over funding for the border wall. Throughout that period, Americans were constantly reassured by officials that the military would remain funded. While the shutdown ended, Trump’s desire to fund the wall did not. In this episode of Big World, Professor Emeritus Gordon Adams joins us to discuss how defense money can be moved around across departments (1:31) and how flexible that money can be (4:42). He also explains what Trump’s national emergency declaration means for the future of the US from the perspective of both the president and Congress (8:31). But what exactly is an “emergency?” Adams helps us understand the difficulties in defining this word (14:21). He details the intricacies of the 2020 Pentagon budget and what goes into building those types of budgets (23:42). Finally, Adams shares why he includes the word “thespian” in his email signature (30:52). What five things would Adams change about the way the US engages the world? Hear his bold ideas in our “Take Five” segment (19:36).

Earth After Activism

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:38:09 -0400

Over the years, environmental activism in America has evolved. The movement began with a concern for wilderness and focused on pollution as we transitioned into the Industrial Revolution. Events that occurred during World War II then gave rise to the modern environmental movement in which the post-war generation no longer accepted environmental destruction at the price of progress. And now, the environmental challenge that defines our time is climate change. In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Paul Wapner joins us to discuss environmental activism as well as the problems with America’s idealized notion of Nature (1:47). He explains how “wild places” can be defined (4:51), why it’s important for humans to recognize their power over ecology (6:35), and how environmental activism has changed over the years (7:56). We also ask Wapner to define and tell us more about climate suffering (14:56). Now that Earth is on track to pass the two-degree Celsius global warming threshold, is it too late for environmental activism (21:22)? Wapner discusses what we should do now that climate change isn’t so much a puzzle that has a solution but is rather a permanent part of the human condition (23:09). On a lighter note, Wapner shares why he chose to jump into the Potomac River on a cold day in February (26:36). During our “Take Five” segment, Wapner tells us five ways he would change the underlying engines of environmental degradation (11:16). In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Paul Wapner joins us to discuss environmental activism and how it has changed over the years.

Normalizing Hate

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 14:19:12 -0400

Far-right extremists are often opposed to values such as equality—especially the idea that all races are equal. They reject the notion that America is a country comprised of immigrants and that the government has a role in preventing and prosecuting discrimination. But why? In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Carole Gallaher joins us to discuss America’s relationship with far-right extremism and its movements, groups, and people (1:25). She breaks down who is most likely to engage with extremist ideals (3:26), and we learn how those ideals are becoming normalized by President Trump (8:07). What is the purpose of using the word “nationalist” in far-right political rhetoric? (11:15) Has “nationalism” always been a ‘dog whistle’ for racist politics, or has the word ever connoted a more neutral meaning? (12:53) We discuss the observable patterns of right-wing extremist violence (13:45) and discuss the efficacy of right-wing movements in solving the issues that initially mobilized extremists (20:09). Gallaher introduces us to the world of alt-right Twitter, and we learn more about “do-it-yourself” radicalization on the internet (21:25). During our “Take Five” segment, we ask Gallaher about the top five ways she would counter far-right extremism (16:41).

Sex Ed Politics and Policy

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:43:44 -0400

The education of sexuality and reproduction, or (as we called it in high school) sex ed, is a controversial topic around the world. Discussions on how to teach sex ed can often get mired in a combination of politics and perceptions of morality. Which begs the question: how do politics and these perceptions affect public health policy? In this episode of Big World, SIS professor Rachel Robinson joins us to discuss the similarities between the sex ed experiences of students in Mississippi and Nigeria (1:33). We examine the challenges and outcomes of implementing sex ed in these areas (3:32), and we learn about the current political conversations surrounding the topic, including the worldwide debate on comprehensive versus abstinence-only programs (6:41). How does the global gag rule, which forces international NGOs to choose between receiving US funding or ending abortion services, affect women around the world? (10:21) We discuss the prevailing concern (both in the US and abroad) that sex ed makes young people more sexually active—despite substantial evidence that shows otherwise—and we learn what strategies are being used to dispel these fears (12:25) amid the obstacles faced by local organizations working in the space (15:27). During our “Take Five” segment, we ask Robinson what five policies she would institute to positively influence reproductive health (8:09).

The Riddle of Haiti

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:21:56 -0400

Why do aid projects in Haiti so often seem to fail? In this episode of Big World, Professor Scott Freeman joins us to discuss the colonial history of foreign intervention in the country [01:28] and urges us to work past the international aid community’s historical rhetoric to create new narratives for “the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.” He encourages us to consider the prescribed terms and conditions of aid initiatives, and he challenges how we should define “successes” and “failures” for ongoing aid projects [04:24]. We learn more about who’s controlling aid and how NGOs and elite individuals have designed policies without local input, including how Haitians were essentially excluded from planning meetings after the disastrous 2010 earthquake by virtue of the meetings being conducted in English rather than Haitian Creole [06:09]. Freeman explains how over-productive American markets can be the cause (rather than the solution) to Haiti’s economic precarity and how Haitian commodities can be priced out of consumption and change traditional diets [08:33]. Transport yourself into the shoes of Haitian farmers facing impossible decisions: If your only income comes from keeping your land as productive as possible, would you risk poverty to conserve it for the next generation [16:58]? What is Haiti’s most famous luxury export, and how does the industry actively suppress farmer involvement for financial gain [18:56]? And to add insult to injurious aid: as the US spends less on international aid and natural disasters increase in frequency, where does the future of aid leave Haiti in the time of climate change [22:41]? We ask Freeman about the changes he would make to international development practices in our “Take Five” segment [12:42], and we learn more about the global economy, including how engaging with foreign policy can be more powerful than simply donating to a charity [14:50].

A Professor's Guide to the Galaxy

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 14:19:01 -0400

From hyperdrives to the Vulcan salute, science fiction and fantasy have provided the abundance of worlds and characters that comprise our pop culture. But can these genres inform or reflect our thinking about international relations? In this episode, Professor Jackson joins us to discuss the ways that pop culture intersects with international relations, including how Star Trek reflected the discussion on Vietnam in the ‘60s (05:36) and how the Star Wars universe takes place in a morally ordered reality (08:45). Learn how Battlestar Galactica sparked conversations on terrorism (15:29) and how Ursula Le Guin’s books encourage readers to reflect on society and themselves (18:36). Also, consider the kinds of topics that future science fiction writers might need to grapple with based on today’s world (21:12). We ask Jackson about the ways he would change the study of international affairs in our “Take Five” segment (11:00), and we learn why it’s important for international affairs scholars to read and take part in conversations in other languages.

The Soft Power of Muppets

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 13:40:01 -0400

Generations of Americans grew up in front of Sesame Street, but it might surprise you to learn that children all around the world are reciting “Rubber Ducky,” too – in many different languages and alongside characters we’ve never seen. In this episode Professor Moland joins us to discuss just how Nigeria’s Sesame Square presents a unique case study for the soft power of educational programming abroad, including what the United States hopes to gain by funding the program (03:57) and how the history of Nigeria’s educational infrastructure influences viewership (06:02). Learn how Big Bird is breaking down barriers and unifying Nigerian identities (15:09) while actively combating extremism amid kidnappings by the terrorist organization Boko Haram (17:14). Also, find out how the revolutionary program is tackling country-specific sensitivities and challenges with local Muppets like the HIV-positive Kami (20:05). We ask Moland about the peace education policies she would implement to help combat conflict in our “Take Five” segment (08:31), and we learn to understand more about the nuances of identity, including how they help and hinder othering.

America's Tortured Relationship with Terrorism

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 13:35:07 -0400

Terrorism has been a key issue in US domestic and foreign policy, as well as the country’s national discourse, since 2001. As the War on Terror continues 17 year later, what have we learned about Americans’ attitudes towards and relationship to terrorism? In this episode of Big World, Professor Young outlines what he thinks are the biggest misconceptions that Americans have about terrorism and why only certain people or groups are labelled “terrorists” (1:18). He talks about Americans who have joined or attempted to join ISIS (3:40), as well as what drives some Americans to join anti-ISIS militias like the Kurdush YPG (6:17). Young explains what he thinks motivates terrorists (hint: it’s not religion) and why today’s terrorism isn’t so different from that of biblical times (9:55). Taking a look at Americans who aren’t on the frontlines, Young describes his research into how depictions of torture on television can impact whether Americans support the use of torture as a counterterrorism measure (17:10). Finally, Young discusses whether he thinks that we think about terrorism too much (21:41). What would Young do to address terrorism and responses to terrorism around the world? Hear his top five policy suggestions in our “Take Five” segment (11:51).

#metoo and Women on the Margins

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:27:02 -0400

The #MeToo movement has gone global and led to important conversations about the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment worldwide. But have women on the margins—sex workers, domestic workers, and migrants—benefited from the movement? In this episode of Big World, Chin defines what it means to be an economic migrant (1:14) and how the traditional idea of “women’s work” connects female migrants who perform sex work or live-in domestic work (2:12). She discusses the contradictions and stigmas that allow foreign domestic workers to be entrusted with the care of children and households while simultaneously being subjected to constant surveillance (3:40). Chin also talks about the “constrained choices” available to migrant women in Southeast Asia and why a woman might choose to become a sex worker rather than a restaurant server or domestic worker (12:52). Finally, Chin discusses her reaction to the #MeToo movement (18:25) and whether sex workers and domestic workers will see any benefits to their own lives as a result of the movement (20:30). What would Chin do to create positive change for women on the margins? Hear her top five policy suggestions for improving the lives of female migrants in our “Take Five” segment (8:33).

Carbon Sinks and Strategies

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 17:40:40 -0400

Could a giant vacuum that sucks dangerous greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere really be effective in reversing climate change, or is this just a thing of science fiction? Humans release 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year, and that number will continue to grow unless the global community makes serious efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We’ve long known that forests are “carbon sinks” that remove carbon from the atmosphere for photosynthesis, but man-made technology that can artificially trap and store carbon could be essential to mitigating the effects of climate change in the future. In this episode of Big World, Nicholson explains carbon removal and why scientists are looking to this emerging technology as a potential solution to the world’s carbon woes (2:24). He discusses whether scientists (4:43) or environmentalists (5:57) have come to any consensus on the need or feasibility of technology-based carbon removal strategies, and if technological advances got earth into the climate change mess to begin with (8:45). Grounding the carbon removal conversation, Nicholson hypothesizes about what a carbon vacuum in Bangkok might look like and why any effort to mitigate climate change has global, not just local, effects (16:37). What would Nicholson do to reduce carbon in earth’s atmosphere? Hear his top five policy suggestions for mitigating climate change in our segment “Take Five” (12:15).

Welcome to Big World, a different kind of international affairs conversation

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:07:00 -0400

Big World brings you conversations that get you thinking about things differently, or maybe just thinking about different things. Join us as we take international affairs to interesting places every month.