What Matters Today is a podcast series from the Geneva Graduate Institute in which we ask faculty members to comment on current issues impacting, economics, politics, health, and society.
In this episode, we turn our focus to the United States, where President Donald Trump has ignited a wave of executive actions targeting gender rights. From policies cloaked in the language of “protecting women” to legislation that could restrict voter access for trans and gender-diverse individuals, these developments raise urgent questions about democracy, identity, and power. To help us unpack the historical roots and global implications of these policies, we're joined by Claire Somerville, Executive Director of the Gender Centre here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Together, we'll explore how gender is being politicised, what's at stake for marginalised communities, and how similar debates are unfolding beyond U.S. borders.
In this episode, we will explore the significance of academic freedom, the challenges it faces globally, and the ways in which researchers and academics can defend and promote this essential liberty. We'll also discuss the broader implications of restricting academic freedom on society and our understanding of various phenomena. Our guest today is Julie Billaud, an Associate Professor of anthropology and sociology here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Julie is an anthropologist with a background in socio-legal studies. She is also the co-founder and one of the editors of Allegra Lab and is the co-convener of LAWNET (the Network for the Anthropology of Law, Rights and Governance) and a member of the Working Group on Human Rights and Academic Freedom of the European Association of Social Anthropology.
In this episode, we explore the multifaceted challenges and strategies of one of the most influential nations on the global stage: China. We'll examine the evolving relationship between China and the United States, highlighting key moments and decisions that have impacted their interactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to grasping the broader implications for global politics and economics. My guest for this episode is Jan Francis Kiely, Senior Lecturer, International History and Politics here at Jan is a historian of modern China particularly interested in aspects of religion, social morality, law, justice, conflict and its resolutions in the twentieth century. He comes to the Institute from the Chinese University of Hong Kong where he was Professor and Director of the Center for China Studies.
In this episode, we'll explore the key moves made by Trump in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Europe, and Latin America. We'll examine how these actions reflect his broader "America First" doctrine, highlighting common themes and strategies that underpin his decisions across these diverse regions. We'll also take a historical perspective, comparing Trump's foreign policy actions to those of previous U.S. presidents. We'll also look at global reactions to Trump's policies and their impact on international relations. Our guest for this episode is Cyrus Schayegh, Professor and Chair of the International History and Politics Department here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of tariffs, focusing on the measures implemented by Donald Trump. We'll explore the rationale behind these tariff increases, comparing them to historical precedents in U.S. history. Our discussion will cover the direct and indirect impacts on the U.S. economy, including effects on growth, employment, and consumer prices. We'll also examine China's retaliatory actions and their potential consequences for trade relations and the Chinese economy. Additionally, we'll consider the broader economic repercussions for other affected countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, and discuss how these tariff measures might influence global trade and the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Our guest for this episode is Johannes Boehm, Professor of International Economics here at the Geneva Graduate Institute and also a research fellow of CEPR (London) and CEP, LSE. He conducts research and teaches on topics related to international trade, industrial development, growth, firms, as well as on macroeconomics and environmental economics.
In this episode, Gian Luca Burci discusses the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) under President Donald Trump, examining the reasons cited in the executive order and its broader ramifications. The conversation covers the legal, financial, and political complexities of this decision, including its impact on global health initiatives, particularly in Africa. The guest also explores potential repercussions of the withdrawal on U.S. influence within the WHO, the challenges faced by international health governance in Geneva, and the possible role of China in filling the void left by the U.S. retreat. The episode concludes with a reflection on the resilience of American democracy amid these changes.
In this episode, we explore the intersection of gender and politics in the context of Donald Trump's re-election. Our guest, Dr. Nicole Bourbonnais, Associate Professor of International History and Politics and Co-Director of the Gender Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, offers her insights on how gender dynamics influenced the election outcomes. We discuss the significance of Susie Wiles' appointment as the first woman White House Chief of Staff and the broader implications of Trump's women cabinet picks. Additionally, we examine the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade on the gender voting gap and its effects on the election results. Dr. Bourbonnais also shares her perspectives on the potential international repercussions of Trump's election for gender dynamics and what we can expect from gender equality advocates during his second term. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the critical role of gender in contemporary politics.
In this episode, we are joined by Cyrus Schayegh, Professor of International History and Politics at the Institute, and Chair of the department - to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation in Syria. We'll delve into the historical context, the roles of various international actors, and the broader implications for the Middle East and beyond. Join us as we unpack the layers of this ongoing crisis and consider the future prospects for Syria and its people.
In this episode of What Matters Today, Professor Cyrus Schayegh explores the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump's second term and their impact on the Middle East. He examines Trump's transactional diplomacy, his support for Israel, and the evolving dynamics of regional powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The discussion highlights the complexities of U.S. engagement in a more multipolar Middle East and the broader implications for global geopolitics as America balances its focus between the region and its strategic rivalry with China.
In this episode of What Matters Today, we examine the evolving landscape of global economics under the new Trump administration. We'll explore the potential shifts in inflation trends, fiscal policies, and trade relations that could shape both the domestic and international economic environment. We'll discuss how these changes might influence global trade dynamics, and economic partnerships, particularly focusing on regions closely tied to the US economy. Additionally, we'll take a historical perspective to compare this moment with previous periods of political and economic uncertainty, seeking lessons that might illuminate the path ahead. Our guest for this episode is Rui Esteves, Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
In this episode, we examine the global impact of last week's U.S. election results, with Donald Trump re-elected as president. To shed light on the implications for international relations, economic stability, and American influence, we are joined by Jussi Hanhimäki, Professor of International History and Politics here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. In this conversation. Professor Hanhimäki explores how this election may shape the United States' role in the world—its alliances, foreign policy direction, and influence over global markets. We discuss the challenges and opportunities the U.S. faces in a rapidly changing global landscape, as well as how American leadership affects both allies and adversaries. The goal of this episode is to provide a deeper understanding of what this new administration means for global stability, diplomatic relations, and the interconnected nature of domestic and foreign policy.
Welcome to this episode of What Matters Today, where we delve into the complexities of the current crisis between Israel and Lebanon. As tensions escalate, Lebanon faces profound challenges to its stability, governance, and ability to provide essential services. In this episode, we explore how the ongoing conflict is reshaping the Lebanese state, examining the government's response, the factors influencing its decisions, and the critical role of public opinion—especially concerning Hezbollah's involvement. We'll also consider how Lebanon's position at the heart of regional tensions might lead to shifts in alliances and potentially transformative changes within its own political landscape. To help unpack these pressing issues, we are joined by Christiana Parreira, Assistant Professor of International Relations and Political Science here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Christiana joined the Institute in 2022, following her role as a Post-doctoral Associate in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and a Pre-Doctoral Associate with the Middle East Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School.
In this episode of What Matters Today, we dive into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli army has intensified strikes on Hezbollah targets, leading to devastating civilian casualties. We explore the complex historical and geopolitical context behind this escalation and ask critical questions: Is Lebanon at risk of becoming the next Gaza? Could Israel face a prolonged conflict, and how might this impact Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership both at home and abroad? We also discuss the potential short- and medium-term consequences for the Middle East and consider how the United States may position itself in this evolving conflict. Our guest is Cyrus Schayegh, Professor of International History and Politics, and Chair of the Department of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Imagine a world leader facing the possibility of arrest for war crimes. Today, that scenario is not fiction but reality. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. These charges, linked to the Gaza conflict, have sent shockwaves through international politics and law.While the ICC has previously indicted other heads of state, this case marks a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In this episode of What Matters Today, we dig into the intricate details of this unprecedented move. We'll explore the ICC's mandate, the specific allegations, and the profound implications for global diplomacy and justice.Joining us is Professor Paola Gaeta, a renowned expert in international law here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.Professor Gaeta has an extensive background in international criminal law, international humanitarian law, and human rights. She is also a member of the editorial board of the Journal of International Criminal Justice and has published widely on these subjects. With her help, today's episode will navigate this complex and controversial topic with her deep expertise and insights.
Welcome to this joint Who is voting in 2024 and What Matters Today podcast episode. A quick word about both of these series. Who is voting in 2024 is a series produced by the Geneva Graduate Institute's Albert Hirschman Centre On Democracy focusing on the multiple elections taking place in 2024.What Matters Today, which is produced by the Institute's Communications department, is a current affairs podcast series featuring Geneva Graduate Institute faculty and international experts commenting on the most pressing global issues.Our guests today are Mukulika Banerjee and Gopalan Balachandran.Mukulika is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She specializes in political anthropology and election cultures, among other areas. Having just returned from a few weeks in India, she brings a valuable "on the ground" perspective to this discussion.Gopalan is the Co-Director of the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy and a Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. His areas of expertise include globalization, emerging countries, and diasporas, among others.
In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking legal case in Switzerland where the European Court of Human Rights addressed the intersection of climate change and human rights violations. We analyze the arguments presented in the case and the court's evaluation of their claims, highlighting the significance of establishing governmental accountability in climate policy. We also discuss the broader implications of the ruling for global climate justice and human rights protection, and offer insights into the actions governments, including Switzerland, must take to mitigate climate change and safeguard the rights of all citizens.Our guest is Anne Saab, Associate Professor in International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
From the bustling streets of Moscow to the corridors of power in the Kremlin, Russia stands at a critical crossroads. Recent events have cast a shadow over the nation, leaving citizens and observers alike questioning the future of democracy and governance. As part of our ongoing election series, in this episode of What Matters Today we delve deep into the heart of one of the most consequential events in contemporary Russian politics: the recent election. Join us as we unravel the complexities, explore the implications, and seek to understand what lies ahead for Russia and the world."Our guest today is Dr. Vassily Klimentov, Faculty Lead, Applied Research Projects, Conflict, Peace, & Security Track here at the Institute
On 29 December, following the conflict between Israel and Hamas, South Africa appealed to the International Court of Justice under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Last month, the International Court of Justice ordered a series of provisional measures against Israel. In this episode, we delve into the recent ruling and explore a series of critical questions surrounding this landmark decision. Our guest today is Nico Krisch, Professor of International Law, and Head of the International Law Department at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
The main United Nations agency responsible for aid to Palestinians, also known as UNRWA, is in the eye of the storm, as an unprecedented humanitarian disaster unfolds in the Gaza Strip. Some employees of UNRWA are accused by Israel of having been involved in the Hamas attacks of 7 October, 2023. Since these allegations were made public by the agency itself, several Western countries, led by the USA, have suspended their funding. Our guest for this episode is Riccardo Bocco, Emeritus Professor in Anthropology and Sociology at the Geneva Graduate Institute
Dans cet épisode de "What Matters Today", Jérôme Duberry, directeur exécutif du Tech Hub, interviewe la professeure Lyse Langlois, directrice générale de l'Observatoire international sur les impacts sociétaux de l'intelligence artificielle et du numérique (OBVIA) à l'Université de Laval. Ils explorent le thème de l'éthique au cœur de l'intelligence artificielle, basé sur le dernier rapport publié par l'OBVIA. Lyse Langlois souligne l'importance de l'éthique appliquée et de la responsabilité collective dans un contexte d'évolution rapide de l'intelligence artificielle, mettant en garde contre une approche de checklist qui pourrait détourner l'éthique vers une simple formalité. Elle préconise des cours d'éthique obligatoires et le développement de la compétence éthique comme une aptitude, favorisant la délibération et la sensibilisation continue pour guider l'évolution de l'éthique de l'IA. Plus d'infos sur: - l'Institut: graduateinstitute.ch - l'OBVIA: https://observatoire-ia.ulaval.ca
Welcome to another episode of What Matters Today. In today's episode, we unravel the intricate world of cybersecurity. We will delve into the various categories of hackers and explore the common cyber threats faced by non-profits. We will also look into the ever-evolving role of artificial intelligence in both cyber attacks and defense. Stay tuned for insights into how AI is transforming the cybersecurity game and discover the best practices to fortify your digital defenses. Today's episode is hosted by Jerome Duberry - who is the Managing Director of the Tech Hub here at the Institute, and is also an academic advisor for the Institute's Executive Education Programme. Jerome's guest today is Adrian Ogee, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER at the CyberPeace Institute.
Welcome to What Matters Today. In today's episode, we are taking a deep dive into the world of sustainable IT. Topics covered in this episode include the Sustainable IT Charter, which the Geneva Graduate Institute signed in June, joining 443 other organizations in doing so. We will also take a glimpse into sustainable IT initiatives at the Institute, as well as uncovering best practices for greening our digital footprint. We hope you enjoy this conversation at the intersection of technology and sustainability. Hosting today's episode is Jérome Dubérry, who is the Managing Director of the Tech Hub here at the Institute, and is also an academic advisor for the Institute's Executive Education Programme. Jérôme's guest include Johan Den Arend, Head of IT at the Institute and Ivan Mariblanca Flinch, founder and CEO of Canopé, a Swiss startup that measures the environmental footprint of organizations' IT systems among other services.
In this episode of What Matters Today, we turn our focus to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a topic that has captured international attention. Photo credit: Momen Faiz / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP As we navigate the complexities of this conflict, we aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of the historical context, the root causes, the latest developments, and discuss potential pathways to peace. Our guest today is Riccardo Bocco, Emeritus Professor of Political Sociology at the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Last week's NATO summit in Vilnius achieved its primary goals which were to reach an agreement that Sweden could join the alliance, and to strengthen support for Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration that there was no clear path to membership. Joe Biden, in an interview with CNN on the eve of the summit said that Ukraine cannot join NATO while the country was at war. In addition, Ben Wallace, the UK defence secretary, said that “whether we like it or not, people want to see a bit of gratitude”, when asked about Zelenskiy's frustration. All of this creates the impression that NATO is not entirely united. In this episode we will examine some of these points and discuss how expansion impacts NATO. Our guest today is Professor Jussi Hanhimäki who is Professor of International History and Politics, and Chair of the Department of International History and Politics here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Intro Credits: DW News
The death of 17-year-old French-Algerian Nahel Merzouk, killed by a police officer on 27 June in Nanterre, France sparked urban riots across France. Things seem to be calming down, however tension definitely persists. In ths episode we look at the factors behind these riots and how France's colonial past plays an important part in all of this. We also discuss what needs to be done to help prevent a similar situation from happening again. My guest today is Professor Mohamed Mahmoud MOHAMEDOU, who is Deputy Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute, as well as Professor of International History and Politics and Director of Executive Education here at the Institute. Intro Credits: Daily Mail
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere nowadays. This special edition episode of What Matters Today examines how AI is being used on a daily basis, the issues of AI governance and ethics, and of course, ChatGPT. This episode is moderated by Dr. Jérome Duberry, Managing Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute's Tech Hub; Academic Advisor, Executive Education; and Senior Researcher at the Institute. Our guests for this episode are Anne Lee Steele (Researcher and Community Manager, The Turing Way, Alan Turing Institute), Léo Laugier (Postdoctoral Researcher, Distributed Information Systems Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)), Anna Leander (Professor of International Relations and Political Science, Geneva Graduate Institute) and Samuel Smith (Master student, Geneva Graduate Institute)
More and more private military companies are replacing soldiers on battlefields these days. We have seen this before, with Blackwater in Iraq, and are seeing this again with the Wagner Group being used in the Russia-Ukraine war. In addition to Ukraine, the group has significantly increased its activities in recent years in Syria, Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Mozambique and Mali among other countries. In some of these countries, the Wagner Group has been accused of human rights violations. In fact, last month, the French parliament designated the Wagner Group as a terrorist entity and called on the EU to do the same. In this episode of What Matters Today, we focus on questions such as the current status of the Wagner group, its ties with Russia, and who is controlling the group's actions. Our guest today is Dr Annyssa Bellal, Senior Researcher at the Geneva Graduate Institute's Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding; Executive Director of the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform; and Visiting Professor at the Institute. Intro Credits: FRANCE 24 English
Next week is Science Diplomacy Week here in Geneva and therefore this week's episode of What Matters Today will focus on the topic of Science Diplomacy. We will highlight what Science Diplomacy is and discuss the problems it's trying to solve. We will also talk about how the war in Ukraine is impacting Science Diplomacy. Our guest today is Niccolo Iorno. Niccolo is a biotechnologist with an MBA from the Collège des Ingénieurs, a “grande École” based in Paris. He currently works at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, where he deals with various aspects related to Science in and for Diplomacy. And Since 2021, Niccolo serves as Chair of the Foreign Ministries Science and Technology Advisors Network. In this episode, Niccolo is interviewed by Dr Jérôme Duberry, who is the managing director of the Tech Hub here at the Geneva Graduate Institute, and is also an academic advisor for the Institutes Executive Education Programme. Just a quick word about the Tech Hub, it's transdisciplinary initiative that supports all departments and research centers here at the Institute. The Tech Hub's activities revolve around two main objectives: 1. Supporting research, teaching, and dialogue on and with digital technologies at the Institute. 2. Expressing our own voice on technologies To find out more about the Tech Hub, visit our website at graduateinstitute.ch/tech-hub To find out more about about Science Diplomacy Week, be sure the visit graduateinstitute.ch/events
On the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China's Foreign Ministry presented a 12- point peace plan entitled “China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis“ to end the war in Ukraine. Fred Tanner, who is a Research Associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute's Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding, and is a Visiting Professor at Institute, joins us for this episode of What Matters Today. Is the plan credible? Why did China propose such a plan when it's supporting Russia? Can China dissuade Vladimir Putin from using nuclear weapons? These are just some of the questions we focus on in this episode. Intro Credits: ABC News
The Iraq war started on 20 March 2003 when US forces invaded the country with the goal of “disarming it, freeing its people, and to defend the world from grave danger”. The US formally declared the end of the war on 15 December 2011. As today is the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war, we look at its long shadow, and how it still looms. How has the war impacted Iraq and its people? Did Operation Iraqi Freedom, the US code name for the invasion, actually provide freedom? These are only a few of the questions that we discuss in this episode of What Matters Today. Our guest today is Professor Mohamed Mahmoud MOHAMEDOU, who is Deputy Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute, as well as Professor of International History and Politics and Director of Executive Education here at the Institute. Intro Credits: Democracy Now!
On 7 December of last year, Peruvian president Pedro Castillo was removed by Congress and arrested on charges of “rebellion” and “conspiracy”. This has led to weeks of violent protests in Peru that have resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people. Protesters are demanding the dissolution of Congress, the resignation of Peru's new president, Dina Boluarte, new general elections, and the release of Castillo In this episode of What Matters Today, we look at the underlying causes of these protests and why they are so violent. We also discuss what comes next and how this crisis will potentially end. Our guest for this episode is Marc Hufty, Professor of Development Studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Intro Credits: Channel 4 News
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting many households globally. But how did we get here? We know that the war in Ukraine is fuelling the cost of living crisis, however what are the other causes? What are the potential solutions to this crisis? Salary increases and price controls are often brought up as solutions, but are they effective? And lastly, how will this crisis impact the transition to greener energy? These are some of the questions that we will examine in this episode of What Matters Today. Our guest is Charles Wyplosz, Honorary Professor, International Economics and Faculty Associate, Centre For Finance And Development at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Intro Credits: DW News
Israel has been through several elections in the past few years. In fact, Israel has had five elections in just four years. The most recent elections, the ones that took place on November 1st, saw an important rise of the far right in Israel. In this episode of What Matters Today we look at the impact of the far right in Israel. We also examine how the far right helped Benjamin Netanyahu win the election. And finally, we discuss the general reaction of Palestinians to the election results. My guest for this episode is Cyrus Schayegh who is a Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Please note that this episode was recorded on in mid-November Intro Credits: Reuters
Boris Johnson's last day as UK Prime Minister was 6 September. On the same day, Liz Truss was elected leader of the Conservatives and thus Prime Minister. However, she resigned after just 44 days in office, making her the shortest-serving Prime Minister in UK history. The current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was appointed on 25 October. To recap, the UK has had three Prime Ministers in two months. Many are saying that Britain's political scene is in chaos. Is this the new normal? What challenges does Rishi Sunak now face - and what does he need to do to help bring stability? Is the UK paying the price for leaving the EU? These are some of the questions that we will examine in this episode of What Matters Today. Our guest is Cedric Dupont, Professor of International Relations and Political Science here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Professor Dupont has been a faculty member since 1995. He is also Editor of the Swiss Political Science Review and Associate Editor for Europe of the journal Business and Politics. His research focuses on international political economic issues, both at the global and regional levels, on the problem of international cooperation, and international negotiation processes. Intro Credits: BBC News
In this episode, we look at why the current protests in Iran have mobilized so many. We also examine who is actually participating in these protests and the role students are playing as well. Will these protests end up changing Iran? How will all of this end? Will the current regime fall? These are some of the questions we will examine in this episode. My guest today is Cyrus Schayegh, Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Professor Schayegh, who has a PhD from Columbia University, joined the Institute in 2017. Before joining the Institute, he was Associate Professor at Princeton University and from 2005-2008, Assistant Professor at the American University of Beirut. His most recent books are the monograph The Middle East and the Making of the Modern World and the edited volume Globalizing the U.S. Presidency: Postcolonial Views of John F. Kennedy. Intro Credits: ABC News
The energy crisis is expected to get worse as we approach winter in the northern hemisphere. But will it? Are recent declining gas prices a sign that the energy crisis will not be as bad as expected? Will the crisis lead to a faster transition to green energy - and does this crisis actually have a potential beneficial effect on Africa. These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this episode of What Matters Today My guest today is Professor Giacomo Luciani. Professor Luciani leads the Master in International Energy Transitions at the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, and is adjunct professor here at the Geneva Graduate Institute and at the University of Geneva. Intro Credits: CNA
Hair-cutting, hijab burning, mourning the loss of a friend, sister, daughter and woman: these are the images of worldwide protests sparked after 22-year old Mahsa Amini was detained for wearing an “improper” hijab in Tehran, and fell into a coma and died. Yet in many of the western countries where the rights of women are simultaneously being decried in Iran, Muslim women are accosted daily for their beliefs and how they dress, finding themselves as the subjects of extreme forms of racism and hate. To unfurl the reasons behind this di-chotomy, Professor Julie Billaud, who teaches Anthropology and Sociology at the Institute, joins us for this episode of What Matters Today. Intro Credits: NowThis News
In 1947, 300 years after British colonisation began, Cyril John Radcliffe was assigned the task of drawing the borders to define two newly independent nation states: India and Pakistan. On 9 August 1947, he submitted the partition, separating the two nations based upon religious majorities. Put into effect on 17 August 1947 – two days after India became independent of the United Kingdom and three days after Pakistan's independence – pandemonium broke out as millions soon found themselves on the “wrong side” of the new border, creating a lasting legacy of displacement, division and bloodshed. My guest for this episode of What Matters Today is Gopalan Balachandran, Co-Director of the Albert Hirschman Centre On Democracy and Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
All eyes are on Brazil as the first round of its upcoming presidential election on 2 October has already stirred heated debate. Incumbent far-right president Jair Bolsonaro and left-wing former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, “Lula”, could again become president, however, neither comes with a sterling political record. Meanwhile, the future of Brazil hangs in the balance. Graziella Moraes Silva, Professor of Anthropology and Sociology here at the Geneva Graduate Institute and Co-director of the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy joins us from Rio de Janeiro to explore what the future of Brazil might look like. Intro credits: BBC News
On Friday 24 June, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade ending 50 years of federal abortion rights. 26 stats are expected to ban abortion immediately or as soon as possible. The ruling has sent shockwaves throughout the US where pro-choice supporters immediately condemned it while many conservatives praised the decision President Biden condemned the ruling, calling it a “tragic error” and even accused the Supreme Court of “Outrageous behaviour”. But what will be the impact of this ruling outside of the US? How will it affect women's rights globally? Will this decision open the door to other rights that have previously been protected? These are the questions that we will be looking at in this episode of What Matters Today. My guest for this episode is Dr. Nicole Bourbonnais who is an Associate Professor of International History and Politics here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Dr Bourbonnais' research focuses on the transnational history of reproduction, population, sex, motherhood, and the family in the 20th century. Her first book, Birth Control in the Decolonizing Caribbean: Reproductive Politics and Practice on Four Islands, 1930-1970 traced how birth control campaigns in Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and Bermuda were shaped by colonialism, nationalist movements, social activism, and working class women's efforts to control their reproductive lives. Credits: Channel 4 News
Inflation has been a headline issue over the past few months with key questions being why is it so high right now, what can be done to decrease it, and how long will it last? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this episode of What Matters Today. Our guest for this episode is Cedric Tille, Professor of International Economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Credits: Channel 4 News: https://youtu.be/GT9k0i8CMMk The Economist: https://youtu.be/ZAWrcum9COU
On Wednesday 18 May, Finland and Sweden simultaneously handed in their official letters of application to join NATO. Both countries decided to do so following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. How will this impact both countries' relationship with Russia? Will Turkey block Finland and Sweden from becoming NATO members? Could Finland's and Sweden's membership and subsequent NATO expansion lead to a new Cold War?
With the French Presidential elections taking place this month, this episode of What Matters Today focuses on how topics such as gangs and gang-related violence, the war on drugs, and the social situation in French suburbs (known as “les banlieues”), are impacting campaign discussions and promises.
This episode focuses on how the EU has reacted since Russia invaded Ukraine. What steps has the EU taken since the start of the war, and what are the long-term policy implications. How will the EU respond to Ukraine's - as well as Moldova's and Georgia's requests to join the EU? These are some of the questions we will address in this episode. Our guest for this episode is Cédric Dupont, professor of International Relations and Political science at the Graduate Institute.
The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics have begun and today we are looking at the diplomatic boycotts surrounding the games. So far, countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have announced a diplomatic boycott of the Games in response to the Chinese government's human rights abuses. However, do these types of boycotts have any impact? Should sports and politics mix? How will this impact the relationship between China and these countries after the games. These are some of the questions that are discussed in this episode of What Matters Today. Our guest for this episode is Professor Jussi Hanhimäki Professor Hanhimäki is Professor of International History and Politics and Chair of the Department of International History and Politics at the Graduate Institute. He has been a faculty member since 2000, Professor Hanhimäki was previously a Lecturer at the London School of Economics. From 2002 to 2003, he was a Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars (Washington, DC) and is the recipient of the 2002 Bernath Prize from the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. He was elected Finland Distinguished Professor in 2006. His main research interests include American foreign policy, transatlantic relations, and the international history of the Cold War.
Now that the US has pulled out of Afghanistan and that the Taliban have taken over the country, what does the future of Afghanistan look like? Did any good come out of the last 20 years? And how will this impact the people of Afghanistan? These are some of the questions that are discussed in this episode of What Matters Today. Professor Alessandro Monsutti is the guest for this episode. Professor Monsutti Monsutti became a member of the Graduate Institute faculty in 2010. He has conducted multi-sited research since the mid-1990s in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran to study the modes of solidarity and cooperation mobilised in a situation of conflict and forced migration. He has subsequently broadened the geographical scope of his research to include members of the Afghan diaspora living in Western countries. This led him to analyse war and post-conflict reconstruction in the light of the social networks and economic strategies developed by refugees and migrants, and – more generally – to address theoretical and methodological issues related to globalisation. In addition, he has a book entitled Homo Itinerans (Towards a Global Ethnography of Afghanistan) which can be found by following this link: https://www.berghahnbooks.com/title/MonsuttiHomo
Climate change has been at the forefront of environmental discussions lately, but there are other aspects of the environmental crisis, one of the most significant being biodiversity loss. Bill Adams is the Claudio Segré Chair of Conservation and Development as well as Visiting Professor of the Interdisciplinary Programme here at the Institute. He was previously the Moran Professor of Conservation and Development at the University of Cambridge. In his recent publication, Strange Natures, he examines conservation efforts in an era where synthetic biology is becoming established.
The topic of this podcast episode is vaccine diplomacy. The term "vaccine diplomacy" has become more prevalent in the media as the Covid pandemic continues to engulf the globe. Now the world is asking “who maintains the rights to the vaccine patents and how are vaccines distributed and to whom?” But there are a number of intricacies to this sort of diplomacy and it brings to the fore a number of challenges. My guests for this episode are Professors Ilona Kickbusch and Michel Kazatchkine. Professor Ilona Kickbusch is the Founder and Chair of the Graduate Institute's Global Health Centre and is former Adjunct Professor, Interdisciplinary Programmes at the Institute. Professor Kickbusch is known throughout the world for her expertise and is a sought after senior adviser and keynote speaker. Professor Michel Kazatchkine is a Senior Fellow at the Global Health Centre. Professor Kazatchkine is also a former Executive Director of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria. He has spent the past 30 years fighting AIDS and working to improve global health as a physician, researcher, advocate, policymaker, diplomat and administrator.
How will COVID-19 impact cities moving forward? This is the topic of our 11th episode featuring Dennis Rodgers, Research Professor in Anthropology and Sociology at the Graduate Institute. Prior to joining the Institute in 2018, Professor Rodgers held appointments at the Universities of Amsterdam, Glasgow, Manchester, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research focuses on issues relating to the dynamics of conflict and violence in cities in Latin America (Nicaragua, Argentina) and South Asia (India), and he is the Principal Investigator of the European Research Council-funded project "Gangs, Gangsters, and Ganglands: Towards a Global Comparative Ethnography".
The Arab Spring protests started in December 2010. In this episode we examine the impact and legacy of the Arab Spring 10 years on. My guest is Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamedou, Professor of International History and Chair of the International History Department at the Graduate Institute.
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