Matters of State - Underreported Issues in World News & International Relations

Sporting events such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup never fail to capture the world’s attention, no matter what other international events are going on. Governments have noticed sports as a global attention-getter and for decades have been using sports as a means to achieve higher global standing or other foreign policy objectives.... The post Sports Diplomacy appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we focus on Mongolia, one of the least densely populated countries in the world at 2 people per square kilometer. We outline the history of the country, its domestic politics, where it sits in relation to the rest of the world, and what that means for its future. Dig Deeper Take a... The post Spotlight: Mongolia appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with Mark Hofberg from the International Fund for Animal Welfare to talk about human-wildlife conflict. We discuss the inherent challenges that both humans and wildlife face while trying to simply exist in an increasingly hungry and crowded world. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that... The post Human-Wildlife Conflict appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss the origins, successes, and challenges of the East African Community, a political and economic bloc comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: EAC Webpage Headwinds toward East African regional... The post The East African Community appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we explore the history of compromised infrastructure, which countries are engaged in this kind of behavior, and what sort of advantages they seek to gain. The post Compromised Infrastructure appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Over the past ten years, the world has seen a strong resurgence of piracy, particularly around the Horn of Africa. While international coalitions have largely succeeded in reducing the presence of piracy in that region, the activity has most recently emerged in other locations like Latin America and pockets of Asia. In this episode, we... The post Piracy appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

As we become more and more dependent on the internet, basic notions such a person’s country of residence are shifting. Estonia is the first country in the world to introduce an eResidency program, which allows people living anywhere in the world the ability to enjoy the same opportunities and services as people who physically live... The post Estonia’s E-Residency appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of video games on international security and international relations. Video games have had a significant impact on critical topics in global affairs, such as anti-terrorism, cultural relations, and military training. Check out our conversation! The post The International Relations of Video Games appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis represents the interests of the European Union in Washington, DC. Ambassador Lambrinidis has held previous positions as the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Greek Foreign Minister, and Vice-President of the European Parliament. In our discussion, Ambassador Lambrinidis provides insights into the EU’s relationship with the US, the positive contributions of... The post A Conversation with EU Ambassador to the US Stavros Lambrinidis appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with author, Elisabeth Asbrink, who discussed her new book, Made in Sweden. Born and raised in Sweden to English and Hungarian parents, Elisabeth is an internationally renowned journalist, author, and playwright whose work has been translated into 19 languages. In her latest book, Elisabeth examines some of the unknown or... The post Made in Sweden: A Conversation with Elisabeth Asbrink appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Prudence Bushnell about her experience as a leading woman diplomat in the US foreign service. Amb. Bushnell provides an overview of the historical challenges for women in US diplomatic circles and offers an optimistic outlook for the future of women in US diplomacy. She also discusses her experience... The post A Conversation with Ambassador Prudence Bushnell appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Each year, tens of millions of people migrate all over the world in search of safety, economic prosperity, or a better quality of life. Although split by national boundaries, many families still rely upon migrants for support, resulting in a global flow of money and remittances. In this episode, we will discuss foreign remittances and... The post Foreign Remittances appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Millions of people around the world do not have access to formal banking or means of transferring money across borders. A popular substitute is the “Hawala House,” an efficient and informal alternative money exchange system. In this episode, we explore this ancient form of banking that operates “off the books.” But while Hawala Houses boast... The post Hawala Houses appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we take a close look at the country of North Macedonia. Once a part of the former Yugoslavia, North Macedonia changed its name in February 2019 after years of tensions with its neighbor Greece. It has faced a number of diplomatic conflicts with its neighbors–including Greece and Kosovo–while also dealing with internal... The post Spotlight: North Macedonia appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with former George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs graduate students, Mehmil Zia and Rubi Corral Hinojos, about their capstone project focusing on cyber trafficking in Mexico. In particular, they dissect how human traffickers leverage the internet to facilitate human trafficking in Mexico and across the border to the... The post Cyber Trafficking appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

International relations are being conducted via digital communication more than ever. However, one aspect of international diplomacy has remained constant for thousands of years: the ceremony and tradition of sharing food and eating together. In this episode, we will explore the role of food in international relations, or as we will call it, culinary diplomacy.... The post Culinary Diplomacy appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In the sixth, and last, episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we discuss the aftermath of genocide. Throughout modern history, nations have taken vastly different approaches when attempting to “move on” from genocides. Some have established reconciliation policies that try to bring justice to the victims, while others have sought to ignore... The post The Aftermath of Genocide: Reconciliation and Ignorance appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In the fifth (and penultimate) episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we speak with Dr. Matthew Levinger, Research Professor of International Affairs and Director of the National Security Studies Program at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, about genocide prevention. Dr. Levinger provides a framework for analyzing conflicts and... The post Preventing Genocide appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In the fourth episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we speak with Theogene Rudasingwa, former Chief of Staff to Rwanda President Paul Kagame (2000-2004) and former Ambassador to the United States (1996-1999). Rudasingwa, now living in exile in the United States, speaks about how propaganda was used to intensify divisions within Rwanda... The post Propagandizing Genocide appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In the third episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we talk about forecasting with Lawrence Woocher, research director at the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Woocher discusses the center’s Early Warning Project, which aims to contribute to the prevention of genocide by using... The post Forecasting and Preventing Genocide appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In the second episode of our series on genocide, Again and Again, we discuss the Circassian and Bangladeshi genocides of the 19th and 20th centuries, where nearly 3.5 million people were collectively murdered. Despite the large numbers of people murdered, we question why these genocides are lost into obscurity. Though cultural proximity and impact to... The post Lesser-Known Genocides appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The Ten Stages of Genocide is the first episode of our new series, Again and Again: A Series on Modern-Day Genocide. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Gregory Stanton, Chairman and Founding President of Genocide Watch and Professor at George Mason University, who provides an overview on the “Ten Stages of Genocide.” As Dr.... The post The Ten Stages of Genocide appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Daniel Pauly, an award-winning marine biologist at the University of British Colombia. Dr. Pauly speaks with us about his new book, Vanishing Fish: Shifting Baselines and the Future of Global Fisheries, which examines the world’s reserves of fish, commercial fisheries, and the various crises they both face.  PLEASE... The post Vanishing Fish: A Conversation with Dr. Daniel Pauly appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In 2017, the US Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency, often referred to as the opioid crisis. This crisis, which addresses the significantly imbalanced ratio of prescription drugs to the patient population, often overshadows the illicit side of this public emergency. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which straddles the licit... The post Fentanyl appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Davis of the Catalonia America Council about recent discussions and events surrounding the Catalonia’s relations with Spain. Mr. Davis provides background and context for the ongoing discussions regarding Catalonia’s status with Spain and its relationship with the Spanish government in Madrid. He also provides his thoughts on how... The post Catalonia: A Conversation with Andrew Davis appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Estonia is a small, high-tech country with democratic values and a capitalist economy. It is also seen as a pivotal player for NATO, especially in cyberspace. In this episode, we will detail Estonia’s background and history, examine its cyber relations with Russia, and discuss how it may impact NATO-Russian relations moving forward. Dig Deeper Take... The post Spotlight: Estonia appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Emperor Akihito of Japan is not your traditional emperor. In light of Akihito’s unconventional remarks hinting at a possible desire to abdicate, we spend this episode discussing the emperor’s place in Japanese government and culture. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching Emperor Akihito: In Japan,... The post Japan’s Emperor Akihito appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

As humans have migrated around the world throughout the centuries, they often brought with them various animals and plants to help colonize this planet. Whether intending to establish sources for food in otherwise barren landscapes or unleashing unknown stowaway creatures, humans have unwittingly caused countless invasions by other foreign organisms. In this episode, we discuss... The post Invasive Species appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with two recent graduate students from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University here in Washington, DC,  Prerna Balasundaram and Christina Parker, about their ongoing research on cultural competency in maternal global healthcare. As part of their end-of-degree capstone project, Prerna and Christina are researching how... The post Global Maternal Healthcare: A Study in Cultural Competency appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory on the northwest coast of Africa. Bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria, the former Spanish colony has been under dispute since 1976. Ethnic tensions continue to erupt between the native Sahrawi population and Moroccan immigrants, and Morocco maintains a large security presence in the territory. In this episode, we... The post Spotlight: Western Sahara appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Virtual reality–commonly referred to as VR–is an emerging technology that will become increasingly more sophisticated and widespread in the 5G era. VR can improve education, revolutionize healthcare, and even bolster security services. At the same time, however, VR is also be used for malignant purposes. In this episode, we explore the origins of VR, discuss... The post The World of Virtual Reality appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

GPS is a critical part of our everyday lives and underpins much of the infrastructure surrounding us. But the GPS satellite system is just one of a growing list of so-called global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that can provide space-based positioning, navigation, and timing. In this episode, we explore how GPS fits into the larger... The post Global navigation satellite systems appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, covering 40% of South America and spanning eight countries and one territory across the continent. It is home to a broad array of languages and cultures that must find a way to ensure a peaceful coexistence. In this episode, we explore the international relations of the eight countries... The post International Relations of the Amazon appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tom Catena, the current Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, about his work at the Mother Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountain region of Sudan. The people of Sudan’s Nuba Mountains have long been marginalized by the government of Sudan under the regime of Omar Al-Bashir. Since the... The post The Heart of Nuba: A Conversation With Doctor Tom Catena appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we look into the history and current affairs of Lesotho, a country roughly size of Maryland that is landlocked in South Africa. Much of Lesotho’s history and culture has been shaped by its mountainous terrain, which historically served as a fortress from outside threats. Today,  the Lesotho highlands play an integral part... The post Spotlight: Lesotho appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of sportsmanship and national pride. However, they can also be a target of terrorism. In this episode, we explore case studies of how organizations and nations have attempted to commit acts of terrorism in the context of Olympic Games. We will also examine how future Olympic hosts... The post Olympic Terrorism appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In today’s episode, we put a spotlight on the island nation of Papua New Guinea. PNG, bordering Indonesia and Australia on the edge of the south Pacific ocean, is defined by its diversity. Incredibly rich in resources and cultures, Papua New Guinea faces unprecedented challenges that many other nations do not face. In this episode,... The post Spotlight: Papua New Guinea appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Professor Robinson joins us for a candid discussion about his book, ‘Why Nations Fail’. In it, he makes the case that the key differentiator between countries is “institutions.” Nations thrive when they develop “inclusive” political and economic institutions, and they fail when those institutions become “extractive” and concentrate power and opportunity in the hands of... The post Why Nations Fail appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

How far do the limits of modern society reach? What is “modern society,” and who belongs to it? What happens when states, organizations, and other members of the “connected world” come into contact with groups that may have little intersection with it? Should these groups be actively protected, thoroughly researched, or simply left alone? Follow... The post Uncontacted Peoples appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Emergency warning systems are used by countries across the world to alert citizens about a variety of incidents, from natural disasters to military threats. Modern emergency warning systems are taking advantage of new technologies such as text messaging to ensure warnings reach the broadest possible audience. These systems, however, vary in their effectiveness and are... The post Emergency Warning Systems appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Ethiopia and Eritrea have been in near constant tension over the past several decades. In recent months, however, the two countries have ended their state of war and are working toward full normalization of relations. In this episode, we explore the history of conflict and tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea and then discuss the recent... The post Ethiopia and Eritrea’s Sudden Peace appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The term “mail order brides” does not often invoke similar connotations to human trafficking, but bride trafficking is just that. Victims of this trade are forced to marry men they don’t know from foreign countries that are sometimes thousands of miles away from their homes and families. While it is worth noting that this industry... The post Bride Trafficking appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Around the world, governments and nation-states have issued–and continue to issue–national apologies to victimized communities, populations, or countries. These apologies are often contentious and can cause ripple effects that influence foreign or domestic policies. In this episode, we discuss what qualifies as a “national apology,” look at why national apologies are issued, and examine whether... The post National Apologies appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we examine the growing issue of water scarcity that has begun to plague cities and regions around the world. From California to Cape Town to Sao Paulo, we assess the causes and effects of water scarcity, and also discuss what to expect in the future. Dig Deeper Take a look at some... The post Water Scarcity appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

In this episode, we speak with journalist Patrick Winn about his book, Hello, Shadowlands. Our conversation explores the various organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and even vigilante groups operating within Southeast Asian countries. Patrick provides insights into some of the causes of violence and drug trade in the region, describes the struggles of individuals caught... The post Hello, Shadowlands – Organized Crime in Southeast Asia appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The top leadership job in Australia is like a revolving door: since 2007, not a single Prime Minister has been able to serve a full term. But why is this? Join us for a discussion on how the Australian political system, parties, and public all contribute to one of the toughest jobs in the Western... The post Australia’s Leadership Change appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Established in 2001, the African Union (AU) represents all African countries in the pursuit of economic development, human rights and security, and good governance. Africa is the youngest continent in the world with a booming population and several emerging economies, representing both immense potential and a serious challenge.  In this episode, guest speaker Ambassador Reuben... The post Ambassador Reuben Brigety on the African Union appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Afghanistan is the world’s largest supplier of heroin and opium. The Afghan government, United Nations, and other international stakeholders have tried endlessly to prevent Afghan farmers from growing poppy, the plant used to produce heroin, but farmers often find themselves in a situation where they are threatened with violence, or left with little means for... The post Afghanistan, Poppy, and Saffron appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The U.S. Department of Defense calls climate change a threat multiplier, but for some countries it is an imminent and existential threat. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly at risk, facing the possibility of their nations literally go under in the next few decades. Join us as we discuss who’s to blame, the future for... The post Sinking States appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Organized criminal groups that deal in sand are perpetrating violence and undermining governments around the world. Sand is the world’s second most consumed natural resource and a critical component of the world’s construction and manufacturing industries. Some governments have attempted to regulate excessive sand dredging, which has led to the rise of black market “sand mafias.”... The post Sand Mafias appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Positioned in China’s resource-rich northwestern region, the city of Urumqi is gaining strategic importance as China seeks to diversify its energy resources. However, ethnic and cultural tensions between the Chinese government and Uighur minority population continue to threaten the region’s stability. A Unique City Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang province, which borders eight countries... The post Spotlight: Urumqi appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.