Matters Of State - Under-reported Issues In World News & International Relations

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.

Space is becoming more crowded. A growing number of governments are launching satellites each year, and companies like SpaceX and OneWeb plan to send thousands of satellites into orbit over the next several years. But as the number of satellites increases, does the world have a plan for manage space traffic? In this episode, guest... The post Space Traffic Management appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The island nation of Cyprus can be summed up in one word: divided. Since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1960, tensions between the ethnically Greek and Turkish sides of the island escalated to a Greek coup d’Etat attempt and invasion by Turkey in 1974. This conflict has resulted in the island being split, monitored,... The post Spotlight: Cyprus appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Special guest Jamie Franklin, Executive Director of Mines Advisory Group America, joins us for a discussion on the post-war effects of land mines and campaigns to eliminate them.  The use of landmines is said to have first been used during the American Civil War in the 1800s and more widely during the Second World War. With... The post Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

As the world turns its focus toward nuclear proliferation issues in North Korea and Iran, the international community faces another critical threat: the loss or theft of nuclear materials. This episode explores security risks of lost or stolen nuclear materials, provides case studies to illustrate the threat, and details how countries are addressing this problem.... The post Lost Nuclear Materials appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

South Sudan has been plagued by a brutal civil war that has killed thousands and displaced millions, with violence threatening to spill into neighboring countries, Meanwhile, the international community has failed to work with the competing factions to agree to a sustainable peace agreement, as there is little hope for any lasting peace in the... The post Conflict in South Sudan appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Michael McFaul, former Ambassador to Russia, joins us from Stanford for a conversation about his time serving during the Russian reset, what it’s like to be the target of a Russian disinformation campaign, and his new book, From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin’s Russia. McFaul served for five years in the Obama administration,... The post Michael McFaul, former Ambassador to Russia appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

North Korea is notoriously isolated, but Daniel Wertz explains that the Hermit Kingdom in fact welcomes tourism – or at least tourist dollars. In this episode, our guest helps us understand what tourism looks like in North Korea and discusses the moral questions regarding tourism to the country. The post Tourism in North Korea appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Following the death of three US soldiers in Nigeria, there has been a re-examination of the relationship between terrorism, Western intervention, and African nations. Given that Africa is seen as a strategic priority in preventing the spread of terrorism, we examine the history, current state, and future of Mali in this context.  Throughout the show,... The post Spotlight: Mali appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Today’s episode will feature a spotlight on Belarus only recognized as a country since 1991. Sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, Belarus is known as “Europe’s Last Dictatorship.” Its president, Alexander Lukashenko has held this position since being the first “democratically” elected president in 1994. Since then, Belarus has faced a sensitive diplomatic environment,... The post Spotlight: Belarus appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa comes from western Africa, in countries such as Ghana and the Ivory Coast. In order to fill the global demand for chocolate, thousands of small cocoa farms often rely on slavery and child labor. Children ranging in ages from 5-16 are sent by their families with promises of education... The post Human Rights and the Chocolate Industry appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Managing national debt is a significant issue that every country in the world must face. While media outlets often report on national debt with forecasts of doom and gloom, it is important to understand that national debt is very complex, and the effects of which, both good and bad, are numerous and far-reaching. What is... The post Understanding National Debt appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

What is a government, and what are the essential elements for statehood? To what extent can sovereignty be disentangled from jurisdiction over territory? In this episode, we approach these enduring questions by focusing on a unique and under-appreciated player in the international community: governments in exile. We explore the causes of governments in exile, their... The post Governments in Exile appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The global illicit trade and financing market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, with smugglers and financiers engaging in unorthodox illicit dealings with goods like cigarettes and medicine. Several global initiatives have tried to stem the growing trend of illicit trade and financing to protect legitimate businesses and customers. Listen as we analyze a few... The post Unorthodox Illicit Financing appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

As the ice in the Arctic continues to melt, countries are staking claims and preparing for economic and military development in the region. This “new frontier” has promise of prosperity, yet is rife with geopolitical risk as competition for its resources heats up between world powers like the US, Russia, and China. In this episode,... The post Why the Arctic Matters appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.