Matters of State - Under-Reported Issues in World

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. In this episode, we discuss soft power in the form of “sports diplomacy.” Dig Deeper “The Mixed Record of Sports Diplomacy.” Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/interview/mixed-record-sports-diplomacy “Thing Again: Soft Power.” Foreign Policy. https://foreignpolicy.com/2006/02/23/think-again-soft-power/ “Soft Power and the Public Diplomacy Revisited.” The Hague Journal of Diplomacy. https://www.hks.harvard.edu/publications/soft-power-and-public-diplomacy-revisited Featured photo by Tim Hipps, FMWRC Public Affairs 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 look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Mongolia’s President Is Slicing Away Its Hard-Won Democracy, Foreign Policy, Anand Tumurtogoo Mongolia: Bridge or Buffer in Northeast Asia?, The Diplomat, Elizabeth Wishnick History of Mongolia, Embassy of Mongolia to the United States 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 we came across while researching this topic: 1995 Reintroduction of Wolves in Yellowstone, Yellowstone Park, Tori Peglar Human-wildlife conflict in Africa, Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN Photo Credit: Doug Smith 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 integration: Will this time be different?, Brookings Institute, Aloysius Uche Ordu DR Congo applies for admission to East African Community, The East African, Aggrey Mutambo 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 discuss the phenomenon of contemporary piracy and look into ways to alleviate the problem. 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 in Estonia. In this episode, we are joined by Ott Vatter, Managing Director of the Estonia’s eResidency, to talk more about this program. You can learn more about eResidency at the following links: eResidency Site Ott Vatter appointed director of Estonia’s e-Residency programme, ERR 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 EU to European prosperity, and some of the challenges of “dual citizenship” within EU member states. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Delegation of the European Union to the United States, EU The European Union: Ongoing Challenges and Future Prospects, Congressional Research Service The European Union: A Guide for Americans, Delegation of the European Union to the United States 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, Made in Sweden, Elisabeth examines the some of the unknown or forgotten aspects of Swedish culture and history that contribute to the foundation upon which Swedish society and identity are built. You can find more information about here book here. Photo Credit: Tove Falk-Olsson The post Made in Sweden 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 dealing with major African events, such as the Rwandan genocide and the US Embassy bombings in Kenya, as detailed in her new book: Terrorism, Betrayal, and Resilience: My Story of the 1998 U.S. Embassy Bombings. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite resources that we came across while researching this topic: About Prudence Bushnell Terrorism, Betrayal, and Resilience: My Story of the 1998 U.S. Embassy Bombings, Amb. Prudence Bushnell Key Diplomat’s Personal Notebook Sheds Light on Inner Workings of US Government Response to Genocide Unfolding in Rwanda in 1994, George Washington University National Security Archive, Edited by Emily Willard 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 their impact on the source and recipient countries. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Remittances from abroad are major economic assets for some developing countries, Pew Research, Drew Desilver Migration and Remittances Factbook 2016, World Bank Group Remittances Are Blowing Up, but Economic Growth Isn’t. What Gives?, Center for Global Development, Michael Clemens 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 a deeply trusted and reliable network of brokers, they also provide a secure way of financing illicit activities such as terrorism. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: The Hawala Alternative Remittance System and its Role in Money Laundering, Department of Treasury, Patrick M. Jost & Harjit Singh Sandhu How hawala money-transfer schemes are changing, The Economist Following the Migrant Money Trail, Wall Street Journal, Giovanni Legorano & Joe Parkinson Photo Credit: Images of Money Flickr Account 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 corruption and ethnic challenges. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: North Macedonia, CIA World Factbook  Kosovo and Macedonia sign border agreement, University of Durham Macedonia officially changes name to North Macedonia, drawing line under bitter dispute, CNN, Stephanie Halasz, Elinda Labropoulou and Sheena McKenzie Photo Credit: OSCE Parliamentary Assembly 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 United States. They make recommendations to the governments of the United States and Mexico, as well as tech companies, to help combat this endemic crime. 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. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Don’t Drink the Mao-Tai, Washingtonian, Margaret MacMillan Diplomacy on the menu: How food can shape politics, BBC, Soraya Auer US Department of State to Launch Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, US Department of State 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 or refrain from admitting culpability. After assessing a number of different cases, we discuss how a nation can best provide justice and fairness to victims in the aftermath of a genocide, while taking steps to mitigate the possibility of future conflicts.  Stay Involved There are many ways you can stay informed about modern day genocides and work with those who work to prevent genocides. See below links of some important organizations in the field: Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Work on Genocide Prevention US Institute of Peace Genocide Watch Sentinel Project for Genocide Prevention The Enough Project Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Khmer Rouge’s Slaughter in Cambodia Is Ruled a Genocide, New York Times, Hannah Beech Why The Herero Of Namibia Are Suing Germany For Reparations, NPR, Daniel Gross How a Nation Reconciles After Genocide Killed Nearly a Million People, New York Times, Megan Specia Photo Credit: Michael Büker 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 exploring solutions to prevent or mitigate conflicts. Dr. Levinger also argues that preventing genocides and mass atrocities is a core national security interest of the United States, necessitating closer attention from US policymakers. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: Conflict Prevention – A Strategic Framework, US Institute of Peace Preventing Genocide: A Bleuprint for Policymakers, US Institute of Peace, Madeleine Albright & William Cohen Conflict Analysis: Understanding Causes, Unlocking Solutions, Matthew Levinger Photo Credit: Jordi Bernabeu Farrús 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 and eventually contribute to the Rwandan genocide in 1994. He also provides insights into the aftermath of the genocide and discusses how the suppression of speech can impede ongoing reconciliation efforts in Rwanda. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite books and articles that we came across while researching this topic: Healing a Nation: A Testimony : Waging and Winning a Peaceful Revolution to Unite and Heal a Broken Rwanda, Theogene Rudasingwa Paul Kagame’s life-presidency: The world abandons Rwanda again, African Arguments, Theogene Rudasingwa Hate Speech and Incitement to Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Photo Credit: Adam Jones, Ph.D./Global Photo Archive/Wikimedia Commons 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 data to forecast where atrocities are most likely to occur. We ask him about the methodology behind the project, its limitations, and its potential for positive impact. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of the resources that we found interesting while creating this episode: Preventing Genocide: A Blueprint for US Policymakers More, Better Assessments Can Prevent Conflict Atrocities Prevention Board The post Forecasting and Preventing Genocide appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.