Altamar - Navigating the High Seas of Global Politics
237 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 57 ratingsAltamar is dedicated to curating an informative discussion on how global issues impact all of us. The show avoids the typical Washingtonian US bias and talks about accelerating changes from a global perspective by featuring diverse guests on a range of foreign policy topics. We aim to rise above the polarization that detracts from the public’s understanding of crucial global issues. Hosted by political analyst Peter Schechter and columnist Muni Jensen.
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Episodes
Is Voting Passé: More Elections, Less Democracy? [Episode 43]
May 24, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBNearly half of the world’s voters cast ballots in April and May of 2019, from Spain and South Africa to India and Indonesia. But in a world that is putting strongmen in office and where governments are weaponizing social media – are elections still the best thermometer of democracy’s health around the globe? Ian Bremmer, political scientist and president of Eurasia Group and G-ZERO Media, discusses how the democratic system can be strengthened amidst political polarization and voter disencha...
Is Voting Passé: More Elections, Less Democracy? [S2, E11]
May 24, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBNearly half of the world’s voters cast ballots in April and May of 2019, from Spain and South Africa to India and Indonesia. But in a world that is putting strongmen in office and where governments are weaponizing social media – are elections still the best thermometer of democracy’s health around the globe? Ian Bremmer, political scientist and president of Eurasia Group and G-ZERO Media, discusses how the democratic system can be strengthened amidst political polarization and voter disencha...
Iceland: Financial Bust to Fairytale Success [Episode 42]
May 10, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBIceland is heralded around the world as a success story of social policy experiments and for its remarkable recovery from the global financial crisis – all with just over 300,000 inhabitants. Thóra Arnórsdóttir, former Icelandic presidential candidate and managing editor of Kveikur, the island nation’s only investigative journalism television program at the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, joins Altamar to help us move beyond the headlines and fairy tales, into the lessons and challe...
Iceland: Financial Bust to Fairytale Success [S2, E10]
May 10, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBIceland is heralded around the world as a success story of social policy experiments and for its remarkable recovery from the global financial crisis – all with just over 300,000 inhabitants. Thóra Arnórsdóttir, former Icelandic presidential candidate and managing editor of Kveikur, the island nation’s only investigative journalism television program at the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, joins Altamar to help us move beyond the headlines and fairy tales, into the lessons and challe...
The Global War on Journalism [Episode 41]
April 26, 2019 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBThe free press is at war with challenges not seen in a generation. Strongmen leaders around the world have declared the media enemy number one while “fake news” sows discord and confusion online. The press as an institution is struggling to fulfill its primary role: acting as the fourth estate to hold the powerful accountable. Altamar is joined by Sheila Coronel, an award-winning journalist and Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor at Columbia University’s School of Journalism, to discuss t...
The Global War on Journalism [S2, E9]
April 26, 2019 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBThe free press is at war with challenges not seen in a generation. Strongmen leaders around the world have declared the media enemy number one while “fake news” sows discord and confusion online. The press as an institution is struggling to fulfill its primary role: acting as the fourth estate to hold the powerful accountable. Altamar is joined by Sheila Coronel, an award-winning journalist and Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor at Columbia University’s School of Journalism, to discuss t...
Africa Awakens [Episode 40]
April 12, 2019 04:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBAfrica has achieved one of the fastest and most sustained growth rates in the past years, with economic forecasts surpassing other developing and emerging regions. A new scramble to open bilateral relations with African nations saw more than 320 embassies open across the continent between 2010 and 2016. John McDermott, Africa Correspondent for The Economist and Zemedeneh Negatu, Global Chairman of the Fairfax Africa Fund, engage in a lively debate on how Africa can balance growth and inequal...
Africa Awakens [S2, E8]
April 12, 2019 04:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBAfrica has achieved one of the fastest and most sustained growth rates in the past years, with economic forecasts surpassing other developing and emerging regions. A new scramble to open bilateral relations with African nations saw more than 320 embassies open across the continent between 2010 and 2016. John McDermott, Africa Correspondent for The Economist and Zemedeneh Negatu, Global Chairman of the Fairfax Africa Fund, engage in a lively debate on how Africa can balance growth and inequal...
A Nuclear Middle Finger [S2, E7]
March 29, 2019 04:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBPresident Trump has pulled America out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, ending decades of nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and Russia. Jeffrey Lewis, Director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, explains how this nuclear middle finger to the world benefits Moscow, risks a Cold War-style arms race, and has grave repercussions far beyond the two superpowers. More at https://altamar.us/nuclear-middle-fing...
A Nuclear Middle Finger [Episode 39]
March 29, 2019 04:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBPresident Trump has pulled America out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, ending decades of nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and Russia. Jeffrey Lewis, Director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, explains how this nuclear middle finger to the world benefits Moscow, risks a Cold War-style arms race, and has grave repercussions far beyond the two superpowers. More at https://altamar.us/nuclear-middle-fing...
U.S.-China Trade: Is This the Real Deal? [Episode 38]
March 15, 2019 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MBAfter a tariff war and months of recriminations, Chinese and U.S. officials are finalizing a trade deal. But uncertainty lingers. Bob Davis, Senior Editor for the Wall Street Journal, explains whether Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have reached a real agreement – or just a temporary truce. More at https://altamar.us/us-china-trade-is-this-the-real-deal/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
U.S.-China Trade: Is This the Real Deal? [S2, E6]
March 15, 2019 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MBAfter a tariff war and months of recriminations, Chinese and U.S. officials are finalizing a trade deal. But uncertainty lingers. Bob Davis, Senior Editor for the Wall Street Journal, explains whether Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have reached a real agreement – or just a temporary truce. More at https://altamar.us/us-china-trade-is-this-the-real-deal/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
AMLO’s Mexico at 100 Days [S2, E5]
March 01, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBMexico’s AMLO is wildly popular, but there are strains everywhere. His bromance with President Trump and his fragile relationship with the business community could sour quickly. Will AMLO’s personality-driven politics undermine his support? Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Roberta Jacobson explains why the country could be in for a bumpy ride. More at https://altamar.us/amlos-mexico-100-days/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
AMLO’s Mexico at 100 Days [Episode 37]
March 01, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBMexico’s AMLO is wildly popular, but there are strains everywhere. His bromance with President Trump and his fragile relationship with the business community could sour quickly. Will AMLO’s personality-driven politics undermine his support? Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Roberta Jacobson explains why the country could be in for a bumpy ride. More at https://altamar.us/amlos-mexico-100-days/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Empty Throne: Does the World Miss U.S. Global Leadership? [Episode 36]
February 15, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBCan a new form of Pax Americana ever emerge post-Trump? Ivo Daalder, President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and co-author of The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership, discusses the void left behind as the United States turns inwards and rebuffs multilateralism – and why an internationalist United States could ultimately re-emerge from this nationalist moment. More at https://altamar.us/empty-throne-does-the-world-miss-us-global-leadership/ Follow us on Twi...
Empty Throne: Does the World Miss U.S. Global Leadership? [S2, E4]
February 15, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBCan a new form of Pax Americana ever emerge post-Trump? Ivo Daalder, President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and co-author of The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership, discusses the void left behind as the United States turns inwards and rebuffs multilateralism – and why an internationalist United States could ultimately re-emerge from this nationalist moment. More at https://altamar.us/empty-throne-does-the-world-miss-us-global-leadership/ Follow us on Twi...
Israel’s Elections: Bye-Bye Bibi? [Episode 35]
February 01, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBThe first signs of fracture are beginning to show in Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu’s once unassailable political coalition. Charismatic rivals from the left and the right are striking out on their own, emboldened by a potential indictment of the Israeli Prime Minister. But Gil Tamary, Washington bureau chief for Israel’s independent Reshet News, explains why “Bibi” might very well come out victorious on Election Day April 9. More at https://altamar.us/israels-elections-bye-bye-bibi/ Follow u...
Israel’s Elections: Bye-Bye Bibi? [S2, E3]
February 01, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBThe first signs of fracture are beginning to show in Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu’s once unassailable political coalition. Charismatic rivals from the left and the right are striking out on their own, emboldened by a potential indictment of the Israeli Prime Minister. But Gil Tamary, Washington bureau chief for Israel’s independent Reshet News, explains why “Bibi” might very well come out victorious on Election Day April 9. More at https://altamar.us/israels-elections-bye-bye-bibi/ Follow u...
Ugly Brexit: What’s Next? [Episode 34]
January 18, 2019 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBThe clock is ticking on Brexiting Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May’s EU deal was defeated in Parliament and time is running out on a formal exit plan to avoid catastrophe. Lord Mark Malloch Brown, former UK government minister and Chairman of Best for Britain, an organization pushing for a new Brexit vote, explains what happens next and why a new referendum could just be Britain’s saving grace. More at https://altamar.us/ugly-brexit-whats-next/ Fol...
Ugly Brexit: What’s Next? [S2, E2]
January 18, 2019 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBThe clock is ticking on Brexiting Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May’s EU deal was defeated in Parliament and time is running out on a formal exit plan to avoid catastrophe. Lord Mark Malloch Brown, former UK government minister and Chairman of Best for Britain, an organization pushing for a new Brexit vote, explains what happens next and why a new referendum could just be Britain’s saving grace. More at https://altamar.us/ugly-brexit-whats-next/ Fol...
Reconcilable Differences: Italy and the EU [Episode 33]
January 04, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBThe EU says Italy is "sleepwalking into instability.” For the populist Lega and Five Star parties, a fight with Brussels is just what the doctor ordered. Italy isn’t going to Brexit anytime soon, but Italy’s support for the European project is under strain. More at https://altamar.us/reconcilable-differences-italy-eu/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Reconcilable Differences: Italy and the EU [S2, E1]
January 04, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBThe EU says Italy is "sleepwalking into instability.” For the populist Lega and Five Star parties, a fight with Brussels is just what the doctor ordered. Italy isn’t going to Brexit anytime soon, but Italy’s support for the European project is under strain. More at https://altamar.us/reconcilable-differences-italy-eu/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
2019: The Year of Drifting Dangerously [Episode 32]
December 21, 2018 05:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBFrom “Person of the Year” to the “Didn’t See This Coming” award, Peter and Muni hand out Altamar’s 2018 accolades. Turning towards 2019, Council of Foreign Relations president shares pointed views on why a Chinese takeover is far-fetched, multilateralism isn’t dead yet, and the threat of global “drift” is on the rise. More at https://altamar.us/2019-year-drifting-dangerously/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
2019: The Year of Drifting Dangerously [S1, E32]
December 21, 2018 05:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBFrom “Person of the Year” to the “Didn’t See This Coming” award, Peter and Muni hand out Altamar’s 2018 accolades. Turning towards 2019, Council of Foreign Relations president shares pointed views on why a Chinese takeover is far-fetched, multilateralism isn’t dead yet, and the threat of global “drift” is on the rise. More at https://altamar.us/2019-year-drifting-dangerously/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Canada: Cool and Confident? [S1, E31]
December 07, 2018 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBCanada has emerged as in independent voice and flagbearer of international liberalism. But concessions in the new US-Mexico-Canada agreement have sparked a backlash back home. The jury’s still out on the benefits of marijuana legalization. Will Canadians tire of Trudeau’s “yoga democracy”? More at https://altamar.us/canada-cool-confident/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Canada: Cool and Confident? [Episode 31]
December 07, 2018 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBCanada has emerged as in independent voice and flagbearer of international liberalism. But concessions in the new US-Mexico-Canada agreement have sparked a backlash back home. The jury’s still out on the benefits of marijuana legalization. Will Canadians tire of Trudeau’s “yoga democracy”? More at https://altamar.us/canada-cool-confident/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Argentina’s Looming Doomsday [S1, E30]
November 23, 2018 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBMauricio Macri was the darling of international investors after twelve years of radical Peronism. Now Argentina’s economy and center-right President are reeling. Economist Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations predicts a massive and painful recession next year, a potential default after Argentina’s presidential elections, and a risk of global impact. But does economic meltdown have to spell political chaos too? More at https://altamar.us/argentinas-looming-doomsday/ Fol...
Argentina’s Looming Doomsday [Episode 30]
November 23, 2018 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBMauricio Macri was the darling of international investors after twelve years of radical Peronism. Now Argentina’s economy and center-right President are reeling. Economist Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations predicts a massive and painful recession next year, a potential default after Argentina’s presidential elections, and a risk of global impact. But does economic meltdown have to spell political chaos too? More at https://altamar.us/argentinas-looming-doomsday/ Fol...
Bolsonaro’s Brazil: Will the Bite Match the Bark? [S1, E29]
November 07, 2018 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBAfter Jair Bolsonaro’s big win in Brazil, Altamar confronts the question everyone is asking: what’s next? Some of his most notorious campaign proposals may be stymied by Brazil’s powerful congress, but radical rhetoric combined with political gridlock can prove just as damaging.
Bolsonaro’s Brazil: Will the Bite Match the Bark? [Episode 29]
November 07, 2018 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBAfter Jair Bolsonaro’s big win in Brazil, Altamar confronts the question everyone is asking: what’s next? Some of his most notorious campaign proposals may be stymied by Brazil’s powerful congress, but radical rhetoric combined with political gridlock can prove just as damaging.
Ethiopia: The World's Good News Story [S1, E28]
October 24, 2018 14:38 - 26 minutes - 50.4 MBAs bad news springs up from every corner of the world, Ethiopia under PM Abiy Ahmed is sprinting in the opposite direction. What’s going on? And can it last? Featuring special guest Tsedale Lemma, founder and editor-in-chief of the Addis Standard.
Ethiopia: The World's Good News Story [Episode 28]
October 24, 2018 14:38 - 26 minutes - 50.4 MBAs bad news springs up from every corner of the world, Ethiopia under PM Abiy Ahmed is sprinting in the opposite direction. What’s going on? And can it last? Featuring special guest Tsedale Lemma, founder and editor-in-chief of the Addis Standard.
In Memoriam: Jamal Khashoggi in His Own Voice [S1, E27]
October 18, 2018 14:35 - 14 minutes - 26.9 MBJamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and constructive critic of crown prince Mohammad bin Salman, was brutally murdered on October 2 in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul. This egregious attack on a thoughtful voice of reason has devastated us at Altamar, as we were lucky enough to have Jamal on as a guest in February to discuss the new crown prince and Saudi Arabia's future under him. We're re-releasing our interview with Jamal as tribute to a man who so deeply cared for his coun...
In Memoriam: Jamal Khashoggi in His Own Voice [Bonus]
October 18, 2018 14:35 - 14 minutes - 26.9 MBJamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and constructive critic of crown prince Mohammad bin Salman, was brutally murdered on October 2 in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul. This egregious attack on a thoughtful voice of reason has devastated us at Altamar, as we were lucky enough to have Jamal on as a guest in February to discuss the new crown prince and Saudi Arabia's future under him. We're re-releasing our interview with Jamal as tribute to a man who so deeply cared for his coun...
Habemus Papam...Habemus Problema? [Episode 26]
October 02, 2018 15:48 - 32 minutes - 62.1 MBAs scandal roils the Church, what does this all mean for the future of Pope Francis? And for the future of Catholicism? Vaticanologist Jimmy Burns joins this week to discuss.
Habemus Papam...Habemus Problema? [S1, E26]
October 02, 2018 15:48 - 32 minutes - 62.1 MBAs scandal roils the Church, what does this all mean for the future of Pope Francis? And for the future of Catholicism? Vaticanologist Jimmy Burns joins this week to discuss.
The Migrant Backlash [Episode 25]
September 11, 2018 14:44 - 39 minutes - 75.6 MBAs migration flows grow around the world, is a negative impact on politics an inevitability? Or have we just convinced ourselves that it is? Andrew Selee and María Peña join this week to discuss.
The Migrant Backlash [S1, E25]
September 11, 2018 14:44 - 39 minutes - 75.6 MBAs migration flows grow around the world, is a negative impact on politics an inevitability? Or have we just convinced ourselves that it is? Andrew Selee and María Peña join this week to discuss.
The Geopolitics of Climate Change [Episode 24]
August 22, 2018 13:39 - 42 minutes - 80.8 MBWith the world in upheaval, how are we to respond to the most global challenge of them all? Featuring special guests Amy Harder and Giulio Boccaletti.
The Geopolitics of Climate Change [S1, E24]
August 22, 2018 13:39 - 42 minutes - 80.8 MBWith the world in upheaval, how are we to respond to the most global challenge of them all? Featuring special guests Amy Harder and Giulio Boccaletti.
Who's Afraid of AMLO? [Episode 23]
July 16, 2018 12:58 - 38 minutes - 73.8 MBMexico’s soon-to-be president has been called a Marxist, a pragmatist, a Mexican Trump, and a Mexican Chávez. So who really is Andrés Manuel López Obrador? And what kind of president will he be? Mark Feierstein and Carlos Bravo Regidor join this week to discuss.
Who's Afraid of AMLO? [S1, E23]
July 16, 2018 12:58 - 38 minutes - 73.8 MBMexico’s soon-to-be president has been called a Marxist, a pragmatist, a Mexican Trump, and a Mexican Chávez. So who really is Andrés Manuel López Obrador? And what kind of president will he be? Mark Feierstein and Carlos Bravo Regidor join this week to discuss.
When "The Pond" Becomes an Ocean [S1, E22]
June 26, 2018 13:44 - 40 minutes - 77 MBTrump isn’t only buddying up to our enemies—he’s also alienating our friends, and in the process making the Atlantic wider by the day. Edward Luce and Nathalie Tocci join this week to discuss the extent of the damage and what we can expect for the future of the transatlantic relationship.
When "The Pond" Becomes an Ocean [Episode 22]
June 26, 2018 13:44 - 40 minutes - 77 MBTrump isn’t only buddying up to our enemies—he’s also alienating our friends, and in the process making the Atlantic wider by the day. Edward Luce and Nathalie Tocci join this week to discuss the extent of the damage and what we can expect for the future of the transatlantic relationship.
Politics on the Pitch [Episode 21]
June 08, 2018 14:39 - 47 minutes - 90 MBNothing brings the world together like World Cup season…right? Ahead of Russia 2018, this week's episode brings a deep dive into soccer, politics, and the politics of soccer, with special guests Roger Cohen of The New York Times, and Nick Sprague of Braskem and love.futbol.
Politics on the Pitch [S1, E21]
June 08, 2018 14:39 - 47 minutes - 90 MBNothing brings the world together like World Cup season…right? Ahead of Russia 2018, this week's episode brings a deep dive into soccer, politics, and the politics of soccer, with special guests Roger Cohen of The New York Times, and Nick Sprague of Braskem and love.futbol.
What’s Behind Belt and Road? [S1, E20]
May 22, 2018 11:56 - 47 minutes - 86.5 MBChina’s Belt and Road Initiative now spans nearly every continent, and countries are eagerly lining up for a share of the trillions of dollars Beijing is doling out. But is there more to this infrastructure plan than meets the eye? Featuring NYU Shanghai professors Rodrigo Zeidan and Ivan Rasmussen.
What’s Behind Belt and Road? [Episode 20]
May 22, 2018 11:56 - 47 minutes - 86.5 MBChina’s Belt and Road Initiative now spans nearly every continent, and countries are eagerly lining up for a share of the trillions of dollars Beijing is doling out. But is there more to this infrastructure plan than meets the eye? Featuring NYU Shanghai professors Rodrigo Zeidan and Ivan Rasmussen.
India's Bulletproof Man? [S1, E19]
May 08, 2018 14:13 - 39 minutes - 75.5 MBNarendra Modi came into office on big promises, and four years later, he’s got more failures than successes under his belt. But the big question is: do Indian voters even care? Sadanand Dhume joins this week to discuss what’s gone right in Modi’s first term, what’s gone wrong, where he stands today, and where he might stand during elections next year.
India's Bulletproof Man? [Episode 19]
May 08, 2018 14:13 - 39 minutes - 75.5 MBNarendra Modi came into office on big promises, and four years later, he’s got more failures than successes under his belt. But the big question is: do Indian voters even care? Sadanand Dhume joins this week to discuss what’s gone right in Modi’s first term, what’s gone wrong, where he stands today, and where he might stand during elections next year.