Geopolitics Rundown
23 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago -Welcome to Geopolitics Rundown, an innovative new foreign affairs podcast that breaks down top global headlines. If you ever feel lost trying to keep up with world news, come to our show for a place to start. Join your hosts, graduates of the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University, as they guide you through some of the most complex topics and stories in global politics.
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Episodes
China Targets Latin America, with Mitch Hayes
June 09, 2021 18:55 - 25 minutes - 37.5 MBWe're continuing our interview series with a deep dive on China's growing influence in Latin America. Here to talk about this fascinating development in international politics is Mitch Hayes. Mitch Hayes is a political risk analyst and advisor, as well as the founder of two widely-read newsletters, "The China Signal", and "Mundo". Both are read by diplomats, investors, journalists, and political risk analysts all over the world. The China Signal analyses China’s growing presence in Latin ...
Why Business Needs Policy Experts, with Cenk Sidar
March 25, 2021 14:55 - 20 minutes - 30.9 MBWelcome to Season 2 of Geopolitics Rundown! We are back after our break to bring you more insights from foreign policy's best and brightest and more analysis of global events. Kicking off the new season is an interview with Cenk Sidar, co-founder and CEO of GlobalWonks, an innovative company that connects businesses to top regional and policy experts in real time. Their clients include fortune 100 companies, consulting firms, and other businesses in emerging markets. Today, we'll discuss...
The Third Pole: Europe Debates Strategic Autonomy
December 24, 2020 17:45 - 36 minutes - 52.8 MBWelcome back to Geopolitics Rundown! We're wrapping up the holiday season with a far-ranging discussion on the future of the European-American relationship. Joe Biden's pick for Secretary of State, Antony "Tony" Blinken, will have to thread the needle amid an intense debate in Europe about strategic autonomy. As the debate unfolds, the old divide between the Gaullists and the Atlanticists rears its head.
Foreign Influence Operations with Natalie Thompson
October 30, 2020 21:17 - 27 minutes - 40 MBAs US election drama reaches a climax, the Nerds tackle headlines around foreign election interference. Joining us is special guest Natalie Thompson from the Carnegie Endowment's Partnership for Countering Influence Operations. Join us for a discussion of what influence operations are, what states are using them, and how to stop them.
Candidate Cage Match: Trump vs Biden's foreign policy
October 25, 2020 12:43 - 39 minutes - 56.6 MBWith the US presidential election looming, the nerds tackle Trump and Biden’s foreign policy platforms. Follow along with a dynamic conversation that covers all angles, from flashpoint point issues like China, Iran, and North Korea, to the academic theories behind their policies. We are also excited to announce that our show has rocketed past 10,000 downloads. We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners! As always, if you have questions or comments about the show follow us on Fa...
Raucous Caucasus: Armenia vs. Azerbaijan
October 10, 2020 18:56 - 36 minutes - 53.1 MBWelcome to the new Geopolitics Rundown! We are back after our brief hiatus with a new, unscripted format and some new topics to discuss. Today's topic: The recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan which has killed hundreds and re-ignited a fight over the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh. We're going to walk you through where this conflict is, who is involved, and why it could have serious implications for Russia, Turkey, and the future of NATO. *NOTE: This episode was recorded ...
UAE-Israel Deal: Frenemies with Benefits
August 31, 2020 18:31 - 28 minutes - 41.7 MBJoin the nerds for a discussion on the recent peace deal between Israel and the UAE, the Abraham Accord. Why and how did the deal happen? What does the deal do? Who are the winners and losers? What does it mean for the future of the Middle East? All of those questions and more are answered in this episode of Geopolitics Rundown. For maps of what we'll be discussing today and a transcript of our show, visit our website www.geopoliticsrundown.com. A note for our listeners: We are activel...
Inside the Indo-Pacific: Japan
August 17, 2020 15:29 - 22 minutes - 31.7 MBIn this episode, the nerds return from their brief hiatus to conclude their tour of the Indo-Pacific. Join us for a breakdown of Japan and its geopolitical position. From tensions with China to cooperation with the Quad, Japan is experiencing a period of change that will redefine its role in the region. Learn about the Senkaku islands dispute, the Quad +, and more! For more information and to contact our team, visit our website www.geopoliticsrundown.com.
Security Sunday: India's Navy with Aman Thakker
July 26, 2020 12:00 - 25 minutes - 48.3 MBIn this Security Sunday your nerds bring on guest Aman Thakker, CSIS fellow and author of the Indialogue newsletter, to discuss the nitty gritty of the Indian Navy and its role in the complex power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. They discuss how India’s rivalry with China has impacted Indian maritime policy, the role of India’s alliance with the Quad (The US, Australia, and Japan), as well as the future of naval competition in the Indian Ocean.
Inside the Indo-Pacific: Australia with Michael Hilliard
July 22, 2020 01:00 - 21 minutes - 39.5 MBIn this episode, your resident nerds take a trip down under with their first guest, Michael Hilliard from The Red Line podcast. Together they explore how Australia fits into the complex Indo-pacific region amidst tensions, new and old, with China and the United States.
Geopolitics of TikTok
July 13, 2020 22:01 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MBThis is not your average rundown. We're diving into a topic dear to everyone's hearts: TikTok. We're going to talk about why India banned the app, why the US is considering the same, and why some are saying that this video-sharing app is a national security risk. We ask that you bear with us, since this episode is unscripted and we're testing out new equipment. Make sure to rate and subscribe, and if you want more content like this let us know!
Inside the Indo-Pacific: The South China Sea
July 08, 2020 14:22 - 25 minutes - 46.3 MBIn part II of our series on the Indo Pacific, your resident nerds take on the complex tinderbox of the South China Sea. In this episode, we talk about why the Sea is so hotly contested, why China is hellbent on taking it all for itself, who the relevant state actors are, what exactly is at stake, and whether or not international law can actually help the situation. To access the maps to better understand what we talk about in this episode, check out our website geopoliticsrundown.com.
Inside the Indo-Pacific: Chaos in Kashmir
June 19, 2020 20:20 - 28 minutes - 52.6 MBIn this episode, the nerds set out on their journey through the Indo-Pacific region with an analysis of the recent India-China border skirmishes. We explore the complex relationship between the two largest countries in the world, from their rocky past to their current balancing act that has everyone from the US to the Maldives involved. Learn about China’s BRI project, India’s plan for Kashmir, and some basic theory of international relations. If you want to understand some of the geograph...
Black Lives Matter: The Politics of Protest
June 07, 2020 22:00 - 19 minutes - 36.4 MBThis episode is not your average rundown. Today, we explain the geopolitical implications of the Black Lives Matter protests and the government’s response to them. We go over how the protesters’ message went global, how Trump’s response is eroding democratic norms, and how America's enemies and allies alike are reacting. Resources and Links: https://blacklivesmatter.com/ https://colorofchange.org/ https://naacp.org/
Twilight in Hong Kong: End of an Era
May 31, 2020 17:24 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode, your nerds explore the most recent developments out of Hong Kong. Protests are sweeping the streets, and China’s new national security law threatens to illegally remove all of Hong Kong’s autonomy, while the international response led by the US may lead to a huge shift in the global economy. Learn how these events will shape the future of Hong Kong and US-China relations.
Security Sunday: The Notorious IRGC
May 24, 2020 10:00 - 14 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode of Security Sunday, your resident nerds tackle the operations of the infamous Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. We break down its mysterious Quds Force, it’s enigmatic former leader Qassem Soleimani, and why he was assassinated by the United States. Find out how the IRGC has been a part of every major conflict in the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. This Security Sunday builds on some of the themes from our last standard episode "Maximum Pressure", s...
Maximum Pressure: An Iran Primer
May 17, 2020 04:25 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MBIn this episode, your resident geopolitics nerds take on a fan-suggested topic and dive into the deteriorating US-Iran relationship. We find out exactly what makes the two countries enemies and what prevents them from reconciling. Learn about their historic JCPOA nuclear deal, how Trump tore it apart and imposed sanctions, and how it all led up to the assassination of the infamous Qassem Soleimani.
Security Sunday: The Heist of Crimea
May 11, 2020 01:28 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBIn this episode, your hosts break down one of the most controversial moments of the last five years, Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Is it the most ambitious heist in modern history? We'll walk you through this shocking story and tell you how it changes international security.
Soft Power Showdown: Taiwan and the WHO
May 09, 2020 19:48 - 12 minutes - 18.3 MBIn this episode, the foreign policy nerds take a look at the conflict between the US and China over Taiwan's membership in the WHO. We'll dig into why Taiwan is such a big issue, and how China's growing influence over the WHO might have consequences for US influence in the world.
Democracy Deep Dive: Hungary for Power
May 02, 2020 16:12 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode, your resident foreign policy nerds take a further look into the democratic crisis in Hungary. We'll examine how Hungary ended up in this crisis, what it means for the European Union, and how Russia might come out ahead amidst the chaos.
Coronavirus vs Democracy: The Palpatine Playbook
April 24, 2020 16:43 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode, we break down how using emergency powers to combat the coronavirus can undermine fundamental democratic rights, and how some democratic leaders are using this emergency to consolidate power. We'll talk about how emergency powers are being used around the world, and how democratic citizens can stay vigilant. If you have any questions about the episode or topics you'd like us to cover in future shows, email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Coronavirus and Oil: A Slippery Situation
April 16, 2020 14:00 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode, part II of our series on the Coronavirus, your resident foreign policy nerds dive into the geopolitics of oil. We'll talk about the Saudi/Russian oil price war, the impact of COVID-19 on demand, and last week's historic international deal to cut oil production.
Geopolitics of the Coronavirus: The US-China Relationship
April 08, 2020 00:08 - 13 minutes - 19 MBWe're kicking off our new show with a three-part series on how the Coronavirus will change global politics. In the first part of this series, foreign policy nerds will break down how the Coronavirus Pandemic will impact the growing rivalry between the United States and China. We also go over how the pandemic affects each country's influence in global politics, and whether the delicate first phase of the US/China trade deal will survive the crisis.