Hopkins Podcast on Foreign Affairs
280 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 165 ratingsAn entirely student-run podcast
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Episodes
The Sister: Kim Yo Jung
November 29, 2023 17:01 - 48 MBToday we explore Kim Yo Jung, Kim Jong Un’s sister, and her official role in North Korea. She first made her international debut in 2018 and has continued to dominate North Korean politics alongside her brother, with many scholars considering her to be a potential successor to Kim Jong Un. We are joined today by … Continue reading The Sister: Kim Yo Jung
Realism and Balance of Threat with Dr. Stephen Walt
November 08, 2023 17:15 - 59.3 MBRealism has been the dominant theory of international relations since its conception, and within the realist school, the balance of power theory is a core tenet and posits that in order to survive as independent entities in an anarchic system, states are compelled to increase their power and balance against a potential hegemon. This theory … Continue reading Realism and Balance of Threat with Dr. Stephen Walt
2023 Guatemalan Elections: Democratic Spring or Winter
October 19, 2023 08:35 - 54.3 MBThe 2023 Guatemalan elections were closely watched this past summer, especially following the anti-democratic efforts that led to Bernardo Arévalo’s Semilla party being suspended after unexpectedly emerging as one of the two victors of the first round of elections in late June. Arévalo eventually beat out former first lady Sandra Torres in the August 20 … Continue reading 2023 Guatemalan Elections: Democratic Spring or Winter
U.S. Dollar Dominance
September 13, 2023 11:26 - 34.4 MBAs some countries, including India, China, the UAE, and Turkey, have started to move away from the U.S. Dollar as the standard for international trade, the government is faced with many questions regarding the importance of Dollar Dominance. In this episode, Saleha Mohsin, senior Washington correspondent for Bloomberg News, joins us to overview the historical … Continue reading U.S. Dollar Dominance
Argentina’s IMF Crisis
August 09, 2023 09:15 - 26.8 MBIn this episode, we discuss Argentina’s worsening economic crisis and ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Argentina is facing historic annual rates of inflation that have reached over 100% this past June. How did Argentina’s situation become this dire? How is Economic Minister Sergio Massa, who is set to be the ruling Peronist … Continue reading Argentina’s IMF Crisis
The Wagner Group Mutiny
July 17, 2023 09:49 - 37.5 MBThe Wagner Group, a private military company, was fighting in Ukraine on behalf of the Russian government until late June, when the group’s commander Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a mutiny and began marching toward Moscow. Before the Wagner Group reached the city, Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko negotiated a deal between Prigozhin and the Russian government. In … Continue reading The Wagner Group Mutiny
Israel’s Judicial Branch Reform
May 03, 2023 12:05 - 56.7 MBIsrael, once touted as a thriving democracy in the Middle East, now finds itself in a very unstable political climate. After a 5th election in 4 years which restored the country’s longest running prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israelis are in the streets again protesting against a controversial bill introduced in the Israeli parliament. The bill, … Continue reading Israel’s Judicial Branch Reform
India’s Strategic Shift?
April 28, 2023 12:05 - 53 MBRussia and India have enjoyed a long history of friendly and mutually beneficial relations. The rise of China, U.S.-China tensions, the war in Ukraine, and the Russian-Chinese partnership, have had profound effects on Russian-Indian relations. Dr. Constantino Xavier, fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress and a nonresident fellow at the India Project … Continue reading India’s Strategic Shift?
Taiwan Loses Its Friends
April 24, 2023 12:05 - 33.9 MBOf the thirteen countries that currently maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, seven of those are in Latin America. This episode explores how Honduras’ recent diplomatic split with Taiwan in favor of China affects Taiwan’s diplomatic strategy in the region. To discuss Taiwan’s relations with Latin America, joining us today is Margaret Myers, the director of … Continue reading Taiwan Loses Its Friends
Extended Deterrence
April 20, 2023 10:05 - 52.8 MBLast year, North Korea conducted a record number of ballistic missile test and appears to soon conduct another nuclear test. These developments have aggravated South Korea’s concern about U.S. extended deterrence commitments. Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins us today to discuss the … Continue reading Extended Deterrence
France Takes to the Streets
April 14, 2023 16:43 - 45.3 MBRecently, French president Emmanuel Macron used his emergency powers to pass a law that raises the retirement age, and the age at which French people can access their state funded pension. This recent – very unpopular – change alongside a whole host of other issues, has led to massive, and intense protests across France, a … Continue reading France Takes to the Streets
TikTok Ban
April 10, 2023 12:05 - 45.8 MBOn Thursday, March 16, the Biden administration threatened that it would ban TikTok unless it was sold due to data security and content manipulation concerns regarding American users. While some applauded the potential move as safeguarding U.S. national security, others have questioned the legality and necessity of a ban. In this episode, Caitlyn Chin, technology … Continue reading TikTok Ban
A US-EU Trade War?
April 05, 2023 12:05 - 39.6 MBMany countries have expressed concern over a number of subsidies passed by the Biden Administration mainly targeting green energy. In this episode we explore why some European countries view American subsidies as a provocation, why they are pursuing competing subsidies, and how this may affect the relationship between the United States and its European allies. … Continue reading A US-EU Trade War?
Climate Migrants
March 29, 2023 12:05 - 58.7 MBClimate change has rendered some parts of the world uninhabitable, prompting millions of people to be displaced. This is especially the case for already vulnerable populations in regions that bear most of the burden of rising temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions. The legal categorization of “climate migrants” or “climate refugees” is a hotly contested … Continue reading Climate Migrants
Hill-ternship: Scoring and Thriving
March 20, 2023 12:05 - 57.7 MBPOFA is starting a new series called “Scoring and Thriving” where we talk about foreign policy internship opportunities in and around our nation’s capital. In this episode, we are joined by Jeremy Gonzalez, who previously managed the internship program at the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was Chris’s former internship supervisor. We discuss the difference … Continue reading Hill-ternship: Scoring and Thriving
Gender Gap in Ghana’s Economy
March 15, 2023 05:05 - 50.5 MBDespite having been projected to be the fastest growing economy in the world, Ghana has been fighting one of its worst economic crises and with women playing a large role in its informal economy, some experts argue that improving gender inequality can lead the way for economic and social recovery for the Sub-Saharan country. In … Continue reading Gender Gap in Ghana’s Economy
Vatican Diplomacy
March 08, 2023 12:05 - 61.9 MBThe pope sends diplomats to 117 countries and hosts around 88 embassies in or near Vatican City. In this episode, we explore how Vatican diplomacy works and why diplomacy matters to the Holy See, the entity with jurisdiction over the Catholic Church and Vatican City. We also discuss the pope’s unique role as a mediator … Continue reading Vatican Diplomacy
The Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
March 01, 2023 12:05 - 49.2 MBThe death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, marked the end of her 70 year rule as Queen of the United Kingdom and Other Commonwealth realms. A figure of stability during an era of enormous change, the Queen reigned during the dissolution of the British empire and the advent of globalization. In this … Continue reading The Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
Erdogan and the Earthquakes
February 22, 2023 12:05 - 45.4 MBOn February 6, two approximately 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck southern Türkiye and Syria. At the time of recording, the death toll in both countries is over 35,000. In this episode, we focus on how the earthquake has affected Türkiye specifically, with a look at the country’s disaster response, as well as how the event may … Continue reading Erdogan and the Earthquakes
Chinese Spy Balloon
February 17, 2023 12:05 - 46.3 MBAn alleged Chinese spy balloon entered U.S. airspace on January 28 and flew over the continental United States until being shot down off of the South Carolina coast on February 4. Since then, the U.S. government has detected and shot down more high-altitude objects over Northern Alaska, Yukon, and Lake Huron. In this episode, Blake … Continue reading Chinese Spy Balloon
Is Ukraine a Distraction?
February 13, 2023 12:05 - 34.3 MBThe Biden administration has defined China as the “pacing challenge” that poses the “most comprehensive and serious challenge to U.S. national security.” Sino-American tensions, in particular, have escalated due to disagreements over the future of Taiwan and the potential of Chinese invasion of the island. What should the United States be doing to prepare for … Continue reading Is Ukraine a Distraction?
Russia’s Nuclear Threat
February 08, 2023 12:05 - 42.5 MBIn this episode, we discuss the likelihood of nuclear weapons use given Russia’s military doctrine and the current state of the war, how Ukraine and its allies ought to respond to Putin’s threats, and the potential risks of pushing for a diplomatic end to war too soon. Joining us on the podcast is Dr. Raphael … Continue reading Russia’s Nuclear Threat
POFA Roundtable: 2022 Year in Review
January 25, 2023 12:05 - 89.3 MBIn 2022 we recorded 62 fantastic episodes discussing topics from Ukraine, to cybersecurity, to U.S.-China relations. In this episode, we’ll be having a roundtable discussion on our most important foreign affairs moments of 2022. As a disclaimer, the format of the roundtable makes it difficult for POFA hosts to fully explain their opinions and respond … Continue reading POFA Roundtable: 2022 Year in Review
In Liz We Couldn’t Truss
January 18, 2023 18:15 - 76.4 MBBritish Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned October 20 after only six weeks in office after her policies caused an economic crisis. Rishi Sunak, who succeeded Truss in October, has been tasked with stabilizing the economy and the conservative party’s standing. Nick Witney, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, joins us on … Continue reading In Liz We Couldn’t Truss
Peru’s Democratic Crisis
January 13, 2023 12:05 - 42.6 MBOn December 7th, 2022, within 24 hours, Pedro Castillo was ousted from office and jailed after attempting to unconstitutionally dissolve Peru’s Congress. His successor, Dina Boluarte, is Peru’s fifth President in two years. Dr. Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at Chatham House, joins us today to discuss the future of democracy in Peru. … Continue reading Peru’s Democratic Crisis
Global Chaos of Elon Musk’s Twitter
January 09, 2023 16:22 - 38.7 MBSocial media platforms, including Twitter, have made increasing efforts to moderate content. Elon Musk, the multi-billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a vocal public critic of Twitter’s content moderation efforts. This complaint was a driving force behind his decision to acquire the social media company this year. Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter has … Continue reading Global Chaos of Elon Musk’s Twitter
The 2022 Malaysian Elections
December 21, 2022 12:05 - 46 MBOn November 19th Malaysia held its parliamentary elections, resulting in a narrow victory for now-Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In this episode, we discuss the issues most important in the election, the composition of the new governing coalition, and Anwar Ibrahim’s plans for Malaysia. Joining me to share his expertise on this transfer of power is … Continue reading The 2022 Malaysian Elections
Haiti in Crisis
December 16, 2022 12:05 - 39.3 MBTwo months ago, the prime minister of Haiti Ariel Henry requested the help of a foreign force to stabilize the country. In this episode, we discuss the crisis in Haiti and possible solutions. Can a foreign force help set Haiti back on its feet? Joining me to share his expertise on these issues is Diego … Continue reading Haiti in Crisis
Book Talk: Beijing’s Global Media Offensive
December 12, 2022 10:05 - 51.7 MBJoin us for a discussion on a new book, Beijing’s Global Media Offensive: China’s Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World, written by Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations. He joins us to discuss how China has strived to become a global media and information powerhouse and whether this quest has been … Continue reading Book Talk: Beijing’s Global Media Offensive
Zero-Covid Protests in the Chinese Surveillance State
December 05, 2022 10:05 - 52.4 MBThousands of people are joining protests across China focused on challenging the “zero-Covid” policy. The ongoing demonstrations display rare solidarity between class, region, and even ethnicity. Will Jiang Zemin’s death further galvanize protesters? What are the exit options for the party state? Dr. Sheena Chestnut Greitens, associate professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs … Continue reading Zero-Covid Protests in the Chinese Surveillance State
Can Integrated Deterrence Work?
November 30, 2022 09:05 - 26.5 MBThe Biden administration released its National Defense Strategy in late October that laid out how the Department of Defense will implement the President’s National Security Strategy. The concept of “integrated deterrence” is at the core of the 2022 National Defense Strategy. What is integrated deterrence? Can it work to address increasingly complex security challenges faced … Continue reading Can Integrated Deterrence Work?
Understanding Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign and What Comes Next
November 29, 2022 17:04Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral Castle on Sept. 8, 2022, at age 96, after ruling for seventy years. Following her death, thousands worldwide paid tribute in an elaborate ten-day mourning sequence called Operation London Bridge. King Charles III now inherits a pandemic-torn nation fraught with inflation. What comes next for Britain? … Continue reading Understanding Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign and What Comes Next
Understanding QueExplaining Israelnulls Reign and What Comes Next
November 29, 2022 17:04Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral Castle on Sept. 8, 2022, at age 96, after ruling for seventy years. Following her death, thousands worldwide paid tribute in an elaborate ten-day mourning sequence called Operation London Bridge. King Charles III now inherits a pandemic-torn nation fraught with inflation. What comes next for Britain? … Continue reading Understanding Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign and What Comes Next
Explaining Israel’s Protest to Iran Nuclear Negotiations
November 29, 2022 17:04In 2015, The United States, China, France, Russia, Britain, and the EU signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and agreed to lift sanctions on Iran. In exchange, Iran agreed to halt its nuclear program. Under the JCPOA, Iran was prohibited from enriching uranium with a concentration of over 3.67% of uranium 235, which … Continue reading Explaining Israel’s Protest to Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Understanding QueExplaining Israelnulls Reign and What Comes Next
November 29, 2022 17:04In 2015, The United States, China, France, Russia, Britain, and the EU signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and agreed to lift sanctions on Iran. In exchange, Iran agreed to halt its nuclear program. Under the JCPOA, Iran was prohibited from enriching uranium with a concentration of over 3.67% of uranium 235, which … Continue reading Explaining Israel’s Protest to Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Deadly Floods in Pakistan
November 29, 2022 17:03Beginning mid-June and ending late August, the monsoonal rainfall poured ceaselessly over Pakistan, submerging one-third of the country, particularly the southern provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. It was the wettest August has been since 1961 with almost 15 inches of rain a day, displacing over 33 million people, killing around 1,700 individuals, and wrecking two … Continue reading Deadly Floods in Pakistan
Young Iranians Go to the Streets
November 19, 2022 11:05 - 47.3 MBThe death of a 22-year-old Iranian woman sparked widespread youth and women-led protests in Iran. In this episode, we will discuss how protests have evolved and how governments around the world have responded. Vali Nasr, Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS, joins us today to discuss the demonstrations in … Continue reading Young Iranians Go to the Streets
The Party of General Secretary Xi
November 14, 2022 12:05 - 29.5 MBThe 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held from October 16 to October 22, 2022. Xi Jinping officially secured his third term in office and cemented his power over the communist party state. Neil Thomas, senior analyst at the Eurasia Group, joins us today to discuss the party of General Secretary Xi. … Continue reading The Party of General Secretary Xi
Blocking Chips to China
November 09, 2022 18:04 - 22 MBSemiconductors, the “brain” of modern electronics, are essential to industrial, commercial, and military systems in an increasingly digitized global economy. Last month, the Biden administration announced sweeping new restrictions on semiconductor technology exports to China. Dr. James Lewis, Senior Vice President and Director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International … Continue reading Blocking Chips to China
Biden’s Africa Strategy
November 04, 2022 12:05 - 43.3 MBPresident Biden announced the “U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa” on August 8, 2022. In this episode, we examine the goals of this strategy and how it differs from how previous administrations have approached U.S. relations with Africa. What tangible actions will ensure the success of the administration’s strategy? What does the realization of this vision … Continue reading Biden’s Africa Strategy
The Rise of the k-Defense Industry
October 31, 2022 12:05 - 41.9 MBSouth Korea is an emerging player in the global arms market at a time when the demand for military equipment is rising around the world. South Korean defense exports are expected to reach $10 billion in 2022, nearly tripling the figure from 2020. Will “k-defense” emerge as a major item in an already long list … Continue reading The Rise of the k-Defense Industry
Political Turmoil in Thailand
October 26, 2022 12:05 - 35.4 MBIn September of this year, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that the country’s prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, can remain in office despite the end of his eight-year term. In this episode, we discuss Thailand’s move toward authoritarianism, the role of the monarchy and other institutions in the country’s political network, and the recent protest movements which … Continue reading Political Turmoil in Thailand
Brazil’s Vote: 2022 Elections
October 21, 2022 14:41 - 26.1 MBOn October 2, Brazil held its general elections, leading to a run-off between candidates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Jair Bolsonaro scheduled for October 30. Brian Winter, the editor-in-chief of the publication Americas Quarterly, joins me today to discuss the two candidates, their individual approaches to their campaign, and how the election results reflect … Continue reading Brazil’s Vote: 2022 Elections
2022 Kenyan Elections
October 12, 2022 12:05 - 40.8 MBIn August, Kenya held elections to determine who’d succeed long-time president Uhuru Kenyatta. William Ruto ultimately entered office on September 13th, as the country’s 5th president since its independence, amidst a national controversy over the election results. Saskia Brechenmacher joins me on the podcast to discuss the 2022 Kenyan general election, its implications for Kenya, … Continue reading 2022 Kenyan Elections
FP Toolbox: Soft Power
October 07, 2022 17:15 - 30 MBIn this foreign policy toolbox episode, we discuss soft power, its modern use, and its relevance in contemporary politics and conflict. Joining us today is Professor Joseph Nye, who coined the term “soft power.” FP Toolbox: Soft Power Episode Credits: Editor: Lidie Ataoguz Hosts: Jina Lim, Julia An
Defending Taiwan
October 03, 2022 14:29 - 59.8 MBIn this episode, we examine the United States’ relationship with Taiwan, the future of its strategic ambiguity policy, and the increasingly aggressive Chinese posture toward Taiwan. Joining us on the podcast is Dr. Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Defending Taiwan Episode Credits: Editor: Leo Kamer Hosts: Julia An, Chris H. Park
An Overheating World
September 28, 2022 13:03 - 32.7 MBSummer 2022 was one of the hottest summers on record, and intense heat waves have become a regular facet of the worsening global climate crisis. Alice Hill joins me on this episode to discuss a world overheating, its devastating impact on our health, infrastructure, and agriculture, and how we can best prepare for record-breaking temperatures. … Continue reading An Overheating World
Modern Espionage
September 23, 2022 12:05 - 43.3 MBThe work of the government has transformed to accord with an increasingly digitized world. How has the change in technology transformed espionage? On today’s episode, we explore modern espionage, its evolution since the Cold War, and its role in current foreign relations. We consider the future of espionage and international security as technology continues to … Continue reading Modern Espionage
The Future of Censorship and Free Speech
September 19, 2022 18:20 - 32.5 MBOn August 12, 2022, novelist Salman Rushdie was almost fatally stabbed nearly thirty years after the Iranian Supreme leader issued a fatwa placing a several million dollar bounty on the novelist’s life. This attack has shined a spotlight onto the state of free speech worldwide. How have states cracked down on free speech? And in … Continue reading The Future of Censorship and Free Speech
Afghanistan: One Year Later
September 01, 2022 18:34 - 58.4 MBAugust 15 marks one year since the Taliban took over Kabul after the U.S. withdrawal. Afghanistan has since undergone dramatic changes. Outside monitors have raised human rights concerns, as the Taliban implemented changes to women’s rights, education systems, and activism. We explore the current political structure and economic state of the country under the Taliban’s … Continue reading Afghanistan: One Year Later