World Policy On Air
World Policy On Air is a podcast from the pages and website of World Policy Journal featuring former Newsweek On Air host David Alpern and conversations with experts and journalists from around the globe.
World Policy On Air, Ep. 112: "All Else Follows"
“Freedom is the freedom to say two plus two equals four. If that is granted, all else follows.” - George Orwell, 1984. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, sales of the iconic, dystopian novel have jumped 9500 percent. In this week’s episode of World Policy On Air, we preview…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 111: "Worst Case Scenario"
With plans for a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping next month still unconfirmed, Premier Li Keqiang stated that China hoped to avoid a trade war but pointed out the harm this outcome would cause to U.S. firms. On this week's episode of World Policy On Air, New York…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 110: "Cold War Bromance"
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have denied rumors of a "Cold-War bromance," but evidence of the Trump administration's ties to Russia appears to be piling up. On this week's episode of World Policy On Air, we talk about the future of U.S.-Russia relations with New School Russian expert and World…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 109: "Changing Horses"
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's support for the Russian-brokered cease-fire in Syria continued a trend of closer ties with Russia and increasing distance from the U.S. On the latest episode of World Policy On Air, World Policy Institute fellow and Turkey expert Elmira Bayrasli assesses what Erdoğan's geopolitical maneuvering means…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 108: "Racist in the Machine"
The world was stunned last year when Tay, Microsoft’s premier Twitter chatbot, evolved from innocent social media consumer to a sexist, racist troll after operating only a few hours. On the latest episode of World Policy On Air, cybersecurity expert Megan Garcia explains why governments and companies must be conscious…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 107: "Good Girls Revolt"
A new wave of feminism is quietly sweeping through China amid the government’s recent crackdown on freedoms of assembly and expression. On this week's episode of World Policy On Air, historian Maura Elizabeth Cunningham considers the likely outcomes of activists' efforts to advance women’s rights in the face of a…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 106: "Partnering Up"
Winning hearts and minds in the war against Islamist terrorism benefits from partnering with religious leaders—not blaming them. On this week’s episode of World Policy On Air, Manal Omar of the U.S. Institute of Peace talks about missteps in U.S. policy and better ways to conduct digital and conventional diplomacy.
World Policy On Air, Ep. 105: "A Seat at the Table"
Fighting to provide women a "seat at the table" in the political process in countries like Kenya and Somalia involves challenges beyond cultural tradition and harmful stereotypes. On the latest episode of World Policy On Air, Nairobi-based political analyst Nanjala Nyabola discusses parliamentary quota systems in East Africa and what…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 104: "Islands Apart"
Protests in Egypt against government plans to cede two uninhabited islands to Saudi Arabia are indicative of increasingly strained relations between the two nations. On the latest episode of World Policy On Air, Cairo-based journalist Sarah El Sirgany explores divergent Egyptian and Saudi approaches to Islamic extremism, foreign aid, oil,…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 103: The Common Good
Despite its prevalence around the world, capitalism has many pitfalls — from economic inequality and environmental degradation to inhumane living and working conditions in the quest for higher profits. On this week’s episode of World Policy On Air, author Christian Felber talks about his new book, "Change Everything: Creating an…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 102: Putin's Brinksmanship
With even Donald Trump conceding evidence of Russia's interference in the U.S. presidential elections, Vladimir Putin's efforts to effect global political change should not be underestimated—but that ability to meddle should not be confused with strength, argues Olga Oliker, Russia and Eurasia program director at the Center for Strategic and…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 101: Foreign Policy, Interrupted
Although women are increasingly among the top graduates from advanced degree programs in foreign policy, the media too often relies on a proverbial old boys’ club to supply international expertise for op-eds and panel discussions. On this week’s episode of World Policy On Air, Istanbul-based correspondent Lauren Bohn discusses the…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 100: "Bring Me the Ethiopian Jews"
Ethiopian Jews have faced discrimination in Israel since they were first invited to immigrate in 1977. On this week's episode of World Policy On Air, World Policy Journal's Omri Bezalel discusses Ethiopian Israelis' ongoing struggle for equal rights.
World Policy On Air, Ep. 99: In Defense of Peace
A deal to end the decades-long struggle between the Colombian government and FARC rebels was narrowly defeated in a referendum split largely between middle-class, urban voters and the communities most directly affected by the conflict. On today's episode of World Policy On Air, Colombia human rights advocate Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli explains…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 98: The Trump-Brexit Appeal
Months after the Brexit vote and with a Trump presidency fast approaching, is France next in line for a nativist victory? On today's episode of World Policy On Air, British political blogger Jonathan Stubbs examines how Republican presidential nominee François Fillon has shifted his rhetoric to appeal to a growing…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 97: Hong Kong's Reclamation
The 1972 U.N. decision to remove Hong Kong from a list of territories deserving self-determination got minimal media coverage at the time. On today's episode of World Policy On Air, NYU master's degree candidate Jeffrey Ngo talks about his work with Joshua Wong, leader of the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement, to…
World Policy On Air, 96: The Death of Fidel Castro
The passing of revolutionary Fidel Castro this week triggered public mourning on the streets of Havana, marking a milestone in Cuba's transition to a younger generation of political leaders. On today's episode of World Policy On Air, World Policy Institute fellow Lissa Weinmann considers the future of the island nation…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 95: "The Currency of History"
From bartering to coins, paper, and virtual currency, economic transfers have taken many forms over the centuries to facilitate finance and trade. Yet, as historian Rebecca L. Spang explains on today's episode of World Policy On Air, the narrative tying changes in money to technological progress obscures the political aspects…
World Policy On Air, 94: Challenges and Opportunities in the Arctic
As the effects of climate change pose new challenges in the Arctic, melting ice and warmer temperatures also present economic opportunities. On the latest episode of World Policy On Air, Inuuteq Holm Olsen, the first Greenland representative at the Danish embassy in Washington, explains how the semi-autonomous nation is working…
World Policy On Air, Ep. 93: The "Unthinkable"
From TPP to NAFTA, President-elect Donald Trump’s stated positions on free trade will directly and negatively impact many of those who voted for him in Tuesday’s election. On today’s episode of World Policy On Air, World Policy Institute fellow Jonathan Cristol assesses the implications of Trump’s policies for the global…