US foreign policy

Season 2: Episode 2: Should the US do more in Sudan?

Following the popular uprising in Sudan which saw the overthrow of the Sudanese Dictator Omar Al-Bashir and the launch of the democratic transition in the country, the prospects for democracy have been in question i the lead up to elections. After the imprisionment of Sudanese PM Abdallah Hamdok and the military take over, thousands of Sudanese are declaring the transition over and calling for immediate democratic rule. With the uniqueness and fragility of these dynamics, it's surprising the US is not stepping up in its actions to ensuring sustainable peace and democratic processes being upheld. Is the US missing an opportunity to prove Biden's statement that "America is back"? Should the US get more involved and what should it do?

We speak with Democratic and Electoral Transitions Professional Sherif Alaa in Khartoum and Dr Sharath Srinivasan of Cambridge University and author of When Peace Kills Politics to discuss more.

Episode 63: Biden's US Foreign Policy Priorities

With the incoming presidency of US President Elect Joe Biden due this month, there will be a slew of foreign policy priorities, especially when considering diplomacy and development. Joining us to discuss this are Paul O’Brien, Vice President of Oxfam America and Author of “The Power Switch” (available here) and Dr Steven Heydemann of Smith College to discuss what Biden has to work with and what challenges are at hand.

Episode 46: US and Iran tensions - what threats are there to businesses and development?

Photo by farid_ep/iStock / Getty Images

With the US and Iran tensions escalating following the assassination of Iran's Major General Qasem Soleimani by the Trump Administration in Bagdad, rising worry over a potential conflict and heightened misunderstandings on both sides are leading many to question the future of stability in the region. Most importantly, what does this mean for businesses and sustainable development in the region? Bringing clarity to the tension, Sami Hamdi - Editor and Chief of The International Interest, joins us on The Global Podcast to bring both clarity and light to the tension and threats to businesses.

Episode 19: Trump slashes US foreign aid budget - why it's a bad idea

On 11 March 2019, US President Donald Trump slashes the 2020 Budget to US foreign affairs and international aid. This was done in effort to make room for costs to accommodate his proposal of the US-Mexico wall which led to the 35 day US government shutdown early this year. But in his attempt to make America 'great again', he's actually making it much worse, especially in regards to the power which USAID and development programs can yield for American image abroad. We dive in further into today's episode to explain why.

Episode 15: What the hell is the difference? Development diplomacy vs diplomacy in international development

The term 'development diplomacy' has been confused often with diplomacy in international development. On this episode, we take the time to dissect the two, explain their differences and their respective importance in foreign affairs, business and sustainable development.

Episode 12: Life After Economic Sanctions

For years, the preferred method of US Foreign Policy against states deemed dangerous were economic sanctions. From Sudan to Iran, sanctions have proved to be more harmful to the people on the ground than the government. But with sanctions lifted from Sudan in 2017 and the EU rigorously trying for the sake of their businesses to bypass re-emerging sanctions from the USA against Iran, what are the opportunities that lay for NGOs, impact investors and businesses when the curtains of sanctions are lifted? And what is the political will present for them? Our Director and Host Gesu Antonio Baez dives into the question to find out more.