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 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 6: Can we invest during conflict?
Image by AFP/Getty Images
In September 2017, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launched the new endeavour entitled “Humanitarian Impact Bonds” (HIBS) with the intention to sanction money from the private sector towards development in conflict zones. But can this be of benefit? How does it work and if it does work, how do we spread the word? We discuss more about the potential for HIBs in today’s episode.
