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 61: Conflict in Ethiopia - what is means for diplomacy and development
The conflict surfacing in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray is intensifying as the government in Addis Ababa respond to local TPLF (Tigray Party Liberation Force) endeavours to secure autonomy with a military response. With an information blackout and muddle communication, understanding what is going on is a challenge. Even more so is how this conflict can threaten both the unity of the country and the diplomatic dynamics in the African horn. William Davison, Senior Analyst at International Crises Group speaks with us on The Global Podcast to understand what is going on as well as the implications for diplomacy in the region and development in Ethiopia.
Episode 60: The New Diplomacy - Diplomacy in Business and Tech
Despite the harking of some foreign policy wonks on the end of globalisation, the greater interconnectedness of global affairs and business beckons to differ. And with a great connected world, even during a pandemic, means greater need for diplomacy. On this episode, we discuss the new diplomacy and emergence of diplomatic divisions in both businesses and tech.
Episode 59: The Impact of COVID 19 on Humanitarian Efforts Globally
With consistent discussion on the impact of COVID 19 on the global economy and geopolitics, we forget about the impact of those who work with the most vulnerable. On this episode, we speak with Katie Rickard of Impact Initiatives to discuss the situation on the ground, the gravity of the pandemic and the affect it is having on an already fragile humanitarian situation globally.
Episode 50: Coronavirus and diplomacy - why it matters now more than ever
The coronavirus pandemic has caused not only social isolation and global panic but sudden rupture in global relations and business which can lead to long term damage. During this era of panic and fear, diplomacy is needed now more than ever by businesses and government in order to keep partnerships for social impact during this time of crisis.
Episode 41: A Year in Review
On this episode, we review Episode 8 in which we predicted the top five topics for 2019 in diplomacy and international development. Were we right? Were we wrong? The foredooming episodes will invite key experts where we look at the year and see how it went.
Episode 40: We need partnerships to achieve the SDGs
With almost 10 years to go before the deadline for the SDGs, we're still very much behind in achieving them; this is why partnership is key. In light of our recent article published on Modern Diplomacy, we're making the case for the need for partnership if we want a more sustainable world.
Episode 36: Humanitarian diplomacy revealed
UN agencies such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have immortalised the role of the humanitarian diplomat and the crucial role they play in safeguarding the interests of marginalised communities. But can diplomats for sustainable development be considered humanitarians as well? Or is there a fine line between humanitarian aid and sustainability? We uncover the definition of both and see if both actors have a similar approach in their way of saving the world.
As mentioned in the episode: Osterman, C. "How globalisation didn't start with the local". Social Value UK. 2019.
Episode 28: Religion, diplomacy and development - the need to understand
Religion is a delicate subject but it is crucial to understand in order to ensure development and humanitarian aid is evenly distributed to all stakeholders in many conflict zones. On this podcast, we speak with Prof Mark Juergensmeyer of University of California Santa Barbara to discuss religion and diplomacy in international development - what is the need to understand religious dynamics in post-conflict zones in order to effectively deliver development and aid?
Episode 25: Is diplomacy for development in Venezuela still possible?
Venezuela has been in an economic crisis for years but the situation heightened when the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, was declared interim president by the assembly as a response to current President Nicolas Maduro's management of the country. Since then, the country has been the scene of a dire humanitarian crisis and the pawn of a geopolitical hand at play. Yet while the country's politics goes on, millions flee the country and basic human needs aren't being met. Can diplomacy in international development save Venezuela? Is there a role for NGOs and either state or non-state actors to engage to provide relief and aid for the Venezuelan people? On this episode, we invite Temir Porras Ponceleon (former Foreign Affairs Advisor to Hugo Chavez and former Chief of Staff to Nicolas Maduro), Daniel Lansburg-Rodriguez (Director of Latin America for Greenmantle LLC and Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern Kellogg), and Ryan Lloyd (Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Sao Paulo) to discuss this crucial question - is diplomacy in international development still possible in Venezuela?
NB: This episode was recorded on Monday, 29 April. On 30 April, Juan Guaido declared to have military personnel switch loyalty to declare an end to Maduro. Maduro retains the majority of the Venezuelan army’s backing. However, the situation is still ongoing and still remains unclear. Much of the uncertain and potential for what could occur was forecasted in this podcast.
Episode 21: Political will - what it is and why it matters
Political will is the most used term in global affairs, business and in the NGO sector. But what is it really? Interestingly enough, we do and we don't know much about it. On this episode, we take the time to discuss what is this concept and why it is so crucial for your business, development program or investment if you want to see if grow and become more sustainable.
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 13: What is Impact Investment?
According to the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, there are estimates that in 2018, US $12 trillion was invested in socially responsible investment funds. Impact investing is a rapidly growing industry with a huge potential to bring sustainable social impact. But what is it? In this episode, we dive in to what it is, how it works and how it can help both emerging and developing economies.
Episode 10: Why diplomacy in business?
In a rapidly globalising word, businesses are needing to engage more with governments. And with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations promoting more Private-Public partnerships, businesses are going to need a lot more political tact in order to engage with governments. This means employing diplomacy itself. In this episode, we explain why diplomacy in business is crucial, especially for businesses that foster sustainable development and social impact.
Episode 9: Paul O'Brien of Oxfam on the importance of NGOs working with political will
On today's episode, we speak with Paul O'Brien, VP for Policy and Advocacy at Oxfam America to discuss the importance of NGOs understanding political will in order to push forward both advocacy campaigns and development programs. Often seen as two roads that don't cross, Paul O'Brien goes over why it is important for NGOs to have more political savy when engaging with governments for a more sustainable outcome.
Episode 4: The importance of cross cultural diplomacy (Conversations with Tayo Rockson)
How vital is cross-cultural diplomacy in today’s world? How important is it in business? We invite Tayo Rockson, CEO of UYD Management and speaker of the highly viewed TEDx talk “The Art of Diplomacy” to speak to us what we can learn from diplomats on cultural communication to apply to business and everyday life.
Episode 3: Keeping up with Rwanda
More than 20 years since the horrific Rwandan Genocide leaving around one million Rwandans dead, the country has made a complete 360 degree change, becoming East Africa’s most up-and-coming emerging economy. Listen in to this quick overview and find our how Rwanda is committed to both global growth through sustainability and dynamic development.
Episode 1: What is diplomacy in international development?
In our inaugural episode, we define the key theme in this podcast - diplomacy in international development - and explain why it is vital for international businesses and affairs.
