Matters Of State - Under-reported Issues In World News & International Relations

Al-Qaeda has pervaded international headlines for years, but how much do you really know about the Islamist militant group? In this episode, we explore how the group is organized, how it is decentralized across many countries, and  how it is funded. Structure Al-Qaeda has become somewhat decentralized over the years. It is not a monolithic organization... The post Al-Qaeda’s Global Network appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Organized crime groups are using new technology to stay steps ahead of authorities. In this episode, we discuss how criminal groups have used technology like cell towers, and how they may soon use technology like 3D printing. The post Organized Crime & New Technology appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

What is universal basic income (UBI)? In this episode explore why people like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are advocating for UBI while others argue against it. What is It? Universal Basic Income generally refers to a form of social security in which every resident of a country receives a check from their government regardless of their income or... The post Universal Basic Income appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

As the world becomes more reliant on space-based capabilities for everyday use,  leaders across the world have expressed concern about the vulnerability of space assets. In this episode, we detail weaponized threats to space systems, military threats emanating from space, and efforts to mitigate such threats.  Land-Based and Space-Based Weaponry For decades, militaries have leveraged... The post The Militarization of Space appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

From acquisition of equipment to finances and personnel, peacekeeping missions are massive, complicated endeavors. To help us understand the logistics peacekeeping missions and the partnerships that make them work, we spoke with Dr. Paul Williams, an expert on security, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping. For a more in depth analysis and policy recommendations, we recommend Dr.... The post Logistics of Peacekeeping Missions appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The disputed region of Kashmir and Jammu has endured persistent conflict since Indian and Pakistani independence in 1947. Militancy and fears of nuclear escalation abound as both states and state-sponsored groups battle for control and influence in the area. A History of Conflict A Himalayan region bordering India, Pakistan, and China — Kashmir and Jammu was... The post Understanding the Kashmir Conflict appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Bangladesh is a country with a significant gender gap, steeped in patriarchal tradition. So it may come as a surprise that its Prime Minister is a woman. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on PM Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina, who is the daughter of Bangladesh’s first president, has been the leader of her party... The post Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s Female PM appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Which emerging technologies will become the next game-changers in the international arena? In this episode, we give an overview of three technologies could have significant impacts throughout the world: space-based solar power; artificial intelligence; and voice recognition and computer-based communication. Space-Based Solar Power The United States, China, and Japan are spearheading research and development efforts... The post Possible World-Changing Technologies appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Gun control laws vary from country to country in rigor and effectiveness. In this episode, we explore how countries across the globe differ from the United States in their gun control policies. U.S. Gun Control With less than 5 percent of the world’s population, US citizens own roughly 35-50 percent of the world’s civilian-owned guns. It... The post Gun Control around the World appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

What is Finland’s role in Europe and the broader global community? In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi about Finland’s role in Europe, its relationship with Russia, and her career. US-Finnish Relations The Finnish mission to the United States fosters increased collaboration with the United States on several fronts. Finland is working to promote... The post Speaking with Finland’s Ambassador to the US, Kirsti Kauppi appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Positioned in China’s resource-rich northwestern region, the city of Urumqi is gaining strategic importance as China seeks to diversify its energy resources. However, ethnic and cultural tensions between the Chinese government and Uighur minority population continue to threaten the region’s stability. A Unique City Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang province, which borders eight countries... The post Spotlight: Urumqi appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Africa. This episode explores the dam’s potential benefits, development hurdles, and controversy. An Economic Boon for Ethiopia The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), located 40km east of Sudan on the Blue Nile River, is expected to be completed by summer 2017.... The post The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

What makes a country a country? In this episode, we look at Transnistria, Taiwan, and Somaliland while exploring competing definitions of statehood. Differing Metrics of State Sovereignty The 1648 Treaty of Westphalia, which marked an end to Europe’s 30 Years War, established the modern western concept of statehood, or the idea that the nation-state is the... The post Unrecognized Countries appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Do more nuclear weapons make the world a safer place? Since 1945, nuclear weapons have underpinned the global balance of power. This episode explores the development and practice of nuclear deterrence. Foundation of Nuclear Deterrence Developed in the Cold War, the Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) doctrine is the foundation of nuclear deterrence theory. MAD is the... The post Nuclear Deterrence Theory appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

This episode explores the origins of the Meiji Revolution, how it changed the Japanese society, and how it shaped regional and world dynamics.  A New Era For Japan 150 years ago, the Meiji Restoration restored the central governing power of the Japanese emperor and catapulted Japan into great power status. Japan had been governed under... The post The Meiji Restoration appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Myanmar is experiencing one of the world’s fastest rollouts of mobile phones. What are the political, social, and economic effects of the smartphone revolution in Myanmar? Changing the Political Scene The explosive growth of mobile phones, especially smart phones, in Myanmar over the past several years has helped shape the political scene. Myanmar’s new parliamentary republic... The post Myanmar and Mobile Phones appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

The Panama Canal’s opening in 1914 transformed global trade and fostered economic development in Panama. Today, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Chinese financier Wang Jing are trying to emulate its success by constructing a canal through Nicaragua. The Next Great Canal? President Ortega and Wang are spearheading the Nicaragua Canal proposal. If completed, the $50-80 billion project... The post The Nicaragua Canal appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Since the start of the Cold War, NATO has been the world’s preeminent military alliance. However, escalating hostilities between NATO and Russia are creating geopolitical challenges for NATO members. In this episode, our friend and guest Rachel Rizzo discusses NATO’s changing security environment. An Intergovernmental Military Alliance NATO is a 28-member intergovernmental military alliance established in... The post NATO’s Evolving Security Environment appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

Caribbean island nations are uniquely positioned to become leaders in renewable energy development. How can clean energy in the Caribbean increase energy reliability, lead to job growth, and help the environment?  Today’s guests, Andrew Polich and Chad Johnson from Vittoria Energy Expedition, help us explore the issue. The Caribbean’s Renewable Energy Potential Caribbean island nations have... The post Clean Energy in the Caribbean appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

What has made Pope Francis such a dynamic international figure who has captivated Catholic and non-Catholic audiences worldwide? In this episode, we explore key events that have shaped Pope Francis’ foreign policy. Papal Election The Papal conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio on February 28, 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Bergoglio (who took the... The post Foreign Policy of Pope Francis appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.