Beyond the Headlines

As the world undergoes transformative shifts, the international liberal order—once the cornerstone of global governance—is facing unprecedented challenges. Mistrust in multilateral institutions, reconfigured global supply chains, and the advent of a new digital age are reshaping the rules of engagement. In this week’s episode of Beyond the Headlines, we explore the pressing questions of whether the liberal order can endure, what alternatives might emerge, and the potential shape of a new world order. This conversation delves into the crossroads of international relations, addressing the forces redefining global dynamics and the implications for the future.

Our guest this week is Akaash Maharaj, a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Ambassador-at-Large for the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). With an academic foundation in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University and a career dedicated to advancing good governance and the rule of law, Akaash brings invaluable expertise to the table. From addressing the United Nations on prosecuting kleptocrats to championing anti-corruption initiatives worldwide, his insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping the global order.

Tune in to Beyond the Headlines to join this thought-provoking discussion. Don’t miss this compelling episode as we uncover where we stand in the world today and what lies ahead. Available on all platforms, streaming now!

Produced by: Mia Sunner and Julia Brahy

The 2025 federal election comes at a critical juncture for Canada, with national conversations focusing on major challenges such as the rising cost of living, climate action, infrastructure development, and government transparency. These pressing issues are shaping the platforms of candidates and nomination contestants alike as they propose solutions to address Canadians' most urgent concerns.

Affordability remains a top priority for many voters. Across the country, rising housing costs, inflation, and stagnant wages are creating economic pressures that require immediate attention. Proposals to increase housing supply through policy reforms and interprovincial cooperation have gained traction as potential remedies to the housing crisis. Similarly, Canada’s response to climate change is a key election theme, with debates surrounding carbon taxes, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to modernize public infrastructure.

Infrastructure development is another pressing concern, as outdated systems hinder economic growth and connectivity. Calls for modernization, including the introduction of high-speed rail and improved interprovincial trade networks, reflect the need for long-term solutions to these challenges. Meanwhile, institutional transparency and accountability are under scrutiny, with Canadians demanding reforms to government systems, particularly around access to information and decision-making processes.

Amid these broader national issues, local nomination contests are determining who will represent Canadians in Parliament. In Burlington, Connor Fraser is campaigning for the Conservative Party nomination. With a professional background in engineering, finance, and public policy, Fraser has centered his platform on addressing housing affordability, economic modernization, and public safety. He has also emphasized the importance of transparency in governance and collaboration between federal and provincial governments to reduce trade barriers and strengthen economic competitiveness.

As Canadians prepare to head to the polls, the choices made at both the nomination and federal election levels will shape the nation’s path forward. These decisions will influence how Canada addresses its critical challenges and builds a future that balances sustainability, affordability, and prosperity for all.

Produced by: Julia Brahy

CIUT 89.5 FM, Toronto’s only independent, open-format radio station, is hosting its Fall Fundraising Campaign from November 18th to November 24th, 2024, with a goal of raising $100,000 to keep this vital community resource thriving. Powered by over 80 unique hosts, CIUT delivers diverse programming that reflects the heart of our city. Your support ensures this unique platform remains accessible to all—donations can be made online at www.ciut.fm or by calling 416-946-7800 (local) or 1-888-204-8976 (toll-free). Contributions of $89.50 or more grant membership, while a $500 donation lets you host a two-hour music show; all donors receive a retro glow-in-the-dark t-shirt as a token of appreciation.

Help us keep The Sound of Your City alive!

One's identity frequently serves as a cornerstone for one's sense of belonging, often intertwined with their traditions and heritage. The case of Iberian Jews compelled to convert to Christianity, underscores their remarkable duality and resilience required to uphold their traditions and beliefs. These covert observances, deemed as Judaizing, were punishable by severe penalties, including execution by Inquisitional authorities in Spain and Portugal. The legacy of these Crypto-Jews persists in their descendants to this day.

India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the world's most populous country, India is in the midst of its largest general elections, with a staggering 969 million eligible voters, making it the biggest election the world has ever seen.

While experiencing rapid economic growth and projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, India is also facing concerns about the curtailment of democratic freedoms and minority rights and the rise of Hindu nationalism. 

In this week's episode, we delve into the complexities of India's current political environment, from the reshaping of its domestic politics to its strategic importance on the global stage. 

In the first part, I speak with Professor Sumit Ganguly to explore the last decade of India's domestic political landscape under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Narendra Modi. We also examine the significance of Prime Minister Modi's larger-than-life persona, as well as concerns about democratic backsliding.

The second part of the episode is focused on India's foreign policy and diplomacy. Professor TV Paul shares insights on Ind ia's more assertive and globally engaged approach to international relations, and examines its evolving relationships with key partners. 

The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024)

In our upcoming episode, we embark on a journey through the intricate realm of sustainable innovation and carbon markets, illuminating their profound significance in sculpting a pathway towards a net-zero future in the 21st century. As the spectre of climate change looms large, confronting humanity with unprecedented environmental challenges, the imperative to curtail carbon emissions has emerged as a paramount concern. Against this backdrop, carbon markets stand as a beacon of hope, offering a multifaceted approach to not only mitigate emissions but also spur ingenuity and progress. Through the lens of this episode, we endeavour to unravel the complexities surrounding carbon market development, shedding light on the latest advancements and ingenious solutions that are propelling sustainability to the forefront of global discourse. From innovative technologies to transformative policies, we delve into the diverse array of strategies deployed to catalyze emission reductions and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of carbon markets, uncovering their transformative potential to reshape our trajectory towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

To tackle this issue head on, we have invited Professor Jim Whitestone of the University of Toronto and Mrs. Adi Dunkelman from ClearBlue Markets to shed better light on this topic.

In a day and age where technological innovation and information

In today’s episode, we delve deep into the critical issues surrounding gender equality in Canada, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the major challenges and developments in gender equality, paying special attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence during this period and how it varies across different regions in the country. Our conversation then extends to examining areas where Canada shows promising signs of gender equality, along with an in-depth look at the care economy. We discuss Canada's response to the care economy during and after the pandemic, comparing it with global best practices.

Content warning: Please be aware that in this episode, we will be discussing topics related to gender-based violence, which might be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

*Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children.

Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding the systemic abuses inflicted upon Indigenous children and communities, we examine the roots of the residential school system and its devastating effects on Indigenous cultures and identities.

In the first segment, Kaila Johnston provides an overview of the history of residential schools in Canada, discussing their role within the broader context of colonialism and the suppression of Indigenous cultures. She also explains the methods used within the system to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures and clarifies the term "cultural genocide." Kaila addresses common misunderstandings about residential schools, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their impact on Indigenous communities.

Tyler Pennock then discusses the long-term impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, focusing on intergenerational trauma and cultural loss. They emphasize the crucial need for Canadians to acknowledge and confront the truth of residential schools for reconciliation. Tyler also discusses Indigenous storytelling and knowledge, providing guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians seeking to educate themselves further. 

Further resources:

Residential School history.

Learn whose land you are on.

Justice, D., Carleton, S., Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism (mentioned by Kaila).

Tyler Pennock’s website.

Indian Horse’s movie trailer (mentioned by Kaila).

Books for adults on the topic of residential schools.

This episode examines China’s dramatic transformation over recent decades, transitioning from rapid economic growth and liberalization, particularly post its 2001 WTO accession, to a phase of increased tensions with Western nations. This shift, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and internal policy shifts, demands a deeper, more nuanced understanding that goes beyond traditional top-down analyses. The focus is on a bottom-up approach that prioritizes gaining insights directly from individuals who have been actively involved in and have firsthand experience of these changes. This narrative offers a concise yet comprehensive view of China's changing role in the global landscape and its complex implications both at home and abroad.