GLOBAL AFFAIRS TALK

Interns James and Leah take the mic to unpack the meteoric rise of 36-year-old Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military leader who’s shaking up the continent’s political conversation. Is he the fresh face of African self-determination, resistance, and Pan-African pride or just the latest in a long line of military rulers with bold promises?

In this candid conversation, James and Leah explore:

• How Burkina Faso’s political and security turmoil set the stage for Traoré’s takeover

• His bold stance against neocolonial influence and why it resonates across Africa

• The thin line between revolutionary leadership and authoritarian control

• What his story might signal for other African nations in flux

In this episode of Global Affairs Talk, we explore the escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies: the United States and China. With trade restrictions tightening, diplomatic pressure rising, and global supply chains shifting, what does the 2025 US–China trade war mean for the global economy? Host Ewaoluwa sits down with Professor Paul Obi Ani, an expert in international political economy, to unpack the roots of the conflict, the key sectors impacted, and the broader geopolitical consequences.

Whether you’re an international relations student, a policymaker, or just globally curious, this episode delivers sharp analysis, expert insights, and real-world context.

Key Topics:

• What triggered the 2025 phase of the US–China trade war?

• Economic fallout for Asia, Africa, and Europe

• Technology, tariffs, and global power shifts

• Is this a new Cold War?

Listen now and stay informed.

In this episode of Global Affairs Talk, we explore the key highlights of the Gaza War that erupted in 2023. From the surprise Hamas attack on Israel in October to Israel’s large-scale military response, we break down the major events, military strategies, and humanitarian crisis that defined the conflict’s first year. We also discuss the international reaction, the war’s impact on Israeli and Palestinian politics, and what the future might hold. Join us for a deep dive into one of the most significant and devastating conflicts in recent history.

In this episode, we break down Israel’s powerful address at the UN General Assembly amidst the escalating Israel-Gaza war. We’ll explore the key messages in the speech, Israel’s defense of its military actions, and how global powers are reacting. From U.S. support to divided European opinions and critical responses from Arab nations, we analyze the international community’s stance and the potential diplomatic outcomes of the conflict. Tune in for a deep dive into the speech’s global impact and what it means for the future of this war.

In this episode, we explore Hezbollah's critical role in the recent Middle East escalation and its deep ties to Iran. As tensions rise between Israel and Hamas, we examine how Hezbollah acts as a proxy for Iran, shaping regional dynamics and influencing the broader conflict. Tune in to understand the geopolitical implications and what this could mean for the future of the Middle East.

This episode explores the recent escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war and its far-reaching consequences. As Russia intensifies its missile strikes and Ukraine pushes forward with successful counter-offensives, the conflict shows no signs of slowing down. We’ll discuss how the war reshapes global energy markets, disrupts food supplies, and alters geopolitical dynamics. What are the possible outcomes? Could this lead to prolonged fighting, or is there potential for diplomatic resolution? Tune in for a brief yet insightful look at what might come next in this critical global conflict.

In this episode, we explore the expanding role of China in Africa, focusing on how infrastructure development and financial investments are reshaping the continent. We discuss China’s massive infrastructure projects like railways, ports, and highways, which have brought significant economic benefits but also raised concerns about debt and sovereignty. We also delve into China’s investments in key sectors such as mining, telecommunications, and agriculture, and how these partnerships influence Africa’s economic growth and global standing. Finally, we examine the social and geopolitical impacts, including the opportunities for development and the challenges around governance, environmental sustainability, and public perception. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how China’s engagement transforms Africa and what it means for the future of global trade and politics.

In this episode, we explore the evolving relationship between Russia and North Korea, examining how shifting global dynamics have brought these two isolated nations closer together. We delve into the strategic motivations behind their alliance, the potential implications for international security, and what this partnership means for the global balance of power. Join us as we unpack this convenience alliance's complexities in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, we tackle the UN Security General's groundbreaking call for an African country to join the ranks of the UN Security Council's permanent members. We explore the historical context, potential candidates, and global reactions to this proposal, and discuss its implications for the future of international governance. Tune in as we rethink global power dynamics and consider what an African seat could mean for the Security Council and the world.

In this episode, we dive deep into the workings of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and explore its vital role in promoting global justice. The ICC is a cornerstone of international law, established to prosecute individuals for the gravest offences, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

We begin by tracing the origins of the ICC, explaining how it was created under the Rome Statute in 2002 and its mandate to hold individuals accountable for atrocities that shock the conscience of humanity. Our discussion covers the court’s jurisdiction, the types of cases it handles, and the process by which cases are brought before the ICC.

Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of prosecuting cases at the international level, including the challenges of gathering evidence, securing witness testimony, and navigating the often-politicized nature of international justice. We also explore some landmark cases that the ICC has prosecuted, shedding light on how these cases have shaped the court's reputation and impact on global justice.

Finally, we discuss the criticisms and controversies surrounding the ICC, including issues of fairness, accusations of bias, and the difficulties of enforcing its rulings. Despite these challenges, the ICC remains a crucial institution in the global fight against impunity, striving to deliver justice where it is most needed.

Join us as we unpack the intricate processes of the ICC and consider its ongoing role in the pursuit of international justice