Global Tides

How is it possible for one state to practice both authoritarian politics, and democratic/pluralist politics at the same time? In our final episode of the season, we talk to Dr. Rizkallah about this question. She discusses her recent research about Lebanon, and how the end of their civil war affected various groups in the country differently, producing these results. 

Climate change is a hot topic in the 21st century, and the international community is increasing its efforts to find collective solutions. Three talented Pepperdine students had the opportunity to attend the recent COP28 conference which discusses this very issue. We sit down with one of these students, Londyn Johnson, to discuss her experiences at COP along with the most valuable lessons she learned moving forward. 

Most of the Pepperdine community has experience studying abroad, but not many of us actually move abroad for our whole college experience. In today’s episode, we sit down with William, Sophie, and Fabian, some of Pepperdine’s very own international students from China, Germany, and Bolivia. They discuss their cultures, their motivations for coming to the U.S. to study, and their experience at Pepperdine!

Pepperdine is well-known for our abroad programs, and especially how transformative they can be in our students’ lives. This has really been true for RJ Wicks, who has participated in 4 international programs during his time at Pepperdine! We sat down to talk about what made each program special, the different cultures within the various countries, and some of his advice to future travelers. 

We hear so often about countries joining international organizations, but we never really hear about the flip side of this: what happens when countries leave these organizations? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Vabulas about her new research titled, Exit from International Organizations. She discusses why countries are suspended, or why they withdraw from important institutions, and the implications of these exits. 

This season of Global Tides is hosted by Sydney Nystrom and Lindsay Hall, two students in the International Studies division at Pepperdine. This season will highlight the new research of several professors, and a variety of student experiences from COP28 to their journeys abroad. We can't wait to bring you Global Tides, Unfiltered. Enjoy!

Now more than ever, the importance of critical, analytical thinking is a crucial asset to tackling today’s biggest global challenges. Philosophical thinking offers us a direct avenue to in-depth analysis. For our final episode, we sit down with Senior Philosophy and Sustainability double major Lauren Chivers to discuss her experience in Pepperdine’s philosophy division and how philosophical ideas have helped her understand her approach to climate change and sustainability. 

"Pleasant Porridge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ancient Mystery Waltz (Presto)" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Having an experienced, knowledgeable research mentor is an invaluable asset to writing a senior honors thesis - especially when your passions align. In today’s episode, we sit down with professor of Political Science here at Pepperdine Dr. Karie Riddle, and senior Political Science major Jessica Odishoo to discuss their respective research. Through their research and this discussion, Dr. Riddle and Jessica emphasize the often-overlooked lived experiences of marginalized groups and encourage an intersectional perspective when tackling global issues.

"Pleasant Porridge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ancient Mystery Waltz (Presto)" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Outside of the classroom at Pepperdine, many faculty members encourage academic and personal development through unique experiences such as external conferences. Today, we sit down with senior International Studies major Charlotte Davis, along with senior Economics, Hispanic Studies, and International Studies triple major Carter Lentz to discuss their unique experiences attending international-relations focused military conferences. In today’s episode, Charlotte and Carter share their experiences drafting policy memos, discussing nuclear deterrents, and living in the military dorms with current cadets at the Air Force Academy and West Point respectively.

"Pleasant Porridge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ancient Mystery Waltz (Presto)" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Four years as an undergraduate student at Pepperdine University fly by, and the question of what comes next can seem very daunting. But, the future is bright and good things are right around the corner. To highlight this, we speak with 3 outstanding Pepperdine alumni who have gone on to become very successful in their careers. First, we have Kylie Jones, a 2022 graduate from Pepperdine and now works in nuclear policy in DC. Second, we have Joey Gasperi, a 2021 graduate who is finishing up his graduate degree at Duke University in Tech Ethics and Policy. Finally, we have Reagan Shane, also a 2021 graduate from Pepperdine and now works in her home state of Colorado as a Legislative and Policy Advocate responsible for advocating county interests before the state legislature. With these three impressive alumni, we hear about their recent accomplishments and any advice they have for those entering the world as a Pepperdine graduate.

"Pleasant Porridge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Ancient Mystery Waltz (Presto)" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/