Nutshell Politics

In this greatest hits week, we take a look back at a January episode on some of the unique aspects to America's founding, its early development, and how its foreign policy has changed over the years since, all the way up until today.

In this week's episode, we examine the concept and history behind human rights at the individual level. What is a "human right", when did the concept emerge, and why are they so controversial?

This week, we examine a group that was recently in the news for losing their final city stronghold in Syria, the infamous Islamic State (or ISIS). We discuss their history, their leader, their unique ideology, and where we go from here. Have they actually been defeated? What did they really believe? Where did they come from?

In this week's episode, we honor Women's History Month by taking a look at the concept of matriarchy and matrilineal societies, female-led cultures. We start by discussing a few historical cases, then move into modern tribes/groups that exhibit matriarchal traits.

In this week's episode, we take a look at the recent developments surrounding Brexit, the U.K.'s move to leave the European Union. A big date is coming up by the end of the month, so we take a look back at why the U.K. voted to leave, what some of the challenges are, and possibly what will happen next.

A replay of one of my most popular, most played episodes on the history of modern terrorism, from September! I'll be back with a brand new episode next week!

In this week's episode, we look at a trio of current events. We kick things off with a brief discussion of the recent summit between President Trump and Kim Jong-un of North Korea. Then, we move into a look at last week's flare-up in relations between India and Pakistan. Finally, we close things out with a talk about a terrorist, Hamza bin Laden. You probably recognize that name, as he's the 30 year old son of the infamous Osama bin Laden and the U.S. recently put out a $1 million reward for information on his whereabouts.

In this week's episode, we take a look at Hoda Muthana, a 24-year-old from Alabama who ran away to join ISIS, but now has renounced the ideology and wants to return home with her young son. Why did she do it? What will happen next?

In this week's episode, we examine the concept of a "State of Emergency". President Trump recently declared one over border security, so what is it? What others exist? What does it mean? What happens next?

In this week's episode, we discuss the oddly symbiotic nature of the relationship between the media and terrorist organizations, where each benefits from the other. We start by talking about "old media", like newspapers and mainstream media organizations, but finish with the benefits and dangers of "new" or social media.