RAIA(ffairs)

In this episode, we sat down with Sofia Ena to unpack the leadership of General Abdourahmane Tchiani one year after his coup in Niger. We explore how the junta’s pivot away from Western alliances — and withdrawal from ECOWAS — has deepened insecurity, fueled economic turmoil, and reshaped the region’s geopolitical landscape. From the rise in jihadist attacks and Niger’s growing ties with Russia, to the emergence of new regional players like Morocco, we examine the consequences of Tchiani’s decisions and what they mean for Niger, the Sahel, and power dynamics in West Africa.

Don't forget to read Sofia's article here: https://raiagroup.org/tchianis-cold-strategy-escalating-crisis

In this episode, we sat down with Ángel Rodríguez Moreno to explore how shifting international dynamics have frozen UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s landmark deal to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Originally framed as a bold step in reshaping British foreign policy and addressing colonial injustices, the agreement now faces major obstacles after Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency and the election of Navin Ramgoolam in Mauritius. We discuss how concerns over Diego Garcia’s strategic military role, legal tensions over sovereignty, and the humanitarian crisis surrounding stranded asylum seekers have all complicated the situation, leaving Starmer’s credibility and global ambitions hanging in the balance.

Don't forget to read Ángel's article here: https://raiagroup.org/cold-relations-trump-starmers-chagos

In this episode, we’re joined by Elisa De Angelis to unpack the political crisis facing French President Emmanuel Macron after the 2024 snap elections. Intended to stabilize France’s political landscape, the vote instead deepened divisions, collapsed coalitions, and triggered widespread unrest. We explore how Macron’s leadership is being tested — from controversial immigration reforms to the use of Article 49.3 — and what it all means for France’s democratic future and role in the EU.

Don’t forget to read Elisa’s article here: https://raiagroup.org/macron-cold-navigating-france-political-crisis

In this episode, we sat down with Lilli-Sage Bayes to dive into the political turmoil surrounding Kenyan President William Ruto’s controversial 2023 Finance Bill. What began as an attempt to tackle Kenya’s mounting debt through tax hikes quickly sparked nationwide protests, judicial opposition, and public backlash. We explore how these events have weakened Ruto’s political leadership and cast doubt on his economic promises. With unrest growing and key institutions pushing back, we look at what this crisis means for Ruto’s political future and regional stability across East Africa.

Don't forget to read Lilli's article here: https://raiagroup.org/unrest-erupts-as-rutos-finance-bill-freezes-in-kenya

In this special episode, we sat down with RAIA's director and co-founder, Dario Hasenstab, for an insightful conversation about the origins, evolution, and future of RAIA. We talked about the history of the organization, the idea behind it, as well as its vision and mission in international affairs.

Don't forget to check out our new articles at RAIAGroup.org and to follow us on social media to receive updates on all our new contents.

In this episode, we sat down with Francisco Jeldres and Valeria Flores Siles to explore the groundbreaking work of Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, a three-time Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy and current CEO of the Global Environment Facility. Rodríguez’s innovative Pago por Servicios Ambientales (PSA) program has revolutionized conservation efforts in Costa Rica, increasing forest cover, protecting biodiversity, and reshaping how the world views environmental incentives. We discuss how his leadership has influenced global conservation policies and what lessons can be drawn from his approach to balancing sustainability and economic development.

This episode is the fourth in a series of six as part of the IExRAIA Summer Research Program of 2024. RAIA has invited twelve IE University students to join our think tank and spend 9 weeks researching a figure from around the world to try to answer a simple question: Are they a climate leader?

Don't forget to read Francisco and Valeria's article (https://raiagroup.org/carlos-manuel-rodriguez-turns-up-the-heat-on-global) and report (https://raiagroup.org/ie-university-x-raia-research-program-2024).

In this episode, we sat down with Mariana Gamez and Aimée Wolff to explore the nuanced climate leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh. While celebrated internationally for initiatives like co-founding the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and implementing the Energy Efficiency Conservation Master Plan (EECMP), her leadership faces challenges at home. We discuss her efforts to combat air pollution and reduce short-lived climate pollutants, alongside the institutional barriers and enforcement gaps that have limited progress. Tune in to learn how Sheikh Hasina has positioned Bangladesh as a climate leader while navigating the complexities of policy implementation in a rapidly developing nation.

This episode is the sixth in a series of six as part of the IExRAIA Summer Research Program of 2024. RAIA has invited twelve IE University students to join our think tank and spend 9 weeks researching a figure from around the world to try to answer a simple question: Are they a climate leader?

Don't forget to read Mariana and Aimée's article (https://raiagroup.org/sheikh-hasina-mild-climate-leader) and report (https://raiagroup.org/ie-university-x-raia-research-program-2024).

In this episode, we sat down with Ángel Rodríguez Moreno to discuss the political turmoil in Somaliland as President Muse Bihi faces mounting opposition to a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia. The deal, which promises Ethiopia access to a 20-kilometer shoreline in exchange for recognition, has sparked protests, political resignations, and questions about Bihi’s leadership ahead of November’s presidential elections. We explore how this MoU has exacerbated economic and inter-clan tensions, undermining Somaliland’s claims to stability and recognition. Tune in to understand the stakes for Somaliland’s future and the ripple effects across the Horn of Africa.

Don't forget to read Ángel's article here: https://raiagroup.org/somaliland-and-ethiopia-bihi-elections

In this episode, we sat down with Chiara Ausenda to analyze Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s environmental policy, particularly his ambitious deforestation agenda. Despite significant progress, including a 50% reduction in Amazon deforestation, political obstacles such as state corruption, underfunded agencies, and a resistant Congress have hindered his efforts. We discuss how Lula’s environmental promises align—or conflict—with his development agenda, the pressures from indigenous communities and international donors, and the potential political fallout as Brazil approaches local elections.

Don't forget to read Chiara's article here: https://raiagroup.org/lula-cold-as-deforestation-policy-faces-obstacles

In this episode, we sat down with Nicola Minnaja to unpack Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s new foreign policy initiative, the Mattei Plan. Designed to reshape Italy’s engagement with Africa, this ambitious strategy aims to strengthen energy ties, combat irregular migration, and establish Italy as a pivotal player in the Mediterranean. We explore how Meloni has gained support from key EU figures, like Ursula von der Leyen, and the challenges she faces, including geopolitical competition in Libya and across the region.

Don't forget to read Nicola's article here: https://raiagroup.org/mattei-plan-melonis-hot-foreign-policy-in-africa