The West and many analysts predicted that Russia was bluffing when it said it would invade Ukraine. Which comes as no surprise that everyone was surprised when Russian President Vladimir Putin actually did invade. As the war continues, it’s becoming without a doubt a defining conflict. With the help of our team, we provide key predictions on what we predict will happen in the coming weeks and how this conflict will impact the world order. 

Following the popular uprising in Sudan which saw the overthrow of the Sudanese Dictator Omar Al-Bashir and the launch of the democratic transition in the country, the prospects for democracy have been in question i the lead up to elections. After the imprisionment of Sudanese PM Abdallah Hamdok and the military take over, thousands of Sudanese are declaring the transition over and calling for immediate democratic rule. With the uniqueness and fragility of these dynamics, it's surprising the US is not stepping up in its actions to ensuring sustainable peace and democratic processes being upheld. Is the US missing an opportunity to prove Biden's statement that "America is back"? Should the US get more involved and what should it do?

We speak with Democratic and Electoral Transitions Professional Sherif Alaa in Khartoum and Dr Sharath Srinivasan of Cambridge University and author of When Peace Kills Politics to discuss more.

New Year, New Podcast! We're starting the first episode of the year, with our host Gesu Antonio Baez bringing you the top three things to watch out for in International affairs, which will affect diplomacy, development and business.

WWe’re back! After a very long pause, we’re introducing to you our new season of episodes which are focusing on a key and crucial theme for global affairs - understanding China. Mainly, what is Chinese diplomacy like? What are we getting wrong about China? What is China’s role in sustainable development? And more importantly, how can we engage better with China?

Joining us for our first episode is our own China Political Consultant, Dr Su Yun Woo as we discuss the common misconceptions we are having around China and how we can expand our knowledge around this fascinating (yet polarising) world power.

We're going to be taking a pause to prep for the launch of our brand new season starting in September! With exciting new content and speakers on diplomacy and international development, it’s going to be amazing! Stay tuned!

The Sex Trade is among the biggest - yet most unknown - challenges to the United States.  With millions of Americans being trafficked due to porous social systems and general societal neglect, it has become one of the greatest issues facing sustainable development within the United States. In a series of episodes dedicated to development in the US, we speak with American Journalist and host of the documentary "Sold in America" Noor Tagouri about the challenges, the dynamics and what could potentially be done. 

In March, a group of developed countries including the UK, EU nations and the USA voted to block a waiver on trade regulations to copyright, petitioned by more than 100 developing countries in order to speed up COVID19 vaccine productions. This move has left a lingering scar that could prove to be a permeant shift in diplomacy going forward. This episode analyses the latest development and its implication for years to come.

COVID-19 has forced many policy makers to have key issues on gender equality and women’s health take a backseat. But just because there is a pandemic, does not mean that these issues will be on hold. What are the key global priorities for 2021 for gender equality and women’s health? And what can both policymakers and businesses do to progress them further? On this episode, we speak with Susan Markham of Smash Strategies and former USAID Women’s Empowerment Coordinator and Matt Jackson, UNFPA UK Director to discuss further.

With the incoming presidency of US President Elect Joe Biden due this month, there will be a slew of foreign policy priorities, especially when considering diplomacy and development. Joining us to discuss this are Paul O’Brien, Vice President of Oxfam America and Author of “The Power Switch” (available here) and Dr Steven Heydemann of Smith College to discuss what Biden has to work with and what challenges are at hand.

The COVID-19 outbreak has put a strain on those working in the third and public sector and they struggle to keep aid programs afloat while their lives remain suspended. Yet at the same time, aid workers, humanitarians, charity workers and development professionals are expected work overtime and go above and beyond under straining conditions of lockdown and COVID-19. For this, leadership needs to step up and be more compassionate. On this episode, we speak to Lemonade Media CEO Jessica Cordova Kramer, Sustainability expert Richard Smith and TED Speaker Amel Murphy on the importance of compassionate leadership in the public sector. WARNING: Explicit language used during conversation.