The International Risk Podcast

The International Risk Podcast delves into an analysis of the recent Venezuelan election on the 28th of July 2024. Protesters took to the streets in Venezuela days following the election as opposition leaders criticized the results of the election that saw President Nicolas Maduro secure another 6-year term in power. The opposition’s Maria Corina Machado told reporters that a review of available voting records from the election showed that presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had achieved a “categorical and mathematically irreversible” victory over Maduro. Machado and Gonzalez appeared at protests in the capital. Machado stated, “What we are fighting here is fraud by the regime”. Thousands took to the streets to protest and were met with tear gas and rubber bullets by the police. With 187 protests across 20 states. at least 24 people were killed in incidents related to the election or the demonstrations. Shortly following, the leader of the opposition Gonzalez fled Venezuela to take refuge in Madrid. With political tensions rising between the two parties, Dominic sits down with Juan de Dios Cincunegui to investigate the impact that this election will have on international relations and how it will contribute to international risk. 

Juan de Dios Cincunegui is Director of Cideipp, the International Centre of Parliamentary Studies, Research and Foresight at the School of Politics, Government and International Relations of Universidad Austral in Argentina. As a university professor, he directs the International Program on Parliamentary Diplomacy. He has dictated classes at ISEN (the Diplomatic Training School for Argentina). He is an IVLP Fellow at the US Department of State. He has been working on plural diplomacy for decades. To add to this, Juan is an expert in Administrative Law, Strategic Planning, State Management, Diplomacy and Parliaments. He has extensive professional experience in the public sector and the private sector, diplomacy and international relations.  He has done interviews recently reviewing the foreign policy agenda of the Lower House (Israel-Palestine; Ukraine-Russian Federation; Venezuela; among many others).

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Joseph Daher and Dominic discuss Lebanese and Israeli relations, the case of Palestine, genocide in Gaza, recent Syrian history, and finally what a solution would be.

Joseph Daher, is a Swiss-Syrian academic and activist. He currently teaches at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), and at the University of Ghent (Belgium) and has been an affiliated professor at the European University Institute(EUI). He has worked with the EUI on the conflict in Syria and the aftermath of the war. Herewith Joseph has published multiple papers, which aimed to produce quality, strategic and accurate reports and analysis of wartime perspectives, challenges, trends and policy options in anticipation of post-conflict stabilisation in Syria.

Moreover, Joseph is an expert on Syria, Lebanon, and the Middle East, and has worked for various UN Agencies, NGO’s and research centers in consulting and expert mandates to conduct programs, trainings, and research for them. He is the author of three books: Hezbollah: The Political Economy of Lebanon’s Party of God, Syria After the Uprising: The Political Economy of State Resilience and Palestine and Marxism . Finally, he is the founder of the blog Syria Freedom Forever. He is also co-founder of the Alliance of Middle Eastern and North African Socialists.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

In this episode, Dominic Bowen engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Waqar Rizvi, a multilingual Canadian-Pakistani journalist and strategic policy analyst. Rizvi shares his expertise on the evolving multipolar world order, the complexities of Iranian politics and society, and the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the nuances of Iranian culture, the impact of AI on fact-checking, and the importance of diverse perspectives in global discourse. Rizvi offers valuable insights into the ethical considerations of AI deployment in journalism and emphasizes the need for critical examination of biases in data collection and analysis. This episode provides listeners with a deeper understanding of current geopolitical dynamics and the importance of nuanced, cross-cultural communication in addressing global challenges.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast - Reducing Risk by Increasing Knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates. 

In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Nicholas and Dominic discuss the decision of the British government to make 'extreme' misogyny extremism. They dive into what misogyny is, what the consequences are, the impact on men's mental health, and whether this bill would be a solution. Moreover, they discuss masculinity and what men can do to help other men and women against misogyny.

Nicholas Martin is the CEO of Stay Safe Global and The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust, leading the way in combatting abuse, harassment, and violence through innovative safety programs, organisational consultancy and online resources. He has been internationally lauded for his expertise in creating informed and supportive workspaces on all aspects of personal safety.
Regularly invited as speaker at Google, Nick has discussed workplace inclusiveness, safety, and inclusive support for those affected by intimate partner violence. Through these efforts, he has also consulted specifically with Google Security globally to highlight the rise of online misogyny and its impact on workplace safety.
Beyond his contributions to Stay Safe Global, Nick has made significant strides in his philanthropic ventures, heading The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust which offers free resources to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Furthermore, the charity has created Abuse Awareness In Sport Training and Resources, providing trauma-informed training for coaches, clubs and teams. Ensuring that those impacted by domestic abuse or sexual violence can continue to participate in sport while also creating safe, inclusive spaces where misogyny and toxic behaviour are left with no place to thrive. His dedication to the cause also extends to his work with renowned support organisations like Hestia, No More, Survivors UK, and Mankind.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

The recent thriving in the copper industry is not a surprise. With the high demand in the green energy transition, EV boom production, and Al development which requires copper in its semiconductor production, copper has become one of the most strategically important metals of the century. Top producers of copper are developing world states with unstable domestic situations, such as Peru or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some of these producers pose a threat to U.S. national interests, such as China, leading to economic or trade wars and instability in the business sector. Additionally, countries like Russia, involved in open military conflict with its neighbour and heavily sanctioned by other states, complicate the landscape.

Colin Bennett is an experienced industry and market researcher, a senior and successful leader with many years of combined industry, consulting, communications and management practice. Colin has experience in building and leading teams, and creating highly professional and performing departments. Colin has a proven ability to inspire, build and manage, and with a unique mix of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Colin’s expert metal is Copper!

Krisztina Kalman is the Director of MM Markets an international management consultancy providing strategy, commercial and technical consulting services for the metals, mining and materials sectors. Krisztina has gathered over 20 years of expertise in strategy and management consulting. Her commodity focus has been copper, nickel, aluminium, chromium, steel, gold, PGMs and diamonds. She developed and led a number of relevant projects for clients including several mining majors, metal producers, junior mining companies, investors, and sector bodies. She has a Bachelor degree from the University of Cologne, Germany, and an MBA from NYU Stern Business School New York, USA. 

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk. 

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Rosa Freedman is the inaugural Professor of Law, Conflict and Global Development at the University of Reading. She received her LLB, LLM and PhD from the University of London, and is a non-practising barrister and member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Freedman’s research focuses on the UN and human rights. She has published extensively on UN human rights bodies and systems, and on UN peacekeeping and accountability for human rights abuses. Her published work includes three monographs, five co-edited collections, and articles in the leading international law journals, as well as policy reports commissioned by national and regional bodies and parliaments. She is a visiting fellow at the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism. Freedman has served as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Civil Society Advisory Board on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, a Specialist Adviser on safeguarding to the UK government International Development Committee, and currently sits on a UK FCDO Steering Committee.

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon is not new. Here, the recent developments between Israel and Lebanon are discussed with Rabbi Poupko. We delve into Hezbollah and its relation to Lebanon as well as how citizens and businesses can equip themselves regarding the escalation between Israel and Lebanon at their border.

Rabbi Elchanan Poupko is an eleventh-generation rabbi, the founding editor of The Lamdan (which is the Wilf Campus Torah Journal) and he is the  President of EITAN. Moreover, he is part of the American Israeli Jewish Network, and has been an outspoken supporter of bipartisanship and a strong supporter of the state of Israel. Rabbi Poupko has written dozens of publications on matters relating to politics, religion, and Israel. He holds Master’s degree in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University, and is also a member of the Rabbinical Council of America.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

Many of our recent guests have posited that we are witnessing the rise of a new ‘axis of evil’ in international relations, forming between Russia, China, and Iran. Whilst Russia and China are rarely out of the mainstream media, Iran’s role in this rising anti-west military and ideological front remains more nuanced. Whilst the death of President Raisi on May 19th, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have brought Iran into the news more, many questions still go unanswered, and more importantly, unasked. That is why we are thrilled to have been joined by Johnathan Panikoff today.

Jonathan Panikoff is the director of the Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Program. A former career US intelligence officer, who served as the deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council (NIC) from 2015 to 2020.

Jonathan Panikoff's Linked In and Atlantic Council pages.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Since the 1950s, there have been at least 106 coups in Africa, and even more unsuccessful attempts.

In recent years, Africa has been marked by a series of political upheavals, with coups emerging as a recurring theme across the continent. Coups in Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Mali, Sudan, and several other countries have shaken the continent and raised fears of inspiring and emboldening military groups in neighbouring states. These coups reflect a complex interplay of historical legacies, socio-economic challenges, political dynamics unique to each country, as well as a significant number of international risks. Frustrations over corruption, economic inequality, and governance failures have often fuelled popular discontent, providing fertile ground for military or civilian actors to seize power through force and to tell us more about this worrying trend, and the risks associated with it, we are thrilled to be joined by Professor Nic Cheeseman.

Nic is Professor of Democracy at the University of Birmingham, and the Director of the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR). He was formerly the Director of the African Studies Centre at the University of Oxford. Dr Cheeseman mainly works on democracy, elections and development, including a range of topics including election rigging, political campaigning, corruption, “fake news”, and presidential rule.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Recently, we heard from Mireia Faro Sarrats, and we had a fascinating discussion about Europe's externalisation of its refugees, and the UK’s recently passed Rwanda Bill. Under this bill any asylum seeker entering the UK ‘illegally’, from a ‘safe’ country, such as France, could be sent to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there rather than in the UK. If these claims were successful, they could be granted refugee status and allowed to stay in Rwanda. If not, they could apply to settle in Rwanda on other grounds or seek asylum in another safe third country. Today, we are thrilled to be able to continue the discussions surrounding this controversial bill with Tarek Megerisi 

Tarek Megerisi is a senior policy fellow with the Middle East and North Africa programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. His work mainly addresses how European policymaking towards the Maghreb and Mediterranean regions can become more strategic, harmonious, and incisive – with a long-term focus on Libya.

Read some of Tarek's latest article on Rwanda here.