Professor Stephen Chan talks to Zeinab Badawi (MA Near & Middle Eastern Studies 1989) on receiving an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree at the the 2011 SOAS Graduation Ceremony, her journalistic career interviewing some of the worlds most controversial leaders, the situation in Sudan, and her advice to other SOAS graduates who want to make an impact on the world.

In an episode recorded during SOAS Graduation 2011, Professor Stephen Chan OBE talks to SOAS's outgoing President Baroness Helena Kennedy Q.C. about her time as SOAS President, the current state of Higher Education and Student activism, her career as a champion of civil liberties and human rights, and recent issues regarding freedom of speech and expression.

In this episode Stephen talks about the role of France in recent interventions in Libya and Cote d'Ivoire. According to Stephen, the situation in Cote d'Ivoire is very vexed, as elections have been overruled assisted by France military support. He also talks about the role of France in the invasion of Libya.

Professor Stephen Chan discusses the characteristics of the current uprisings in Egypt and Libya. Furthermore he addresses the socio-economic factors and international influences which have shaped recent events. The controversial roles of Gadaffi and the Muslim Brotherhood are contextualised within their previous relations to the international community.

In this episode, Professor Stephen Chan discusses the recent referendum in South Sudan. The referendum will probably lead to an overwhelming approval for independence. Professor Chan examines the results this will have on both regions, looking at disputes over the border, issues of ethnicities, infrastructure and the revenues from the oil trade.

In this edition, Professor Stephen Chan deepens his discussion of Zimbabwe's economy and politics. Robert Mugabe's declining health is obvious, and Mugabe watching is a seductive pastime, especially for the Western media. But Professor Chan argues that real power in Zimbabwe now rests elsewhere. So who is calling the shots in Zimbabwe - and who should be?

Stephen continues to share his insights into the World Cup in South Africa, this time drawing attention to the impressive ‘generational leap' shown by the South African team by defeating the French team in the group stage of the World Cup. Are such generational developments evident in African politics? Stephen discusses the often cited ‘model African democracy' of Botswana, paying particular attention to the case of Ken Good, an academic who was deported from Botswana for views he expressed during a lecture.

In this edition, Stephen shares his impressions of two leading political figures for Africa: Zimbabwe's deputy prime minister, Thokozani Khuphe, and Britain's new minister of state for Africa, Henry Bellingham. Whilst Zimbabwe seeks to attract foreign investment in its ailing economy, Britain's new minister for Africa has embarked on his first tour of the continent's 'hot spots'. Stephen wonders why Zimbabwe's deputy prime minister seems unable to think in modern and progressive terms.

Professor Stephen Chan talks about the Football World Cup in South Africa and its impact in the local politics, including the dynamic relationship between former Presidents Mandela and Mbeki, and current President Jacob Zuma. He also comments on his recent visit to Johannesburg, and the way transport links are being finalised just two weeks before the Cup kicks off, highlighting the construction of a rapid transit link which will allow visitors to bypass Alexandra – one of the most violent slum areas in the city- and go straight to Sandton, the wealthiest side of the city.

In his second podcast Professor Stephen Chan talks about the upcoming election in Sudan in April and the significance of a fair and free "enough" election now as a signifier for a free referendum vote later on the succession for the South of Sudan and what this will mean for other countries such as Somaliland.