Welcome to Episode 3 of The Zeitgeist Podcast. Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Lena El-Malak, PhD - a U.S.-qualified attorney, human rights advocate, and author. As the daughter of Palestinian refugees and a distinguished legal expert, Lena offers a profound perspective on the intersection of international law, reparations, and liberation movements.

Together, we explore the challenges and possibilities within international law to advance justice for displaced communities, the shifting narratives around Palestinian rights, and how advocacy can redefine global conversations on human rights.

Lena’s upcoming book is a vital contribution to the discourse on reparations and justice. Preorder your copy here: ⁠Stolen Nation: The Right to Reparation of Palestinian Refugees⁠.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.

Join us on The Zeitgeist Podcast as we sit down with Greg Barns SC, a renowned Australian barrister, author, and legal advisor to Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. In this episode, we delve into the intricate details of the Julian Assange case, exploring its profound implications for press freedom, extradition laws, and international legal principles. Greg shares his expertise on how media portrayal, legal reforms, and international collaboration played crucial roles in Assange's prolonged battle. Greg discusses his thoughts on the future of WikiLeaks and the broader impact on governmental transparency and accountability.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Elise West, Director of Teachers for Peace and Executive Officer of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (MAPW), in this episode entitled 'The Academic Arms Race.'

Together, we examine the involvement of weapons companies in school programmes and unpack the broader implications of their presence within educational curricula. Elise shares her expertise on how these relationships shape disarmament efforts and the potential of education to promote a culture rooted in peace and conflict prevention.

Our conversation also explores the recent encampment protests at universities advocating for divestment from Israeli-funded companies. We assess the impact of these movements in resisting the normalisation of weapons companies in academic institutions and their role in advancing disarmament.

This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of how education intersects with peacebuilding and disarmament, shedding light on the critical role of advocacy and reform in shaping a more just and peaceful future. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these pressing issues and the pathways to meaningful change.