In this episode, we are joined by Cyrus Schayegh, Professor of International History and Politics at the Institute, and Chair of the department - to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation in Syria. We'll delve into the historical context, the roles of various international actors, and the broader implications for the Middle East and beyo…

In this episode of What Matters Today, Professor Cyrus Schayegh explores the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump’s second term and their impact on the Middle East. He examines Trump's transactional diplomacy, his support for Israel, and the evolving dynamics of regional powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The discussi…

In this episode of What Matters Today, we examine the evolving landscape of global economics under the new Trump administration.We'll explore the potential shifts in inflation trends, fiscal policies, and trade relations that could shape both the domestic and international economic environment.We'll discuss how these changes might influence global …

In this episode, we examine the global impact of last week's U.S. election results, with Donald Trump re-elected as president. To shed light on the implications for international relations, economic stability, and American influence, we are joined by Jussi Hanhimäki, Professor of International History and Politics here at the Geneva Graduate Instit…

Welcome to this episode of What Matters Today, where we delve into the complexities of the current crisis between Israel and Lebanon. As tensions escalate, Lebanon faces profound challenges to its stability, governance, and ability to provide essential services. In this episode, we explore how the ongoing conflict is reshaping the Lebanese state, e…

Welcome to a special edition of the Geneva Graduate Institute’s In Conversation With podcast series. In this series, we’ll be exploring a range of critical issues shaping Africa’s future, with more episodes to come as we continue to dive into this important topic. This series offers in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing th…

In this episode of What Matters Today, we dive into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.The Israeli army has intensified strikes on Hezbollah targets, leading to devastating civilian casualties. We explore the complex historical and geopolitical context behind this escalation and ask critical questions: Is Lebanon at ris…

In this episode of In Conversation With, we are honored to host Professor Gandhi, a distinguished historian and scholar. Join us as we delve into the current state of democracy worldwide, examining whether it is truly in retreat as some argue, or if there are signs of resilience and hope. Professor Gandhi shares his unique perspectives on the rise …

Imagine a world leader facing the possibility of arrest for war crimes. Today, that scenario is not fiction but reality. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. These charges, linked to the Gaza conflict, have sent shockwaves through internati…

Welcome to this joint Who is voting in 2024 and What Matters Today podcast episode. A quick word about both of these series. Who is voting in 2024 is a series produced by the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Albert Hirschman Centre On Democracy focusing on the multiple elections taking place in 2024. What Matters Today, which is produced by the Institut…

2024 is a decisive year for democracies around the world, as at least 40% of the world's population will head to the polls in over 50 countries. However, while elections take place, democracy cannot be taken for granted. The Democracy Report 2024, recently launched by Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) and covering 202 countries from 1789 to 2003, high…

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking legal case in Switzerland where the European Court of Human Rights addressed the intersection of climate change and human rights violations. We analyze the arguments presented in the case and the court's evaluation of their claims, highlighting the significance of establishing governmental accountability…

From the bustling streets of Moscow to the corridors of power in the Kremlin, Russia stands at a critical crossroads. Recent events have cast a shadow over the nation, leaving citizens and observers alike questioning the future of democracy and governance. As part of our ongoing election series, in this episode of What Matters Today we delve deep i…

On 29 December, following the conflict between Israel and Hamas, South Africa appealed to the International Court of Justice under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Last month, the International Court of Justice ordered a series of provisional measures against Israel. In this episode, we delve into the r…

The main United Nations agency responsible for aid to Palestinians, also known as UNRWA, is in the eye of the storm, as an unprecedented humanitarian disaster unfolds in the Gaza Strip. Some employees of UNRWA are accused by Israel of having been involved in the Hamas attacks of 7 October, 2023. Since these allegations were made public by the agenc…

Dans cet épisode de "What Matters Today", Jérôme Duberry, directeur exécutif du Tech Hub, interviewe la professeure Lyse Langlois, directrice générale de l'Observatoire international sur les impacts sociétaux de l'intelligence artificielle et du numérique (OBVIA) à l'Université de Laval. Ils explorent le thème de l'éthique au cœur de l'intelligence…

Welcome to another episode of What Matters Today.In today's episode, we unravel the intricate world of cybersecurity.We will delve into the various categories of hackers and explore the common cyber threats faced by non-profits. We will also look into the ever-evolving role of artificial intelligence in both cyber attacks and defense. Stay tuned fo…

Welcome to What Matters Today. In today’s episode, we are taking a deep dive into the world of sustainable IT. Topics covered in this episode include the Sustainable IT Charter, which the Geneva Graduate Institute signed in June, joining 443 other organizations in doing so. We will also take a glimpse into sustainable IT initiatives at the Institut…

In this episode of In Conversation With, we explore Professor Abi Saab's unique approach to the study and practice of international law and how he seamlessly merged his roles as both a scholar and a practitioner. He also imparts invaluable lessons he has passed on to his students during his distinguished academic career.…

In this episode of What Matters Today, we turn our focus to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a topic that has captured international attention.Photo credit: Momen Faiz / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP As we navigate the complexities of this conflict, we aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of the historical context, the root causes, the la…

Last week’s NATO summit in Vilnius achieved its primary goals which were to reach an agreement that Sweden could join the alliance, and to strengthen support for Ukraine.However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration that there was no clear path to membership. Joe Biden, in an interview with CNN on the eve of the summit said …

The death of 17-year-old French-Algerian Nahel Merzouk, killed by a police officer on 27 June in Nanterre, France sparked urban riots across France.Things seem to be calming down, however tension definitely persists.In ths episode we look at the factors behind these riots and how France’s colonial past plays an important part in all of this. We als…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere nowadays. This special edition episode of What Matters Today examines how AI is being used on a daily basis, the issues of AI governance and ethics, and of course, ChatGPT. This episode is moderated by Dr. Jérome Duberry, Managing Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute's Tech Hub; Academic Advisor, Exec…

More and more private military companies are replacing soldiers on battlefields these days. We have seen this before, with Blackwater in Iraq, and are seeing this again with the Wagner Group being used in the Russia-Ukraine war. In addition to Ukraine, the group has significantly increased its activities in recent years in Syria, Libya, Sudan, Cent…

Next week is Science Diplomacy Week here in Geneva and therefore this week’s episode of What Matters Today will focus on the topic of Science Diplomacy. We will highlight what Science Diplomacy is and discuss the problems it’s trying to solve. We will also talk about how the war in Ukraine is impacting Science Diplomacy.Our guest today is Niccolo I…

On the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s Foreign Ministry presented a 12-point peace plan entitled “China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis“ toend the war in Ukraine.Fred Tanner, who is a Research Associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding, and is a Vi…

The Iraq war started on 20 March 2003 when US forces invaded the country with the goal of “disarming it, freeing its people, and to defend the world from grave danger”. The US formally declared the end of the war on 15 December 2011. As today is the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war, we look at its long shadow, and how it still looms.How has the war…

On 7 December of last year, Peruvian president Pedro Castillo was removed by Congress and arrested on charges of “rebellion” and “conspiracy”. This has led to weeks of violent protests in Peru that have resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people. Protesters are demanding the dissolution of Congress, the resignation of Peru’s new president, Dina B…

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting many households globally. But how did we get here? We know that the war in Ukraine is fuelling the cost of living crisis, however what are the other causes? What are the potential solutions to this crisis? Salary increases and price controls are often brought up as solutions, but are they effective? And lastly…

Israel has been through several elections in the past few years. In fact, Israel has had five elections in just four years. The most recent elections, the ones that took place on November 1st, saw an important rise of the far right in Israel.In this episode of What Matters Today we look at the impact of the far right in Israel. We also examine how …

This episode features a conversation between Stuart Campo, Team Lead for Data Responsibility at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’s Centre for Humanitarian Data, Charlotte Lindsey, Chief Public Policy Officer at the CyberPeace Institute, Balthasar Staehelin, Special Envoy for Foresight and Techplomacy at the Int…

Boris Johnson’s last day as UK Prime Minister was 6 September. On the same day, Liz Truss was elected leader of the Conservatives and thus Prime Minister. However, she resigned after just 44 days in office, making her the shortest-serving Prime Minister in UK history. The current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was appointed on 25 October. To recap, t…

This episode features a conversation between Michel Jarraud, Secretary General Emeritus at the World Meteorological Organization, Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization, Marek Harsdorff, Economist in the Green Jobs Programme at the International Labour Organization, and Joë…

In this episode, we look at why the current protests in Iran have mobilized so many. We also examine who is actually participating in these protests and the role students are playing as well.Will these protests end up changing Iran? How will all of this end? Will the current regime fall?These are some of the questions we will examine in this episod…

This episode features a conversation between Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Prime Minister of Italy, and Christine Lutringer, Executive Director and Senior Researcher of the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy at the Geneva Graduate Institute. This discussion focuses on the challenges European democracies are cu…

The energy crisis is expected to get worse as we approach winter in the northern hemisphere. But will it? Are recent declining gas prices a sign that the energy crisis will not be as bad as expected? Will the crisis lead to a faster transition to green energy - and does this crisis actually have a potential beneficial effect on Africa.These are som…

This episode features a conversation between Barry Eichengreen, the George C. and Helen N. Pardee Professor of Economics and Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, and Rui Esteves, Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. The dramatic economic and financial measures taken by the United …

Hair-cutting, hijab burning, mourning the loss of a friend, sister, daughter and woman: these are the images of worldwide protests sparked after 22-year old Mahsa Amini was detained for wearing an “improper” hijab in Tehran, and fell into a coma and died.Yet in many of the western countries where the rights of women are simultaneously being decried…

This episode features a conversation between Michael Sandel, the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government Theory at Harvard University, and Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute. In his latest book, The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?, Michael Sandel argues that to overcome the crises that are upendi…

In 1947, 300 years after British colonisation began, Cyril John Radcliffe was assigned the task of drawing the borders to define two newly independent nation states: India and Pakistan. On 9 August 1947, he submitted the partition, separating the two nations based upon religious majorities. Put into effect on 17 August 1947 – two days after India b…

All eyes are on Brazil as the first round of its upcoming presidential election on 2 October has already stirred heated debate. Incumbent far-right president Jair Bolsonaro and left-wing former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, “Lula”, could again become president, however, neither comes with a sterling political record. Meanwhile, the future of…

What characterizes Mexico's feminist foreign policy and why was it proposed? How can a feminist foreign policy influence domestic policy regarding the gender perspective and equity? These are some of the questions that are addressed in this episode of In Conversation With. Our guest is Ms Martha Delgado Peralta, Mexican Undersecretary for Multilate…

On Friday 24 June, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade ending 50 years of federal abortion rights. 26 stats are expected to ban abortion immediately or as soon as possible. The ruling has sent shockwaves throughout the US where pro-choice supporters immediately condemned it while many conservatives praised the decisionPresident Bi…

Inflation has been a headline issue over the past few months with key questions being why is it so high right now, what can be done to decrease it, and how long will it last?These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this episode of What Matters Today.Our guest for this episode is Cedric Tille, Professor of International Economics at…

On Wednesday 18 May, Finland and Sweden simultaneously handed in their official letters of application to join NATO. Both countries decided to do so following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. How will this impact both countries' relationship with Russia? Will Turkey block Finland and Sweden from becoming NATO members? Could Finland’s and Sweden’s memb…

With the French Presidential elections taking place this month, this episode of What Matters Today focuses on how topics such as gangs and gang-related violence, the war on drugs, and the social situation in French suburbs (known as “les banlieues”), are impacting campaign discussions and promises.由Dan Graham, Dennis Rodgers

This episode focuses on how the EU has reacted since Russia invaded Ukraine. What steps has the EU taken since the start of the war, and what are the long-term policy implications. How will the EU respond to Ukraine's - as well as Moldova’s and Georgia’s requests to join the EU? These are some of the questions we will address in this episode. Our g…

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics have begun and today we are looking at the diplomatic boycotts surrounding the games. So far, countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have announced a diplomatic boycott of the Games in response to the Chinese government's human rights abuses. However, do the…

Now that the US has pulled out of Afghanistan and that the Taliban have taken over the country, what does the future of Afghanistan look like? Did any good come out of the last 20 years? And how will this impact the people of Afghanistan?These are some of the questions that are discussed in this episode of What Matters Today.Professor Alessandro Mo…

Climate change has been at the forefront of environmental discussions lately, but there are other aspects of the environmental crisis, one of the most significant being biodiversity loss.Bill Adams is the Claudio Segré Chair of Conservation and Development as well as Visiting Professor of the Interdisciplinary Programme here at the Institute. He wa…