Best Migration Policy Institute Podcasts (2025)

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World of Migration: Humanitarian Protection at a Crossroads: What Future for the Strained Refugee System? 24:13

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22d ago24:13

24:13

The global humanitarian protection system is at a critical juncture. It is under major strain as record numbers of people have been forced out of their homes by a complex array of factors and protracted crises. Yet at the same time, a system created in the wake of World War II no longer meets today’s challenges and is increasingly coming under poli…

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Digital Expressions of the Self(ie): The Social Life of Selfies in India 23:45

5d ago23:45

23:45

Selfies are more than fleeting images—across India, they shape how people imagine themselves, connect with others, and inhabit spaces. In this episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Prof. Xenia Zeiler from the University of Helsinki talks to Prof. Avishek Ray about his co-authored book Digital Expressions of the Self(ie): The Social Life of Selfies in…

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Are universities ready for the age of AI? 31:14

6d ago31:14

31:14

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Rivals in a Tight Embrace Russia, China, and the Central Asian Chessboard 19:46

13d ago19:46

19:46

This podcast episode by Alevtina Solovyeva traces Central Asia as the enduring crossroads “between empires,” where caravan routes outlast the borders drawn over them. It opens with the Silk Roads: trade as the region’s original superpower – moving goods, ideas, and identities. The narrative then tracks how Qing–Russian rivalry and the 19th century …

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Gen Z Uprising: Youth, Protest and Political Change in Nepal 31:11

15d ago31:11

31:11

In early September 2025, Nepal witnessed an extraordinary week of upheaval that many now refer to as the ‘five-day revolution’. Within the span of a single week, youth-led ‘Gen Z’ protests spread across Kathmandu and other major cities, the prime minister and his government resigned, the army intervened, parliament was dissolved, and Nepal’s new (a…

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The Future of Space Defense 45:16

19d ago45:16

45:16

The landscape of American defense manufacturing has transformed dramatically since World War II—and not for the better. What happens when a nation with the world's most advanced military technology can't produce enough conventional artillery shells to supply Ukraine while maintaining its own reserves? This episode brings together three exceptional …

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Humanitarian Protection at a Crossroads: What Future for the Strained Refugee System? 24:13

22d ago24:13

24:13

The global humanitarian protection system is at a critical juncture. It is under major strain as record numbers of people have been forced out of their homes by a complex array of factors and protracted crises. Yet at the same time, a system created in the wake of World War II no longer meets today’s challenges and is increasingly coming under poli…

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Immigration and Democracy: Rebuilding Trust in a Changing Europe 1:58:39

23d ago1:58:39

1:58:39

Public trust in migration systems—and in democracy more broadly—is eroding. As rapid demographic shifts fuel anxieties in many communities, governments are feeling the pressure and responding with increasingly restrictive policies—scaling back immigration, imposing stricter integration requirements, and narrowing pathways to long-term residency and…

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AI's Boardroom Revolution 49:19

24d ago49:19

49:19

Support Our Work The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff. Students work with th…

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Inequality & Environmental Destruction: How Economic Hitmen Keep Countries Poor | John Perkins 57:39

24d ago57:39

57:39

Global poverty isn't just a result of history - it's an active system designed to extract resources from developing countries while keeping them in debt. Former economic hitman John Perkins reveals how corporations and wealthy nations impoverish the places with the most resources, and why this threatens humanity's survival. We explore the connectio…

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Immigration Crossroads 43:57

24d ago43:57

43:57

Is there a middle ground between open borders and immigration restriction? This thought-provoking discussion with GOP strategist Mike Madrid and Venezuelan immigrant Dr. Daniel DiMartino explores the complex realities of America's immigration debate beyond the partisan talking points. The experts delve into surprising data showing how education lev…

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On the Move: Rapidly Evolving Migration Trends and Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean 1:02:05

25d ago1:02:05

1:02:05

No single world region has experienced a greater relative increase in international migration since 2010 than Latin America and the Caribbean. Buffeted by displacement crises, economic dislocation, and changing migrant demographics, Latin America and the Caribbean have seen migration become one of the most pressing issues of our time. And while mov…

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Localisation of Islamic Arts in Malaysia 21:05

1M ago21:05

21:05

The Malay world boasts a wealth of diverse cultures. The arrival of Islam in the Malay world during the 12th to 13th centuries permanently transformed the aesthetic landscape, and even European colonisation could not stem this change. In this episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Prof. Julie Yu-Wen Chen from the University of Helsinki talks to Dr. Dz…

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Changing Climate, Changing Migration: Connecting the Dots: How Climate Detectives Link Human-Caused Environmental Change to Migration 23:55

2M ago23:55

23:55

It is no easy task to say with certainty that a particular storm, drought, or other extreme weather event causes human displacement, or that those individual events are due to human-caused climate change. Hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides, monsoons, and other sudden-onset events, as well as slow-onset ones such as drought, extreme heat, and sea-leve…

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Connecting the Dots: How Climate Detectives Link Human-Caused Environmental Change to Migration 23:55

2M ago23:55

23:55

It is no easy task to say with certainty that a particular storm, drought, or other extreme weather event causes human displacement, or that those individual events are due to human-caused climate change. Hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides, monsoons, and other sudden-onset events, as well as slow-onset ones such as drought, extreme heat, and sea-leve…

1
AI and the Future of Governance 49:19

2M ago49:19

49:19

The technological revolution of artificial intelligence isn't just changing how businesses operate—it's transforming how they're governed. In this riveting conversation, we're joined by Dean Yoost, former senior partner at PWC, and Ashwin Rangan, CEO of DoubleCheck, to explore their groundbreaking book "Governance in the Age of AI: A Director's Han…

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World of Migration: Amid Backlash to Immigration, Can Contact Smooth Relations between Groups of Diverse Backgrounds? 33:21

2M ago33:21

33:21

The fact there is a growing backlash to immigration in communities around the world is well established. What is less discussed are the solutions to address decline in social cohesion and rise in mistrust, misinformation, and prejudice. Meaningful contact between different groups can reduce tensions. Under the right conditions, this dynamic can str…

1
Amid Backlash to Immigration, Can Contact Smooth Relations between Groups of Diverse Backgrounds? 33:21

2M ago33:21

33:21

The fact there is a growing backlash to immigration in communities around the world is well established. What is less discussed are the solutions to address decline in social cohesion and rise in mistrust, misinformation, and prejudice. Meaningful contact between different groups can reduce tensions. Under the right conditions, this dynamic can str…

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Chile’s Growing Interests in China 26:02

2M ago26:02

26:02

Chile holds the distinction of being the first South American nation to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, as well as the first in Latin America to enter into a free trade agreement with China. Despite the nearly 24-hour journey required to travel between the two countries, this considerable distance has not hindered the exp…

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Non-Aligned Nations-Navigating a Multipolar World 47:01

2M ago47:01

47:01

The global balance of power is undergoing a dramatic transformation that extends far beyond the US-China rivalry dominating Western headlines. This eye-opening conversation with experts from three continents reveals how developing nations are reshaping international relations through demographic advantages, economic growth, and strategic non-alignm…

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Iban Heritage and Culture in Malaysia 18:19

2M ago18:19

18:19

Every June, there is a significant cultural event in Malaysia, which is called the Gawai Dayak Festival, highly celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season and give thanks to the Iban agricultural God, Raja Simpulang Gana. In this episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Prof. Julie Yu-Wen Chen from the University of Helsinki talks to Dr. Gregory a…

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Preserving Traditional Rice and Rice Culture in the Philippines 22:19

2M ago22:19

22:19

In the Philippines, rice serves as a fundamental component of the diet, typically accompanying most meals as either white or brown rice. It is also a key ingredient in various snacks and desserts. Consequently, the Philippines ranks among the top countries globally in rice per capita consumption, alongside nations like China and India. However, the…

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The Gender Gap and its impact on the global future 36:54

2M ago36:54

36:54

The widening gender gap is reshaping American society in profound and troubling ways. Join hosts Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin as they dive deep into this growing divide with Christine Emba, author of "Rethinking Sex: A Provocation," and Aaron Renn, writer of "Life in the Negative World." Drawing from fresh research including focus groups cond…

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How does migration change our world? 26:59

2M ago26:59

26:59

In this final episode of season 4, Richard Westcott is joined by Catherine Barnard (University of Cambridge) and Emmanuelle Auriol (Toulouse School of Economics) to explore the economic, legal, and social dimensions of migration. Drawing on insights from law and economics, the conversation explores how migration affects labour markets, legal protec…

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Jewish Migration: The Southern Shift 48:22

3M ago48:22

48:22

America's Jewish geography is undergoing a dramatic transformation, shifting from its historical concentration in the Northeast to flourishing communities across the South and West. This fascinating evolution reflects broader demographic patterns while revealing unique insights about Jewish identity, community formation, and cultural adaptation. De…

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Kampung Activism in Indonesia 20:45

3M ago20:45

20:45

My village, my kampung. The term kampung is a Malay word, referring to a "village hamlet" or "urban informal settlement." As rapid urbanization takes place both regionally and globally, the designation of kampung accrued a negative connotation associated with impoverishment and obsolescence. However, commencing in the mid-2010s, a countermovement a…

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What is the value of speaking other languages? 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

In this episode, Richard Westcott is joined by Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Benjamin Pitt to explore a big, everyday question: what is the value of speaking other languages? The conversation looks at how the languages we speak shape our sense of identity, influence how we think and reason, and affect how we relate to others. We explore how multilinguali…

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AI Intentionality: Who’s Really in Control? 46:05

3M ago46:05

46:05

What happens when we give machines the power to think without ensuring they share our values? This riveting conversation dives deep into one of humanity's most pressing challenges: controlling artificial intelligence as it grows increasingly powerful. Joined by Roni Abovitz, founder of groundbreaking companies Mako Surgical and Magic Leap, and neur…

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Chinese Conceptualisation of the Rule of Law – a Conversation with Dr. Martin Lavicka 23:23

3M ago23:23

23:23

What does the 'rule of law' really mean in China? How does it shape the country’s politics, both at home and on the world stage? And why should it matter to the rest of us when universal norms are being challenged? Dr. Tabita Rosendal from the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies at Lund University, talks to Dr. Martin Lavicka, a scholar of…

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NIAS Podcast from the University of Tartu Asia Centre: Migration Policies and Realities in Estonia and Japan 32:08

3M ago32:08

32:08

This Nordic Asia Podcast episode explores how Estonia and Japan, two countries under demographic pressure with different immigration histories, are managing the integration of foreign labour. Despite Estonia’s EU membership and Japan’s more recent policy shifts, both nations face labour shortages due to rapidly ageing populations. Estonia maintains…

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Malaysian-Nordic Relations 18:10

3M ago18:10

18:10

In the latest episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Professor Julie Yu-Wen Chen of the University of Helsinki speaks with Mr. Mohamed Ariff Bin Mohamed Ali, Chargé d’Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland. Their discussion centered on Malaysia's Foreign Policy, Malaysia’s current ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, and the country’s engagement w…

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Making Migrant Return and Reintegration Sustainable: Lessons from Two Continents 1:10:52

4M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

As migrant return flows grow in complexity, the effectiveness of reintegration programming is coming under renewed scrutiny in Europe and Latin America. In Europe, the longstanding model of providing individual return packages—such as a small cash grant or temporary shelter—continues. But in an effort to make reintegration more sustainable, some po…

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Changing Climate, Changing Migration: Small Islands, Big Challenges: Climate Change and Migration in the Caribbean 23:45

4M ago23:45

23:45

The small island nations that make up the Caribbean are incredibly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Many people and businesses are concentrated along the coastline, exposing them to intensifying hurricanes and rising sea levels. Are these hazards prompting greater displacement, either within the region or beyond? And could they reduce t…

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Small Islands, Big Challenges: Climate Change and Migration in the Caribbean 23:45

4M ago23:45

23:45

The small island nations that make up the Caribbean are incredibly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Many people and businesses are concentrated along the coastline, exposing them to intensifying hurricanes and rising sea levels. Are these hazards prompting greater displacement, either within the region or beyond? And could they reduce t…

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NIAS Podcast from the University of Tartu Asia Centre Kashmir Crisis: The India-Pakistan Blame Game? 42:09

4M ago42:09

42:09

This podcast episode, hosted by Kikee Doma Bhutia from the University of Tartu, features Nitasha Kaul, Professor of Politics, International Relations, and Critical Interdisciplinary Studies and Director of Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD), University of Westminster, London, UK. The episode focuses on the Kashmir conflict between India and Pa…

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Debt, Demographics, and Diplomacy: Europe at the Crossroads 37:54

4M ago37:54

37:54

The economic and political landscape between the United States and Europe is undergoing a seismic shift as Trump's tariff threats create ripples across the Atlantic. Our expert guests, Professor Veronica de Romanis from Rome and journalist Fraser Myers from London, provide fascinating insights into how European countries are responding to this new …

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Breaking Down the NYC Mayor's Race 48:29

4M ago48:29

48:29

The battle for New York City's future is heating up as former Governor Andrew Cuomo faces off against progressive challenger Zoran Mamdani in what's shaping up to be an unpredictable mayoral race. With ranked-choice voting, multiple candidates, and current Mayor Eric Adams making a last-minute decision not to run in the Democratic primary, the city…

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World of Migration: The Future of Labor: Lessons from India in the Global Race for Talent 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

The global race for international talent has arrived. As populations in advanced industrial economies age and work evolves, labor shortages in critical sectors are increasingly driving countries to look outside their borders for workers. But in this context, who gets to migrate? And how? Crucially, can labor mobility be managed in a way that benefi…

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The Future of Labor: Lessons from India in the Global Race for Talent 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

The global race for international talent has arrived. As populations in advanced industrial economies age and work evolves, labor shortages in critical sectors are increasingly driving countries to look outside their borders for workers. But in this context, who gets to migrate? And how? Crucially, can labor mobility be managed in a way that benefi…

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NIAS Podcast from the University of Tartu Asia Centre China's Psychological Power 38:29

4M ago38:29

38:29

This podcast episode is hosted by Toomas Hanso International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS) who is talking to Urmas Hõbepappel. Urmas is an analyst at the University of Tartu Asia Centre and a researcher at the ICDS. His academic work deals with political psychology, collective identity, and history narratives in China, but this episode foc…

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Changing Climate, Changing Migration: Can AI Predict Climate Migration? 25:38

5M ago25:38

25:38

Does AI have a role to play in mapping and predicting climate migration trends? In this episode of the podcast, we explore the issue with John Aoga, a postdoctoral researcher at UCLouvain in Belgium. He led a study using machine learning algorithms to trace how climate shocks affected migration intentions in several countries in West Africa. We dis…