Best The Sais Review Of International Affairs Podcasts (2025)

1
Making It Rain? The Promises and Pitfalls of Cloud Seeding 32:09

6h ago32:09

32:09

Welcome back, everyone, to the SAIS Review’s The Looking Glass Podcast. We are your hosts, Nassim Ali Ahmad and Rachel Fink. As the world confronts new and novel future crises, among the most concerning will be environmental challenges, driven in many places by the sheer scarcity of water. One answer to that dilemma comes from geoengineering, or th…

1
Lessons from the Myanmar Earthquake 50:44

3d ago50:44

50:44

Hello and welcome to today’s episode of the SAIS Review’s The Looking Glass Podcast. We are your hosts Talita Fernandes and Hantong Wu. Natural disaster relief can pose many challenges, and we have seen that they are only exacerbated by domestic conflict in the area. Since 2021, when the military deposed the democratically elected government, Myanm…

1
Beneath the Black River-Oil Spills in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforests 41:42

8d ago41:42

41:42

The March 2025 oil spill in Ecuador’s Esmeraldas province is one of the country’s worst recent environmental disasters. Over 25,000 barrels of crude oil leaked from the SOTE pipeline, contaminating rivers, farmland, and coastal mangroves. This spill destroyed local biodiversity, poisoned water supplies, and disrupted the lives of more than half a m…

1
Politics of Disaster Miniseries: Disaster Capitalism in Lebanon 47:28

10d ago47:28

47:28

Welcome back everybody to the SAIS Review’s The Looking Glass Podcast. We are your hosts, Nadia Sleiman and Amber Escudero-Kontostathis. Today, we are diving into the critical topic of disaster capitalism in Lebanon amidst its ongoing financial crisis. As Lebanon grapples with currency collapse, inflation, and government paralysis, important questi…

1
Spotlight on Burma: The Future of the Military Junta 43:21

1M ago43:21

43:21

Since 2022, the global media has heavily concentrated on two major conflicts—the Russia-Ukraine War and the conflict in Gaza. While these wars have significant implications, this narrow focus often obscures other conflicts that continue to shape international security, governance, and regional stability. On our Forgotten Wars series, to discuss Bur…

1
Miniseries on Contemporary Egypt: Geopolitical Landscape 18:52

1M ago18:52

18:52

From the heart of the Arab world to the crossroads of Africa and Europe, Egypt stands at the center of some of today’s most complex and consequential shifts. Under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the country has undergone profound transformations—economic, political, and social. In this mini series, we step behind the headlines an…

1
Sanctions and Economic Warfare 35:56

1M ago35:56

35:56

Welcome back to the SAIS Review’s The Looking Glass Podcast. I’m your host Vinayak Kalra. Sanctions are a misunderstood policy tool, rooted in a complex history, deemed by some as a lever of soft power and by others as a form of deadly warfare. In the 2020s, sanctions regimes continue to be implemented and enforced as a means of exerting influence …

1
Spotlight on Sudan: The Unending Civil War 24:30

2M ago24:30

24:30

Welcome back everybody to the SAIS Review’s The Looking Glass Podcast. I am your host Jiwon Lim. Since 2022, the global media has heavily concentrated on two major conflicts—the Russia-Ukraine War and the conflict in Gaza. While these wars have significant implications, this narrow focus often obscures other conflicts that continue to shape interna…

1
The Threat of Cyber on Critical Infrastructure 34:12

3M ago34:12

34:12

Welcome back everybody to the SAIS Review’s The Looking Glass Podcast. I’m your host Jiwon Lim. From phishing emails to ransomware, cyberattacks may be a daily part of your and other people’s lives. However, when these attacks target not just your inbox but a whole industry, the conversation gets complicated. To discuss the actors and goals behind …

1
The Libya Chronicles: A Nation in Flux 33:06

4M ago33:06

33:06

Welcome back everybody to "The Libya Chronicles" the first series of the Maghreb Voices Mini Series, a special co-production of The North Africa Initiative and the SAIS Review Looking Glass Podcast. This series delves into the rich and tumultuous history of Libya, a land of ancient kingdoms, vast natural resources, and a complex political landscape…

1
Environment in the Era of AI 26:24

5M ago26:24

26:24

Facing the intangible nature of AI, its on the ground consequences can seem out of reach at the best of times. To shine light on the environmental aspect of the trade-offs and approaches towards environmental sustainability and AI joining us on the podcast today is Dr. Benjamin Lee. Dr. Benjamin Lee is a Professor in the Department of Electrical an…

1
Developing AI Compliance 30:36

5M ago30:36

30:36

As the breadth and depth of AI applications grow, so do concerns regarding its development and functioning. To discuss the historical cases of compliance failure in the tech industry, how the AI ecosystem can better prepare to comply with the best practices, and the norms and principles to avoid similar risks in the future, joining us today on the …

1
AI Semiconductors Security 30:15

5M ago30:15

30:15

AI and semiconductors have been at the forefront of recent domestic and foreign policy conversations, yielding questions around national security and supply chains. To discuss what AI chips are, the national security risks associated with them, and the US position in the global market for AI chips, joining us on the podcast today is Dr. Melissa K. …

1
Foreign Influences Operations 32:26

7M ago32:26

32:26

As we face the 2024 presidential elections, the possibilities of influence operations and disinformation in the media and public’s perceptions remain an ever increasing fear. To delve into what influence operations are and its developments since the 2020 elections, what and where our biggest threats lie, and how much impact these operations really …

1
Space Cybersecurity and Resilience 33:10

7M ago33:10

33:10

As new technologies emerge, space operations and infrastructure have become critical to U.S. national security and economy. To understand the ongoing discussion on what the current status is on space technology and infrastructure, developing space policy communities, and the security issues that follow, joining us on the podcast today is Dr. Gregor…

1
Sudan Famine Crisis 33:05

7M ago33:05

33:05

The Sudan Civil war has brought about the current largest famine and displacement crisis in the world, bringing with it questions around aid and international attention. To discuss the status of the conflict, the famine crisis and why it continues, and possible international actions that could be taken, joining us on the podcast today is Dan Sulliv…

1
AI Global Governance 38:27

8M ago38:27

38:27

The rise of AI and its use in private and public sectors has highlighted the need for AI regulations and have sparked debates on its contents globally. To understand the ongoing debates around what exactly the technology is, the pros and cons of adopting AI, and the current and future regulatory environment for an ethical AI, joining us on the podc…

1
Talos x TLG: Harnessing Equitable Tech Futures 32:28

1y ago32:28

32:28

For our 4th episode, we are joined by Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. Mcgovern Foundation, AI ethicist, and appointee to the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. This week, it’s all about the need to support technology creation that is fair and equitable through public and third-sector efforts. This week we are learning…

1
Talos x TLG: The Private Sector & Techno-Diversity 44:23

1y ago44:23

44:23

On the 3rd episode of this series, we are joined by Ronaldo Lemos - co-founder of the Brazilian Internet Bill of Rights and the National IoT Plan. Founder of the Institute for Technology of Rio de Janeiro, he is also a professor at Schwarzman College in Beijing, at Columbia University and still a lawyer. This week it’s all about how we need to buil…

1
Talos x TLG: Reimagining Tech Accountability 40:06

1y ago40:06

40:06

This week’s episode, Mathilde is hosting Sabhanaz Diya, the founder of Tech Global Institute as well as a senior fellow for the Center for International Governance Innovation. Whilst working for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as for Meta as the Head for Bangladesh, she developed expertise at the intersection between advocacy and impl…

1
The Maghreb: The Era of Gaddafi 25:05

1y ago25:05

25:05

Across the dunes of time, the winds of change have often reshaped nations. Welcome to "The Looking Glass." I'm Kosi Ogbuli, your guide through the intricate maze of history and politics. Today, we step back into 1969, when a young Muammar Gaddafi changed Libya forever. This is Episode 2: "The Winds of Change." Dirk Vandewalle, a renowned expert fro…

1
Talos x TLG: What Role(s) Can The UN Play? 47:43

1+ y ago47:43

47:43

Welcome on Talos, a new podcast in partnership with The Looking Glass. My name is Mathilde Barge and I will be taking you on a journey across different technology policy profiles, asking real questions about what it entails, what we can do about it, and how it is evolving. This week’s episode,I had the pleasure of talking with Eleonore Fournier Tom…

1
The Maghreb: The Birth of Libya 48:34

1+ y ago48:34

48:34

Welcome to "The Looking Glass," the show where we reflect on the stories that shape our world. I’m Kosi Ogbuli, and in this inaugural episode of this mini-series, we journey back to the early 20th century to witness the birth of a nation - Libya. It's a tale of independence, monarchy, and the shaping of a country's identity amid the waves of change…

1
"The Left in 2024" with Vijay Prashad 46:26

1+ y ago46:26

46:26

Renowned historian, intellectual, and journalist Vijay Prashad joins the pod to discuss how the political left sees the year ahead. Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian and journalist. Prashad is the author of forty books, including Washington Bullets, Red Star Over the Third World, The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World and The …

1
Gaza Situation Report with Jason Terry 32:20

1+ y ago32:20

32:20

Jason Terry (He/Him), Director of Strategic Programs at UNRWA USA, joins the pod to discuss the harrowing situation unfolding in Gaza. Things will have changed by the time you have listened to this episode. Remember to leave 5-stars and share with a friend!By The SAIS Review of International Affairs

1
The World Bank and your Livelihood 31:38

1+ y ago31:38

31:38

Today, we're exploring the critical role of the World Bank Inspection Panel in protecting livelihoods through its 30 years of operations. We'll be discussing the insights and experiences gained from various inspection cases, particularly focusing on a recent investigation in Togo, West Africa." Remember to leave 5-stars and share with a friend!…

1
Don't Call it a Farmer-Herder Conflict 45:56

1+ y ago45:56

45:56

Today, we're joined by two experts: Laura Sanders from Cetus Global and Dougoukolu Alpha Oumar, a geopolitics analyst, clinical psychologist, and a SAIS alum and someone who can speak truth to power regarding Fulani communities across West Africa. "Don't Call it a Farmer Herder Conflict." Remember to leave 5-stars and share with a friend!…

1
Is Oat Milk, Milk? [TLG- Archives] 31:33

1+ y ago31:33

31:33

Dr. Marsha A. Echols is the Director of The World Food Law Institute and a Professor at Howard University School of Law, where she teaches commercial, international business and trade, and world food law. She is a recognized expert in the fields of international food regulation, international trade and dispute settlement. Remember to leave 5-stars …

1
Shell Shocked: The Untold Story of Environmental Ruin in the Niger Delta 19:32

1+ y ago19:32

19:32

The politics of disaster series continues with a dive into the devastating environmental and human rights abuses perpetrated by the Royal Dutch Shell oil company in the Niger Delta region. For decades, the local communities have suffered from massive oil spills, gas flaring, and deforestation, leading to loss of livelihoods, contaminated water, and…

1
13 Years Underwater: The Lingering Impact of Deepwater Horizon 34:11

2y ago34:11

34:11

In a special series, The Looking Glass and The Politics of Disaster Podcast will explore powerful stories at the intersection of policy and climate disaster. This episode explores the Lingering Impact of Deepwater Horizon. On the mic are: Jeffrey Gorham (MAIR ‘24/narrator), Rowan Humphries (MAIR ‘24/interviewed Ben Casselman), and Nathan Felmus (BA…

1
Defeating the Dictators: A conversation with Charles Dunst 42:38

2y ago42:38

42:38

Back in March, we had the pleasure of Speaking with Charles Dunst about his new book, Defeating the Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail in the Age of the Strongman. In a world where democracy is in decline and autocracy is on the rise, Dunst argues autocracy is not the solution despite being an attractive alternative for those disillusioned with c…

1
Unpacking Digital Authoritarianism: Definitions and Considerations 30:08

2y ago30:08

30:08

Digital authoritarianism is a wide-ranging and, at times, difficult-to-define area of international security analysis. To help us tease out some key terms and analytical frameworks in this ever-evolving domain, we brought on international security expert and analyst Mr. Erol Yayboke, Director of the Project on Fragility and Mobility and Senior Fell…

1
Obi or Not To Be: The 2023 Nigerian Elections 32:51

2y ago32:51

32:51

At the posting of this episode —Nigeria’s tightest presidential election in a generation — Africa’s most significant democratic exercise —has yet to be decided. However, Nigeria's political map will never be the same after this election. This phenomenon has been years in the making. Joining us to discuss these dynamics is Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas …

1
International Law and The Global South 43:46

2+ y ago43:46

43:46

Perhaps the most important critique of modern international law has been the charge that it is a Eurocentric regime, which has helped to erect and defend a world of deep injustice characterized by violence, exploitation, and inequality. To reorient the discussion on international law, this episode of The Looking Glass explores International Law and…

1
Surveillance.com: Authoritarianism in a Digital Age 37:19

2+ y ago37:19

37:19

This episode of The Looking Glass follows the rise of digital authoritarianism through China’s use of technology for mass surveillance, including the use of biometrics, artificial intelligence, and big data. We discuss the export of digital authoritarianism to other parts of the world, the role of democracies in providing a better use case of techn…

1
Law & Justice: The Face of Polish Authoritarianism 23:36

3y ago23:36

23:36

This episode of The Looking Glass follows the rise of authoritarianism in Poland over the past forty years and considers the varied consequences; from rising tensions with the European Union, to the weaponization of conspiracy and revisionist history, to violations of human rights and threats to democracy. It considers the state of things, as well …

1
Helping Hands: International Institutions in the War in Ukraine 33:07

3y ago33:07

33:07

This episode of The Looking Glass tackles the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and asks the question: what can international institutions do to intervene in this conflict? It explores challenges faced by these organizations and what policies they can put in place to solve these problems. Join us as guests Nele Ewers-Peters, Jason Blessing, and Obio…

1
Gender Disinformation 25:29

3y ago25:29

25:29

This episode of The Looking Glass dives into the understudied field of Gender Disinformation. It explores how disinformation operations conducted against women are inherently different than their male counterparts. This episode combines the subjects of the last two SAIS Review issues, "Who Runs the World: A Look at Gender in International Affairs" …

1
Choose Your Weapon: A Survey of Cybersecurity 28:15

3+ y ago28:15

28:15

Join hosts Jen Roberts and Derek Chuah as The Looking Glass enters its fourth season! This episode features a roundtable of cybersecurity professionals who discuss a variety of topics, ranging from how malware is implemented in cyberattacks to a review of the Biden Administration's cybersecurity policies. Join us as we discuss choosing our weapon w…

1
Happy Wife, Happy Life: China's Commitment to Gender Equality in Africa 27:34

3+ y ago27:34

27:34

This episode of The Looking Glass examines recent changes in China's posture regarding China-Africa relations, complimenting the SAIS Review's latest print issue "Who Runs the World: A Look at Gender in International Affairs." Join our guests Professor Zongyuan Zoe Liu, from Texas A&M University and Professor Maria Carrai from New York University S…

1
End of an Era: A Review of Chancellor Angela Merkel 28:37

3+ y ago28:37

28:37

To complement the release of The SAIS Review's "Who Runs the World: A Look at Gender in International Affairs," The Looking Glass is kicking off our new season. Over the next few installments, we will be exploring different facets of gender and its role in policy. In this episode, we explore Chancellor Angela Merkel's tenure. First, we examine some…

1
Season 3 Trailer 0:53

3+ y ago0:53

0:53

The Looking Glass is headed into its third season. With this transition comes some exciting new changes. Remember to leave 5-stars and share with a friend!By The SAIS Review

1
A Global Green Movement: Environmental Protests in Europe and Beyond 56:51

4y ago56:51

56:51

As a complement to the current print journal, "The Revolution Will Be Televised: A Decade of Global Protest," The Looking Glass's second installment examines global environmental protests. Climate change has become an unavoidable political issue. More and more people have taken to the streets, fueled by the existential threat of an increasingly unl…

1
The Revolution in Hong Kong 53:13

4y ago53:13

53:13

The Looking Glass is back with season 2! This is our first installment of our Protest & Revolution series, a complement to the current print journal, "The Revolution Will be Televised: A Decade of Global Protest." To start us off, we began with Hong Kong . Years of protests, even during the pandemic, have highlighted the struggles Hong Kong faces i…

1
It's Never Just Business: The Realm of Corporate Diplomacy 1:01:43

4y ago1:01:43

1:01:43

We have arrived at The Looking Glass' third and final installment of our diplomacy series, a complement to the current print journal, "Ex Amicitia Pax: Diplomacy in Action." This episode focuses on how the expanse and power of corporations are tied to their international conduct a.k.a corporate diplomacy. In a world where public perception and comp…

1
Bonus Content: An American Turning Point 55:53

4+ y ago55:53

55:53

After the rapid succession of January's political events, The Looking Glass podcast team and The SAIS Review editorial board found it imperative to discuss the state of our American union. The majority of our team are U.S. citizens and the attack on the Capitol, impeachment, and inauguration left us all with much to think about. We explore what the…

1
Living in a Digital World 1:00:11

4+ y ago1:00:11

1:00:11

The Looking Glass' second installment of our diplomacy series is here! Complementing the current print journal, "Ex Amicitia Pax: Diplomacy in Action," we discuss how technology has evolved beyond just a tool into an international relations space. From national security to digital governance, this episode covers the individual and organizational re…

1
The Future of Diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service 44:23

4+ y ago44:23

44:23

To complement the print journal's topic of "Ex Amicitia Pax: Diplomacy in Action," The Looking Glass is kicking off our diplomacy series! Over the next 3 installments, we will be exploring different facets of diplomacy and how it is being impacted by current global changes. In this episode we explore what it means to engage in diplomacy in a COVID-…

1
The Future of U.S.-China Relations 57:40

5y ago57:40

57:40

Welcome to our inaugural episode! On this episode, we speak with SAIS Professor Emeritus David M. Lampton about the future of U.S.-China relations. Our student panel with Zhanping Ling, Logan Ma, and Chenyu Wu weigh in with insightful reflection. Join us as we peer into the Looking Glass. This episode was produced by Ester Fang and Gregory Kist. Re…

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The Sais Review Of International Affairs Podcasts

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