Altamar - Navigating the High Seas of Global Politics

Latest Episodes:

Europe’s Fault Lines [S4, E11] Jul 02, 2021

Show notes

Europe is in flux – on the one hand, the French and German elections are on the horizon, and their outcomes seem ever more uncertain, Eastern European EU governments are becoming increasingly undemocratic, and Britain is gone forever. On the other hand, vaccinations are finally getting traction; the EU is injecting robust funds to spur economic recovery, and Mario Draghi, Italy’s Prime Minister, is taking an increasingly active role on the continent. What is the outlook for post-Brexit continental Europe?

Recent summits such as the G-7 in Britain and the Geneva summit were great photo-ops, but they failed to address some big challenges: competition with China, and relations with Russia, for instance. We talk about a ‘united Europe,’ but when it comes to critical issues, how united are the Europeans, really?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Erik Jones, Director of European and Eurasian Studies at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at The Johns Hopkins University, to discuss the impending changes in Europe this year with two major elections on the horizon. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the “lost generation” of Europe that has faced economic crises, educational disruption, and more.

The World After Bibi [S4, E10] Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

After a total reign of fifteen years, Netanyahu has been ousted and replaced with what can only be described as a ‘pretzel coalition government’ with parties ranging from the center-left to the right and even a member from an Arab Islamist group. But Bibi isn’t going down without a fight. Imitating Trump, he alleges election fraud, warning of the dark presence of a deep state conspiracy and calling for protestors to fill the streets to fuel his claim to power. Can this new coalition last? And will the new government be able to fend off Netanyahu’s attacks and create a compelling agenda of change?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Gil Tamary, Chief International News Editor and Commentator for Israel’s Channel 13 News, to discuss a post-Bibi world and what that means for the future of Israel. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the estrangement many young American Jews feel towards Israel.

Will ‘Bidenomics’ Become a Word? [S4, E9] Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

As the U.S. opens up and people are beginning to dine out and travel, the Biden Administration is betting on much-needed economic growth. But the current U.S. economy is sending a confusing mix of signals with a plethora of contradictions: labor shortages and unemployment, and rising prices but low-interest rates. Notwithstanding the daily debates about reducing unemployment benefits and many experts warning about the dangers of inflation, the Administration is pressing forward with a $6 Trillion budget proposal that injects stimulus in infrastructure, climate change, elder care, child tax credits, and much more. Will ‘Bidenomics’ save America’s confusing economy?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Caroline Atkinson, former Head of Global Policy at Google and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics in the Obama Administration, to discuss the contradictory nature of the U.S.’s economy and what comes next. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the economic trends of young workers.

Latin America in Flames [S4, E8] May 21, 2021

Show notes

For the past decade, Latin America enjoyed economic growth as many countries moved towards more equality, economic prosperity, and personal freedoms. But the pandemic wreaked havoc in the region as even the most stable countries are straining as old and new wounds surface. Can Latin America muddle through as it has in the past?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by

Ricardo Avila, former Editor in Chief of Portafolio, Colombia’s respected business publication, and author of Latin America and the Domino Effect, to discuss the growing crisis in Latin America. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic looks at how the region’s downturn has impacted Latin American youth.

Hollywood’s Abyss [S4, E7] May 07, 2021

Show notes

The Oscars this year were the most diverse and unusual, but they also had the worst ratings in history, with less than 10 million viewers—a record low! Awards seasons are not the same anymore now that Netflix has managed to snag 7 Oscars this year. And in a world that is becoming more globalized, global entertainment has changed people’s lives and perspectives. Do streaming platforms pose a dangerous threat to business as usual in Hollywood?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Silvia Bizio, a correspondent for Italy’s most important daily and weekly publications: La Repubblica & L’Espresso, to understand the future of the film industry. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses how the future of TV is all about streaming platforms and immersive experiences.

Iran vs. the West, Again [S4, E6] Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

In 2015, Iran and P5+1 (US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China) brokered a deal known as the JCPOA in an effort to achieve nuclear de-escalation. In return for pausing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the West’s economic sanctions would be lifted. But in 2017, the Trump administration abruptly pulled out of the deal, and Iran retaliated by resuming its nuclear program. With JCPOA talks resuming in Vienna amidst heightened tensions, is a pathway towards denuclearization possible?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Vali Nasr, former dean of The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a leading Middle East expert, to understand the changing dynamics of Iran. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic delves into the influence of Iran’s youth on politics and Iran’s upcoming presidential elections.

The Future of Travel: Winners & Losers [S4, E5] Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

In 2020, the world came to a shrieking halt. Empty airports, deserted roads, and grounded airplanes were the story of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Now, as COVID vaccines become more available, we echo the commonly asked question by children: Are we there yet? Countries are making moves toward reopening, and European airlines are beginning to see large upticks in summer ticket sales. Should the travel industry begin to cheer, or is it a little too soon to call this a ‘win’?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Céline Fornaro, Head of the European Industrials team at UBS Securities, to understand the changing nature of travel. Altamar’s new segment, ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic, takes a deeper look into ‘responsible travel’ and the new social trend of ‘travel shaming’ among younger generations.

Russia: Weak and Strong [S4, E4] Mar 26, 2021

Show notes

Russia seems to garner one success after the next: its bold space travel program, successful vaccine creation, and global distribution efforts, and a powerful military. Despite a weakened economy overly dependent on oil and gas, growing internal dissent, and no real foreign policy strategy, Russia remains a force to be reckoned with. Winston Churchill warned us that “Russia is never as weak or as strong as she looks.” So what’s really happening?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Jill Dougherty, the former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief and a Russia expert at the Woodrow Wilson Center, to better understand Russia’s true power. Altamar’s new segment, ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic, discusses the growing youth dissent and its importance for Russia’s future.

The Future of Cannabis? [S4, E3] Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

Is the grass always greener on the other side? The cannabis industry is now expected to become a $300bn industry in the next 10 years. Nations are beginning to initiate a global conversation about the “regularization” of marijuana. Does it mean decriminalization, legalization, or something else? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy, CEO of Augur Associates, a former consultant for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and co-founder of Echo Citoyen, to discuss the worldwide economic effects of the cannabis industry. Altamar is also joined by Téa Ivanovic for Téa’s Take as she provides insight into the criminal justice system and big pharma in relation to cannabis legalization and decriminalization.

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Produced by Simpler Media

The World According to Madeleine Albright [S4, E2] Feb 26, 2021

Show notes

Our world has turned upside down as we navigate a pandemic, civil unrests, economic hardship, climate destruction, fragile governance…it all spells chaos. Madeleine Albright, the first female US Secretary of State and founder of the influential Albright Stonebridge Group, joins Altamar in a conversation about the world’s problems – and opportunities. We take her on a global tour – from America’s political and social instability to China’s rising power and everything in between. And we also ask the self-described ‘optimist who worries’ whether there’s anything she’s optimistic about right now. Former Secretary of State Albright is also a former UN ambassador, Georgetown professor, and seven-time New York Times best-selling author who has witnessed – and shaped -- the transformation of modern international relations from the front row.

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