Matters of State - Underreported Issues in World News & International Relations - Young Professionals in International Relations

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The World of Virtual Reality Mar 25, 2019

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Virtual reality–commonly referred to as VR–is an emerging technology that will become increasingly more sophisticated and widespread in the 5G era. VR can improve education, revolutionize healthcare, and even bolster security services. At the same time, however, VR is also be used for malignant purposes. In this episode, we explore the origins of VR, discuss...

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Global navigation satellite systems Mar 18, 2019

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GPS is a critical part of our everyday lives and underpins much of the infrastructure surrounding us. But the GPS satellite system is just one of a growing list of so-called global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that can provide space-based positioning, navigation, and timing. In this episode, we explore how GPS fits into the larger...

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International Relations of the Amazon Mar 11, 2019

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The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, covering 40% of South America and spanning eight countries and one territory across the continent. It is home to a broad array of languages and cultures that must find a way to ensure a peaceful coexistence. In this episode, we explore the international relations of the eight countries...

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The Heart of Nuba: A Conversation With Doctor Tom Catena Feb 11, 2019

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In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tom Catena, the current Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, about his work at the Mother Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountain region of Sudan. The people of Sudan’s Nuba Mountains have long been marginalized by the government of Sudan under the regime of Omar Al-Bashir. Since the...

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Spotlight: Lesotho Feb 04, 2019

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In this episode, we look into the history and current affairs of Lesotho, a country roughly size of Maryland that is landlocked in South Africa. Much of Lesotho’s history and culture has been shaped by its mountainous terrain, which historically served as a fortress from outside threats. Today, the Lesotho highlands play an integral part...

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Olympic Terrorism Jan 28, 2019

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The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of sportsmanship and national pride. However, they can also be a target of terrorism. In this episode, we explore case studies of how organizations and nations have attempted to commit acts of terrorism in the context of Olympic Games. We will also examine how future Olympic hosts...

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Spotlight: Papua New Guinea Jan 14, 2019

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In today’s episode, we put a spotlight on the island nation of Papua New Guinea. PNG, bordering Indonesia and Australia on the edge of the south Pacific ocean, is defined by its diversity. Incredibly rich in resources and cultures, Papua New Guinea faces unprecedented challenges that many other nations do not face. In this episode,...

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Why Nations Fail Dec 05, 2018

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Professor Robinson joins us for a candid discussion about his book, ‘Why Nations Fail’. In it, he makes the case that the key differentiator between countries is “institutions.” Nations thrive when they develop “inclusive” political and economic institutions, and they fail when those institutions become “extractive” and concentrate power and opportunity in the hands of...

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Uncontacted Peoples Dec 03, 2018

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How far do the limits of modern society reach? What is “modern society,” and who belongs to it? What happens when states, organizations, and other members of the “connected world” come into contact with groups that may have little intersection with it? Should these groups be actively protected, thoroughly researched, or simply left alone? Follow...

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Emergency Warning Systems Nov 19, 2018

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Emergency warning systems are used by countries across the world to alert citizens about a variety of incidents, from natural disasters to military threats. Modern emergency warning systems are taking advantage of new technologies such as text messaging to ensure warnings reach the broadest possible audience. These systems, however, vary in their effectiveness and are...

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