Oxford Policy Pod

The Mexican Judicial Overhaul: resisting democratic backsliding Oct 30, 2024

Mexico is undergoing a constitutional and institutional crisis that is eroding its already fragile democracy. This is due to a recently approved constitutional reform that jeopardises checks and balances, the division of powers, the rule of law, judicial independence and democracy itself. (For more context of this reform, please read this article by Mariana De Lucio on the Blavatnik School of Government blog.)

These constitutional reforms have resulted in mass resignations among federal judges and even Supreme Court justices, who are stepping down from the judiciary. They will be replaced by candidates elected through popular votes, whose requirements to run for these positions are only holding a law degree with a minimum average of 8 out of 10 and providing five letters of recommendation.

This fight for protecting democracy has led to authorities, including the executive and legislative branches, disregarding judicial rulings and, in essence, the Constitution itself.

To discuss this situation further, we invited Lilia Monica Lopez Benitez, a current Counselor of Mexico's Federal Judiciary, with over 34 years of experience in the system. Her career includes roles as a federal district and circuit judge. During these challenging times, Lilia Monica has been a strong advocate against the erosion of democracy and for the protection of the separation of powers. As a woman, her leadership has inspired many Mexicans who are eager to help rebuild the democracy that has been weakened.

During the week this episode was recorded, Lilia Mónica, in an act of dignity and integrity, submitted her withdrawal to the Senate regarding her candidacy in the judges' elections. She stated:"I withdraw because, according to democratic and republican principles, the Judicial Reform has weakened the most sacred pact of the Union: to ensure the balance of powers and to protect human rights. This reform contravenes the principle of the law's progressivity and undermines the patriotic values of the common good and national interest."

When Lilia Mónica tried to present her withdrawal letter, she was denied entry to the Senate and subsequently escorted out by security, illustrating the unjust treatment and the restriction of freedom of speech judges face when they speak out.

John Roome on Global Development, Leadership, Climate Action, and Public Service Oct 08, 2024

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, MPP student and Australian Rhodes Scholar Tahlia Smith sits down with John Roome, who recently retired after a distinguished 35-year career at the World Bank. A fellow Oxford alum, John reflects on how his time at Oxford and the Rhodes Scholarship shaped his path to international public service and leadership within the World Bank, one of the world’s most influential development organisations.

Tahlia and John discuss the evolving role of the World Bank in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change and development, and how international organisations can balance large-scale initiatives with local needs. John shares his experiences building coalitions to tackle climate change amidst political polarisation, his leadership of diverse teams across continents and cultures, and making tough decisions under pressure in high-stakes environments.

With insights on leadership, the role of public service, and navigating the challenges of global governance, this episode provides a unique look into the career of someone who has played a key role in shaping international development policy. Tune in to hear John’s reflections on maintaining resilience in the face of global crises and his advice for the next generation of international public servants.

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John Roome recently concluded his role as Regional Director, South Asia Sustainable Development at the World Bank. Before that he was Senior Director for Climate Change. He joined the World Bank in 1989, working initially in Africa, and has since held various positions including Operations and Strategy Director for Global Practices and Cross Cutting Solutions, Director for Sustainable Development in the Bank’s East Asia and the Pacific Region, Operations and Strategy Director in the Bank’s South Asia region and as Operational Quality Director in the Bank’s Africa region. His experience spans water, urban, transport, energy, rural, agriculture, environment, and social sectors, as well as disaster risk management and climate change. Before joining the World Bank, John worked in Europe for Monitor Company, a leading corporate strategy consulting firm, and at Old Mutual, a South African Life Assurance Company. He was educated at Oxford University, where he obtained Masters Degrees in Econometrics and in Management Studies, and the University of Cape Town where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

Navigating Djibouti’s Future: Youth Empowerment, Diplomacy, and Development with Haibado Abdoulkader Yacin Sep 30, 2024

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, host Nick Fabbri sits down with Haibado Abdoulkader Yacin, a Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholar and Master of Public Policy student at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. Haibado, a dedicated public servant from Djibouti, shares her incredible personal story and journey from Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, to studying and working across three continents.

Haibado’s experiences span her role advising the Minister of Finance in Djibouti on youth employment and entrepreneurship, to her involvement in civil society movements focused on educational reforms. As someone passionate about sustainable development and the empowerment of Africa’s youth, Haibado reflects on how her international education shaped her perspective, and discusses her work in shaping opportunities in Djibouti through policy and public service.

Nick and Haibado discuss Djibouti’s strategic role in international security, its unique cultural and diplomatic identity, its history of colonisation and migration, as well as some poetical reflections on Haibado's home. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, policy innovation, and the future of development in Africa.

Gargi Sharma Goel on Economic Policy, India, and her Journey at Oxford Aug 19, 2024

In this episode, Nick Fabbri speaks with Gargi Sharma Goel about her life and career in New Delhi, India, her work in the Ministry of Finance and Indian Revenue Service, key economic and tax policy interests, her journey to the Master of Public Policy at Oxford, balancing parenthood with studies, and the happiest memories from her time in the UK.

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Gargi Sharma Goel is career civil servant, part of the Indian Revenue Service, and works in the Ministry of Finance of the government of India. Gargi lives in New Delhi. Gargi focuses on tax policy and has been involved in the preparation of the Union Budget. She keeps a close watch on the pulse of the Indian economy and has undertaken many policy initiatives for its growth and development. Her key area of interest has been the utility of tax policy for socio-economic welfare, and she is interested in exploring tax policy as a tool for promoting equitable growth across all sections of society.

Gargi's other field of interest has been international taxation and transfer pricing. She has also been involved with OECD two-Pillar International Tax negotiations for tax-sharing in the digitalised and borderless world, where she endeavours to establish cooperative and fair tax sharing mechanisms.

Gargi is a World Bank Scholar.

Christian Meyer on Economics, Behavioural Science, and Technology as tools for Positive Impacts on Livelihoods and the Labour Market Aug 18, 2024

In this episode, Oluwatamilore Oni speaks with Dr Christian Johannes Meyer, the Director of the Future of Development programme at the Oxford Martin School.

Christian’s career spans research and programming focused on livelihoods and labour market interventions for vulnerable groups at the University of Oxford, the World Bank and the Center for Global Development. From this rich background, he shares insights on the interactions between micro and macro economics and the confluence of international and domestic policymaking. He also underscores the necessity of humility when working on technology-enabled solutions and how understanding beneficiary behaviours and backgrounds is crucial to effective programming.

He likens his work to gardening as in nurturing the seeds of inquiries about the best policies and practices and also to plumbing as in digging into the inner workings and bottlenecks of policy making and implementation.

We invite you to enjoy Christian’s unique perspective!

Tony Abbott on Service, Politics, Democracy, and Australia Aug 08, 2024

In this episode, Nick Fabbri speaks with The Hon. Tony Abbott AC, Former Prime Minister of Australia. They discuss:

The influence of the Jesuits, Oxford, and Father Paul Mankowski on Mr. Abbott's life and leadership qualities
The art of effective opposition and developing alternative policies for the nation
Achievements and regrets of the Abbott Government in office
The role of government in fostering trust and cohesion in communities
National service and giving back to the country
National identity, immigration, and multiculturalism
Industrial and energy policy
The state of right of centre politics globally, and what a conservatism for the 21st century might look like
The importance of promoting classical education and an understanding of western civilisation to strengthen cultural self-confidence
The global security situation and the need for a military, industrial, and cultural re-armament to resist the authoritarian axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea
Poetic reflections on Australia and advice to young Australians abroad

Adenike Adeyemi on the interplay between Entrepreneurship, Policymaking, Nonprofits, and Artificial intelligence in driving Economic Development Aug 06, 2024

In this episode, Oluwatamilore Oni speaks with Adenike Adeyemi, CEO of FATE Foundation – Nigeria’s foremost business incubator and accelerator program set up to enable aspiring and emerging Nigerian entrepreneurs to start, grow and scale their businesses.

Adenike shares highlights from her more than two decades of experience in the social impact space, with a specific focus on entrepreneurs and the role they play in catalysing growth in developing economies. We discuss the interplay between national and local policymaking and what an enabling environment for business growth really means. Adenike offers insightful perspectives into the vital role that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in job creation and socio-economic sustainability, delving into the intricacies of business formalisation, taxation and other macroeconomic policies that can help or hinder.

Adenike can be considered an entrepreneur herself, having led and grown the FATE Foundation team over the last nine years. She also shares about her roles on multiple board and advisory committees, how she manages her time, and what guides her decision-making process when opportunities come her way. She is a Google.org Leader to Watch, trustee of Youth Business International, and lead facilitator for the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) MSME Community of Practice.

Anushka Jadhav and Rafaela Viana on the 2024 Education World Forum and Education Policy Jul 12, 2024

In this episode, Nick Fabbri speaks with fellow MPP students Anushka Jadhav and Rafaela Viana about the 2024 Education World Forum, their personal education journeys in India and Brazil respectively, Education Policy in Oxford, and some of the major education policy issues and developments globally. Anushka and Rafaela also reflect on their time at Oxford and in the 2023-24 MPP cohort, and offer advice and inspiration to future students.

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Anushka Jadhav is an educational professional with over seven years of experience, based in Mumbai, India. As a co-founder of an educational trust (NCFW), she has engaged students and institutions in meaningful discussions about gender norms and discrimination. At Whistling Woods International (WWI), Anushka led the curriculum development and served as a faculty member. She also spearheaded India's venture into media and film education for grades 9-12 under the Delhi Board of School Education. As the Creative Director at Gaysi Family since 2016, she has worked extensively to mainstream narratives from the LGBTQIA+ community through diverse initiatives. She has also actively participated in fellowships with change.org and the British Council.

Rafaela Viana dos Santos is from Sao Paulo city, Brazil and in 2021 obtained her undergraduate degree in international relations at the University of Sao Paulo. She has pursued studies and attended conferences in Taiwan, China, and Egypt. Rafaela's four years of professional experience are mainly in the ESG field, including sustainable development finance and government projects. As such, her key policy interests are ESG, sustainable development, China, the third sector, and project management. Likewise, she has extensive experience working in non-profit and non-governmental organisations. Rafaela enjoys travelling, playing with dogs, and watching movies. Rafaela is a Chevening Scholar.

Jupneet Singh on Public Service, Healthcare, Leadership, and Kindness Jul 12, 2024

This episode features Jupneet Singh, an MPP student, Rhodes Scholar, and 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. It covers:

Jupeet’s personal story before coming to Oxford, including her time at MIT and volunteering at high school
Jupneet’s Sikh heritage and culture
Joining the US Air Force and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) while at university
Questions of identity within the US military, and the experience of walking in different worlds
Jupneet's personal and professional interests in medicine, healthcare, and public service
Volunteering and public service, and Jupneet's role in establishing "Pathways to Promise", a nonprofit program supporting children affected by domestic violence in Ventura, California
Policy issues such as education, equity, healthcare, diversity and belonging
Leadership and the importance of mentorship
Jupneet's experience at Oxford, and advice for future MPP students

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Jupneet is originally from Somis, California, USA, and graduated from MIT where she majored in chemistry (with a flex in biomedical engineering) and concentrated on history.

Jupneet is currently a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Air Force and will be attending medical school immediately after her studies in Oxford. As a trauma surgeon in the Air Force, Jupneet hopes to advocate for the representation of minorities and culturally adaptive practices in healthcare. At MIT, Jupneet was Commander of the Air Force ROTC detachment. She also worked in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program in the Shalek Lab studying fatty liver disease.

This past summer, Jupneet worked in de-addiction centers in India. She previously worked at the Ventura County Family Justice Center and Medical Trauma Center, and published a paper as first author in The American Surgeon. She also received four fellowships for the program she founded, Pathways to Promise, to support the health of children affected by domestic violence.

Jupneet is a Rhodes Scholar.

Navigating the Unthinkable: Manal Fouani on UNDP's Mission in Ukraine During the Russian Invasion Jul 08, 2024

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, Mykhailo Kiktenko speaks with Manal Fouani, the UNDP Chief of Country Support and Oversight for the Regional Bureau of Arab States. In 2022, Manal served as the UNDP Resident Representative ad interim in Ukraine, where she led the organization's response during the full-scale Russian invasion.

We discuss her leadership in navigating this crisis, transitioning from sustainable development to emergency relief and resilience building. Manal shares the challenges she faced, the critical decisions she made, and the moments of inspiration that sustained her.

We also explore how emergency response can align with long-term development goals and gain insights into human resilience during conflict.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on the intersection of policy, crisis management, and human resilience.

A Life in International Law: a Conversation with Dapo Akande Jun 19, 2024

In this episode, Erik Kucherenko speaks with Professor Dapo Akande, Oxford Chichele Professor of Public International Law, Co-Director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, a Member of the UN International Law Commission.

We discuss how the International Law Commission functions behind the scenes, how Professor Akande prepares for pleadings in the International Court of Justice, and how one of the biggest international law blogs (the European Journal of International Law) works from the inside.

We also explore the latest trends in the development of international law, discussing in detail Professor Akande's opinion on the attempts to confiscate Russian sovereign assets and establish an ad hoc international criminal tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

Professor Akande also shares his current academic interests and how they evolved over time.

Anindita Sita Dewi shares her MPP journey and welcomes the 2024/25 Class Jun 19, 2024

Anindita (Dita) is a member of the 2023/24 MPP Cohort . In this episode, host Oluwatamilore Oni and Dita discuss:

Dita's experience at the Central Bank of Indonesia and how her experiences during the MPP have influenced her new perspectives on life, work and policy
How to prioritise activities and times in the swirl of Oxford
Dita's top tips for incoming students to maximise their time at the Blavatnik School and University of Oxford more broadly

Dita really wanted to focus on sharing insights and tips to ease the incoming students’ transition. We hope it will be helpful for all those preparing to begin their MPP journey!

Policy Matters: Getting results for Edo State with His Excellency Governor Obaseki Jun 07, 2024

His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki of Nigeria’s Edo State joins MPP student Mobayo Oguntunde to discuss the policy and politics behind some of his signature achievements, creating an environment for results and how Nigeria might address some emerging policy challenges.

Lord Christopher Patten on Oxford and Higher Education, Hong Kong and China, and the Future of Conservatism Jun 03, 2024

Lord Christopher Patten is the Chancellor of the University of Oxford, having served in the role since 2003. Lord Patten was the 28th and final British Governor of Hong Kong, who oversaw its handover to the People's Republic of China in 1997, symbolically marking the end of the British Empire. Lord Patten was also a Conservative Member of the UK Parliament from 1979-1992, where, as Conservative Party Chairman from 1990-1992, he was credited with architecting the election of the Major Government.

In this episode, Nick Fabbri speaks with Lord Patten about:

His lifelong relationship with Oxford University
The state of higher education in the United Kingdom - including freedom of speech on campus and the rise of cancel
The Israel-Hamas war, and the University of Oxford's response to recent student protests and demands, and his work with Medical Aid for Palestinians
Lord Patten’s Governorship of Hong Kong and the 1997 handover
The current political situation in Hong Kong and the erosion of civil and political rights, and hope for Hong Kong's future
The rise of China and its increasing authoritarianism
Reflections on the recent 14 years of Tory rule in Britain, and
The future of right of centre political movements in the United Kingdom

Building State Capacity: Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention May 16, 2024

In this conversation, Erik Kucherenko and Artem Shaipov speak with Oleksandr Novikov, Head of Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention between 2020-2024, about his experience of building state capacity.

We discuss the implementation of Objectives and Key Results methodology, business school training for civil servants working on anti-corruption, and the role of organisational mission and values. Oleksandr shares his successful experience of building an effective institution and recommends books that motivated him to achieve these recognised results.

Damien Shannon on Universities, Education, and Equity Apr 24, 2024

Damien Shannon is a DPhil candidate in Economic and Social History at New College, Oxford.

In this episode, Nick and Damien speak about:

Damien's experience in suing Oxford University over its admissions criteria, which initially prevented him from taking up his degree place on financial grounds
Educational access and equity
Damien's current DPhil research on the abolition of tenure at British universities and the impact on research outcomes and long term institutional performance
The history of universities as institutions from their earliest roots in Bologna and Oxford
Intellectual freedom and the ideal conditions for free inquiry
Sir Keith Joseph and the economic and philosophical foundations of the Thatcher administration
The corporatization of universities and modern employment conditions for academics

The Morality of Capitalism Apr 22, 2024

Denisse Salazar hosted Emeritus Professor Colin Mayer to delve into philosophical and moral discussions surrounding capitalism in modern society. They discussed why capitalism has persisted despite several attempts to diminish it and how its survival represents its moral superiority in comparison to other economic systems.

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Colin Mayer is Emeritus Professor of Management Studies at the Blavatnik School of Government and Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. He is an Emeritus Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford and an Honorary Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford and St Anne’s College, Oxford. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, the Centre for Economic Policy Research, and the European Corporate Governance Institute. He was Chair of the Scottish Government Business Purpose Commission, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Oxford Playhouse, the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, the UK Government Natural Capital Committee, the International Advisory Board of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, and the UK Financial Markets Law Committee Working Group on Pension Fund Trustees and Fiduciary Duties.

George Brandis on Liberalism, Australia, Security, and Geopolitics Apr 20, 2024

In this episode, Nick Fabbri speaks with George Brandis, former Australian Attorney-General and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. They discuss George's time at Oxford and Magdalen College as a law student, his career in the law, the philosophical traditions of liberalism and conservatism and how they might be applied to policy issues in the 21st century, some major security and social policy reforms George influenced, George's time as High Commissioner to the UK during Brexit negotiations, the COVID pandemic, and Tory party leadership changes, and international security issues.

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Professor the Honourable George Brandis KC is a lawyer, former Australian Senator and Attorney-General, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and now Professor of National Security at the Australian National University.

Bob Carr on Politics, Foreign Affairs, Love, and Grief Apr 20, 2024

In this episode, Nick Fabbri speaks with Bob Carr, a former Australian Foreign Minister and long-serving Premier of New South Wales. They discuss politics and embarking on a political career, the art of good policymaking and some of the major policy reforms of the Carr Labor Government, international affairs and security issues, Australia and its natural beauty, and the love and grief that Bob has for his late wife Helena Carr.

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Professor the Honourable Bob Carr was the longest continuously serving premier in the history of New South Wales, a major Australian state, from 1995-2006. He then entered the Australian Senate in 2012 and served as foreign minister for eighteen months. Since leaving politics Bob has led a distinguished career as an author and academic. Bob is also an accomplished writer and has published many books, including My Reading Life, Diary of a Foreign Minister, and Run For Your Life.

What it's like to be a woman in politics Mar 08, 2024

In this episode, Denisse Salazar speaks with Karen Sichel, an alumna of the Blavatnik School of Government, about women's rights, gender equality, politics, and leadership.

Karen Sichel is an Ecuadorean lawyer, and served as Undersecretary of Regulatory Affairs in the Ecuadorean Presidency in 2023. Karen was also at the forefront of Ecuador's 2023 constitutional referendum.

Oleksandra Matviichuk: Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights defender Mar 04, 2024

In this episode, MPP students Erik Kucherenko and Kseniia Velychko talk to Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Ukrainian human rights lawyer and civil rights defender, whose organisation Centre for Civil Liberties (CCL) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.

In an incredibly emotional and sincere episode, Erik, Kseniia, and Oleksandra discuss the motivation behind Oleksandra and the CCL's fight for human rights, the importance of documenting war crimes, the ongoing Russian full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the role of civil society in bringing about political and diplomatic change, and why justice is so important today.

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Oleksandra Matviichuk is a human rights defender who works on issues in Ukraine and the OSCE region. At present she heads the human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties, and also coordinates the work of the initiative group Euromaidan SOS. The activities of the Center for Civil Liberties are aimed at protecting human rights and establishing democracy in Ukraine and the OSCE region. The organisation is developing legislative changes, exercises public oversight over law enforcement agencies and judiciary, conducts educational activities for young people and implements international solidarity programs.

After the beginning of new armed aggression in February 2022, Matviichuk together with other partners created the ‘Tribunal for Putin’ initiative in order to document international crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in all regions of Ukraine which became the targets of attacks of the Russian Federation.

In 2016 she received the Democracy Defender Award for ‘Exclusive Contribution to Promoting Democracy and Human Rights’ from missions to the OSCE. In 2017 she became the first woman to participate in the Ukrainian Emerging Leaders Program of Stanford University. In 2022 Matviichuk was awarded with the Right Livelihood Award and recognised as one of the 25th influential women in the world by the Financial Times. The same year Center for Civil Liberties, which Matviichuk is head of, received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Lord Michael Heseltine on a Century of British Politics, Leadership, Foreign Affairs, and Gardening Feb 22, 2024

In this conversation, Nick Fabbri speaks with Lord Michael Heseltine, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and leading figure in the governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major. In this interview, we reflect on Lord Heseltine's love of gardening, his time at Oxford University and presidency of the Oxford Union, his political career and lessons in leadership, his approach to public policy solutions including privatisation and the revitalisation of Liverpool, as well as Britain, multiculturalism, Brexit, and relations with Europe.

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Lord Michael Heseltine is a giant of British politics, having served as a Conservative Member of the Parliament from 1966 to 2001. He was a Cabinet Minister in various departments in the Heath, Thatcher and Major governments from 1979 to 1986 and 1990 to 1997, and Deputy Prime Minister under John Major from 1995 to 1997. Lord Heseltine later served as an advisor to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Growth under David Cameron's administration, and as a Commissioner on the National Infrastructure Commission (October 2015 to March 2017). He is the founder and Chairman of the Haymarket Group, and runs the internationally-acclaimed Thenford Arboretum and Gardens.

Kaya Axelsson on net-zero policy Feb 14, 2024

In this episode, we are joined by Kaya Axelsson, Research Fellow and Head of Policy and Engagement at Oxford Net Zero, an interdisciplinary climate change mitigation research programme at the University of Oxford. Kaya reflects on her work in the field, common challenges of net-zero policymaking for governments and non-state actors, what makes a good net-zero strategy, and how universities can shape climate change policy.

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Women Saving Women: How to Keep Up the Fight Against Gender Violence in Mexico Feb 08, 2024

Mariana de Lucio, a Mexican lawyer and an MPP student, joined us to delve into the complex reality of being a woman in Mexico and confront the pervasive issue of gender violence plaguing the country. We explored the alarming statistics surrounding gender violence in Mexico and discussed the urgent need for action from both civil society and government entities.

Throughout our conversation, Mariana offers insights into the vital role of civil society, especially women, in addressing gender violence and emphasizes the importance of holding the government accountable for implementing effective policies and programs.

Mariana leaves us with a sense of hope and determination, proposing tangible paths forward that will lead us to a better reality for Mexican women. She inspires us to unite in solidarity and continue the fight for gender equality and justice in Mexico.

Kostiantyn Koshelenko on digital transformation in social policy, Ukraine’s achievements in e-governance, and his new book on management in times of war Feb 01, 2024

Erik Kucherenko talks with Kostiantyn Koshelenko, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine responsible for digital transformation.

We talk about the importance of digital transformation in public sector, Ukraine’s achievements in e-governance, including Diia application, which Ukraine now helps export to Columbia, Kosovo, and Zambia. We also discuss how innovations in social policy helped Mr. Koshelenko and his team ensure the fulfilment of state functions even at the start of the Russian full-scale invasion.

Then, we turn to Mr. Koshelenko’s recently published book titled Management in Times of War. We discuss some of the advice Mr. Koshelenko gives in his book - time and energy management, productivity tips, achieving balance in life and delivering in public sector despite the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion.

Access Management in Times of War in English - https://www.amazon.com/Management-Times-War-Leadership-Government-ebook/dp/B0CQ5DHNH8

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Mychailo Wynnyckyj on higher education reform in Ukraine, and overcoming resistance and implementing changes Feb 01, 2024

Erik Kucherenko talks with Mychailo Wynnyckyj, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine responsible for higher education reform.

We discuss best practices in the domain of higher education, compare different higher education systems and their advantages. We examine the details of Mr. Wynnyckyj’s and his team’s reform agenda, ranging from merger of universities to harnessing economic methods to incentivise high-quality education and research.

Mr. Wynnyckyj also talks about his decision to move to Ukraine after his studies in the University of Cambridge. We discuss his background as well as his decision to join the Ministry of Education and Science in 2023.

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Mriya Aid: a trailblazing NGO helping Ukraine demine its land Jan 28, 2024

Erik Kucherenko talks with Lubomyr Chabursky, Lesya Granger, Mark Paine, founders of Mriya Aid, a Canadian NGO that has provided close to $10 million of non-lethal military aid to Ukraine.

In the first part of the conversation (00:00-1:01:03), we discuss how Mriya Aid has succeeded in winning trust of its donors and of the Canadian government, how it evolved in the last 2 years and how it manages to develop expertise and operate in a highly complex area of non-lethal military aid. Our guests provide practical advice on running an NGO, building organisational resilience, managing communication crises, and delivering despite all the difficulties on the way.

In the second part (1:01:03-1:12:32), we discuss broader geopolitical outlook related to the unlawful Russian invasion of Ukraine. Finally (1:12:32-1:22:39), our guests share their advice and reading tips for current and future policy-makers on creating a balanced lifestyle, preserving mental health, and fulfilling one’s mission in life.

Follow Mriya Aid Substack newsletter: https://news.mriyaaid.ca

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Grace Fox on the Seminole Nation and Indigeneity, American History, and Finding Purpose and Happiness Jan 24, 2024

In this episode, Nick Fabbri speaks with Grace Fox, a student of the Master of Public Policy at Oxford University, about her personal story, the history of the Native American Seminole Nation, her family, identity, and belonging. Grace also reflects on her work with the US Department of the Interior in the Bureau of Indian Education in Native American policy, and her wider work in education, equity, and social justice, and what her hopes for the future are in her life and career.

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Grace is from Edmond, Oklahoma, and an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. She recently graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Ethnicity and Race Studies (Indigenous Studies). Through non-profit management, policy creation, and community-centered organising, Grace plans to work directly with Native American communities worldwide as an aspiring education activist.

Grace has worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Bureau of Indian Education as a recipient of the esteemed 2023 Udall Congressional Internship Program. Grace is excited to continue her education in Oxford and proudly work towards creating a better future for the generations to come, ensuring the success and well-being of her future ancestors.

Grace is an Eisenhower Scholar.

Dr. Paul Monk on Democracy, the Classical World, Geopolitics, and Finding One's Purpose Dec 06, 2023

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, Nick Fabbri and Dr. Paul Monk discuss the crises facing the liberal democracies today, and the lessons that the Roman Republic and Greek democracies may hold for the 21st century. We cover Paul's recent papers delivered to the Institute of Law and Strategy, and his tours of Finland, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia discussing the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the broader geopolitical situation.

Dr Paul Monk is a writer, poet, and highly regarded Australian public intellectual with a background in security, intelligence, and consulting. His writing regularly appears in the Australian press, and he has written an extraordinary range of books, from Sonnets to a Promiscuous Beauty, to reflective essays on the riches of Western civilisation in The West in a Nutshell, to a prescient treatise on the rise of China in Thunder from the Silent Zone: Rethinking China.

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Ema Grajcarová on Slovakia, mental wellbeing, gender policy, and reflections on the MPP Nov 29, 2023

Erik Kucherenko talks with Ema Grajcarová, a Master of Public Policy student student from Slovakia. In this episode, Ema talks about her personal and academic journeys, from studying at LSE and working on the use of European Union funds in Slovakia, to studying the Oxford MPP.

The conversation traces the internal evolution of Ema's interests and goals, discussing in detail her research in gender mainstreaming policies, her impressions from the first term in the Blavatnik School of Government, and advice for future applicants.

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Shuab Gamote: An Unconventional Educational Journey Nov 22, 2023

Welcome back to another season of the Oxford Policy Podcast. This is our first episode of the academic year 2023-2024. It is also the start of a new series called “People of the Master of Public Policy”.

In this first episode of this series, we have Shuab Gamote as our guest. Shuab is a current MPP student and a passionate advocate for educational equality. This episode is about Shuab’s personal story of growing up in Manchester, experiencing a sometimes failing school system and making it his own political mission to promote quality education. You will also learn about what brought Shuab to the School of Government and what advice he will give to future applicants.

Unlocking the social value of employment through Social Employment Sep 21, 2023

We are back from follow-up from our last episode on youth employment policy. We have Dr. Kate Philip again to discuss more in-depth Social Employment as a policy. Dr. Philip is the lead of the Presidential Employment Stimulus in South Africa, and the programmes she leads have employed more than 300.000 youth as social workers.

As we deep dive in the concept of Social Employment, Dr. Philip discusses what constitutes a robust Social Employment programme and how governments can make such programmes scalable through leveraging civil society and partnerships. We also discuss how employing Youth in Social Work unlocks the social value of labour and also brings advantages to the private sector.

The idea for this episode was by Dr. Philip, it was produced by Vitor Tomaz and edited by Paul Austin.

The Government Outcomes Lab: Researching new models of collaboration for better social outcomes Sep 13, 2023

Governments worldwide face major challenges such as homelessness, education access, and healthcare support and there is wide recognition that governments can’t tackle these issues alone. Governments need to work effectively with non-profits, with social enterprises, business, and philanthropies to achieve better social outcomes. In recent years, outcomes-based partnerships (cross-sector partnerships whereby funding is contingent on the achievement of measurable outcomes) have emerged as a promising way to enable more effective and more impactful public-private collaboration. However, do these approaches live up to their promise? And how can we ensure that these partnerships are designed and managed as effectively as possible, building on existing evidence, data and best practice?

Our hosts, Nikki Lucenario and Gloria Wawira, are joined by Andreea Anastasiu, the Executive Director of the Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford to discuss how outcomes-based partnerships are becoming a useful tool for governments around the world.

Founded in 2016 by the Blavatnik School and the UK to deepen the evidence around the use of innovative outcomes-based partnerships. Their work promotes an inclusive and responsive approach to generating evidence and seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice by curating opportunities for knowledge exchange for scholars, policymakers and practitioners around the world.

This episode is produced by Paul Austin.

Follow more of the GO Lab’s work at https://golab.bsg.ox.ac.uk/

INDIGO Dataset: https://golab.bsg.ox.ac.uk/knowledge-bank/indigo/

GO Lab’s Social Outcomes Conference 2023: https://golab.bsg.ox.ac.uk/community/events/soc23/

How to employ 300,000 youth - the story of South Africa's Presidential Employment Stimulus Sep 04, 2023

In a country with 55% of the youth unemployed, the pandemic was simultaneously a threat and an opportunity. The Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) of South Africa encompassed several programmes to create and protect jobs against the effects of closures and lockdowns. One of those programmes employed as many ass 300.000 youth as social workers in school in South Africa and continues to expand.

In this episode we received Dr. Kate Philip, lead of the PES . Dr. Philip the programmes in the stimulus, discusses how social employment can be leveraged at scale to solve simultaneously the problem of youth unemployment and other social challenges.

The idea for this episode was by Dr. Philip, it was produced by Vitor Tomaz and edited by Paul Austin.

Policy in Action: A Conversation with UK Council Members Aug 11, 2023

Continuing with the mini-series of the Masters of Public Policy public servants, two British council members join the Oxford Policy Pod. James Small Edwards, councillor for the City of Westminster, and Charlie Hicks, councillor for Oxfordshire County join our host, Annelisse Escobar.

In this discussion, the council members share their experiences and challenges of youth political participation, innovation, and their vocation for service. Charlie and James compare their experiences as one of the youngest on the job. This has led them to take valuable academic knowledge at Oxford to their constituencies in policy issues like transport, housing, and coalition building.

This episode is conceptualised by Annelisse Escobar, and edited by Paul Austin. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Policy in Action: The UAE civil service Aug 04, 2023

The 2022-23 MPP cohort has some amazing people who are going to make a positive impact on the world. This mini-series in the Oxford Policy Pod will introduce you to some of these aspiring and ambitious change-makers.

Our host, Chiraag Shah, is joined in this brief episode by Reem AlNuaimi and Maryam AlHashmi - two MPP-ers from the United Arab Emirates. They discuss their personal motivations for coming to Oxford to do the MPP, what it’s like to be a public servant in the UAE, and their future aspirations.

This episode is conceptualised by Chiraag Shah, and edited by Paul Austin. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Driving Change in Governance: A Conversation with Dean Ngaire Woods Jul 20, 2023

With over a decade of existence, the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford is championing a world that is better led, better served, and better governed through its programs and centers that educate experts in public policy and governance to tackle the world's most pressing issues. In ten years, the institution has grown from a vision to a cutting-edge institution that advances practical skills and hands-on experience for its students through the incorporation of simulations, internships, and experiential learning. Students leave the school with the tools and knowledge to enact change in policy and governance.

In this episode of Oxford Policy Pod, host Wantoe T Wantoe speaks with Professor Ngaire Woods, the founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University and a Professor of Global Economic Governance. Together, they discuss the Blavatnik School's achievements over the past decade and its impact on shaping global leaders.

Professor Ngaire Woods is renowned for her research on enhancing the governance of organizations, grappling with the challenges of globalization and global development, and the role of international institutions and global economic governance. She established the Global Economic Governance Programme at Oxford University and co-founded the Oxford-Princeton Global Leaders Fellowship program with Robert O. Keohane. Professor Woods also played a key role in the creation of the Blavatnik School of Government.

In addition to her academic work, Professor Woods serves as a member of the International Advisory Panel of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, a Non-Executive Director at Rio Tinto, and a trustee for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Education Foundation.

This episode was created by Wantoe T. Wantoe a current master of public policy student and supported by the Oxford Policy Pod Team.

Unleashing the power of AI: governments as consumers and regulators Jun 25, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gone from science fiction to a critical part of our everyday lives. Governments play the role of regulators but they are also consumers.

How are governments using AI to enhance citizen engagement, decision-making, and better service delivery? How to ensure that public services powered by AI are accessible and beneficial to all citizens?

Our host, Paola Galvez Callirgos, is joined in this episode by Dr. Carlos Santiso, head of the Digital, Innovative, and Open Government Division at the OECD. He has worked in over two dozen countries in various capacities in multilateral development banks, bilateral aid agencies, and policy think tanks. Dr. Santiso is committed to improving lives and social impact in emerging economies. In that sense, both discuss the role of the public sector as AI consumers, diving into innovation, transparency, and inclusion. Finally, Dr. Santiso reflects on an adequate way to achieve an agile and intelligent AI regulation to harness its benefits and address its challenges.

This episode is conceptualised by Paola Galvez Callirgos, and edited by Paul Austin. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Exploring Liberia's Upcoming Election Jun 09, 2023

In this episode of the Oxford Policy pod Co-executive producer Gloria Wawira is in conversation with Mayor Jefferson Koijee from Liberia. They discuss Liberia’s and Monrovia’s preparation to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections later in 2023 and the successes and challenges in the management of Monrovia. Koijee is the Mayor of Monrovia and the youngest mayor in the history of Liberia. The conversation strands youth leadership in Africa, Liberia’s upcoming elections, and sustainable cities. The Mayor shares his experiences serving as the National Youth Chairman for the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and his current role as the National Secretary General of the ruling party. This episode was developed with the support of Wantoe T Wantoe an MPP 2023 from Liberia.

Making change: lessons from post-apartheid South Africa May 27, 2023

How is social change advanced? How do leaders build institutions in low-trusting environments? How do we inspire, design, plan, influence, guide, steer and make change in our relationships, our communities, our society, and our planet? These are some of the questions about making change that we navigate in the conversation with Andrew Boraine.

Andrew Boraine joins our host, Annelisse Escobar to discuss the process of change through his experience in post-Apartheid South Africa. Andrew refers to the process of change as a transition. A transition can be defined as a fundamental change in the way a society meets its needs.

He is an international expert on economic and urban development and partnering for systems change, who has worked in the development sector in South Africa for more than 41 years. He was a senior official in the constitutional department of Nelson Mandela’s government in the immediate post-Apartheid years and was the first post-Apartheid City Manager of Cape Town. He served as CEO of the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership. He has experience from the side of the government, being civil society and an articulator of actors to promote change.

This episode is conceptualised by Annelisse Escobar, and edited by Paul Austin. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Financing nature conservation Apr 04, 2023

“The Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in late 2022, is a landmark agreement to guide global action on nature through to 2030. A key target in the framework is to mobilise at least $200 billion per year from public and private sources for biodiversity-related funding. How will we achieve that?

Our host, Chiraag Shah, is joined in this episode by Anna Ducros and Andreas Hansen to discuss what is biodiversity finance and what are some of the financing mechanisms available to achieve the $200 billion per year target.

Ducros is a Researcher and Nature Economist at the International Institute for Environment and Development working on how markets and market mechanisms contribute to environmental sustainability. Hansen is a Senior Policy Adviser for Ocean and Conservation Finance at The Nature Conservancy where he provides government relations advice on Blue Bonds strategy and coordinates global ocean policy work.

This episode is conceptualised, researched and hosted by Chiraag Shah; produced by Annelisse Escobar, Gloria Wawira and Vitor Tomaz; and edited by Paul Austin. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Successful development—for real—from practitioner's eye Mar 20, 2023

“You betrayed us. I've just been a donkey my whole life and you told me my child's life would be different [if they went to school]. But now I’ve learned that he hasn't learned anything”.

Join us in a thought-provoking conversation with Lant Pritchett, Visiting Scholar and Research Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government and Research Director of the RISE program (Research on Improving Systems of Education). We will discuss development, aid, RCTs, failing education systems and how to turn them around, and monkeys.

Prof. Pritchett is a prominent scholar of development and a ******provocateur******, with years of experience in the practice and study of the practice of development, with passages at BSG, the Harvard Kennedy School, the World Bank, and more. He is the author of “Deals and Development: The Political Dynamics of Growth Episodes”, and “The Rebirth of Education: Schooling ain’t Learning”, among others.

Vitor Tomaz, a candidate for the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, hosts this episode. This episode was produced by Annelisse Escobar, Gloria Wawira, and Vitor Tomaz—edited by Paul Austin (Thanks, Paul!).

To keep up with our latest episodes in conversation with public leaders, practitioners, and analysis, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Vatican’s policy work in thinking and on the ground Mar 07, 2023

The Vatican and its various bodies are not only heading the Catholic Church but also disseminating thinking and advancing work in different social policy themes. Amongst those, ecology and peacebuilding are discussed here. But how does that work?

Our host, Baudouin de Hemptinne, is joined in this episode by Professor Joshtrom Kureethadam and Professor Gerard Powers. Kureethadam is heading the Dicastery for Integral Development and is Chair of Philosophy of Science and Director at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. He has been a researcher at Berkeley and Oxford and published various books on ecology. Professor Powers is the director of Catholic Peacebuilding studies at the Kroc Institute at the University of Notre Dame in the US. He is a very respected scholar in peacebuilding, religion, and conflict studies. Both have an extensive understanding of the Churches’ work in thought leadership on the ground.

This episode is hosted, conceptualised, and researched by Baudouin de Hemptinne with the help of Melinda Davis; and produced by Annelisse Escobar, Vitor Tomaz, and Gloria Wawira. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Ukraine 1 year: Memory, forgetting and social media in modern warfare Feb 24, 2023

One year ago the world held its breath as the Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine. In this particular special episode, we welcome Prof. Andrew Hoskins, whose expertise concerns the impact of digitisation of contemporary warfare on society, and Kanykei Tursunbaeva, a journalist from Ukraine and research associate at the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, who reports directly from Odesa, where she has been covering the conflict first-hand.

In the episode, we discussed how social media transform our perceptions of warfare, from forming memories and national identities to how people navigate what is forgettable or not. Kanykei brings her insight into how Telegram played a crucial role in the daily routine of the war - amidst air raids and power cuts.

This episode is hosted by Vitor Tomaz and Denis Karlovsky, a candidate for the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. This episode was produced by Annelisse Escobar, Gloria Wawira, and the host, Vitor Tomaz. To keep up with our latest episodes in conversation with public leaders, practitioners, and analysts, follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Colombian President Ivan Duque - Would you have done anything differently? Feb 10, 2023

Just six months out of office, Colombian president Ivan Duque Marquez shares his personal insights and reflections on his government period. Having led the country during the pandemic he explains how he was able to navigate the political scene and whether or not he would have done anything different in his leadership (7:09). He also inherited the early stages of Colombian recently signed Peace Agreement and was in charge of strengthening the necessary institutions for its implementation.

President Duque highlights the hardships of today’s polarized society and the need to promote social cohesion to advance development (16:12). He also comments on the necessary actions to work with the opposition and social demands during the protests in 2021 around the tax reform (18:38).

Listen to learn more about his post-presidency phase, the personal projects to advance innovation for development (21:00), and his recommendations to the new Colombian president, Gustavo Petro.

This episode is hosted by Annelisse Escobar, a candidate for the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. This episode was produced by Vitor Tomaz, Gloria Wawira, and the host, Annelisse Escobar. To keep up with our latest episodes in conversation with public leaders, practitioners, and experts follow us on Instagram @Oxfordpolicypod_.

Getting real about measuring environmental impact Jan 26, 2023

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting has been garnering more attention in recent years – especially the environmental component. But how reliable is a reporting method that is not auditable or verifiable?

Our host, Benjamin Weiser, is joined by Professor Karthik Ramanna. Professor Karthik Ramanna is a Professor of Business and Public Policy, and Chair of the Master of Public Policy Program at the Blavatnik School of Government. He is also the founder and co-director of the Oxford Case Centre for Public Leadership.

They discuss the origins of the E-Liability Method (01:30), an auditable method of tracking carbon emissions through multitier supply and distribution chains. There are currently 18 companies in the Fortune 500 in various stages of E-Liability pilots, we discuss the catalyzing role of the E-Liability Institute in bringing in new adopters and supporting the ongoing pilot programs for both organizations of all sizes (~07:00). We conclude with an overview of what the program’s success would look like in the coming years (16:50).

The episode is hosted by Benjamin Weiser, a candidate for the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. It is produced by Annelisse Escobar, Vitor Tomaz and Gloria Wawira. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Reaching your citizens as a minister Jan 16, 2023

For policymakers and governments, new challenges emerge nowadays to communicate effectively with citizens. The evolution of media channels, trust deficit, misinformation, social dislocation, emotional connection in media content, and nudging are among the long list of changes institutional communication is faced with.

Our host, Baudouin de Hemptinne, is joined in this episode by Sean Larkins. Both of them lead the government practice of WPP, one of the leading communications agencies globally, working for governments worldwide. Their practitioners' experience and their firm's research bring us unique insight into the evolving government communication challenges.

This episode is hosted, conceptualised, and researched by Baudouin de Hemptinne; and produced by Annelisse Escobar, Vitor Tomaz and Gloria Wawira. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Health, climate and COPs - Debrief COP27 Part II Dec 16, 2022

COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, was expected to be the ‘Implementation COP’ that would translate previous commitments into tangible action.

Our host, Vitor Tomaz,is joined in this episode by Dr Courtney Howard to discuss her intellectual journey into climate advocacy, how global health advocacy and organisations can also push forward climate goals, and what a civil society participant aims to achieve at a global climate conference like COP.

Dr. Courtney Howard is a current MPP student at the Blavatnik School of Government, a former president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, and a former Policy Director for the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change.

This episode is hosted by Vitor Tomaz; conceptualised and researched by Chiraag Shah; and produced by Annelisse Escobar and Gloria Wawira. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

What happened at COP27? Part I Dec 16, 2022

COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, was expected to be the ‘Implementation COP’ that would translate previous commitments and plans for tackling climate change into tangible action. However, the immediate reaction in the aftermath of the conference was that it was marred by organisational issues and ultimately failed to deliver on its promise.

Our host, Vitor Tomaz, is joined in this episode by Professor Thomas Hale, who attended COP27, to discuss the evolution of global climate governance, the outcomes of COP27, the ins and outs of being a civil society participant at a COP, how an emerging policymaker can be influential in the climate space, and the top two priorities to stay on track to remain under 1.5 degrees Celsius. Professor Thomas Hale is a Professor of Global Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and the

This episode is hosted by Vitor Tomaz; conceptualised and researched by Chiraag Shah; and produced by Annelisse Escobar and Gloria Wawira. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Season 5 Trailer Dec 14, 2022

Welcome to Oxford Policy Pod Season 5! The new cohort of the Blavatnik School of Government brings you a new set of episodes. We will be having short conversations with practitioners worldwide to understand today's policymaking challenges.

How China Exercises Soft Power Dec 13, 2022

The recent 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party revealed Xi Jinping’s intention to present to the world an image of a “credible, loveable, and respectable China.” The pursuit of soft power is inseparable from other government initiatives – China spends an estimated $10 billion on initiatives aimed at enhancing its soft power around the globe. Yet, public opinion polling from Pew Research shows that China is viewed unfavorably in many advanced economies. This data raises the question of whether China’s investments in soft power tools are fruitful.

Does China’s image fare any better in developing countries? Beijing has the world’s largest diplomatic network and has made relationship building with developing countries a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Cultural exchange programs for foreign students from developing economies is an example of its effort to bolster its image as an educational powerhouse and “champion of the developing world.” Economic power is typically not considered soft power, but China also blurred the lines between these categories of influence. The sheer size of its market and its influence as a potential trading partner and benefactor augment its attractiveness across the globe.

Our host Elsa Katz is joined in this episode by three distinguished experts who provide insights on China’s soft power through the lens of business, media, and creative industries.

o Mr. Andrew Cainey – Founding Director, the UK National Committee on China and Senior Fellow, Royal United Services Institute; former Greater China Director at Booz & Company.

o Ms. Zili Wang – Editor and Reporter at International desk of Caixin Media, Caixin Media Fellow at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government.

o Dr. Huiman Chan – Founder, UK-China Film Collab and Lecturer in Creative & Cultural Industries, De Montfort University.

While their perspectives converge on some of the ways China defines its soft power as a two-way street and exercises it via cultural products, they however diverge regarding the suggested methods to advance its global influence. Some propose a bottom-up approach, others a top-down one. Whether the success of soft power is hindered by censorship or by information asymmetry is another thorny issue our experts will cover. From a holistic and nuanced perspective, listeners can grasp the highly complex nature of “soft power with Chinese characteristics” and the global changes of the past three decades since Joseph Nye first coined the term “soft power.”

This episode is hosted by Elsa Katz and produced and supported by Read Leask. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Education in the Post-COVID world Sep 30, 2022

The COVID-19 crisis forced school closures in 188 countries, disrupting the learning process of more than 1.7 billion children, youth, and their families. This had immediate short-term temporary learning loss effects. However, long-term impacts like curbed educational aspirations and disengagement from the school system may be irreversible. This podcast episode deep dives into these adverse consequences and mitigation strategies as schools re-open.

Our host Nikunj Agarwal is joined in this episode by two experts who share their insights on the impact of COVID-19 on education and what needs to be done to alleviate its impact. Dr. Rachel Hinton outlines the short-term and long-term impact on students, particularly from the marginalised backgrounds across low and lower-middle-income countries. She shares recommendations to keep children learning, including adjusting curriculum by governments. Dr. Rachel Hinton is a Senior Education and Social Development Adviser at Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. She has over 15 years of research and international development experience in the UK, South Asia, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Rukmini Banerjee delves into how to encourage parental engagement, leverage existing technology, and support teachers better to overcome the learning loss due to the pandemic and the exacerbated Global Learning Poverty. She also shares her vision for education in a post-pandemic world. Dr. Rukmini Banerjee is the Chief Executive Officer of Pratham Education Foundation. She previously led Pratham’s research and assessment efforts, including the Annual Status of Education Report (also known as ASER).

This episode is hosted by Nikunj Agarwal; produced by Livey Beha and Read Leask; and researched by Claddagh Nic Lochlainn, Allan Greicon, and Emma Dreyer. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Reaching the Sustainable Development Goals Jul 14, 2022

In September 2015, leaders from around the world gathered in New York at the United Nations General Assembly and committed to an ambitious global agenda, setting forth seventeen “Sustainable Development Goals”, or SDGs, to be achieved by 2030. These goals, if accomplished, would mark incredible feats of human history. Unfortunately, the most recent report from the UN Economic and Social Council shows that the world is not on track to meet these targets by the 2030 deadline. This episode of the Oxford Policy Pod will dive into the progress and delays on the SDGs, and understand what it will take to reach these goals. We also explore how policymakers are using these voluntary international commitments to guide and prioritize work in practice, specifically in the context of developing urban areas.

Edward Mishaud, is a Senior Advisor and current acting Director with the SDG Lab at UN Geneva. He has over 15 years of expertise across policy, donor relations, governance, advocacy, and communications, and has worked with several UN and other international organizations, such as the UN Development Programme, the World Health Organization, the Joint UN Programme on HIV and the Green Climate Fund.

Dr. Sylvia Croese is an urban sociologist who is a Senior Researcher at the South African Research Chair in Spatial Analysis and City Planning at the School of Architecture and Planning of the University of the Witwatersrand and Research Associate with the African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. She has conducted extensive research on urban planning, politics and governance through the lens of housing, land, urban infrastructure and mobility, with a particular focus on the localization of global urban development goals in African cities. She has published widely on this work in major international journals, as well as three co-edited books: Refractions of the National, the Popular and the Global in African Cities (African Minds, 2021), Reframing the Urban Challenge in Africa: Knowledge Co-production from the South (Routledge, 2021) and Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals in African cities (Springer, in press). Currently, her research examines the transcalar workings of developmental policy circuits as part of the ERC funded comparative research project Making Africa Urban: the transcalar politics of large-scale urban development.

This episode was produced and hosted by Livey Beha, with support from Read Leask. Season 4 of the Oxford Policy Pod is executive produced by Livey Beha and Read Leask.

To learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals, check out:

The SDG Lab: https://www.sdglab.ch/
Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
UN SDG Progress Report https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/29858SG_SDG_Progress_Report_2022.pdf

Ten Months On: Afghanistan in the Aftermath Jun 22, 2022

This episode provides an update on the political and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. In August 2021, after the United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan after twenty years of military presence, the Taliban took control of the country. Almost one year after the withdrawal, other global events have eclipsed Afghanistan in global media headlines, but the situation on the ground remains dire. In this episode, we will explore the most pressing humanitarian issues facing the country, investigate the policy solutions required to support the people of Afghanistan moving forward, and understand how countries should engage with Afghanistan economically and politically.

This episode was recorded prior to the earthquake in Afghanistan and Pakistan on 21 June, 2022.

We are joined by our guests Naheed Sarabi and Lina Tori Jan. Naheed Sarabi is the former Deputy Minister for Policy in Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance. Lina Tori Jan is the Afghanistan Program Coordinator at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security.

This episode was hosted and developed by Alec Greven with support from Livey Beha and Fatima Murchal. Our executive producers are Livey Beha and Read Leask. To keep up with the latest episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Latin American Elections 2022 May 28, 2022

On the eve of the first round of the 2022 presidential election in Colombia, this episode dives into some of the major political currents affecting the region. Over the past several months, leftist candidates have won the presidencies of Chile, Honduras, and Peru, and former left-wing guerilla Gustavo Petro is leading in the polls in Colombia. This episode explores what is driving these political developments, and if they represent the beginning of a long-term decisive shift toward left-wing politics across the region. Moreover, this episode investigates how the influence of the United States and China is shaping politics in the region, and what this means for global geopolitics.

Our hosts Lucas Pombo, Ivan Chanis, and Melissa Lockett are joined by the following three distinguished guests who give their perspectives on these important questions: 1) Francisco Santos, former Vice-President of Colombia (2002-2010) and former Colombian Ambassador to the United States (2018-2020); 2) Gerardo Torres Zelaya, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Honduras; 3) Dr. Maryhen Jiménez Morales, theMarie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the Latin American Centre, University of Oxford & the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars in Washington, DC.

Our executive producers for this season of the Oxford Policy Pod are Livey Beha and Read Leask. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

A Just Energy Transition for Africa May 10, 2022

This episode discusses the challenges associated with the transition to a net-zero future in Africa. Presently, more than 600 million people across the continent lack access to electricity, and many African countries are reliant on fossil fuels for economic development. At the same time, Africa only accounts for 2-3% of global carbon emissions. This reality means that the transition to a cleaner economy may impose an acute burden on people living in Africa.

Our host, Ujunwa Ojemeni, is joined by Professor Sir Dieter Helm of the University of Oxford and Fatma Lucy Nyambura of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to discuss how to ensure this energy transition is inclusive and just for all Africans.

Professor Helm is a Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford, a Fellow in Economics at New College, and an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Blavatnik School of Government.Previously, Professor Helm was a member of the Economics Advisory Group to the British Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and is the author of acclaimed books The Carbon Crunch (2012) and Natural Capital: Valuing The Planet (2016), Burn Out (2017), and Net Zero (2021), among others.

Fatma Lucy Nyambura is a Policy Officer at the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), focusing on commodity trading and state-owned enterprises transparency. Her work entails development and implementation of policies to increase the disclosure of oil, gas, and minerals sales and purchases. Prior to joining the EITI, Nyambura worked in development consulting in Ghana, Georgia, Liberia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Nyambura is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Certified Public Secretary.

This episode is hosted by Ujunwa Ojemeni and produced by Read Leask. Our executive producers are Livey Beha and Read Leask. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Earth Month Series: Responding to Climate Displacement Apr 12, 2022

This episode discusses the challenges associated with migration and human displacement in the context of climate change, and explores policy responses available to international organisations. Given the complex interactions between climate change, conflict and displacement, many humanitarian agencies and NGOs are only just beginning to come to grips with the implications of climate change on displacement issues.

Our host, Roshan Melwani, is joined by Dr. Nina Hall, an Assistant Professor of International Relations at John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. She previously worked as a Lecturer at the Hertie School of Governance, and was a Policy Officer at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Her research focuses on international organizations, transnational advocacy, climate adaptation, and global refugee governance. Dr. Hall’s book “Displacement, Development and Climate Change”, explores how international organisations have evolved their mandates over time to incorporate climate change as an area of focus. This podcast delves into and builds on the insights offered by the book to see how our global humanitarian institutions can remain fit for purpose to respond to the challenge of climate change.

This episode is hosted and researched by Roshan Melwani. Our executive producers are Livey Beha and Read Leask. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Earth Month Series: Climate Change and National Security Apr 05, 2022

Have you ever wondered how the disastrous impacts of climate change affect national and global security? How do we, states, and international organizations respond to these and prepare for imminent challenges?

In this first episode of our Earth Month "Climate” series, host Logan Williams and the team at the Climate Change and (In)security Project discuss the intersections of climate change and national security and the challenges that come with addressing this existential threat. From specific regional concerns in the Arctic and The Sahel to the framing of local and multilateral solutions, this episode will delve into what it means to work towards a better future amidst global rising temperatures.

Dr. Tim Clack is the Chingiz Gutseriev Fellow at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford. He is also an Official Fellow for Environmental Change at Reuben College, Oxford. He joins the episode to discuss his research focus on responses to climate and environmental change, including conflict and migration.

Logan is also joined by Louise Selisny, who is a Strategy Consultant with a specific interest in communications and defense. She has been engaged by a variety of organizations across the corporate and public sectors, including the UK Home Office and the UK Ministry of Defense. She has a wide range of local governance and stakeholder relations experience in Eastern Africa and Central Asia, and joins us to discuss the human security dimensions of this challenge.

This episode was hosted by Logan Williams. The executive producers for this season of OPP are Read Leask and Livey Beha. And this episode was produced by Claddagh Nic Lochlainn, Grace Miner, and Elsa Katz. To stay up to date on Season 4, be sure to subscribe to Oxford Policy Pod wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_ and on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod.

International Women's Month: Closing the Economic Gender Gap Mar 29, 2022

As we close International Women’s Month, this episode discusses the economic challenges and opportunities facing women all over the world. The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic displaced millions of women from the global labour force and unraveled several decades of progress in closing economic gender gaps. Governments around the world will need to prioritize gender-based policymaking in the years ahead in order to regain this lost ground and achieve true gender equality. This episode takes a look at key elements of gender-based economic policymaking alongside two experts in the field, Dr. Sarah Kaplan and Sanchita Mitra.

Our hosts, Ujunwa Ojemeni and Swathi Ramprasad interview these distinguished experts to get their perspectives on the main barriers to women's economic empowerment in both developed and developing countries. Our guests also provide an overview of some of the policies that governments can implement to help dismantle these barriers.

Dr. Sarah Kaplan is a Distinguished University Professor and the Director of the Insitute for Gender and the Economy at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. Her interview focuses on women working in the formal sectors of the global economy. She also discusses key gender policy themes like the wage gap, childcare, pay transparency, and feminist economic recovery policy.

Sanchita Mitra is the National Coordinator at SEWA Bharat. SEWA Bharat is a federation of women-led institutions providing economic and social support to women in the informal sector in India. Sanchita speaks with Swathi about the unique situation of women who work in informal sectors of the economy, and how SEWA has worked with its members to improve their access to government programs. She discusses the following topics: gender-based violence and safety, financial inclusion, community organizing, and advocacy.

This episode is hosted by Ujunwa Ojemeni and Swathi Ramprasad; produced by Grace Miner; and researched by Laeticia Kamel and Srinithya Nagarajan. Our Executive Producers are Read Leask and Livey Beha To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Why are cities facing a housing affordability crisis? Mar 22, 2022

This episode discusses the housing crisis that cities around the world are facing, and explores the public policy solutions needed to address it. Urban areas are shouldering much of the burden associated with global population growth, including with respect to affordable housing supply. Given this growth is expected to continue, affordable housing policy is likely to be one of the most salient public policy pressures facing governments around the world for some time.

Our hosts, Melissa Lockett and Alec Greven, are joined in this episode by four experts who share their perspectives on how we ended up in this crisis and what we can do about it. Daniel Pryor and Julieta Perucca outline ideological frameworks for the affordability crisis and why our current system has been unable to supply low-cost housing. Daniel is the head of policy research at The Adam Smith Institute, an independent, economic policy think-tank based in the UK. Julieta is the Former Chief of Staff to the UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing and the current Deputy Director for THE SHIFT, an organization stewarding the global movement to secure the human right to adequate housing.

Jonathan Cortell and Oliver Harman delve into practical approaches for supplying housing in both high-income and low-income areas. Jonathan is a Managing Director at L&M Development Partners, a real estate development firm in the U.S., overseeing mixed-use developments. Oliver is a Cities Economist for the International Growth Centre and a scholar of sustainable housing policy in low-income developing countries.

This episode is hosted by Melissa Lockett and Alec Greven; produced by Livey Beha and Read Leask; and researched by Claddagh Nic Lochlainn, Livey Beha, and Nikunj Arwal. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Twitter @oxfordpolicypod and on Instagram @oxfordpolicypod_.

Russia’s War on Ukraine: Perspectives from a War Historian Mar 15, 2022

On February 24th, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since the initial invasion, the Russian army has made significant advances on the capital Kyiv and several other major cities. This invasion has shocked the world and has resulted in a level of violence that has rarely been seen in Europe since the Second World War. Tragically, many civilians have lost their lives and the conflict continues more than two weeks later without a clear end in sight.

This first episode of Season 4 of the Oxford Policy Pod will break down the current military conflict in Ukraine with award-winning war historian Professor Margaret MacMillan. She is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and the University of Oxford. Her publications have been translated into over 26 languages. Our conversation with Professor MacMillan addresses the key geopolitical and historical dynamics driving the conflict, explores how nations on either side should respond, and considers the lessons that history teaches us about securing peace.

This episode was created by students at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government and is hosted by Alec Greven. The episode was supported by Logan Williams and Harry Kirk and our executive producers Livey Beha and Read Leask. To keep up with our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

Season 4 Trailer Feb 10, 2022

Welcome to Season 4 of the Oxford Policy Pod, based out of the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. This season, join students in the 2021-2022 Masters of Public Policy cohort who will guide you through policy challenges shaping our world.

Unpacking the Crisis in Syria: the Role of the International Community and Humanitarian Organizations Jul 07, 2021

March 15 marked the 10 year of the start of the conflict in Syria. This conflict that started as civilians protests against the Assad regime quickly became a proxy war waged on many different fronts. Over the course of 10 years, 12 million Syrians – half the pre-conflict population were displaced. Over 400,000 Syrians lost their lives in this crisis and the infrastructure is in shambles with no straight path forward. This raises a lot of questions about how reconstruction should occur and under what conditions, how the displacement crisis and the humanitarian needs of civilians should be addressed, and who is responsible for it. Our host, Sruthi Palaniappan is joined by Rime Allaf, a Syrian-born writer, political analyst and communications strategist. Rime is on the Board of Directors of The Day After, a renowned Syrian-led civil society organisation working to support a democratic transition in Syria. In addition to the geopolitical issues, our correspondent, Hafsa Anouar, explores the several humanitarian challenges faced by millions of Syrian refugees and internally displaced Syrians with Mazen Alhousseiny, a Syrian who's currently working at Syria relief, the largest Syria focused NGO in the United Kingdom.

The executive producer for this season of OPP is Lian Ryan-Hume. This episode was researched by Frederique St. Jean, Hafsa Anour and Veniecia Laylor; produced by Veniecia Laylor, and edited by Veniecia Laylor, Hafsa Anour and Allisha Azlan. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

Africa Rising from the Pandemic: Building Forward Better May 26, 2021

As the COVID-19 daily confirmed cases and death rates decrease in some African countries, the need for strategically re-opening economies and developing sustainable recovery plans has become increasingly imminent. The pandemic offers an opportunity to build forward better. To understand what building forward better means in practice, our correspondent Hafsa Anouar is joined by Professor Kevin Chika Urama, Senior Director of the African Development Institute at the African Development Bank. Professor Urama draws a picture of the opportunities that have emerged across the African continent amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations for policymakers in designing resilient and sustainable economic, fiscal, and social policies. To get the private sector perspective on building forward, our host Sruthi Palaniappan engages in a discussion with Tonye Cole, the co-founder and former Group Executive Director of the Sahara Group, an energy conglomerate with operations across Africa.

The executive producer of this season of OPP is Lian Ryan-Hume. This episode was researched and produced by Hafsa Anouar and Sruthi Palaniappan, and edited by Allisha Azlan. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

Regulating Big Tech: Policies for the Digital Age Mar 29, 2021

In recent years, the United States and the European Union have taken more aggressive actions to check big tech firms through antitrust or competition law. Join us as we look into the key issues associated with the power that big tech companies hold and how antitrust law can correct for some of these, as well as how some of these considerations may change in the context of developing countries, and whether or not antitrust is the right policy tool to solve the problems associated with big tech.

Our host, Sruthi Palaniappan is joined by Professor Gigi Sohn, a public advocate and a Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy. To hear the perspective of a developing country on problems brought about by big tech, our correspondent, Paolo Tejano, engages with Commissioner Johannes Bernabe from the Philippine Competition Commission. Finally, to explore the issues of social media networks, our OPP correspondent, Adam Flaherty, speaks with UK tech journalist and author James Ball, to hear his ideas on going beyond antitrust to come up with more holistic solutions to solve this problem.

The executive producer for this season of OPP is Lian Ryan-Hume. This episode was produced and researched by Paolo Tejano and Adam Flahery. This episode was edited by Allisha Azlan, Paolo Tejano, and Sruthi Palaniappan. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

Gender inequalities and COVID-19: an International Women's Day special Mar 08, 2021

As COVID-19 continues to rage and ravage our communities, the gains made in the past decades towards gender equality are at risk of being reversed. How have women been hit by this pandemic? Which groups of women are most vulnerable? And what are gender-sensitive policies for COVID-19 response and recovery?

To look at the impact of the pandemic on women, our host Sruthi Palaniappan is joined by Amanda Sadalla, a consultant for UNICEF Brazil on fighting and preventing violence against women and girls. To explore this discussion further our correspondent Mayra Gramani engages with Marina Ganzarolli, a Brazilian lawyer specializing in women’s rights and diversity and the creator of the “Me Too Brazil” movement. In addition, to offer an expert glimpse on the pandemic's impact on women in South Asia, our correspondent Nandita Venkatesan speaks with Dr. Dipa Sinha, an Assistant Professor at Ambedkar University in India and a regular contributor on social justice issues, women’s rights and food security.

The executive producer for this season of OPP is Lian Ryan-Hume. This episode was researched and produced by Nandita Venkatesan and Mayra Gramani. And this episode was edited by Allisha Azlan, Lian Ryan-Hume and Sruthi Palaniappan. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

What is happening in Myanmar? Mar 02, 2021

On the morning of February 1st, Myanmar's military imprisoned prominent political figures and imposed a yearlong state of emergency, alleging fraud in the November election. Protesters have since taken to the streets in what has been Myanmar’s largest civil disobedience movement in over a decade. So what led to this coup? What are these protesters demanding? And why?

To unpack these questions and more, our host Sruthi Palaniappan is joined by Kyaw Win, the Executive Director of the Burma Human Rights Network. To hear the perspective of the conversations and demands on the ground in Myanmar, our correspondent Laura Caccia engages with Oxford’s MPP own Burma Graduate Scholar, Nyan San Lwin.

The executive producer for this season of OPP is Lian Ryan-Hume. This episode was researched by Laura Caccia and Nyan San Lwin, produced by Sruthi Palaniappan, and edited by Allisha Azlan and Sruthi Palaniappan. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

Who decides? Free speech in the age of social media Feb 15, 2021

After rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, several social media companies took an unprecedented action — banning then-president Donald Trump from their platforms. This decision has spurred much conversation on whether and when limitations to online speech are justified. Increasingly, social media giants have come under fire for not doing enough to address issues including mis- and disinformation, hate speech and incitement to violence on their platforms. But who should draw the red lines around online speech? What content should they exactly moderate? And what is the balance between protecting free speech and upholding the public interest?

To engage with these questions, our host Sruthi Palaniappan speaks with Timothy Garton Ash, a Professor of European Studies at the University of Oxford, a columnist for The Guardian, and the author of Free Speech: Ten Principles for a Connected World. To further explore this discussion, OPP correspondent Laura Caccia is joined by Nani Jansen Reventlow, the founding Director of the Digital Freedom Fund, an international human rights lawyer who specialises in strategic litigation and freedom of speech, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oxford.

The executive producer for this season of OPP is Lian Ryan-Hume. And this episode was produced by Manuel Azuero, researched by Laura Caccia, and edited by Allisha Azlan. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

The Paris Climate Agreement under the Biden era Jan 31, 2021

On January 20th, the world watched the change of leadership in the White House as President Joe Biden took office and quickly re-joined the Paris Agreement. Was this a political action or one which will result in meaningful policy changes in the U.S. and elsewhere? Will Biden be able to effectively act on climate change? And who will pay for climate actions globally, especially to support the world’s most vulnerable communities? To look at some of these questions, our host Sruthi Palaniappan is joined by Brendan Guy, a Lead Strategist at the Natural Resources Defense Council working to enhance climate ambition from major emitters.

To bring to light the unique issues facing developing countries and small island nations, our correspondent Frédérique St-Jean speaks with two Oxford Master of Public Policy students — Brook Dambacher, a former legal advisor who supported the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group at the United Nations climate change negotiations, and Elsie Fukofuka, a former government official from the Kingdom of Tonga.

The executive producer for this season of OPP is Lian Ryan-Hume. And this episode was produced by Jessica Krejcie, edited by Allisha Azlan and researched by Frédérique St-Jean.

To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

The ethics of vaccine distribution Jan 18, 2021

COVID-19 has led to two million deaths worldwide. With distribution of the highly anticipated vaccines underway, ethical questions about who should receive the vaccine first are of great significance. How should governments prioritise healthcare workers, seniors, people with pre-existing conditions, and racial minorities, who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19? How do international organizations develop guidance? And how do governments, policymakers and public health officials implement this guidance?

In the first episode of season 3, our host Sruthi Palaniappan is joined by University of Oxford Professor Jonathan Wolff, the co-author of a paper on ethical COVID vaccine distribution, to unpack these questions and more. To uncover how the vaccine distribution plan is implemented in practice, our correspondent Veniecia Laylor speaks with Dr. Ira Klein, the Chief Medical Officer of Health New England, who is leading the roll out of the COVID vaccine in Western Massachusetts.

To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

Season 3 Jan 18, 2021

Welcome to Season 3 of Oxford Policy Pod based out of the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. In Season 3, join our host Sruthi Palaniappan as she speaks with leading experts in public policy and unpacks some of the most pressing policy challenges we face today.

A new chapter in Venezuela’s agony Dec 31, 2020

On December 6, 2020, President Nicolás Maduro consolidated his grip on power after claiming victory in Venezuela’s parliamentary election — an election that was denounced by electoral observers and boycotted by opposition parties. The question now is who has political legitimacy? The Maduro regime or the opposition?

In the last episode of season 2, Suta Kavari introduces our new host Sruthi Palaniappan as they take a look at the crisis in Venezuela. They speak with David Smolansky, one of the leaders of the Popular Will Party and the former mayor of El Hatillo in Caracas, Venezuela, to illuminate the political front of the crisis.

To uncover the everyday realities of Venezuelans and the impact the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela has had on neighboring countries, Suta and Sruthi are joined by two Oxford MPP students, Samuel Diaz from Venezuela and Manuel Azuero from Colombia.

Prison reform, what is it good for? Dec 29, 2020

Peerce McManus, Merin Joseph and Roy Sefa-Attakora, alumni of the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford join Suta Kavari to discuss what the most appropriate policy responses to crime and social disorder should be. They dive deep into the questions around whether the criminal justice system, and in particular prisons, are a failure of imagination or policy, and if they are, how should they be reformed?

What happened in Lebanon? Nov 10, 2020

On 4 August 2020, a massive explosion rocked Lebanon. The explosion, caused by a huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in the port, devastated the capital, Beirut and left least 204 dead and 6,500 injured. Amid growing anger at years of corruption and mismanagement, the government resigned. Three months after the explosion, as the palpable anger and frustration at a failing state a moment of reckoning? On this episode Suta Kavari talks to Melanie Cremona about whether Lebanon is on the precipice of disaster?

Crisis in Education Oct 15, 2020

Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the education outcomes on millions of children across the world, following the unprecedented closure of schools. While the pandemic represents a larger shock to the education system for this generation, prior to it the world was living through a crisis in education.

In this Episode, Suta engages with Dhruv Gupta on ways to counter these shocks. On matters regarding the future of education, Suta discusses with Shabana Rasij-Rasikh- an Afghan educator & women's rights champion, and Yair Leibel, an Israeli who founded the International School of Peace for refugee children in Lesbos, Greece.

Make America Vote Again! Sep 30, 2020

Did the media get it wrong in 2016? And, how have lessons in covering Donald Trump shaped media coverage of the 2020 presidential elections? On this week’s episode of Oxford Policy Pod, Suta Kavari posed these questions to Everett Rosenfeld.

Everett covered the 2016 elections as digital editor for CNBC and reflects on his time covering a very bizarre presidential election. He also talks about some of the lessons from covering 2016 U.S. elections, what the media got wrong, and how to watch the results.

Season 2 Sep 11, 2020

From Wednesday, 16 September 2020, A Look at the Issues, your monthly policy discussion will become Oxford Policy Pod.

In Season 2, Join Suta Kavari every week as he speaks to leading experts in public policy from the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford, analysing and debating some of the most pressing policy challenges we face today.

South Africa's Covid Response, What went wrong? Aug 19, 2020

With fears increasing that Covid-19 is set to reach full speed in South Africa, this episode explores what went wrong in a country that was praised for having one of the most effective responses at the start of the pandemic.

The South African government has been walking a tightrope of trying to protect an underfunded healthcare system, while also trying to revive a stagnant economy, long hurt by years of corruption. On this episode, we hear from public health expert Dr Kerrigan McCarthy and economost Dr Miriam Altmam. Later on, Dr Anna Paherick from the Blavatnik School joins us to talk about why the school chose South Africa as a case study.

The politics of policymaking with Dame Helen Ghosh Jun 02, 2020

On this episode of A Look at the Issues engages with Dame Helen Ghosh who is currently Master of Balliol College, Oxford, former Permanent Secretary at the UK’s Departments for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and the Home Office about how government’s respond to and design policy. Dame Helen reflects on her time as a senior civil servant and offers insights into how to manage a crisis similar to what we are facing.

Also joining to discuss the politics of policymaking in their countries, are two public policy students at the Blavatnik School of Government. Felipe Saavedra from Colombia, and Toby Parker from the UK highlight some of the considerations that go into policy design, and also share insights into some of the challenges that policymakers face.

Government in a time of Coronavirus May 08, 2020

COVID-19 has not only upended our lives but also changed the ways in which we engage with anything else, and especially public policy. Governments around the world have responded differently to threats posed by COVID-19, implementing a variety of measures to contain the spread of the virus and save lives. The focus of many interventions has been about saving lives and sustaining an economy while in lockdown.

In this episode, we look at measures that governments right across the world have taken to contain the spread of COVID-19. Our first discussant, Tom Hale, an Associate Professor in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government joins us to talk about the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker, which has been collating data on the different policy responses governments around the world have taken to contain the outbreak.

We then talk to two students; Pollyana Lima from Brazil, and Femi Adebola from Nigeria, who are currently reading for a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School. They been working closely on the Government Response Tracker, and share insights on some of the interesting patterns in responses from governments around the world and reflect on how their respective governments have responded.

While some political leaders, like the Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly referred to the virus as a “little flu”. We engaged with someone who had the “little flu”, Woo Wee Meng, also reading for an MPP, paints an intimate picture about life in quarantine and isolation in Singapore with COVID-19.

Constitutionally speaking with Kate O’Regan Apr 03, 2020

On 21 March, South Africa observed Human Rights Day, a day that commemorates the events of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre and the brutal legacy of human rights violation during apartheid. The month of March is also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that went into the struggle for democracy in South Africa.

At the dawn of democracy in 1994, South Africa enshrined into its constitution one of the most extensive Bill of Rights of any country in the world. In part as a demonstration of the new democratic government’s dedication to embracing “shared values of human rights and dignity for everyone”. The preamble to South Africa’s constitution, often cited in Constitutional Court judgments, recognised “injustices of our past” and adopted the new constitution as the supreme law of the land intended to “heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights”.

On this episode of A Look at the Issues we are joined by someone with intimate knowledge of the struggle that went into the constitution-making process in South Africa. Justice Kate O’Regan was appointed by then President Nelson Mandela to serve on the first bench of the Constitutional Court in 1994, the youngest of the justices and one of only two women at the time. Recorded a day after International Women’s Day, Kate reflects on a time in South African history that was filled with hope and anxiety and her role in the design of a new constitutional democracy.

Professor Kate O’Regan is the director of the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at the University of Oxford. Kate was a former justice of the South African Constitutional Court (1994 – 2009) and ad hoc judge of the Supreme Court of Namibia (2010 – 2016). She also served as inaugural chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council.

Holding Governments Accountable Mar 17, 2020

In political science, there is accountability when actions by the government are in line with the needs of her citizens. In this Episode, a look at the issues dives in to explore the different ways we can hold the government to account. Join us to listen in on four different experiences from Anelize, Callum, Nick and Prianka.

Anelize Almeida works as attorney of the National Treasury in Brazil. Today, she shares her insights and lessons derived from the bureaucratic legalistic environment in which organisations are immerged in Brazil.

Callum Voge, has worked in the Czech Republic to work at a non-profit media organisation, where he established over 80 new media partnerships for the organisation in 55 countries. He also negotiated and implemented a grant in cooperation with the Kazakhstan branch of the Open Society Foundations.

Nick Kirby is the Director of the Building integrity program at the Blavatnik School of Government, here at Oxford University where they research the meaning of integrity in government, its importance, drivers and inhibitors.

Prianka Rao is a Lawyer who has previously assisted the Indian government in drafting legislation on issues ranging from healthcare to primary education. She has also spent time, tracking the functioning of parliament and state legislatures, as well as spent some time practising law in the Supreme Court of India.

A counter to populism Mar 06, 2020

On this episode of A Look of the Issues, we follow on from our conversation last week about Brexit and talk to Damian Boeselager about the need to counter rising populism in post-Brexit Europe. Damian is a German Member of the European Parliament and co-founder of Volt, the first pan-European party in the European Union. At 32, Damian finds himself in a European Parliament that is younger and more diverse than it has ever been, albeit it more divided than ever. The young MEP has hit the ground running and on this episode of A Look of the Issues, he shares why the establishment of Volt was a response to the rise in nationalistic tendencies across the Europe and around the world. He also gives us tips on how to actively engage with politics wherever we find ourselves.

A post-Brexit future Feb 27, 2020

At the stroke of midnight on Friday, 31 January 2020, Brussels time, the United Kingdom formally left from the European Union. Setting in motion a frantic 11-month transition period in which to negotiate everything from a trade deal to new rules on travel. Long anticipated and highly contested, “Brexit” has captured the mind and imagination of not only British politics, but society for the last four years. With Brexit semi-delivered, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson must now chart new waters and carve out a new role for Britain in the highly uncertain global political economy.

On this episode of A Look at the Issues, our host, Suta Kavari, was in Brussels talking to members of the public and Members of the European Parliament about what a post-Brexit future looks like for the European continent. Suta spoke to Svenja Hahn, German MEP for Free Democratic Party, and a member of the Renew Europe alliance.

Back in Oxford, Suta spoke to Calum Miller about the broader implications of Brexit for the UK and hopes for the future. Calum was the former Principal Private Secretary to former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and now serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Blavatnik School of Government.

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