Global Inquirer

Global Inquirer

Using case studies that often go untouched in news media, we examine how global trends are impacting real lives and international politics. Global Inquirer is a production of the International Relations Organization at the University of Virginia. We are also affiliated with TEEJ.fm, the podcast network of the University of Virginia and Charlottesville. Music: Audissey https://open.spotify.com/artist/27PasEOltfafDKVv1TPTQR

Episodes

The Dismantling of U.S. Foreign Aid: American Retreat and Chinese Expansion

March 17, 2026 • 43 mins
In this episode with Professor Jane Zimmerman, we examine the dismantling of America’s foreign assistance system and what it means for American diplomacy and global development. Discussing the many roles foreign aid has historically played, ranging from advancing humanitarian goals to strengthening U.S. national security, we explore what the United States has lost by scaling back its aid programs and development institutions. We al...
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AI and Society: Perspectives from the United States and China

March 16, 2026 • 45 mins
In this episode with Dr. Lauren Bridges and Zhou Zhuoran, we examine how artificial intelligence is shaping society in both the United States and China. Looking across many different contexts, we consider how debates over AI safety, ethics, and regulation are unfolding in both countries, and what these perspectives reveal about the future of technology and society. Along the way, our guests reflect on how AI is transforming their o...
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The Gutting of the State Department: Lessons from an Ambassador

March 15, 2026 • 30 mins
In this episode with Ambassador David Young, we examine the recent gutting of the U.S. State Department. Discussing the Trump administration’s efforts to cut staffing, funding, and foreign assistance programs as part of a broader restructuring of the federal government, we explore how these changes have affected both American diplomacy and the individuals who carry it out. Alongside this policy discussion, Ambassador Young reflects...
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Modern Fascism: Beyond History and Symbols

March 15, 2026 • 41 mins
In this episode with Professor Kyrill Kunakhovich, we examine the history and evolution of fascism. Discussing its origins under Mussolini, we explore why fascism has proven so difficult to define and how rigid definitions may sometimes obscure emerging threats. Looking beyond the symbols and imagery of the past, we attempt to identify the common patterns that link fascist movements across time, and examine the emotions, tendencies...
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GI LIVE: Rethinking China’s Rise

March 14, 2026 • 40 mins
In this first-ever live episode of the Global Inquirer, recorded in front of a live audience at a meeting of UVA’s International Relations Organization, we sit down with Professor Dale Copeland to rethink China’s rise. We dive into the debate over whether Beijing truly seeks hegemony, examine historical patterns shaping Chinese strategy, and consider how perception, media, and fear influence Western interpretations of Chinese power...
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After Assad: Syria in Transition

February 6, 2026 • 42 mins
In this episode with Professor Hanadi Al-Samman, we discuss Syria’s monumental regime change. Investigating the conditions of minority groups, we analyze the lead up to the Assad Regime’s collapse, the transition to the new government under Al-Sharaa, and both the promise and peril that may lie ahead. — Special Guest: Hanadi Al-Samman Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Jason Kim, Victoria Strama, Anthony Chandler, a...
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U.S. Immigration: Trump’s Weaponization of an Already Broken System

September 13, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode with Professor Levi Vonk, we discuss the state of U.S. immigration under Donald Trump’s second administration. We analyze what is different about Trump’s repressive crackdown, but also explore what has remained the same under an immigration system that both parties have leveraged to exclude immigrants for decades. — Special Guest: Levi Vonk Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Abby Larkin, Anika Shah, C...
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Lebanon at a Crossroads: After the Bombs, What Comes Next?

September 13, 2025 • 44 mins
In this episode with Dr. Hikmat Nasr, we discuss the aftermath of Israel’s most recent conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. We analyze the human cost of the war, Hezbollah’s position in Lebanese society, and recent progress for the country’s internationally recognized government. We also consider the different options for integration and reconciliation in the future. — Special Guest: Dr. Hikmat Nasr Executive Producer: Andrew Chand ...
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Why Isn’t Anyone Talking About West Papua?

September 13, 2025 • 36 mins
In this episode with Professor Camellia Webb-Gannon, we discuss the often-overlooked fight for self-determination in West Papua. We analyze the history of West Papua’s independence movement and the current state of the struggle, while also exploring possible paths forward. — Special Guest: Camellia Webb-Gannon Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Hannah Vinas and Calvin Pan
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Labor Trafficking in Canada? When Migration Becomes Exploitation

September 13, 2025 • 20 mins
In this correspondent-led episode, we discuss the international labor trafficking scandal unfolding in, perhaps surprisingly, Canada. We analyze the systems that enable the exploitation of migrant workers, the experiences of the victims, and the various responses of global actors to the revelation of this story. — Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Danial Butt and Tesher Baer
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El Salvador: The “World’s Coolest Dictator” and the Trade-Off Between Security and Democracy

January 28, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating political situation in El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele—who has led the country’s transformation from the murder capital of the world to perhaps the safest country in the Americas—is implementing anti-democratic policies with seemingly broad public support. How sustainable is this, and is there a fundamental trade-off between security and democracy? The Global Inquirer discusse...
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Shedding Light on an Often Overlooked Conflict

January 27, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode, we discuss the ongoing conflict and desperate humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We analyze how ethnic tensions, resource extraction, foreign intervention, and a variety of other factors have culminated in this devastating war, while also contemplating paths forward for the DRC. Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Staff Correspondents: Danial Butt & Tesher Baer Additional Researchers: Cri...
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Venezuela’s 2024 Election Crisis: A Stolen Election in a Teetering Democracy

January 27, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode, we explore Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro’s blatant theft of his country’s 2024 presidential election, which evidence suggests he lost resoundingly to the most organized opposition in recent Venezuelan history. We discuss how we got here, what actually happened, and what this all means for Venezuela’s future. Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Staff Correspondents: Kelsey Holzman, Hannah Vinas, & Carolina Zann...
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Israel and Palestine: Students’ Views on the Most Contentious Conflict in Geopolitics

January 27, 2025 • 44 mins
In this episode, we interview two students with vastly differing opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict. With little commentary from our staff, the podcast’s aim with this episode was simply to amplify student voices and address what is undoubtedly the most contentious ongoing conflict in geopolitics. Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Staff Correspondents: James Grayken, Indigo Samson Guests: Ella Kotok and Naima Tinsley Add...
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Nagorno-Karabakh: Historical Erasure, Modern Exodus

April 27, 2024 • 29 mins
In this episode, we discuss the history and impact of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Placed under Azerbaijani authority since the dissolution of the USSR, the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its historically Armenian-majority population have long been in limbo. In September 2023, the vast majority of these ethnic Armenians were forced out of the region. How did this happen? Was this a sudden ethnic conflict or a longstanding nation-bui...
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International Cybercrime

March 31, 2024 • 19 mins
In this episode, we provide an introduction into the world of international cybercrime. Discover how it works, who's involved, and why it matters. Host: AJ Laurienti Researchers: Jack Cooper, Barbara Uzun Executive Producer: Reece Kaplan
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Ranked Choice Voting: Imagining a Different Election System

February 16, 2024 • 40 mins
In this episode, we provide an overview of what ranked choice voting is and why it is being advocated for in American politics. Who does this system stand to benefit? Will it be implemented further? Find out in our Season 12 opener! Host: AJ Laurienti Researchers: Andrew Chand, Reece Kaplan, Leslie Lan Consulted Experts: J. Miles Coleman, Nick Co
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The Filibuster: Setback or Savior?

November 17, 2023 • 34 mins
In this episode, we discuss the arguments for and against one of the most intriguing rules in American government: the filibuster. Does it protect minority opinion, or does it result in the rule of the minority? Is the filibuster going anywhere? Find out in this episode, our season finale! Host: AJ Laurienti Researcher: Andrew Chand Consulted Expert: Craig Volden
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Ukraine War Review Part 2: Going Forward

October 20, 2023 • 27 mins
In this episode, we pick up our discussion on the War in Ukraine. We focus on the impact of Finland's ascension to NATO along with the importance--and possible future impacts--of the war. Host: AJ Laurienti Researcher: Reece Kaplan Consulted Expert: Kyrill Kunakhovich (UVA history professor)
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Ukraine War Review Part 1: Perspective, History, Territory

September 19, 2023 • 25 mins
In this episode, we look more closely at the War in Ukraine, focusing on the Russian public's perspective, historical factors driving the war, and the role of territory. Host: AJ Laurienti Researcher: Reece Kaplan Consulted Expert: Kyrill Kunakhovich (UVA history professor)
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