This first episode of season 5 is a lovefest with the founders and advisory board members of Diversity in National Security Action Network (DINSN). Together with Bunmi, Camille Stewart, Marcus T. Coleman Jr., and Clifford Pulley III recount the contributions of DINSN and share the call to action for others to continue the imperative of bringing greater diversity to foreign policy. They also share their thoughts on topics of the day related to voting rights, cybersecurity and competition with China. Follow DINSN on social media at NatSecDiver and stay connected to Camille (@CamilleEsq), Marcus (@MTColemanJr), and Clifford (Clifford Pulley on Linked In).
After nearly four incredible years of discussing foreign policy issues, sharing laughs, and groovin' to some of the greatest music of our time, Bunmi Akinnusotu says her goodbyes to the extraordinary community of supporters and listeners.
We've all heard that we are living in "unprecedented times" and "a new normal”. The last time the world faced a pandemic was over a century ago. So, what does it take to actually lead during the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020? During this episode, we talk with three women who are leading in this time of crisis: Dr. Tener Veenema, an internationally recognized expert in disaster nursing; Grelia Steele, a vibrant emergency manager and Phebean Akinwande, a Nigerian immigrant who for 30 years has cared for the elderly. From their vantage points, they explain what makes the COVID-19 pandemic different than anything they've seen, how they lead, and how the US response to the pandemic is intricately entwined with their daily lives.
This episode was produced in partnership with the Diversity in National Security Network, Ink Stick Media, and Columbia University. Production Assistant is Mandy Kwan. Listen to more episodes at whatintheworldpodcast.com and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: WITWPod.
Credits: Water No Get Enemy, Fela Kuti//The Carter Barron, Oddisee.
The 72-year-old global organization known as the World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, President Trump has ceased contributions to the organization and has begun America's withdrawal--a move that has left many wondering about America's influence. On this episode, human rights expert and former UN worker, Pushkar Sharma (Twitter: @PushkarMSharma), explains how the WHO works and how international organizations serve American interests. This episode was created in collaboration with the Diversity in National Security Network (DINSN). Co-Director: Clifford Pulley, DINSN; Edited by Melissa Pons; Theme Song by Carter Barron, Oddisee.
America's existence has grown as a result of decades of flexing its political power. While contested by various nations and "non-state actors", America's "grand strategies" has still been virtually unmatched. In the midst of COVID-19 though, we're wondering if America still has the power. Has China "won" the global competition for respect, influence, and dominance? Ali Wyne (@Ali_Wyne), nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Council, explains the foreign policy concept known as "grand strategy" and how despite what we see, America still remains a relevant powerhouse on the global stage. This episode was created in collaboration with the Diversity in National Security Network (@NatSecDiver). Co-Director: Clifford Pulley, DINSN.; Edited by Melissa Pons; Theme Song by Carter Barron, Oddisee.
During this defining moment in history, the world is watching as the United States addresses protests and racial injustice, cheats its own democratic values, and fumbles the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. What can a progressive approach do to course-correct? Host Bunmi Akinnusotu and featured guests Anka Lee (@anka_Lee), Meg Guliford (@mkguliford) and Laicie Heeley (@Laicie) put forth ways progressive leaders can seize the opportunity to restore faith in America's global engagement and mend what has been broken here at home. This episode was sponsored by the Truman National Security Project (@TrumanProject) as part of the 2020 Democratic National Convention and produced in partnership with the Diversity in National Security Network (@NatSecDiver). Co-Director: Clifford Pulley; Theme Song: The Carter Barron by Oddisee.
One of the greatest hip hop groups of all time, the Wutang Clan, once chanted: Cash rules everything around me. America, by way of the dollar, has been the ruling authority of global economic institutions and standards--to which we owe much of our modern-day comforts. Today though, Cornoravirus has wreaked economic havoc and has required new considerations for the movement of money, goods and services. Whether it's responding to the threat of empty aisles of toilet paper or the movement of money, the American economy is forever changed. Will the dollar continue to rule in a post-COVID world? Or will it be eclipsed by the economic might of its competitors? Yaya Fanusie (@signcurve), a former CIA agent and expert on illicit finance and cryptocurrency, explains the implications of COVID-19 on the US economy beyond what we hear in the news, and what it could mean for you. This episode was co-directed by Clifford Pulley and released in partnership with the Diversity in National Security Network (@NatSecDiver). Visit www.whatintheworldpodcast.com and follow us on social media (@WITWPod).
Credits:
Theme Song: The Carter Barron, Oddisee
Concluding Song: Victory Boyd, Who I am
Continuing on the theme “Is America Dead?”, this episode explores the intersection of race and foreign policy. The foreign policy block is hot. The recent racial and political unrest has lit a fire of debate and reflection in foreign policy. Scholars, policymakers, and everyone in between have finally joined the party and are now grappling with America’s (and the world’s) longstanding avoidance of white supremacy and racial discrimination. Camille Stewart (Twitter: @CamilleEsq) and Dr. Muhammad Frasier-Rahiem (Twitter: @mfraserrahim) spoke with host, Bunmi Akinnusotu, about America’s racist foreign policies, its impact on the present and some solutions for moving forward. Learn more about the Muslim experience in America and buy Dr. Frasier's Book: America’s Other Muslims: Imam W.D. Mohammed, Islamic Reform, and the Making of American Islam.
What in the World? is produced in partnership with Diversity in the National Security Network (DINSN). Visit https://diversityinnationalsecuritynetwork.com/.
Credits:
Ralph J. Bunche 1969 Speech: UCLA Communications Studies Department
Theme Song: The Carter Barron by Oddisee
Concluding Song: My Way, Kranium
In this season 4 kick-off, Bunmi Akinnusotu is joined by Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, a 30-year diplomat to discuss the health of the Department of State and America's "situationship" with the rest of the world. Amid a global pandemic, the dismissal of norms and expectations of diplomacy, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley argues America has been weakened but there is hope! Follow Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley, the Cleveland native and Temptations fan, on Twitter and stay up to date on her efforts to strengthen the State Department. Then, subscribe to What in the World? podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss a show. Use #foreignpolicyforthepeople to share your thoughts on this episode and more. This episode was recorded remotely to maintain the safety and health of the host and her guests.
What in the World? is produced in partnership with Diversity in the National Security Network (DINSN). Visit https://diversityinnationalsecuritynetwork.com/.
Co-Director: Clifford Pulley, Georgetown University
Goodies mentioned in this episode:
Episode 1 of What in the World?
Season 4 of What in the World? with Bunmi Akinnusotu, returns with a five-part conversation exploring America's global leadership. Has America reached political atrophy? Is it's global muscle still there? Is America still influential? Relevant? Necessary? COVID-19 and the political unrest stemming from police brutality has certainly toppled the image of America so many once knew. From the lens of foreign policy experts of color in Bunmi explores the death of America in 2020. Listen to the entire season and previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, let your folks know this show exists and share your thoughts on social media using #foreignpolicyforthepeople. Follow WITWPod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay up to date on new episode releases. What in the world? is a proud member of the Diversity in National Security Network.
New Theme Song: The Carter Baron by Oddisee
2019 marks the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization better known as NATO. The US' participation in NATO has been scrutinized by President Trump as he has expressed some concerns about spending. Transatlantic experts, music lovers, and global trotters, Alex Johnson and Anthony Robinson explain NATO--what it is, how it operates, and how US-Europe relations matter to our every day lives.
Credits:
Intro Remarks: President Harry S. Truman, Speech at the signing of the NATO Washington Treaty, 1949
Intro Song: "Ryde or Die" by L.O.X., Eve,Drag-On
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Someday We'll All Be Free" by Donny Hathaway
Houston, do we have a problem? President Trump announced the establishment of Space Force in February. Skeptics have asked, what could we possibly need a space military for when we haven’t found aliens to fight and what's the difference between NASA and Space Force?. Guest experts, Victoria Samson and Krystal Wilson, discuss space security, space technology's beneficial values, and the plans behind President Trump's Space Force.
Credits:
Intro Remarks: President John F. Kennedy Speech, "We Choose To Go To The Moon Speech"
Intro Song: "Forever Begins" by Common
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Under the Milkyway" by The Church
President Maduro, in late January, ordered diplomats in the American embassy in Caracas to leave the country. Since then, Venezuela's crisis has gained national attention here in America, sparking concern about what exactly is happening in the country. The international community has called for Maduro to step down and to allow opposition leader Juan Guiado to claim his position as the elected President. Claims of human rights abuses, severe corruption, and economic degradation have plagued Venezuela, the world's leading producer of oil. The real-life "Olivia Pope", Dr. Vanessa Neumann, breaks down the situation and provides clarity about what this crisis matters to America.
Credits:
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Set You Free" by N-Trance
Photo Credit: Juan Barreto, AFP, Getty Images
February 15, 2019 was to mark the Presidential election day for some 84 million Nigerians. Nigerians from all over the world flew back to Nigeria to cast their vote in eager anticipation of a new chapter for the nation. But then about 5 hours before polls were about to open, the elections were postponed until February 23rd. Our guest, Chris Ogunmodede, a third culture kid, political risk analyst, and 90 Hip-Hop fan, explains what happened with the elections and why any of it is important to America.
Credits:
Intro Song: "Suffering and Smiling" by Fela Kuti
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar
Photo Credit: Naija247News
The United States has been immersed in the news of the trade war China and concerns about Chinese currency manipulation. But across the ocean in Africa, the Chinese have a different kind of relationship. Their presence has grown exponentially over several decades. Annually, trade between Africa and China has ballooned to $166B—China IS Africa’s largest trading partner.
China’s Africa strategy, though, raises a lot of concerns on the part of the West because of China’s human rights abuses--they aren’t particularly known to be champions of the many freedoms we have here in the states like press, speech, religion, etc, and many are concerned that their pivot towards Africa actually emboldens corruption and sets Africa back in terms of having more open, free, and industrialized societies—concepts we typically associate with democracy. This episode focuses on the role of the Chinese in African media. How are the Chinese using Africa media to connect with Africans? What are some of the regulatory concerns? And most importantly, why does any of this matter to us here in the U.S.? George Sarpong, Fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy answers all of this and shares his thoughts on the debate of the century: Which country makes the best jollof rice?
The 116th Congress is in session and the Hill is buzzing with new faces, new agendas, and lots of global issues to tackle. Brian Greer, a Georgia boy, chess player, and Defense expert explains the ins and outs of the power of Congress when it comes to foreign policy and why your understanding of these issues matter.
Credits:
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "So What" by Miles Davis
Photo Credit: Getty
From hacked emails to questionable election results, Cybersecurity is often looked at as something outside of our control. Our Cyberhero, Tech policy expert, and advocate of digital smarts, Camille Stewart, shares every day cyber tips to protect users and the country. We talk about the basics of cybersecurity (the players, the issues, and challenges), her #EveryDayCyber campaign, and tech policies that impact our lives and issues like national security.
Brazil's elections, laden with controversy, hate speech, violence, and deep community divide, is reminiscent of America's 2016 Presidential elections. Like President Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, has promised to bring economic stability and an end to the status quo of democratic ideals. At what cost, though? And why should Americans pay attention? Jana Nelson, a Brazilian-born American and expert in Latin America and trade, explains. This episode was released in 2018 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.
Credits:
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "The Wall" by Pink Floyd
Photo Credit: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images
Imagine what it's like to work alongside someone whose job is to orchestrate the cooperation of 190+ vastly different countries. Mihn-Thu Pham of the United Nations Foundation shares her experiences being led by the late Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Born in Vietnam and moving to America with her family, Minh-Thu was called to support Kofi Annan as he led a complicated world and addressed a skeptical American public. Find out what the role of the Secretary-General is, Mr. Annan's contributions were, and why the UN is still relevant to the United States. This episode was released in 2018 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.
Credits:
Intro Clip: Kofi Annan Farewell Speech, December 2006 courtesy of the UN
Intro Clip Song: "Hold My Hand" by Michael Jackson
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Walk On" U2
A bus full of school children is bombed by Saudia Arabian war weapons purchased from the United States; Women negotiate food supplies for a country where 60% of the population lives in poverty; And a community tries to claim its sovereignty amid dueling powers and violent extremists. Yemen's silent war, for many Americans, is an unknown. Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini of ICAN Peace Network explains the crisis in Yemen and womens' attempts to use the power of the pen to bring about peace. This episode was released in 2018 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.
Credits:
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Super Trouper" by Abba
Cover Photo: Hani Mohammed/AP