FO° Podcasts

Religious Freedom Hangs in the Balance in Syria

HTS, an Islamist group with al-Qaeda roots, is now the strongest force in Syria. The fallen Assad regime, while brutal, was formally socialist and secular, allowing a degree of religious freedom. Syria is now in danger of losing this relative freedom.
 
Flavius Mihaies is an investigative journalist with extensive field experience in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Eastern Europe, and Africa. His journalism primarily focuses on conflict, the experiences of minorities at war, and the effects of economic sanctions. Before his journalistic career, Flavius worked with the US Congress, think tanks, international organizations, and private sector entities in development and foreign policy. HuffPost, the Atlantic Council, and Al Jazeera have featured his work. Flavius frequently travels to the Middle East, where he has firsthand experience working in a Syrian refugee camp, touring towns in the Kurdish region, and visiting local Christian communities. He has also completed a book on Syria.

Donald Trump Is Back. Why, and What Happens Now?

Antoine van Agtmael, a sage of our times who coined the term “emerging markets” in 1981, discusses Donald Trump’s victory, its reasons, its significance and its consequences in this episode of FO° Podcasts. He says it is the end of an era, but the world is still much better off than a hundred years ago, and there is reason for hope.

Making Sense of the New Trumponomics Starting in 2025

The upcoming second Trump administration has ignited a debate about its economic impact, referred to as "Trumponomics." This approach diverges from traditional Republican free-trade principles while keeping elements like deregulation, lower taxes, and a strong stance on China. The effectiveness of these policies will largely depend on the administration's appointees in key departments, but Trump's unpredictable nature introduces further uncertainty. The outcome remains uncertain.

Making Sense of South Africa's Rich History

South Africa's history is a journey from colonization and racial injustice to resistance and the overthrow of apartheid. In this episode of FO° Podcasts, we peel back the many layers of the country’s past, make sense of the present and ponder the future.

A Swiss Perspective on World Affairs Today

Switzerland continues to navigate complex global challenges while maintaining its traditional neutrality and economic interests. The country's diplomatic efforts, economic partnerships, and strategic approach to international relations demonstrate its commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity on the world stage.

Making Sense of Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa is a region facing complex and interconnected challenges with potential conflict and instability. Understanding the historical context, current geopolitical landscape and the role of external powers is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of this volatile region.
 

FO° Podcasts: The Quad’s Evolution From Providing Public Goods to Security Cooperation

Professor Haruko Satoh from the Osaka School of International Public Policy and Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President and Research Program Director at the East-West Center in Washington, discuss the evolving role of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a strategic partnership between four of the most important democracies in the Indo-Pacific: Japan, the US, Australia and India.

Make Sense of Kamala Harris. With $200+ Million Now, Can She Win?

Making Sense of the Mad 2024 American Election

Reform and its Perils in Contemporary Islam

In this episode, Atul Singh chats with Nadia Oweidat, a professor at Kansas State University and an intellectual historian. Nadia discusses her book "Reform and its Perils in Contemporary Islam," which delves into the challenges of reforming Islamic thought. The conversation highlights the work of Islamic philosopher Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, exploring his contributions and the difficulties faced in modernizing Islamic perspectives.