Undercurrents

The last episode of Reflections at 100, marking the centenary of International Affairs, looks at women’s contributions to international thought, and how they have been erased from the discipline of International Relations. Isabel and Krisztina speak to Dr Katharina Rietzler about women’s contributions to the journal and international relations, especially in the UK. Then, Krisztina speaks to Professor Barbara Savage about Black women’s contributions to international relations in the US. To wrap up this episode, Leah de Haan sheds light on Chatham House's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiative and Jo Hills shares their thoughts about putting together the archive collections.    Reflections at 100 is a mini-series accompanying the journal’s centenary Archive Collections. The collections bring together articles from our archive which speak to the past, present and future of current affairs issues. In each podcast episode, we speak to contributors from a specific collection and explore what the research tells us about policy-making today.  Explore the Archive Collection freely until the end of December 2022, including Katharina’s introduction: 100 years of women in International Affairs. International Affairs was started at Chatham House in 1922 to communicate research to members who could not attend in person. Over the last 100 years it has transformed into a journal that publishes academically rigorous and policy relevant research. It is published for Chatham House by Oxford University Press. Read the latest issue here.  Credits:  Speakers: Barbara D. Savage, Katharina Rietzler, Leah de Haan and Jo Hills Hosts: Isabel Muttreja and Krisztina Csortea Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services  Recorded and produced by Chatham House.

12/19/22 • 56:44

This episode of Reflections at 100, marking the centenary of International Affairs, the journal of Chatham House, looks at how empire and decolonization have been discussed in the journal. Isabel and Krisztina speak to Meera Sabaratnam about how thinkers and policy-makers from the 1920s to 1970s understood both empire and then decolonization. Meera highlights four tensions present within the discussions, and how these may impact the international order today. Inderjeet Parmar delves deeper into the influence of Chatham House at the time and situates these discussions in the broader thinktank and global context. Reflections at 100 is a mini-series accompanying the journal’s centenary Archive Collections. The collections bring together articles from our archive which speak to the past, present and future of current affairs issues. In each podcast episode we speak to editors and contributors to the collection and explore what the research tells us about policy-making today.  Explore the Archive Collection, free to access until mid-November 2022, including Meera's introduction: 100 years of empire and decolonization. International Affairs was started at Chatham House in 1922 to communicate research to members who could not attend in person. Over the last 100 years it has transformed into a journal that publishes academically rigorous and policy relevant research. It is published for Chatham House by Oxford University Press. Read the latest issue here.  Credits:  Speakers: Meera Sabaratnam and Inderjeet Parmar Hosts: Isabel Muttreja and Krisztina Csortea Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services  Recorded and produced by Chatham House.

11/1/22 • 47:01

What drives refugee movements and how should policies manage them? This episode of Reflections at 100, marking the centenary of International Affairs, the journal of Chatham House, looks at refugees and migration. Isabel speaks to Emily Venturi about the movement of refugees, the development of global humanitarian systems and the change in thinking on refugees over time. Then she interviews Ali Bilgic on how populism has impacted refugee policy in Britain, and women’s experiences of the detention system. Reflections at 100 is a mini-series accompanying the journal’s centenary Archive Collections. The collections bring together articles from our archive which speak to the past, present and future of current affairs issues. In each podcast episode we speak to contributors from the issue and explore what the research tells us about policy-making today.  International Affairs was started at Chatham House in 1922 to communicate research to members who could not attend in person. Over the last 100 years it has transformed into a journal that publishes academically rigorous and policy relevant research. It is published for Chatham House by Oxford University Press. Read the latest issue here.  Explore the Archive Collection freely until the end of August 2022, including Emily’s introduction:  100 years of refugees and migration Read Ali Bilgic and Athina Gkouti’s article: Who is entitled to feel in the age of populism? Women's resistance to migrant detention in Britain  Credits:  Speakers: Emily Venturi and Ali Bilgic Hosts: Isabel Muttreja Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services  Recorded and produced by Chatham House. 

8/12/22 • 42:08

In this final episode of our special series, we speak to Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko and Professor Georgiy Kassianov. How can Ukraine rebuild while coexisting with Russia? What is needed to rebuild a stronger country efficiently and effectively? Host: Ned Sedgwick Guests : Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko (Ukrainian diplomat currently serving as Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK), Professor Georgiy Kassianov (Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland) This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

8/4/22 • 27:09

How have western financial institutions created loopholes for the Russian elite? Are sanctions truly enforceable on oligarchs with a strong foothold in cities like London? What is Putin’s role in all of this? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests: Thomas Mayne (Chatham House Visiting Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme), Oliver Bullough (author of Butler to the World and Moneyland) This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

7/28/22 • 23:00

In this episode we follow up on the food shortage crisis we looked at in the beginning weeks of the war on episode two. What long-term problems can we expect because of the disruption to agriculture in Ukraine? Is there any hope for a solution? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests :Marianne Schneider-Petsinger (Chatham House Senior Research Fellow, Global Economy and Finance Programme; Project Director, Global Trade Policy Forum), Laura Wellesley (Chatham House Senior Research Fellow, Environment and Society Programme) This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

7/21/22 • 21:42

What can the UN do on the ground to help the people of Ukraine? Does the war bring the EU a greater sense of purpose or does it mask underlying issues? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests :Saviano Abreu (Head of Communications at The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) Pepijn Bergsen (Research Fellow, Europe Progamme) This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

7/14/22 • 25:51

Why are some peace talks more fruitful than others? Why do negotiations break down? What role can mediators play in sensitive discussions? To answer these questions, Mariana is joined by Isabel Bramsen, who discusses her recent article in the International Affairs journal. In it, Isabel draws on her research and first-hand experiences as a neutral observer during the Philippines peace talks in 2017. They explore key learnings for policymakers and diplomats, including the transformative role of in-person interactions. Then, Isabel assesses the prospect of peace talks in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Read the International Affairs article: Transformative diplomacy? Micro-sociological observations from the Philippine peace talks Credits: Speaker: Isabel Bramsen Host: Mariana Vieira Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House. 

7/8/22 • 23:35

What has the war revealed about both the Russian and Ukranian military capabilities? Was the Russian military surprisingly unprepared? What impact is the course of the war having on the global military industrial complex. Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests :Andrew Dorman  (Chatham House Editor of International Affairs, Professor of International Security at Kings College), Bettina Renz (Professor at the School of Politics, University of Nottingham) This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

7/7/22 • 28:40

How has the war impacted Ukranians' sense of identity? How has Ukrainian language, culture, and politics changed after fall of the Soviet Union. Are Putin’s views on Ukrainian identity shared by others in Russia? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests: Orysia Lutsevych (Head and Research Fellow, Ukraine Forum, Russia and Eurasia Programme); Professor Georgiy Kassianov (Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland, author of “From 'the Ukraine' to Ukraine. In the search of the future, 1991-2021"). This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

6/30/22 • 27:52

This episode of Reflections at 100, marking the centenary of International Affairs, the journal of Chatham House, looks at China’s role in the world over the past century. Isabel Muttreja and Krisztina Csortea speak to Evelyn Goh, who provides a whistle-stop tour of Chinese history. They also discuss how China has been understood in the journal over time.  Then Krisztina interviews Rosemary Foot about the impact of history on current affairs in China, before Isabel gets Xiangfeng Yang’s perspective on US–China relations from Donald Trump to current US president Joe Biden.  Reflections at 100 is a mini-series accompanying the journal’s centenary Archive Collections. The collections bring together articles from our archive which speak to the past, present and future of current affairs issues. In each podcast episode we speak to contributors from the issue and explore what the research tells us about policy-making today.   International Affairs was started at Chatham House in 1922 to communicate research to members who could not attend in person. Over the last 100 years it has transformed into a journal that publishes academically rigorous and policy relevant research. It is published for Chatham House by Oxford University Press. Read the latest issue here.   Explore the Archive Collection freely until the end of June 2022, including Evelyn’s introduction:   100 years of China in international politics  Read Rosemary Foot’s article:  Remembering the past to secure the present: Versailles legacies in a resurgent China  Read Xiangfeng Yang’s article:   The great Chinese surprise: the rupture with the United States is real and is happening  Credits:   Speakers: Evelyn Goh, Rosemary Foot, Xiangfeng Yang  Hosts: Isabel Muttreja, Krisztina Csortea   Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services   Recorded and produced by Chatham House

6/17/22 • 51:58

How has the relationship with the United States and Putin changed from president to president? When did the relationship sour and what, if anything, could have been done to send warning signals to Putin? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests: Dr Leslie Vinjamuri (Director, US and the Americas Programme Chatham House), Dr Charles Kupchan (Professor of International Affairs at Georgetown University, former Senior Advisor to President Obama)  This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

6/16/22 • 27:24

How have Brazil and Africa reacted to the war in Ukraine? With impending elections in Brazil, how is President Bolsonaro’s relationship with Putin received by the public?  How will food insecurity affect African nations' response to the war? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests: Oliver Stuenkel (Associate Professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation), Samuel Ramani (University of Oxford & Assoc Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies) This episode was produced by David Dargahi and Anouk Millet of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

6/9/22 • 29:01

The war in Ukraine and global cost-of-living crisis are exerting pressure on economies across the world. With ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and food supply chain issues on top of this, China is facing a particularly severe challenge.  In this episode Ben speaks with Dr Yu Jie (Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House) about the economic 'perfect storm' presenting such an obstacle to President Xi Jinping's 'common prosperity' agenda. They discuss the domestic Chinese debate over the future of its economy, the implications of Russia's invasion and the likely longevity of the government's new 'comprehensive thrift strategy'.  Read The World Today article: Beijing briefing: China puts prosperity on hold Credits: Speaker: Yu Jie Host: Ben Horton Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House. 

6/3/22 • 26:55

How has India and Southeast Asia reacted to the war in Ukraine? Are they aligning with western sanctions or strengthening ties to Russia? What do they have to gain or lose in involving themselves in the war. Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests: Dr. Shruti Kapila (University of Cambridge), Ben Bland (Chatham House Director, Asia-Pacific Programme), Hunter Marston (Associate 9dashline) This episode was produced by David Dargahi and Anouk Millet of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

6/2/22 • 26:32

What was NATO’s original purpose and what is its role in the war in Ukraine? Will Finland and Sweden join NATO and what significance does this have? What is Russia’s historical relationship with NATO and how did it sour? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Clips used: BBC News Guests: Jamie Shea (Former NATO official, Chatham House associate fellow), Dan Sabbagh (The Guardian’s Defense and Security Editor), Renata Dwan (Chatham House Deputy Director) This episode was produced by David Dargahi and Anouk Millet of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

5/26/22 • 26:52

Six years after the EU-Turkey Joint Statement, domestic changes in Turkey and international developments such as the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan have ensured the border between Greece and Turkey remains a hotspot for migration flows. Today, Turkey is one of the world’s biggest refugee-receiving countries and hosts four million refugees. In this episode, Ayşen Üstübici, assistant professor at Koç University in Istanbul, speaks to Mariana about EU-Turkey migration diplomacy and the Turkish role in international migration governance. Looking back, Ayşen outlines the implications of the 2016 statement and the evolving attitudes of Turkish cities towards migrants and asylum-seekers in the intervening years. Then Stefanos Levidis from Forensic Architecture explores the other side of the border with Danai, looking at the Greek case as the external border of the EU. Stefanos explains why the EU-Turkey border is important and how the natural environment can be weaponized to enforce border controls. Read Chatham House’s expert comments on EU migration policies: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/03/ukraine-exposes-europes-double-standards-refugees https://www.chathamhouse.org/2020/10/what-externalization-and-why-it-threat-refugees Credits: Speakers: Ayşen Üstübici, Stefanos Levidis Hosts: Danai Avgeri, Mariana Vieira Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services Recorded and produced by Chatham House

5/20/22 • 57:41

How does Russia use disinformation and who are they targeting? How are social networks shaping the war in Ukraine? What can be done to stop the spread of disinformation? Host: Ned Sedgwick  Clips used: BBC News Guests: Emily Taylor, Keir Giles, Damian Collins MP This episode was produced by David Dargahi and Anouk Millet of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

5/19/22 • 26:29

Power for refugees is a new two-part podcast on the Undercurrents podcast feed. Over two episodes Ben explores an often-overlooked aspect of humanitarian assistance: access to energy. From Afghanistan to Ukraine to Sudan - the world is grappling with the consequences that emerge when people are forced to flee from their homes. One factor that does not usually make the headlines is that many people displaced by conflict or natural disasters lack access to the energy services that are necessary for forging dignified lives and livelihoods.  This second episode examines efforts to provide alternative fuel for cooking in displaced settings in Kenya, Niger and Rwanda, shedding light on what has worked and what has not. Approximately 81% of refugees rely on basic fuels like wood for cooking. This brings about major difficulties for refugees and the environment, such as illness-inducing fumes from burning wood, the threat of violence to the women and girls who travel often long distances to collect wood, and deforestation. Since 2015, Chatham House has been researching this issue and convening dialogues to spur action by humanitarians, energy companies and others. Our seminal Heat, Light and Power report provided the first ever comprehensive assessment of access to energy in refugee camps and urban areas with high numbers of refugees. This two-part podcast is part of the Renewable Energy for Refugees project. Led by Practical Action, the project provides access to affordable and sustainable sources of renewable energy, and improves the health, wellbeing and security of refugees and neighbouring communities. Credits: Speakers: Suzy Huber (Inyenyeri), Benoit Moreno (UNHCR Niger), Syrus Mutua (Sanivation) Host: Ben Horton Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services Recorded and produced by Chatham House

5/16/22 • 56:03

Power for refugees is a new two-part podcast on the Undercurrents podcast feed. Over two episodes Ben explores an often-overlooked aspect of humanitarian assistance: access to energy. From Afghanistan to Ukraine to Sudan - the world is grappling with the consequences that emerge when people are forced to flee from their homes. One factor that does not usually make the headlines is that many people displaced by conflict or natural disasters lack access to the energy services that are necessary for forging dignified lives and livelihoods.  Approximately 94% of refugees do not have access to electricity to heat or cool hospitals, schools and dwellings, or to light streets. This first part examines efforts to electrify refugee settlements in Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda, shedding light on what has worked and what has not. Since 2015, Chatham House has been researching this issue and convening dialogues to spur action by humanitarians, energy companies and others. Our seminal Heat, Light and Power report provided the first ever comprehensive assessment of access to energy in refugee camps and urban areas with high numbers of refugees. This two-part podcast is part of the Renewable Energy for Refugees project. Led by Practical Action, the project provides access to affordable and sustainable sources of renewable energy, and improves the health, wellbeing and security of refugees and neighbouring communities. Credits: Speakers: Emmanuel Aziebor (Mercy Corps), Laura Clarke (Practical Action), Kevin Mwangi (GIZ) Host: Ben Horton Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services Recorded and produced by Chatham House

5/13/22 • 59:20

Examining China and its relationship to Russia and Ukraine. What is China’s role in the war in Ukraine? What is the state of the relationship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin? Should they serve as mediator or do they have an active interest in a particular outcome?   Host: Ned Sedgwick  Clips used: South China Morning Post Guests: Professor Rana Mitter, Dr. Yu Jie This episode was produced by David Dargahi of Earshot Strategies on behalf of Chatham House.

5/12/22 • 28:44

The Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ project seeks to challenge the current prevalent narrative of a failed 2010/2011 series of revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa. The project does this by interrogating the events in the Arab region since 2010 in a critical light, and by introducing a more nuanced analytical lens to understanding the evolution of change in the region and its contentious politics. The project is supported by the Carnegie Corporation New York. In this four-part mini-series from the Undercurrents podcast, Dr Lina Khatib, the Director of the MENA Programme at Chatham House speaks to leading experts about the great upheaval which occurred in the Arab region during the ‘Arab Spring’, the changes across Arab countries that have happened since and the outlook for the future. In the final episode, Lina and Libyan peace activist Zahra' Langhi discuss the struggle to rebuild Libya’s institutions and the critical role played by women in this movement and the need for the international community to embrace a rights-based approach. Find out more: Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ Credits: Speaker: Zahra' Langhi Host: Lina Khatib Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services Recorded and produced by Chatham House.

5/10/22 • 39:54

The Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ project seeks to challenge the current prevalent narrative of a failed 2010/2011 series of revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa. The project does this by interrogating the events in the Arab region since 2010 in a critical light, and by introducing a more nuanced analytical lens to understanding the evolution of change in the region and its contentious politics. The project is supported by the Carnegie Corporation New York. In this four-part mini-series from the Undercurrents podcast, Dr Lina Khatib, the Director of the MENA Programme at Chatham House speaks to leading experts about the great upheaval which occurred in the Arab region during the ‘Arab Spring’, the changes across Arab countries that have happened since and the outlook for the future. In this third episode, Lina and Alaa Al Aswani explore contentious politics in the Middle East generally, and Egypt specifically, and the conditions which allowed for authoritarian political systems to emerge. Find out more: Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ Credits: Speaker: Alaa Al Aswani Host: Lina Khatib Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services Recorded and produced by Chatham House.

5/10/22 • 36:09

The Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ project seeks to challenge the current prevalent narrative of a failed 2010/2011 series of revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa. The project does this by interrogating the events in the Arab region since 2010 in a critical light, and by introducing a more nuanced analytical lens to understanding the evolution of change in the region and its contentious politics. The project is supported by the Carnegie Corporation New York. In this four-part mini-series from the Undercurrents podcast, Dr Lina Khatib, the Director of the MENA Programme at Chatham House speaks to leading experts about the great upheaval which occurred in the Arab region during the ‘Arab Spring’, the changes across Arab countries that have happened since and the outlook for the future. In the second episode, Lina and Laury Haytayan discuss changes in Lebanon’s political system, and in particular the new political parties which are beginning to emerge to challenge the status quo. Find out more: Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ Credits: Speaker: Laury Haytayan Host: Lina Khatib Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services Recorded and produced by Chatham House.

5/9/22 • 34:02

The Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ project seeks to challenge the current prevalent narrative of a failed 2010/2011 series of revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa. The project does this by interrogating the events in the Arab region since 2010 in a critical light, and by introducing a more nuanced analytical lens to understanding the evolution of change in the region and its contentious politics. The project is supported by the Carnegie Corporation New York. In this four-part mini-series from the Undercurrents podcast, Dr Lina Khatib, the Director of the MENA Programme at Chatham House speaks to leading experts about the great upheaval which occurred in the Arab region during the ‘Arab Spring’, the changes across Arab countries that have happened since and the outlook for the future. In the first episode, Lina and James Zogby examine the political dynamics across the Arab world in the wake of the ‘Arab Spring’ and the impact of US foreign policy on the transformations which happened in the region over the last decade. Find out more: Contentious politics since the ‘Arab Spring’ Credits: Speaker: James Zogby Host: Lina Khatib Editor: Jamie Reed Sound Services Recorded and produced by Chatham House.

5/9/22 • 39:49

As the Philippines are set to elect a new president and vice president on May 9, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte appear to be heading for victory at the polls. To better understand how the son of a past dictator and the daughter of the current president are set to win the presidential ticket, Mariana speaks to Philip Bowring about the role of family dynasties in national politics. Drawing on insights from his new book, The Making of Modern Philippines: Pieces of a Jigsaw State, Philip assesses outgoing President Duterte’s policies and some of the most pressing problems for the next president, from the economy, to governance and the national stance on China. Credits: Speaker: Philip Bowring Host: Mariana Vieira Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

5/6/22 • 33:29

How reliant is the EU on Russian oil? What would an all-out ban on Russian oil look like? Which countries would be most affected? Does this offer an opportunity for renewable energy? Clips used: Bloomberg News Host: Ned Sedgwick  Guests: Helene von Bismark, Neil Quilliam, Antony Froggatt Producer: Anouk Millet from Earshot Strategies

5/5/22 • 24:39

Russia has faced an unprecedented level of sanctions by the West covering the government itself, financial institutions, oligarchs associated with the Kremlin, and much more. But are these sanctions working? Can they really change anything on the ground in Ukraine? Clips used: - DW News - C-Span Credits: Host: Ned Sedgwick Guests: Creon Butler, Christine McDaniel, Bill Browder Producer: Anouk Millet from Earshot Strategies

4/28/22 • 26:49

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we have seen an exponential increase in food prices around the world. In this second episode of our mini-series War in Ukraine, we’re trying to understand how and why a war in one part of the world risks causing famines in distant parts of the globe, and what can happen when people go hungry. Read Chatham House’s latest research paper on the war’s impact on food and energy supplies. Clips used in this episode: - DW News - Al Jazeera - France 24 Credits: Host: Ned Sedgwick Guests: Joe Glauber, Tim Benton, Mohamed Elkaramany Producer: Anouk Millet from Earshot Strategies

4/21/22 • 23:37

The war in Ukraine has caused the largest refugee crisis in Europe since WW2. In this first episode of our new War in Ukraine mini-series, we’re looking at what Ukrainians face when crossing the border, whether enough is being done to protect them, and the impact on the real lives behind the numbers. Guest-host Ned Sedgwick speaks to Joung-Ah Ghedini-Williams (UNHCR), Emily Venturi (Chatham House) and Sonya Sceats (Freedom from Torture). Clips used in this episode: - NBC’s Today programme - United Nations Credits: Host: Ned Sedgwick Guests: Joung-Ah Ghedini-Williams, Emily Venturi, Sonya Sceats Producer: Anouk Millet from Earshot Strategies

4/14/22 • 27:49