Political Bark
By Sophie Matlary
The podcast is given by Sophie Matlary and features weekly guests from different walks of life.
Political BarkDec 05, 2021
Moroccan - Norwegian relations: An interview with H.E Nabila Freidji 🇲🇦🇳🇴
Navalny is dead
A frank conversation with Afghan human rights activist, Pashtana Dorani
In conversation with H.E Avi Nir Feldklein, ambassador to Israel in Norway 🇮🇱🇳🇴
In conversation with writer Amal Ghandour (Lebanon)
In conversation with the Hungarian Ambassador to France 🇫🇷 🇭🇺 H.E Georg Von Habsburg.
Political Bark in conversation with H.E the Turkish Ambassador to Norway
On «Being the good Arab» - A debate on racism in French society
Racism and discrimination are sadly common occurences in France in 2022. Here is an insider conversation on this topic and a snapshot into the life of Algerian born Iskander Ramadan, live from Marseille, France. Tune in!
Interview with the Egyptian Ambassador to Norway: New perspectives on the Ukraine/Russia war
In this episode of Political Bark I speak with the Egyptian Ambassador to Norway about the Ukraine/Russia War and Egypt's more pragmatic position.
As I discuss with H.E the Ambassador, right now, in this intense and volatile global climate, it is required that we look for solutions that lead to peace and communication instead of those leading to war.
In order to get new and refreshing perspectives on solutions t we need to hear from those countries that are acting and positioned more neutrally in this war.
Egypt is such a country - that has a strategically very interesting position right now; being a neutral actor, thriving on important bilateral agreements and relations with both the Kremlin, Ukraine, the EU and Washington today.
Together we also discuss the detrimental consequences the war is having on third countries, such as those in the Middle East and in North Africa where the price of wheat and other commodities has doubled these last weeks.
Tune in for an interesting and important episode!
Snapshot from Hungary: The War in Ukraine, refugees and Hungarian responses
In this week's episode of Political Bark I am speaking with the Hungarian Ambassador to Norway, H.E. Eszter Sandorfi. We are discussing the Hungarian responses to the Ukrainian - Russian war, and the ongoing refugee inflow coming across the border from Ukraine. In only 3 weeks, we see more than 200.000 refugees entering Hungary from Ukraine. This inflow has naturally caused a need for an immediate and elevated effort from both the Hungarian government and its people. In this 'Snapshot from Hungary' - episode we get first hand insights into these responses from the ambassador, whom recently returned from Budapest.
If you are interested in donating to organizations that work at the border and in Hungary right now, please donate to:
Magyar Maltai Szeretetszolgalat - Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta:
IBAN: HU34 11763842 0014881 000 0000
swift: OTPVHUHB
Tune in!
Ukraine and Russia
With the Chairman of the Political Science Youth organization of Bulgaria, Sergey Petrov, Political Bark tackles the topic of the ongoing crisis between Ukraine, Russian and the West. In this conversation we discuss a weakened EU, and a tactical and strategic strong Kremlin. The biggest loser is Ukraine, which since the war in 2014 contines to suffer from a weakened economy and society due to external pressures. Tune in!
Gjengkriminalitet i Oslo: Et reelt resultat av utenforskap
Hvordan kan vi hjelpe unge ut av gjengmiljøer og ut av kriminelle miljøer? I denne episoden av Political Bark snakker jeg med Usman Ali (Oslo Kommune) som jobber med ungdomskriminelle hver dag, og som vet veldig mye om gjengmiljøer i Oslo etter ti-års erfaring som Politibetjent der (PB3), som vokst opp på Grorud i en Norsk-Pakistansk familie, og som har jobbet lenge i det offentlige med unge kriminelle. Usman kan alt om verktøyene som vil bidra til å hjelpe unge ut av kriminelle miljøer - da han bruker disse hver da - og han vet hva samfunnet trenger å gjøre nå.
Slik vi diskuterer og kommer frem i denne uformelle samtalen, er det verdi-problemer i det norske samfunnet som gjør at unge blir med i gjenger: De unge lever utenfor 'det normale' og det er ingen som ønsker å ta dem med videre heller, inn i stor-samfunnet. Det at unge marginaliseres og hele bydeler marginaliseres noe skaper utenforskap og negative konsekvenser - slik som gjengkriminalitet. Unge søker seg til gjenger fordi de føler mening, spenning og trygghet der. Og så lenge storsamfunnet ikke kan bidra med stabilitet, glede og motivasjon, vil unge forsette å bli med i gjenger og søke ut kriminelle miljøer. Når familien ikke kan ta vare på sine unge, er det samfunnet som skal gjøre det, men når samfunnet ikke ønsker det heller, så blir gjengen en ideell løsning.
Hvordan kan vi så hjelpe de unge?
-Vet at vi erkjenner at vi ikke kan tilsidesette hele bydeler og hele minoritetsgrupper, kun fordi de ikke ligner oss selv - i storsamfunnet - det hjelper ikke å pøse millioner inn i fotballbaner og fritdsklubber på østkanten hvis viljen og respekten ikke er der: Når vi erkjenner at våre minoriteter også er 'som oss' vil problemet forsvinnet, gradvis. Ikke fall for at disse unge som ser annerledes ut enn oss ikke er som oss - de trenger å bli sett, hørt og verdsatt.
The future of the EU: Enlarged or broken?
Are you curious about the future of the EU?
Then you should listen in to this conversation with Politicking me Off (Kaniskh, University of Mumbai), as we discuss potential scenarios for the future of the EU, and the ongoing crisis between Brussels/Von Der Leyen and Poland - Hungary.
As all political issues are, this is also a highly complicated and conflictual one that needs a great deal of attention and care right now. We both hope for a smooth solution to the crisis, and an EU where member states and their sovereignty remains respected, while states enjoy taking part in an economic and social union also. We discuss the role of the USA and Russia in today's crisis, and try to come to a (ambitious) agreement on what the EU might look like in year 2100.
Live from Kabul with Karim Kakar
Afghanistan 2.0 with Joseph Salomonsen (University of Agder)
Q&A and interview with Sandra Gathmann (Al Jazeera EN)
Welcome to a new episode of Political Bark !
In this episode of Political Bark I speak with writer and presenter Sandra Gathmann (Al Jazeera) about her life, career and perspectives on journalism in 2021. This conversation is a relaxed, informal and friendly chat that I hope you enjoyed listening to it as much as I did recording it!
Photo credit: AJ EN
Lebanon 2021: A result of mismanagement and corrupt leaders for decades
We are gathered today on the 04 of August 2021 to commemorate the tragic event that happened a year ago in Beirut, where 200+ lost their lives and 6500+ were injured. Lebanon is in a deep crisis; political, economic, social. And the future is dark. With mismanagement and corruption being the norm for decades, the future of the country is simply put, depressing.
The only solution now is a strong French plan for the country and for the corrupt elite, as well as potential UN involvement. International reactions against the corrupt elite in power are much needed from abroad, so spread the word!
Following is a brief but en-lighting peak into Lea's story, enjoy!
1991-2021: From a unipolar world order, to a multipolar one?
Welcome to a new episode of Political Bark
In this episode I interview Halvard Wideroe, a political scientists and engineer. We discuss the 'small' topic of the world moving from a 'unipolar setting' to a 'multipolar world order'. We have all seen the cold relationship between China, Russia and the US/West. We are actually in the middle of somewhat of a propaganda war between the two poles. What we are seeing is in my opinion a shift from a world order, to another one. This means that power dynamics, alliances, and the economy is shifting, replacing a model which we have followed since the end of the cold war and up until today. What we have seen from 1945 to 1991 might be a resemblance of what is to come, according to some scholars, and in this episode of Political Bark we attempt to predict how, and why. Tune in!
Links to relevant scholars speaking on the subject:
-The future of the liberal world order by John Ikenberry and John Mearsheimer
-Caspian Report: Decline of Russia's Putin
-The retreat of Western Liberalism: Peter Zeihan
-Life after the end of the world: Peter Zeihan
Russia in 2021: With Researcher Jakub Godzmirski (NUPI)
Are you curious about local events in Russia in 2021? Check out this recent episode that Political Bark has done with an expert in the field: Jakub Godzmirski.
I ask Jakub about Russia's place in the world: In terms of the high north (Arctic), the USA, Norway, as a force to be reckoned with, and as a main producer of crude oil and gas. What happens when we switch to more renewable energy forms and our dependency (EU) on Russia lessens? Which role will Russia play in the world the next decade? An important one according to Godzmirski. However, as Political Bark points out, driving a zero sum game with neighbors and distant allies (or enemies) is not the smartest way to behave internationally.
Last but not least, who is Navalny? Why is Navalny important? Why is he a disruptor?
PS: TECHNICAL ISSUE - Sorry for bad sound quality.
Tune in !
The Palestine-Israel war: 10 Steps Washington Can Take After the De-escalation of the War on Gaza
In this week's episode of Political Bark, I speak with Ambassador Hesham Youssef (United States Institute of Peace).
Right now, Israeli led attacks have started again at holy sites in Palestine, only hours after a much sought after peace agreement between Palestine and Israel was negotiated. The continuous cycle of violence that erupts every few months, and years, needs to end: The US needs to orchestrate the road that will led to the end, and to the creation of a two state solution.
This episode bases itself on a recent publication by Ambassador Youssef (found here https://www.usip.org/publications/2021/05/10-steps-washington-can-take-after-de-escalation-war-gaza) and is an informal, and important discussion, including a Q&A from Political Bark's listeners on the ongoing war.
Read more about Ambassador Youssef here: https://www.usip.org/people/ambassador-hesham-youssef
Tune in!
Identity in 2021: How can we be grounded in our identites? A conversation with writer Nancy Herz
I have always been curious about how we can help young people create strong foundations and strong identities, even in very multicultural and bipolar societies, such as the way in which Norway can be at times. The future holds for more multicultural and international populations, not less; it is therefore our responsibility, us being 'a mixed bunch' to make way and to create equitable and strong foundations, that can thrive in multi-polarity, multi-ethnic and multicultural settings. Nancy Herz is an expert at this. Tune in! (Picture by Leikny Havik Skjærseth)
Meet Cafecitos Ricos - helping Latina women thrive and succeed + 5 tips when starting YOUR podcast
🇳🇴 🇸🇾 being a Syrian refugee in Norway - the «jantelov»
Gender equality on paper: International Women's Day in one of the most egalitarian country's (Norway) with guest Anna Kirah (US)
Anna's life journey and her experiences have very much shaped her into becoming an anthropologist, psychologist and master of human behavior; and especially focused on how technology and human needs come together in the 21st century. Anna Kirah worked at Boeing as a Senior Researcher and later at Microsoft as a Chief Design Anthropologist (a job title created for her), where she did revolutionary work by using "people centered approaches" in her analysis, understanding tech from a human needs perspective. Make sure to listen to her ted Talks and other talks on Youtube and to check out her published books! Happy Women's day 2021!
Interfaith Dialogue in 2021
Virginity testing in 2021
Food checking with Hadrien Gonzales (Le Parisien)
Museveni wins the elections for the 6th time in Uganda 🇺🇬
On Trump’s presidency, the riot last week and Biden’s first steps as the new POTUS 🇺🇸
Who will rule in the South Caucasus? With Dr. Avetikyan, Director of International Programs at EUSP
Multicultural society in Norway
Political Bark podcast in conversation with novelist Ole-Asbjørn Ness
In this episode of Political Bark podcast, host Sophie Matláry has invited Norwegian novelist Ole-Asbjørn Ness to discuss the topic of “Multicultural society in Norway in 2020”.
In fact, this topic is very relevant right now.
These times are extremely challenging for multicultural societies - such as in light of recent events in Francis, where a whole nation is preparing to re-define the concept of a multicultural France, and what that entails
In Norway, we are luckily far from facing the same challenges, but we are however still needing to make some changes to our societies.
That is why this episode of Political Bark especially analyzes the existing multicultural model in Norway. As Ole-Asbjørn Ness comments in the episode “in Norway, we pretend that anyone can be of any identity and religion and still be Norwegian, and still integrate. That is however not the case, as the examples of people used to prove this point, are always those that have more or leas taken on all the secular Norwegian values. People such as politicians Abi Raja or Hadia Tajik”. In fact, Ness points out the apparent hypocrite dimension of our current model, a topic that has never really been discussed openly before.
An African refugee’s perspetive: why are Syrians chosen by Europe, and not African refugees?
Hungary in 2020: What do the youth of Budapest think?
Lebanon in 2020: a multitude of disasters - economic, social & political
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2020: a conversation with Ambassador Hesham Youssef from the United States Institute for Peace
I ask about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially in regards to Prime Minister Netanyahu's annexation plans. What are the international stances on the annexation? How are France, Germany, Jordan and Egypt forming a never before seen "New Quartet" , asking for more negotiations instead of a escalation of the conflict; and what are the possible future scenarios for the conflict; is there any way to achieve lasting peace, perhaps modeled on the peace agreements between Egypt-Israel or Jordan-Israel? Find out in today's episode.
Biography:
Ambassador Hesham Youssef was a career diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. From 2014-2019, he served as Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and completed his term in July 2019. From 2001-2014, he served as a senior official in the Arab League, as Official Spokesman and later the Chief of Staff to Secretary General Amr Moussa from 2003- 2011. From 2012-2014, Mr. Youssef was a Senior Advisor to the Secretary General of the Arab League, Dr. Nabil Elaraby, on issues pertaining to crisis management as well as the reform of the Arab League.
Amb. Youssef has worked extensively on conflict resolution in the Middle East and in particular the Arab Israeli conflict, reconciliation in Iraq and the situation in Sudan. He has written several papers on reform in the Arab world and focused in the last five years on fragility and the humanitarian situation in the Islamic world, in particular in Somalia, the Palestinian Territories, Chad, Niger and Myanmar.
Amb. Youssef joined the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in 1985. He was posted to the Egyptian Embassy in Canada (1988-1992) and the Egyptian Mission in Geneva where he focused on economic and trade issues in the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (1995-1999). He was a member of the Cabinet of the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs in the periods 1992-1995 and 1999-2001.
On Libya 2020: A conversation with top journalist in the Middle-East, Mr. Abdallah El Senawi
What was Libya like during Qaddafi's rule? Some say it was a lot better than the chaos that has taken it today, others say external involvement was necessary. What was President Sarkozy and Berlusconi's roles, and why were they so involved? Who is General Haftar, and what local support does he have in Libya? What are President Erdogans motives in Libya? And perhaps more nerve-wrecking today - will there be a rapid escalation in Libya - pushing the country into an even more disastrous war?
Find out in this week's episode of Political Bark.
translator: Nouredine El-Senawi
Migration to Israel: Before and today. We speak with H.E Ambassador to Israel in Norway, Alon Roth.
Benjamin Haddad: Expert on transatlantic relations; the EU & the US, what next?
Morten Jentoft: NRK-correspondent in Moskva, Norwegian-Russian relations, and his latest book on the espionage case involving Frode Berg
We enjoy a very interesting conversation about Russia before and today, as well as Norwegian-Russian relations, cultural and historical similarities as well as differences, and ask questions about his latest book: On the espionage case involving the Norwegian man Frode Berg, released not long ago from prison.
On Turkey´s foreign policy and NATO relations as well as leadership during uncertain times
Conversation with his Excellency Mister Amr Ramadan, Egyptian Ambassador to Norway: On covid19, China and international politics, ethnicity and race
Political Bark is thankful for this informing conversation with Ambassador Amr Ramadan as we hear new thoughts on China and international relations (trade-relations, political, economic and cultural), about the Covid19 situation in Egypt, Egyptian-Norwegian relations, as well as on ethnicity and race in Egypt - with reference to the ongoing protests in the US (#black lives matter). Note that after the episode is over, we have added a top of the charts Egyptian summer song, 3 Daqat - Abu Ft. Yousra ثلاث دقات - أبو و يسرا for a little introduction to summer in Egypt, enjoy!
Political Bark together with Anita Krohn Traaseth on the issue of change: How to tackle it, predict, and manage it effectively
Political Bark is very excited to speak with Anita Khron Traaseth in this weeks episode about "Change".
Anita is a member of the European Innovation Council Advisory Board (EIC) and former CEO of Innovation Norway and HP Norway. She is a business manager and writer, and started her career as a traineed for IBM in 1996. She has received several awards for her work there, and is a big name both in business and in Norwegian society. In 2014 she published the book "God Nok for De Svina" (Good enough for those pigs): A leaders thoughts on courage, vunerabiilty, and cedibility.
She also has her own podcast, with the same name, to be found here: https://podtail.com/no/podcast/godt-nok-for-de-svina-en-mentorpodkast/
With Anita, we speak about change, how to effectively manage and tackle change, as well as how different people (especially men and women) react to change. We also touch upon the importance of good leadership when it comes to driving an organization through big change, where Anita draws upon her experience from Innovation Norway and HP.
(picture: Tore Sætre)
On business, entrepreneurship, women and the Middle-East: A conversation with a female entrepreneur and businesswoman in Cairo, Egypt
In this episode, Political Bark has a video-conversation with Miss Passand El Hammami, an entrepreneur, business owner and start-up success-story, with her brand and Cafe, Sea Salt Bakery http://www.seasaltbakery.com/
This episode is not an podcast episode, but a video one, so it is shared on our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/politicalbark/ and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Political-Bark-100229255000866
Passand gives an authentic and truthful insight into her life as a business owner in the Middle East, highlighting her challenges as a woman, but also how her hardships again turned fruitful, as she invested in her dream, Seasalt Bakery.
On the coverage of right wing extremism in Norway: Are we biased?
We dicuss this from a Norwegian perspective, however draw on examples and numbers from the US.
We try to ask and understand why there is a bias in media and elsewhere in the coverage of right wing terrorism. Photo: Erik Roseth
Are we training to be gritty or skinny? A conversation with Cecilia Brækhus, world champion in boxing
In this week's episode of Political Bark we discuss the personality trait grit and body pressure. We look at what grit is, where it might come from and how it affects our ability to succeed. Moreover, what negative traits might come with grit when it is applied to the world of sports and body-pressure. We raise the question of whether we are training to be gritty or skinny? To help us answer these questions, we speak with Cecilia Brækhus, world renown boxer and only female boxer to hold all five world championship titles simultaneously. Photo: Terje Bendiksby
Gangs, urban violence and marginalized youth: The rationality of the violence and criminal membership
Gangs are unique, and so are their raison d'être. If we want to help young people out of gangs, we need to also come up with tailored and suitable ways to do so.
In this episode of Political Bark we discuss criminal gangs. We explore the reasons people, and especially youth decided to join gangs, what they gain from such a membership, and what can lead them to commit both petty but also atrocious acts of violence. Senior Lecturer at King´s College London, Dr. Kieran Mitton, who specializes in field research on violence and marginalized youth, with extensive field research from Sierra Leon, Brazil and South Africa is our guest today. He reflects on the psychology of gangs, the different reasons individuals choose gang membership, and highlights which public policies are effective and which are counterproductive in addressing gang related issues.
As mentioned at the end of this episode, everyone needs to check out this great initiative and important NGO: WAYout that helps young gang members in Sierra Leona leave gangs and gang milieus, aiding them in transferring their skills to other things - such as music, film and writing.
"WAYout changes the lives of street, vulnerable and conflict affected young people through the arts. We offer training and shelter, make films that can effect change and record music that enables the excluded to re-engage. We promote artistic freedom, education and empowerment".
Political concensus, political correctness or passivity in Norwegian debate culture?
In this episode of Political Bark, we discuss the debate culture in Norway. We look at a major survey conducted by the Norwegian Media Authority (medietilsynet) in 2019 on "critical media understanding" which concludes that 7 out 10 Norwegians have never participated in debates in media channels, be it on facebook or in the press. We also delve into what characterizes the Norwegian debate culture, and what consequences this might have. To help us shed light on this topic with talk with novelist, Ole Asbjørn Ness who has a background in economics, philosophy and takes an active part in Norwegian public discourse. He reflects on how Norway's a consensus-driven culture, "Jante-loven", and generational differences might play into our debate culture - and what consequences this might have.
Photo credit: Niklas Lello
African responses to the pandemic: Lessons from a supranational and national perspective
Positive consequences of the corona pandemic: Interview with start up expert Trond Riiber Knudsen
In this episode of Political Bark, we analyze the possible positive consequences of the corona pandemic and ask Riiber Knudsen about the tech environment and tech eco-system in Norway: where is it at today, what model does it belong to, and will it experience growth in a time of crisis? We are especially interested in analyzing the Norwegian tech environment compared to that of established start up nations, such as the US and Israel.
Single responses to a unified problem? The Corona 2020 Pandemic
This first episode of Political Bark was created in the midst of the Corona pandemic. It features Sophie Matlary and Professor Haaland Matlary, (Political science, University of Oslo) as she answers questions about the pandemic and different international organizations but also nation states´reactions.
Some of the questions that are covered in the episode:
In what way is the world working together, or separate, in fighting the pandemic? What are different nations doing, where do they cooperate, and what is the role of the EU? Is this a common effort, requiring that we put aside political and historical differences? what can we predict after the pandemic? will we all act unified in order new pandemics?
#EU #Russia #China #Coronapandemic