What in the World?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Bunmi Akinnusotu attends Podcast Movement 2018 and speaks to David Direntis, a conference guest and fellow podcaster, about why foreign policy is relevant to the city of Brotherly Love. David shares how he came up close and personal with foreign policy when he and his wife traveled to China on a quest to achieve an important milestone. This episode was released in 2018.

Credits:
Intro Clip Song: "Its Love" by Jill Scott
Outro Song: "Listen Hear" by Eddie Harris

On June 12, 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in ushered in a new era of what will hopefully be, peace and stability along the Korean peninsula. For almost seven decades, the peninsula was a hotbed of nuclear threats between North and South Korea and was an area of contention between the superpowers of the United States and the former Soviet Union. What did America and North Korea agree to do? And why does any of it matter to Americans? Catherine Killough, K-Pop fan and English Lit major turned North Korea expert explains. This episode was released in 2018 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

Credits:
Intro Clip: President Truman Library
Intro Clip Song: "Many Men" by 50 Cent
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Noonside" by Yaeji
Cover Art: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

On August 25, 2017, nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims fled their homes to escape "cleansing operations" of the Myanmar military. For decades, the Rohingya have been politically, socially, and economically isolated and continue to live under repressive discriminatory practices. Debate team nerd turned Human Rights Advocate, Francisco Benscome, describes the extensive human rights violations by the Myanmar military, shares his experience on the ground in the world's largest refugee camp, and describes the global effort to help find justice. This episode was released in 2018 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

Credits:
Cover Photo: Mohammed Pomir Hossain of Reuters
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Found Tonight" by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt

What's a Yak? A Sherpa? And what exactly happens at the G7? Listen to Sydney Hulebak, Ryan Migeed, and Ann Love, share what the G7 Summit is all about and why it matters to youth in America and all around the world. Sent on their way to represent youth voices at the Y7 Summit, a subset of the G7, the team also shares thoughts and lessons learned trying to negotiate global policies.

Credits:
Intro Clip: "I Know I Can" by Nas
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root

Trump recently announced tariffs on steel and aluminum from foreign countries--a move he initially said was a matter of national security and protecting America's trade interests. Thamar Harrigan, our soca groovin' Trade Whisperer talks us through the current trade beef (pun intended), educates us on basic trade principles using familiar household items, and provides her take on the impact a trade war could have on Americans.

Credits:
Intro Clip of President Trump: PBS Newshour, March 8, 2018
Intro Song to Intro Clip: "What's Beef" by The Notorious B.I.G
Cover Photo: JASON LEE / REUTERS
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Hulk" by Blaxx

Credits:
Cover Photo: Unknown but thank you to the artist!
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "It's Good To Be Alive" by Andy Grammar

The trickle-down effects of the Arab Spring sparked a wave of protests throughout Arab nations, Syria was one of those nations. Wa'el Azayat, President of Emgage, explains the basics of what's happening in Syria from its colonial history, the strict rule of the Assad family and government, the Syrian people's fight for basic freedoms, and all of the key players' interests, including the United States. Wa'el also discusses how the fight abroad has encouraged American states to adopt laws that foster fear of Muslim Americans here at home.

Credits:
Cover Photo: AP/Press Association Images
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Creedence Clearwater Revival" by Fortunate Son

From Cardi B, Cambodia, and to the Congo, Afropean-American, Laura Kupe and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Jalina Porter discuss why women matter in American foreign policy drawing from their colorful tapestry of personal and professional experiences. Both also share the parallels of Foreign Policy and film, Black Panther and acknowledge extraordinary women who inspire them.

Credits:
Cover Photo: Unknown but thank you to the artist!
Intro Background Song - "Who Run The World?" Instrumental by Beyonce
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Congo Square" by Teena Marie

What in the world is going on in Africa? Africa enthusiasts and trade experts, Brionne Dawson and Jennelle Cray-Pelamoko explain! In celebration of Black History Month and the release of Black Panther, we discuss how the textiles industry and other products, fuel the continent's economic growth and how America benefits from U.S.-Africa partnerships. From colorful fabric to shea butter, African countries contribute numerous goods that are part of our everyday lives.

Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Africa" by Yemi Alade

Slavery and human trafficking are still a reality for 40 million people, from the corridors of K street in Washington D.C. to Kuwait and elsewhere. The CNN video of a slave auction in Libya has elevated this reality and many have begun to pay attention. To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The Civil Rights Center and New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington D.C. and The Civil Rights Center, unpacked this issue from the perspective of four individuals fighting to end slavery and trafficking and discussed some of the root causes that fuel its existence. This episode was released in 2018 via New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

Content Credits & Event Co-Sponsors: The Civil Rights Center, New Bethel Baptist Church
Theme Song: "Asi ki no ta vive" by Chachi Carvalho
Outro Song: "Rewind" by Blue Wednesday
Editing Credits: Apolleaux

On December 18th, the White House released the 2018 National Security Strategy. Queens-born and Bronx-raised military veteran, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, shares her thoughts on the document and why Americans should read it. Could modernizing the military mean more jobs for Americans? Should America promote American values abroad while it struggles with certain values at home? You'll learn about Amb. Jenkins, her response to these questions and more. The episode was released in 2018 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

With 2017 coming to a close, former State Department public servant Jenna Ben-Yehuda and global trends expert Claire Casey, look back at America's global actions during the year, discuss what lies ahead in 2018 and what these actions mean for Americans at home. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

In the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Former EPA Assistant Administrator, Mathy Stanislaus, explains the environmental, economic and human costs of climate change, unpacks the science of global warming and discusses what the deal is behind the Paris Agreement. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

The clock on U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations was turned back making it once again, difficult for American citizens and businesses to travel to Cuba. Dr. Marguerite R. Jimenez takes us through Cuba-U.S. relationship beyond cigars, cars, and communism and into the island nation's quest for independence. Join us as we discuss everything from historic events that have hardened the relationship, the tensions surrounding Guantanamo Bay, to the June 2017 memo and what it means for future American visitors. The episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

Foreign assistance expert, inter-faith advocate, and peacekeeper, C. Eduardo Vargas, explains the mission of United States Agency for International and Development (USAID) and talks us through his thoughts on whether or not American foreign assistance actually works. Eduardo also shares why his theme song, in many ways, embodies the diversity in his family. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

America's 6th US Youth Observer to the United Nations explains what exactly happened at the United Nations General Assembly, her role as the youth representative, and the importance of Americans staying engaged with the U.N. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

Pharohl Charles demystifies nuclear science, "the roots" (hint, hint) of America's relationship with the Republic of Iran, and breaks down what exactly is in the Iran Nuclear Deal. Pharohl grew up studying planes, speaks fluent Russian, and is and has a stockpile of amazing photos of New York City. This episode was recorded in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

What are the Russian sanctions about? How do sanctions impact Americans? Prodigy fan, Portlander, and Eurasia expert Alex Johnson unpacks the crisis in Crimea by understanding sanctions, taking a look back at the Cold War and sharing his insights on what exactly President Putin wants. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

Foreign Policy Interrupted Fellow and trade industry expert, Jana Nelson, explains the basics of trade policy, trade agreements, and what NAFTA could mean for America's Tequila consumption. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

Does the spread of democracy make America any safer? Army Veteran and New Yorker, Asha Castleberry, explains using her experiences in Iraq and what Americans gain from a more democratic world. Using her time in the Middle East and Latin America, you'll learn why the U.S. gets involved in some places and not others, why it's difficult to spread democracy, and how America is viewed by the rest of the world. The episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.

This is the launch episode for What In The World(WITW)? Listen as Bunmi speaks with Ambassador Reuben Brigety about the basics of U.S. foreign policy, what in the world it means for everyday people, and how Americans can stay engaged. This episode was released July 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA.