In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Danforth Oghigian, a Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans continents—from growing up in Japan to studying polar law in Iceland.

Dan shares how his experiences living in Tokyo shaped his worldview and cultural values, his evolving views on nationalism, and how a transformative course at Carleton University shifted his understanding of civic identity. He also introduces listeners to his passion for Arctic governance, explaining Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage, the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the vital role of indigenous participation in polar regions.

Through detailed reflections on colonial legacies, Dan highlights the unique political landscape of the Arctic, where indigenous governance, environmental challenges, and international law intersect.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Danforth Oghigian

Production: João Roque

Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: April 2nd – 6PM

Location: Concordia University – Library