Brazil sits at the heart of global environmental politics. As home to the Amazon rainforest, its policies have worldwide consequences. Yet behind the green rhetoric lies a complex struggle between Indigenous rights, agricultural expansion, and political power.
This episode explores how Brazil's environment is shaped by capitalism, international politics, and shifting leadership. We'll examine the fight for Indigenous land, the impact of agribusiness, and the tension between economic growth and conservation. On the global stage, Brazil navigates climate agreements, foreign investments, and pressure from blocs like BRICS. Can development and sustainability coexist?
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
This episode of the UCG International Politics podcast, "New World Order: How Europe Can Form an Independent Block", delves into efforts of the European Union's (EU) to become more self-reliant in global affairs as a result of current global political developments, whilst touching upon the opportunities and implications regarding this.
There are four experts discussing this topic from various perspectives. Apart from a moderator, there are a Journalist, an Economic Expert, a Think Tank Member, and a Security and Dispute Resolution Expert. In the discussion, the focus is on reducing the dependence of the EU/Europe on external powers, especially the United States, in defence and the economy.
The experts provide context to recent developments and elaborate on the challenges that the EU is facing right now, while providing solutions or chances that are created through these dynamics.
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast arecourse assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
Why is Germany’s support for Israel so unwavering? What does Chancellor Olaf Scholz mean when he declares Israel’s security a part of Germany’s Staaträson? And how did Germany’s unique approach to historical atonement come into being?
In this episode of UCG Podcasts, the host, Ella Sator, a journalist, takes us on a journey through post-WWII Germany to uncover the origins of its relationship with Israel. With insights from Memory Studies scholar Maite Fischer, we delve into how countries deal with and remember their past and how various moral and strategic considerations shaped Germany’s approach of atonement and public remembrance. With insights from political scientist Aika Krebs, we explore Germany’s strategy of atonement through reparations and which incentives post-war Germany had, and why Israel ‘complied.’ From the Luxembourg Agreement of 1952 to present-day foreign policy, this episode unpacks how shared history and evolving relations embedded Israel’s security into Germany’s identity and shaped bilateral ties.
Join us as we delve into history, memory, and the politics behind Germany’s unshakable commitment to Israel.
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode of the UCG International Politics podcast, “Herero and Nama: Investigating Justice for the Forgotten Genocide”, we take a closer look at the genocide of the Herero and Nama. Host and historian Neele Lange explores genocide and Germany's “Erinnerungskultur” through interviews with international lawyer Mira Lynar and memory studies expert Mia von Vacano.
Between 1904 and 1908, German soldiers in German South West Africa, now Namibia, killed over 80% of the Herero population and 50% of the Nama population. The 2021 Joint Declaration between Germany and Namibia raises new questions: How should Germany deal with its colonial past? Are the measures taken appropriate?
Together, the experts discuss Germany’s recognition of the Herero and Nama genocide, the Joint Declaration with Namibia, and its legal and political implications. Further, they also investigate how the genocide is remembered, particularly in comparison to the Holocaust. Finally, the episode explores whether the landscape of remembrance and reparation is truly changing or whether history is still being ignored.
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
China’s rise in the international sphere has been a hot topic of discussion in recent years. Given the 2024 Trump election victory, this topic is now more pertinent than ever. Are we currently watching a realignment of the world order with China as another or the next superpower? UCG Podcast Host John Ellwood discusses the topic with former British diplomat, Vito Marcich, and EU-China relations scholar Joséphine Page from the University of Cambridge, with a focus on the material capabilities of China, the soft power realignment in the Trump era, and shifting EU-China relations.
Experts Joséphine and Vito, together with their host John, explore this topic at length in this new episode of the University College Groningen podcast! John, as the host, leads us through these two experts’ varied pools of experience to deliver a discussion on China that is sure to give viewers a new perspective on a burning topic of modern international politics.
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
This episode of the UCG International Politics podcast explores how historical responsibility translates into modern politics, examining Germany’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance and the complexities of its moral obligations. We also look at why certain aspects of Germany’s past, such as its colonial history in modern Namibia, remain less addressed, raising questions about how nations confront their historical wrongdoings.
Years after the end of World War II, Germany’s past continues to shape its present, particularly in its relationship with Israel. The country’s efforts to atone for the Holocaust have defined its foreign policy, influencing diplomatic, economic, and political ties. But why does Germany consistently stand by Israel, even as it takes a more cautious approach to human rights issues elsewhere?
As global dynamics shift and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict evolves, Germany faces increasing challenges in navigating its role on the world stage. How does collective memory shape contemporary policy? And how does Germany reconcile its commitment to Israel with the realities of modern geopolitics?
We thank Ross Bugden for the music!
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode of UCG International Politics, we take a look at the 2003 Iraq War, its causes, and the far-reaching consequences that continue to shape the region and global politics. While the U.S.-led coalition swiftly toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime, the war did not end there. The occupation that followed led to years of insurgency, sectarian violence, and the eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2011. The power vacuum left behind allowed extremist groups to rise, fueling conflicts in both Iraq and Syria.
Through expert insights, we explore why Iraq was chosen for intervention, how the war unfolded, and the long-term effects on U.S. foreign policy, international interventions, and the Middle East as a whole. With perspectives from academia, journalism, and intelligence, this discussion will explore the war’s legacy and its ongoing impact on global security and diplomacy.
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode of the UCG International Politics podcast, we will take a look at carbon offsetting. And if carbon offsetting deserves one more chance. Our host, Teun, is joined by environmental justice advocate Nia and climate solutions researcher Pia. We will discuss the risks of land grabs, corporate loopholes, and green deserts, while also discussing real solutions from community-led initiatives to policy reforms.
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode of the UCG International Politics Podcast, we explore the decline of US hegemony and the strategies the US is using to try to maintain its global influence. Host Sofia Berhitu is joined by three experts—Jonathan Euving, Luzie Raysz, and Aedan Casey— to analyze key dimensions of this shift.
Jonathan discusses the erosion of US military dominance, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, as China expands its military presence and challenges US control over crucial trade routes. Luzie unpacks the shift in US trade policy from free trade to protectionism, emphasizing how trade is no longer just about economic efficiency but also about power and security. Aedan examines the unravelling of the US-EU alliance, highlighting how recent political and economic tensions have pushed the US to seek alternative partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, too.
While multiple military, economic, and diplomatic strategies are being used to counteract this decline, others reflect the persistence of American exceptionalism and the popular "America First" policy. Ultimately, the question remains: Can these efforts preserve US hegemony, or are we witnessing the emergence of a multipolar world? And perhaps more importantly: Does the US even want to remain a hegemon?
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode, the International Politics podcast tackles a pressing question: When should and can the international community intervene in cases of genocide? Through legal, political, and historical lenses, we assess past, present, and potential future humanitarian interventions.
Host Hadrian is joined by three guests, each experts in their field: Jule, legal specialist with experience at the ICJ and ICC, will kick off the episode with a legal deepdive, Lotte, a former UN special envoy for humanitarian affairs and peacekeeping, provides an insider’s perspective on when intervention is (im)possible. Finally, Fiachra, an academic expert on humanitarian interventions, provides a historical analysis examining past successes and failures and offers insight into what can be done in the future.
Together, they break down key concepts, including the R2P doctrine and its political implications, the tension between state sovereignty and erga omnes obligations, and past cases of genocide and mass atrocities. Special attention is given to the role of state sanctions and international courts, including an analysis of the current case, South Africa v. Israel.
Join us as we aim to combine multiple perspectives to answer one of the most challenging questions of our time: When should the world take action?
* Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this interview, UCG alumna Ece Aydın reflects on how her studies in health and life sciences shaped her career. She shares key experiences, including a project on improving health literacy at a hospital in Assen, and the lasting friendships that continue to support her today. Ece discusses how UCG’s interdisciplinary approach and focus on independence prepared her for her role at Healthy Corps, where she addresses health inequalities. She also offers advice to new students: take risks, find a work-life balance, and make the most of UCG's unique learning environment.
This episode of UCG International Politics, hosted by the seasoned moderator, Ema, dives into the pivotal role BRICS countries play in the renewable energy sector. Joined by three distinguished guests—Lorena, a Renewable Energy Expert from the European Commission; Ben, an experienced BRICS correspondent for The New York Times; and Nechama, a political editor with firsthand familiarity with BRICS nations—this discussion unravels the complexities and potentials of green energy transitions within these emerging economies.
In this enlightening 30-minute episode, our experts explore a variety of topics, from defining renewable energy and its significance to assessing each BRICS country's involvement and leadership in this sector. The conversation also tackles the economic impacts, ecological benefits, and innovative technologies that are positioning BRICS nations as potential leaders in global energy sustainability. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how all these factors intertwine in the quest for a sustainable future.
* UCG International Politics podcast is a course assignment prepared by the students at University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode, our host Vera Belchior Ferreira da Silva engages in a captivating discussion about the book "Strange Bedfellows: An Experiment in Student-directed Interdisciplinary Research" with her guests: Ryan Wittingslow, one of the editors of the book; Ben Bewersdorf, UCG's Academic Director of Education; and Twan Tromp, one of our third-year students who contributed to this project as a student scholar. Tune in as Vera’s guests offer valuable insights into the book's themes and share their experiences with interdisciplinary research and education.
About the book
Edited by UCG faculty members Ryan Wittingslow, Naomi de Ruiter, and Roland Chiu, this peer-reviewed volume of student scholarship explores the concept of interdisciplinarity by combining the expertise of professional researchers and educators with the experiences of students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs. It analyses the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary research and education, and provides practical case studies illustrating interdisciplinary teaching and research in action.
The subject of this episode is the non-intervention of Western and Eastern powers in Myanmar’s violations of human rights. The discussion will focus around the potential justification and underlying factors motivating external inaction, in light of the nation’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Rohingya Muslims in the western state of Rakhine since the coup of 2021. The aim of our podcast, ‘Pajama Politics’, is to promote a cross-generational awareness on relevant political topics. We offer three age-targeted levels of understanding (kids, teens, and adults) by asking appropriately adjusted questions, which will be answered by our guest speakers.
Over the course of our interview, our experts will give background knowledge on the issue, as well as thorough insight into aspects such as; the principle of non-interference as grounded in the ASEAN charter, the role of natural resources, and the trade-off between R2P and state sovereignty. The podcast discussion will follow an increase in complexity correlated with age, and will culminate in a final debate on the optimal course of action - and the necessary difficulties which must be considered from NGO, state, and individual standpoints.
* UCG International Politics podcast is a course assignment prepared by the students at University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode, the UCG students discuss the Iran Nuclear Deal. The Iran Nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, was a deal signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries in July 2015. The countries which included the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and Germany. The goal of the deal was to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions on the country. On the global stage, this debate has brought up strains on non-proliferation efforts and has also had an implication on the global economy, as the lifting of sanctions could provide Iran with greater access to global markets and encourage foreign investment. However, the withdrawal of the US in 2018 has left the agreement's future in question. The deal and its future state will be analyzed from the perspectives of the Iranian regime, the EU, and the state of Israel.
* UCG International Politics podcast is a course assignment prepared by the students at University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
At the brink of a new era, the EU Green Deal is one of the frontier projects of the European Commission. The main objective is to become climate neutral by 2050. To achieve it, the Commission wants to remove combustion engines by 2035 and replace them with electric vehicles. Lithium is a key ingredient in batteries to power electric vehicles and other green technologies. The EU needs to deploy lithium at scale to hit its Green Deal goal. A group of three experts joined us on the podcast to discuss the debate around lithium, with a specific focus on lithium mining in Portugal. Our first guest was Margarida Santos, a Portuguese environmentalist who discussed the impact of lithium extraction in Portugal. Our second guest is Dominique Silva, an advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Action in Portugal, who gave their take on the impact and contribution of lithium extraction. Finally, our third guest, José Lopes, a representative from the EU, and Junior Advisor to Franz Timmermans shared details on the aims and purpose of the Green Deal and how the Union wants to achieve a just transition.
* UCG International Politics podcast is a course assignment prepared by the students at University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
Since the genocide, Rwanda has embarked on an ambitious justice and reconciliation process with the ultimate aim of all Rwandans once again living side by side in peace. This podcast discusses the reconciliation mainly on the terms of legal processes, since these were very important for the reconciliation. With the help of 3 specialists, we look at the reconciliation through the lenses of the Gacaca courts, the international Criminal Tribunals (ICTR) and lastly their aftermath in Rwanda.
120,000 people were detained and accused of bearing criminal responsibility for their participation in the killings. These killings were made by the Hutus against the Tutsis. Tutsis were also responsible for some of the killings. These were two ethnic groups who have a long history of tension. Rwanda is seen as one of the most severe humanitarian crises and one of the greatest failures of humanitarian intervention, as during the 100 days of the killing the international community stood by and did almost nothing.
* UCG International Politics podcast is a course assignment prepared by the students at University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
Welcome to the Middle Eastern entanglements podcast, a collaboration with the UCG International Politics Podcast. Hannah will guide you through this episode, with the aim to make the prevailing conflicts in the MENA regions more tangible and cut through the noise to find out what was and is really going on there. The Middle Eastern countries have experienced war, political tension and suffering for decades with many colliding interests. This episode we will take a closer look at the entanglements of the war in Syria which has been going on for more than 10 years now with no end in sight. Joined in this episode by Dr. Kohann Jaminski, a professor and researcher on Middle Eastern Studies, Hanne Jerreman, a journalist committed to the coverage of the stories of Syrians, and Dr. Wouisa Lind, a UN affairs and conflict mediation expert. Together they will cover topics such as the role of religion in the conflict, the major interest groups involved, resolution attempts and much more.
* UCG International Politics podcast is a course assignment prepared by the students at University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.
In this episode, Sybe and Aaron talk with Eva, a current Caerus board member, about UCG's study association CAERUS. We give you an overview of the possibilities within Caerus and we share our experiences! Want to know more about Caerus and how to join? Here is their website: https://www.caerus-ucg.com/association/home
This week Tilman and Aaron talk with Zacharia, a third-year student at UCG about his endeavors within several NGO's. He shares his insight and challenges, both from the past and for the future.