Dario holds a Master’s in International Relations from the Hertie School in Berlin and is one of the co-founders of the youth-led international relations think tank RAIA, where he has been actively involved for the past seven years and has served as Managing Director for the last four.
RAIA is a youth-focused global think tank dedicated to making international affairs more accessible by simplifying complex ideas, using visual storytelling, and exploring leaders’ motives without fueling division.
Currently based in Berlin, Dario shares why he started RAIA, discusses his latest venture, the podcast The Western Bubble, co-founded with his former Professor Balder Hageraats, and reflects on his career journey so far.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with a passionate international relations specialist and youth organization leader.
Culture, conflict and global chess?
Headlines about the Islamic Republic of Iran are frequent, but true understanding often remains limited.
Oz and Thien take a sharp 30-minute dive into some of the most poignant points to consider when evaluating Iran, offering a concise but insightful look at the state and its complexities.
Today, we’re thrilled to welcome someone whose career began right here at the Young Diplomats Society, and has since transformed that spark into a really dynamic path.
Rhiannon Van Vliet is currently a Policy Advisor at University College London’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy. There, she works at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world policymaking, from science diplomacy to EU-UK trade relations.
Before moving to London, Rhiannon worked at the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency, leading key projects on domestic and sexual violence responses, mental health in policing, and education reform.
Her career so far has bridged disciplines, countries, and big ideas - and we’re so excited to have her back with us today to share her journey.
Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Natalia Grincheva, Program Leader in Arts Management at LASALLE, University of the Arts Singapore, and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. A globally recognized expert in contemporary museology, digital diplomacy, and international cultural relations, Dr. Grincheva shares insights from her illustrious career—spanning prestigious research fellowships, groundbreaking work with UNESCO, and industry collaborations from ACMI to ICR Research in London. Tune in to explore how culture, technology, and global dialogue intersect in today’s digital world.
In this episode, hosts Thien and Oz dive into the vital role of cultural diplomacy in Australia—how the arts are used to foster international relationships, promote national identity, and project soft power on the global stage.
Oz, our in-house cultural diplomacy expert, unpacks the institutions, strategies, and stories behind Australia’s international cultural engagement—including the role of Creative Australia as a key player in shaping cultural narratives at home and abroad.
From policy to practice, funding to festivals, this conversation explores how Australia’s creative sector intersects with global diplomacy. Whether you're an artist, policymaker, or globally curious listener, this episode sheds light on the cultural forces influencing Australia’s place in the world.
Xenia Hanusiak wears many hats—artistic director, cultural diplomat, and scholar are just a few of the impressive roles that define her multifaceted career. With a resume that spans continents and disciplines, Hanusiak brings a rare blend of creativity, intellect, and global perspective to everything she touches.
In this captivating episode, Poppy sits down with Xenia to delve into her journey through the world of cultural diplomacy. From curating groundbreaking international projects to bridging cultural divides through the arts, Xenia shares insights into what it truly means to work at the intersection of creativity and diplomacy. She opens up about the defining moments of her career, the challenges and triumphs of her path, and how she carved out a space for herself in such a unique and influential field.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most dynamic voices in the global arts scene.
In this episode, we explore the foreign policy frontlines of the Australian election. From rising tensions with China to migration and climate diplomacy, we break down how international dynamics are influencing the domestic debate. Whether you're a foreign affairs junkie or just curious about how global issues play out at the ballot box, this is your ticket to understanding how Australia’s vote echoes around the world.
Introducing Jeremy Dicker, the current Managing Director of International Intrigue, a premier geopolitical news platform, offering unparalleled insights from the experts who know international relations better than anyone—diplomats.
With a distinguished 14-year career at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jeremy has worked across diverse global regions, including Mexico, Peru, and the United States.
In this episode, Poppy delves deep into Jeremy Dicker’s remarkable journey, from his early days as a young lawyer with the United Nations in Fiji to his pivotal decision to pivot into his current role leading International Intrigue.
Discover what sparked his passion for international law and diplomacy, what shaped his extensive career, and the experiences that led him to become the driving force behind one of the most respected sources of geopolitical news today.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s fascinated by the world of foreign affairs, and it offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from someone who has truly “been there and done that” in the realm of Australian diplomacy and international relations.
In this episode, we dive into some of the most pressing global conflicts and political shifts for 2025.
We’ll explore the Ukraine-Russia peace plan, with a spotlight on Donald Trump's involvement and its potential impact on the region.
The conversation then shifts to the Israel-Palestine situation, focusing on the latest ceasefire developments.
We also provide background on the ongoing crisis in Sudan, shedding light on its complex roots and current state.
Finally, we examine the rise of far-right politics across Europe, sharing insights on its growing influence.
Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of today’s most critical global issues.
Shadi Rouhshahbaz (she/her) is an Associate Research Fellow at The Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI).
She is a PhD student at the University of Melbourne and holds a Double-Joint Master's degree in International Development - Migration and Mediation from the Ca Foscari University of Venice and Paul Valery University, Montpellier 3.
Shadi has worked with UN Women HQ, UNICEF and the United Network of Young Peacebuilders.
Her research focuses on the intersections of foresight studies, youth, gender, peace and security, the Middle East and multilateral institutions.
Shadi is committed to conducting research that influences policy by bridging the gaps between the lived experience of individuals and the required developments of systems and academia.
We are grateful she shared her time with Trailblazer host Poppy Bell.
This week, hosts Thien and Oz are joined by Professor Tim Lynch, an expert in American politics. Together, they dive into the U.S. election, exploring the possibility of a Trump comeback and the role Kamala Harris could play in stopping it. He unpacks the perception of a Trump victory as inevitable—and why U.S. elections matter globally. 🇺🇸
As a professor of American politics at the University of Melbourne and author of In the Shadow of the Cold War, Time brings sharp insights to this critical topic.
Welcoming our first guest for In-Depth in 2024 Dr Stuart Murray, Associate Professor in International Relations at Bond University.
Dr Murray is a Global Fellow at the Academy of Sport (University of Edinburgh), an Honorary Member of the Centre for Sports Law, Policy and Diplomacy at the University of Rijeka (Croatia), and an Associate Editor of Brill Research Perspectives on Diplomacy and Foreign Policy (The Netherlands) and the Journal of Public Policy (South Korea).
A globally respected writer, speaker and expert on international relations, diplomacy and sports diplomacy, Dr Murray has consulted and advised government, international institutions and non-state actors on a broad range of matters. Among his many achievements, he was also recommended to us as the sports diplomacy guy, so we were honoured he had time for an interview. Now as Paris 2024 has wrapped up, we delve with him into the world of sports diplomacy and its future.
In this special return episode of Global Question’s Trailblazer series, incoming Trailblazer host Poppy interviews Sarah Leary, the Perth USAsia Centre’s First Nations Foreign Policy Fellow.
A proud Palawa woman from Tommeginne Country in North-West Tasmania, Sarah leads the Centre’s research, policy advocacy, and partnerships initiatives which focus on WA’s engagement with Australia’s First Nations Foreign Policy agenda.
Sarah spent 14 years in the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Attorney-General’s Department, serving diplomatic missions in Solomon Islands, Cambodia and Vietnam, and at times representing Australia in the United States.
A big thank you to Sarah for returning to our listeners’ earbuds with us in 2024.
Keep up with us on instagram @global.questions and @ydsociety
Presenter: Poppy Bell
Editor: Abby Wellington
We can’t believe we’re saying this, but this is our last Global Questions episode!
After 2.5 years and 100+ episodes, Josh, Rhiannon and Kelly have decided it’s time to turn off the mics and take a well-earned rest.
So, join the entire GQ team as they:
Hopefully you'll miss us just as much as we'll miss you! Thanks for tuning in and providing us with a reason to put the show together.
If you've enjoyed listening to us, we'd love to hear from you. Shoot us a message on our Instagram page: @global.questions.
Although we’re finishing up, the Young Diplomats Society (our parent organisation) isn’t! If you love international affairs, attending events and hearing from inspiring people, follow them here on Facebook or Instagram.
From all of us here at Global Questions, thank you.
Inequality is complex and varied, but have you ever heard of the digital divide?
As new technologies emerge and we live more of our lives online, the divide between those who have reliable internet access and those who don't only deepens.
This week, for our final In-Depth episode on technology, Rhiannon talks to Dr George Ingram, a senior fellow at the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C. They chat about:
Want to know more? Check out Dr George Ingram’s bio on the Brookings Institute here.
Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Head to our suggestions page.
Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content. For more info about us, check out our website.
CREDITS: This episode is produced by Young Diplomats Society on the lands of the Wurundjeri/Gadigal people. We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we operate and live.
Join Kelly and Josh as they discuss:
Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Head to our suggestions page.
Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content. For more info about us, check out our website.
Social media has revolutionized terrorism.
It has made recruitment easier, sped up the process of radicalisation and provided a safe haven for extremists to talk to each other. It's also increased the impact of acts of terror. With a click of a button, terrorists can livestream their acts to millions of people.
So, what are tech companies doing to address the issue? Should governments step in? And is using AI to remove violent content a good idea, or could it pose hidden dangers?
Rhiannon chats to two guests from Tech Against Terrorism, an UN-supported initiative that helps the global tech industry tackle terrorism while respecting human rights.
Want to know more? Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website or contact them via contact@techagainstterrorism.org.
Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Head to our suggestions page.
Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content. For more info about us, check out our website.
CREDITS: This episode is produced by Young Diplomats Society on the lands of the Wurundjeri/Gadigal people. We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we operate and live.
Join Kelly and Josh as they discuss:
Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Head to our suggestions page.
Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content. For more info about us, check out our website.
In this episode we are talking all things space! Does space law actually constrain the behaviour of states? Do we have a responsibility to care for the environment in space? Is there a space race between the US and China, and if so, what are the stakes? Does space exploration represent the latest form of colonialism?
Discussing all of these questions and more, this episode will look at the overlap between modern technologies and space, focusing on the benefits that space exploration has brought.
Our guest today is Leonard David, a space journalist from the US, who has been reporting on space activities for over 50 years. Leonard is the author of the new book, Moon Rush: The New Space Race, published by National Geographic in May 2019.
They discuss:
Want to know more? Check out Leonard's website for all of his work and links to the books he has written!
Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Head to our suggestions page.
Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content. For more info about us, check out our website.
CREDITS: This episode is produced by Young Diplomats Society on the lands of the Wurundjeri/Gadigal people. We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we operate and live.
