This episode we’re joined by Professor Jeremy Menchik, Director of Boston University's Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs (CURA) and Associate Professor of International Relations and Political Science. Professor Menchik discusses his research on religion and international affairs, including his books on Islam and democracy in Indonesia, social movements during COVID, and the history of missionaries and imperialism. Listen in to learn about Professor Melchik’s work at Boston University and to hear a compelling discussion on religious nationalism, religious freedom, and democracy!
Assistant Professor of International History, joins us to discuss her latest book, Until I Find You. From her journey as a journalist to becoming a leading voice in modern Latin American history, Nolan shares insights into migration, political violence, and U.S.-Latin American relations. We also delve into her upcoming research on deportation histories and future hopes. Follow us on Instagram @irr_inrelationto to stay updated with upcoming episodes!
In this episode, we sit down with the two presidents of the Boston University International Affairs Association (BUIAA), Andrew Severance and Senthil Meyyappan, to discuss their journeys within the organization, from eager members to leading one of BU’s most dynamic student groups. They share insights into BUIAA’s role in fostering global awareness, hosting Model UN conferences, and connecting with other students. Listen in to hear their experiences, leadership lessons, and how BUIAA prepares students to engage with the world beyond BU!
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Elsa Wiehe, who leads the K-16 Education Outreach program at the African Studies Center In this conversation, our host and Dr. Wiehe unpack the systemic challenges in teaching Africa accurately and explore strategies for educators to integrate African voices, literature, and perspectives into their curriculum. Our guest discusses the importance of shifting away from stereotypical narratives, the growing restrictions on inclusive education, and how educators can navigate these barriers by building supportive networks. Follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with upcoming episodes!: https://www.instagram.com/irr_inrelationto?igsh=MWU2bXcxN3Fsbjdibw==
In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Martin, the Assistant Director of the African Studies Center at Boston University, to explore her journey and interests within the sphere of international public health. With experience spanning NGOs and academic institutions, she offers a unique perspective on driving impactful programs and advancing African studies. Martin bridges global impact with her commitment to serving her local communities, giving us insight into her path of making substantial contributions to public health, educational access, and program sustainability.
We’re joined by Professor Carrie Preston, Associate Director of the Center on Forced Displacement at Boston University. She is also known for her expertise in English, Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, as well as modernist literature, performance, and dance, Professor Preston shares insights into her background, ongoing research on forced displacement, student opportunities, and her vision for the future of her work.
In this episode, we talk with Isaac Killilea, a senior at BU studying International Relations and Visual Arts, about their unforgettable journey studying abroad in Europe for three consecutive semesters. He shares insights on how this experience helped him academically, and personally as they discuss challenges, new experiences, and cultural immersion. From navigating new academic environments to embracing diverse cultures, Isaac’s story offers a glimpse into the transformative power of studying abroad.
In the landmark 30th episode, serving as the season one finale of In Relation To, we engage in a compelling conversation with Professor Jack Weinstein, an esteemed authority in the field of the practice of International Security. Professor Weinstein graciously takes us on a captivating journey, recounting his evolution from his early days as a commissioned officer through the ROTC program to his pivotal role as Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration at the Pentagon. He shares poignant anecdotes, including his presence alongside President Bush on the historic day of September 11, 2001, as well as his experiences of relocating to different countries annually. Delving into his academic endeavors at BU, we explore the diverse spectrum of courses he teaches, culminating in invaluable insights on the essence of learning and leadership. As we take our annual break for the summer, thank you for tuning into In Relation To this year and we look forward to bringing you a brand new season 2 in the fall.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pavle Kilibarda, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva. He shares his insights on the cross-sections of international law and international relations, as well as the complexities of their applications. He speaks about the areas he specializes in and how he’s personally connected with cases relating to humanitarian law.
In this episode, we're joined by Raghuveer Vyas, a climate analytics and sustainability expert, as he shares insights from his global journey and work at Climate Analytics. With experiences from Kenya to Geneva, he dives into his role, key projects, and how his diverse background shapes his approach to climate issues. Raghuveer also discusses his aspirations, emerging trends in climate policy, and the mantra guiding his impactful work.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adil Najam, who is well-known for his expansive career in international relations and environmental affairs. By referencing his own experiences, he provides us with his valuable insights on influencing behaviors when it comes to the planet and nature. He speaks about his responsibilities as President of WWF International, as well as the pressing challenges that he believes the world faces.
This episode, we talk to Dhruv Kapadia, BU’s Student Body President. Dhruv speaks about his experiences in his numerous and impressive roles in public service and for the BU community. We learn about how his personal ambitions and passions motivate his involvement in activities, as well as the interconnectedness of all his pursuits.
Meet Emma Shapiro– the IRR’s very own Editor-in-Chief! Emma, now a senior, reflects back on her time with the IRR and discusses her personal journey through her experiences. Drawing on valuable insights learned from her experiences with the IRR and beyond, she elaborates on the leadership skills she’s gained and shares her future goals and aspirations.
This week, we sit down with Rosalia, Camila, and Amy, some of our Senior Editors, to get insight on their experiences with IRR. They speak about the editorial process and how IRR has impacted their lives academically and personally, as well as what they’ve gained from their experiences.
Cryptocurrency is an emerging threat in hybrid warfare that is posing many challenges for the international community. Stephanie Hwang, from the University of Pennsylvania, joins host, Margherita Marras, to discuss her thesis “Digital Frontlines: The Emerging Role of Cryptocurrencies in Hybrid Warfare & Geopolitics.” Stephanie breaks down the challenges posed by cryptocurrencies and how she thinks policy could evolve to keep up.
BUIAA president Faisal Ahmed comes from an international background that has given him a passion for global affairs. Over his past three years at BU, Faisal has worked in several branches at BUIAA and is the co-founder of the student organization ARISE, which works with forcibly displaced people in Boston. Maria Kachrimanidi, our host, sits down with Faisal to discuss his experiences in leadership roles, his goals for BUIAA and the legacy he plans to leave as president of BUIAA.
272 million people worldwide live outside their country of birth, and with thousands more crossing international borders each day, some countries are running into a problem: they’re struggling to welcome more people. In some cases, this issue turned violent, leading to police and governmental organizations cracking down on immigration access. Listen to Maria Kachrimanidi and Migena Satyal, a Boston University student who is writing her thesis on Europe’s migration policies, talk about the current status of immigration policy and the future of human migration.
International diplomacy often takes place way above our heads and is inaccessible to the people in each country. University students across the world, however, get the chance to study how decisions are made at this level, and the factors that may influence the next generation of diplomacy. Join Margherita Marras as she talks with Bella Newell, the president of the Boston University International Affairs Association, about how she is preparing members of her association to take on the daunting world of diplomacy.
As the fight against climate change continues, governments around the world have pursued various pathways to protect the health of our environment. Europe, however, has taken a team-based approach to the problem with regulation coming from the European Union. Join Maria Kachrimanidi as she sits down with Professor Henrik Selin, an expert on international environmental cooperation, to discuss the future of climate regulation in Europe and what this means for the rest of the world.
