Welcome to NZIIA Podcasts

 

 

NZIIA's podcasts have been created by the NZIIA Youth Panel.

On the NZIIA podcast we discuss important international affairs issues, from trade to geopolitics to diplomacy.

EPISODE 10 - ASTROPOLITICS & SPACE COMMAND (SPOTIFY VERSION)

YOUTUBE VERSION

In this episode of the NZIIA Podcast, Lachie and Tejas are joined by guest speaker Marçal Sanmartí, who in his second appearance with us discusses the what and why of Space Command. We explore New Zealand’s position in the geopolitics of space, and what we can and should do to best operate in this domain. The militarisation of space, the risks of space junk, and environmental concerns of rocket launches down here on Earth are just some of the topics covered in this discussion.

EPISODE 9 - CLIMATE CHANGE - WITH RI THEODORE (SPOTIFY VERSION)

YOUTUBE VERSION

On this episode of NZIIA Youth Panel, we discuss briefly some of the impacts of climate change including but not limited to both international and domestic obligations of NZ, as well as some of the environmental impacts, in particular, the most at-risk communities with our guest Ri Theodore, Youth Climate Activist. 

EPISODE 8 - UKRAINE

In this episode of the NZIIA podcast, Tanis, Lachie and Patrick are joined by guest speaker Professor Rob Rabel from Poland about the ongoing war in Ukraine, how those close to the conflict are reacting and why Putin continues to attempt to legitimize his position.  We will also explore how New Zealand's position in this conflict has changed and why it is important to us at home.

EPISODE 7 - THE UKRAINE WAR (SPOTIFY VERSION)

YOUTUBE VERSION 

In this episode, Tanis Heath and Lachie Scott from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington examine the current political, economic, and military situation in Ukraine. They discuss what Russia desires, its military success and failures, and how the international community has reacted to a new war in Europe. It also explores the importance to New Zealand.

EPISODE 6 - ASTROPOLITICS

In the sixth episode of the NZIIA podcast we discuss Astropolitics.

Alex and Tanis chat with Marçal Sanmartí, a member of the Planetary Society and a Research Assistant for the New Zealand International Review. They explore the fast-paced and Science Fiction-like world of Astropolitics, the politics of space in international relations.

EPISODE 5 - AFGHANISTAN

In the fifth episode of the NZIIA podcast we discuss Afghanistan.

Alex, Patrick, and Tanis discuss Afghanistan. From breaking down Afghanistan’s long history of conflict and intervention to failed attempts to restore stability and peace, to the terror attacks of 9/11 and their decades-long consequences. What the future holds for Afghanistan, its people, and the wider world are also explored beyond the financial and human cost normally associated with this complicated topic of international relations.

EPISODE 4 - INTERNATIONAL LAW: CLIMATE CHANGE AND GENDER

In the fourth episode of the NZIIA podcast we discuss recent issues in international law.

Alex and Jordan from Victoria University Law School talk to Vinod Bal, an international law researcher who has worked in Vietnam and Berlin and has completed his dissertation at the University of Waikato. They discuss recent issues in international law, including the developing area of climate change law, and share some views. Vinod then talks about his ground-breaking dissertation on the extent to which international law protects transgender and non-binary persons from discrimination.

EPISODE 3 - CAREERS AND FUTURE-PROOFING

In the third episode of the NZIIA podcast we discuss careers.

Alex and Patrick chat to Jackson Calder, a recent graduate from Victoria University who has started his own geopolitical risk and futures modelling firm. We discuss the current transition from university to the IR space, the importance of understanding risk and futuring tools for policy, and why we should all be futurists.

EPISODE 2 - WARGAMING

In the second episode of the NZIIA podcast we discuss Wargaming.

Alex and Lachie talk to James and Helen of the newly established wargaming society. They discuss the background and conception of the Wargaming Society, what wargaming is, its importance in understanding international relations as well as its application to other fields.

EPISODE 1 - COVID-19

In the first episode of the NZIIA podcast, we tackle COVID-19. 

Through looking at the overall numbers, breaking down the situation in India, and NZ's plan to roll out vaccines in 2021, the NZIIA Youth Panel shares their thoughts and insights on one of the biggest international relations topics in decades.