Graduate Institute What Matters Today

Geneva Graduate Institute
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What Matters Today is a podcast series from the Geneva Graduate Institute in which we ask faculty members to comment on current issues impacting, economics, politics, health, and society.

  1. Inside Iran’s Unrest: Politics, Economy, and the Road Ahead

    JAN 19

    Inside Iran’s Unrest: Politics, Economy, and the Road Ahead

    Today we turn our focus to Iran at a moment of intense uncertainty. Over the past year, the country has witnessed another major wave of protests—driven by deep social grievances, political frustration, and an economic situation that continues to deteriorate. The government’s response has been marked by severe repression, while regional tensions and new international sanctions have heightened pressure on the Islamic Republic. In today’s conversation, we’ll take a closer look at what’s happening inside Iran: the roots of the current uprising, the role of the political leadership, the impact of the economic crisis, and the landscape of opposition figures abroad. We’ll also explore how the regime’s crackdown fits into its broader survival strategy, and what Iran’s trajectory might look like in the months ahead. Our guest is Clément Therme, an alumnus of the Geneva Graduate Institute and a lecturer at the University of Montpellier.

    26 min
  2. The Venezuela Precedent: Power, Law, and Global Order

    JAN 14

    The Venezuela Precedent: Power, Law, and Global Order

    The recent US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro have sent shockwaves across the global stage. For many observers, the operation represents a clear breach of international law — raising fundamental questions about state sovereignty, the use of force, and the immunity traditionally granted to sitting heads of state. So what does this case mean for international law, for global stability, and for the future credibility of multilateral institutions? That’s what we’ll explore in today’s conversation. Our guest is Professor Nico Krisch, Professor of International Law, and Head of the International Law Department at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

    19 min
  3. Beyond the Vote: New Forms of Youth Political Engagement Worldwide

    12/08/2025

    Beyond the Vote: New Forms of Youth Political Engagement Worldwide

    Young people are often portrayed as politically disengaged, accused of turning their backs on voting and traditional politics. But is that really the full story? Recent waves of youth-led mobilisations—from climate marches to social justice movements—suggest something very different. So, how do we explain this apparent paradox? Are young people truly stepping away from politics, or are they reinventing it? In this episode, we’ll explore what youth engagement looks like today: from the role of young voters in the United States to the issues driving activism across the Global South. We’ll also ask whether new forms of participation—both online and offline—signal a global movement or remain rooted in local priorities. And now that COP 30 has wrapped up, we’ll reflect on the lessons from years of youth-led climate activism: have they managed to influence policy or shift mindsets? Our guest today is Dr. Laura Bullon-Cassis, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute's Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy.

    15 min
  4. The central economic role of the United States in question?

    12/02/2025

    The central economic role of the United States in question?

    For much of the modern era, the United States has stood at the heart of the global economy—anchoring the international monetary system, shaping the rules of trade, and driving global growth through its innovation and financial power. But today, this long-standing leadership is being tested on multiple fronts. In this episode, we explore the shifting foundations of U.S. economic dominance: from pressures on the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency to the rise of China and the growing assertiveness of other economic actors. We look at how geopolitical fragmentation, internal U.S. political tensions, and debates over industrial policy are reshaping America’s global position. Our guest is Cédric Tille, Professor of International Economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute, Head of the Bilateral Assistance and Capacity Building for Central Banks (BCC) Programme, and is a Faculty Associate at the Institute’s Centre for Finance and Development.

    15 min
  5. Peace Diplomacy in an Era of Growing Conflict

    11/25/2025

    Peace Diplomacy in an Era of Growing Conflict

    In this episode, we mark the first year of the Nagulendran Chair in Peace Mediation with a wide-ranging conversation on the state of peace diplomacy today. At a time when conflicts are multiplying across the globe, we ask whether this signals a failure of diplomacy or a call for its evolution. We explore how the peace diplomacy sector works—who its actors are, the roles they play, and how they differ. We also examine the mounting pressures of budget cuts and political change, and consider how these challenges are reshaping the field’s future. This conversation offers both a moment of stock-taking and a forward-looking vision for how peace diplomacy can remain resilient, relevant, and transformative in uncertain times. Our guest is Achim Wennmann, Director for Strategic Partnerships here at the Geneva Graduate Institute, Professor of Practice in the Inter-disciplinary Programme, and Nagulendran Chair in Peace Mediation.

    21 min
  6. Prospects for Peace in Ukraine: Diplomacy, Power, and the Politics of War

    11/07/2025

    Prospects for Peace in Ukraine: Diplomacy, Power, and the Politics of War

    More than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the prospect of peace remains elusive. Several rounds of negotiations have taken place — yet none have brought the two sides closer to ending the war. Why have diplomatic efforts failed so far? What obstacles continue to block progress? And how do global and regional powers — from the European Union to the United States — shape the possibilities for peace? In this episode, we explore the diplomatic dynamics of the Russia–Ukraine conflict and consider what a realistic path toward peace might look like in the years ahead. Our guest is Dr. Vassily Klimentov, Senior researcher at the University of Zurich and Visiting professor here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

    19 min
  7. Recognising the State of Palestine

    09/16/2025

    Recognising the State of Palestine

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most complex and debated issues in international law: the recognition of the State of Palestine. What is Palestine’s current status at the United Nations? Does it meet the legal criteria for statehood? And what would recognition by countries like France mean for its future on the global stage? We’ll unpack these questions and more, looking at the legal foundations, political implications, and whether recognition could help advance peace efforts in the region. Our guest today is Fuad Zarbiyev, Professor of International Law and, Faculty Associate at Global Governance Centre here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

    21 min
  8. Tariffs and Tensions: What the U.S. Move Means for Switzerland

    09/04/2025

    Tariffs and Tensions: What the U.S. Move Means for Switzerland

    In this episode we dive into a major development in international trade: the Trump administration’s decision to impose 39% tariffs on Swiss goods. What could this mean for Switzerland’s economy and its long-standing relationship with the United States? Is it time to rethink trade alliances — and what role can the WTO still play in managing tensions like these? Join us as we unpack the implications with expert insights and explore what’s at stake for Switzerland and global trade. Our guest is Cédric Dupont, Professor of international relations and political science here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

    15 min
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What Matters Today is a podcast series from the Geneva Graduate Institute in which we ask faculty members to comment on current issues impacting, economics, politics, health, and society.

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