The Spotlight

SDSU ISCOR
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Politics

The Spotlight is the official podcast of the San Diego State University International Security and Conflict Resolution program. Season 4 is brought to you by Alexis Briggeman, and Parker Allard. The Spotlight prides itself on its unique approach to international relations by incorporating a wide array of perspectives. The goal is to shine a spotlight (get it!) on events related to international security and conflict by examining them from unique perspectives that many feel do not get the recognition they deserve.

  1. 5d ago

    Beyond the Divide: A Conversation with Steven Zech

    Join us today for a conversation with Dr. Steven Zech, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Monash University, whose research focuses on political violence, contentious politics, civility, and threats to liberal democracy. In this episode, we explore his recent article, "A Case for Preconciliation in the United States," as we examine democratic erosion both within the United States and across the globe. Together, we discuss the role of grassroots peacebuilding initiatives in bridging political divides and fostering dialogue. Tune in as we explore how bottom-up approaches to political change can help address polarization and preserve the future of democracy. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to explore Zech's work further, you can find "A Case for Preconciliation in the United States" at this link: https://www.abc.net.au/religion/a-case-for-pre-conciliation-in-the-united-states/107188894

  2. May 12

    Women in Latin America -- A Conversation with Professor Bayard de Volo

    This episode features Lorraine Bayard de Volo, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, who explores the role of women in Latin America through her research and fieldwork experiences. In this episode, she discusses the complexities of conducting fieldwork, her experiences in various regions, and her interactions with gender in those areas. Throughout the episode, she reflects on key lessons learned, emphasizing the value of listening to the lived experiences of the women she studies.

  3. May 12

    The Global Implications of Ethnomusicology: A Discussion with Taras Filenko

    This episode highlights an important conversation with Taras Filenko, a Ukrainian pianist and ethnomusicologist, to explore how music shapes cultural identity, political relations, and global understanding. Drawing from his extensive work in ethnomusicology, history, and performance, Filenko examines the ways music preserve cultural memory and connect communities across borders. This discussion offers insight into the power of music as both an artistic practice and a lens for understanding global issues, conflict, and cultural exchange.

  4. Apr 20

    Remembering Tiananmen Square: A Conversation with Fengsuo Zhou

    In this episode, we reflect on one of the most pivotal moments in modern history, the Tiananmen Square Protest. Joined by student leader and activist Fengsuo Zhou, we explore the legacy of the 1989 protests, the personal and political stakes of dissent, and the enduring struggle for democratic reform in China. Through firsthand insight and thoughtful dialogue, this conversation sheds light on the human story behind the headlines, the impact of the movement, and what this means today.

  5. Mar 23

    Free Speech in Crisis | Dr. Tom Alter

    Hosts Alexis Briggeman and Parker Allard sit down with Texas State University Professor Tom Alter who was recently and illegally terminated from his tenure position with the University. Follow along as they discuss what academic freedom looks like today and what this means for the University system.

  6. 12/10/2025

    From JAG to Justice: The Leadership Journey of Matt Benson

    In this episode, I sit down with Matt Benson—a Navy JAG Corps veteran, former federal prosecutor, and national security law practitioner who now leads his own private law firm—to trace a career built at the intersection of service and law. We talk about how his path from professional basketball in Germany to the JAG Corps, to the Navy Reserves, and finally to founding Benson Law APC reveals the unexpected ways leadership and legal expertise evolve across sectors. For listeners exploring public policy, military service, or government work, Matt offers a rare, grounded look at how a life of service can transform into meaningful impact in and beyond uniform.

  7. 12/05/2025

    Threat Multiplier | Sherri Goodman

    Hosts Chandria Arboleda and Sophia Hansen sit down with Sherri Goodman, the Pentagon’s first deputy undersecretary of defense for environmental security, to discuss how climate change became understood as a “threat multiplier.” Goodman’s career—shaping the intersection of environmental sustainability and national security, and demonstrating feminist leadership in traditionally male-dominated institutions—offers a compelling lens on climate, resilience, and global cooperation, aligning closely with the forward-looking work of the ISCOR program.

  8. 12/05/2025

    SDSU's Graduate Program in Homeland Security | Professor Robert Harkins and Alice Wilshire

    Hosts Chandria Arboleda and Sophia Hansen sit down with Professor Robert Harkins, former DEA agent turned SDSU Faculty Lecturer, and Alice Wilshire, Homeland Security master’s student, about AI in security, post-grad opportunities, and the reminder that the day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Together, they explore how real-world experience, academic insight, and student perspectives intersect to prepare the next generation of security professionals.

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About

The Spotlight is the official podcast of the San Diego State University International Security and Conflict Resolution program. Season 4 is brought to you by Alexis Briggeman, and Parker Allard. The Spotlight prides itself on its unique approach to international relations by incorporating a wide array of perspectives. The goal is to shine a spotlight (get it!) on events related to international security and conflict by examining them from unique perspectives that many feel do not get the recognition they deserve.

Information

  • Creator
    SDSU ISCOR
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Spotlight