Big World

School of International Service, AU
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Big World shines a spotlight on complex ideas and issues that matter. Each episode features an expert from the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC, breaking down a big, important topic into small bite sizes.

  1. Venezuelan Oil and a Crisis in Cuba

    APR 3

    Venezuelan Oil and a Crisis in Cuba

    In this new episode of Big World, SIS professor emeritus Philip Brenner joins us to discuss the politics behind the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and how it connects to the growing crisis in Cuba. Brenner kicks off our episode by contextualizing the close alliance between Venezuela and Cuba (1:54) and the history of U.S. relations with both nations (4:31). Brenner also explains what was happening in the months leading up to the United States’ capture of Maduro and why the Trump administration was pressuring Venezuela to cut off oil to Cuba (9:23). Does the capture of Maduro fall within the bounds of international law? (11:02) How has the ongoing oil embargo fueled a humanitarian crisis in Cuba? (12:43) Brenner answers these questions and considers the Trump administration’s current approach to U.S.-Cuba relations (16:47) and where Cuba’s political future stands (19:54). -- Big World is a production of the School of International Service at American University. This episode was produced by Madison Minges with assistance from Morgan Desfosses.

    23 min
  2. Workers’ Rights in the Global Supply Chain

    MAR 9

    Workers’ Rights in the Global Supply Chain

    In this episode, School of International Service's Judy Gearhart joins Big World to discuss international labor organizing and the fight for workers' rights within the global supply chain. Gearhart, a research professor at the Accountability Research Center and host of The Labor Link Podcast, begins the conversation by describing challenges and abuse that workers currently face in the global supply chain, highlighting forced labor in the seafood industry as a case study (3:24). What makes migrant workers particularly vulnerable (6:54)? How has global supply chain governance evolved, and what impact did the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have on corporate responsibility (8:56)? Gearhart explores these questions while addressing the staggering $236 billion in annual profits illegally generated through forced labor (13:27). She also shares powerful stories of resilience from organizers in Thailand and Bangladesh (14:59) and explains how transnational solidarity networks connect local worker movements to international reform campaigns (18:54). To conclude, Gearhart discusses the impact of US funding cuts to USAID and international labor programs and emphasizes the necessity of supporting collective worker agency to address the root causes of abuse (23:20). Episode CreditsHost: Madi Minges Producer: Morgan Desfosses Art: Amy Zawada Social MediaInstagramLinkedInFacebookBlueskyX/Twitter

    30 min
  3. The Intellectuals Behind the MAGA New Right

    FEB 4

    The Intellectuals Behind the MAGA New Right

    In this new episode, SIS visiting scholar in residence Laura Field joins Big World to discuss the intellectual backbone of the New Right. Field is a writer, political theorist, and the author of the recently published book Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right. In this episode, Field explains why she wrote this book (2:15) and what surprised her most in her research (3:30). Field also explains why Donald Trump was not the New Right’s first choice for the 2024 Republican nominee (6:38), discusses the differing factions that make up the New Right (10:20), and shares why she decided to focus her book on the intellectuals behind New Right ideology (19:04). Is there a gender divide on the New Right? (22:44) How much influence do the intellectuals in the New Right have on Trump’s voter base? (26:16). Field answers these questions and considers where the New Right movement goes from here (28:59). The episode concludes with Field sharing what she hopes readers will take from her book (31:36).

    33 min
  4. So, You Want to Be a Diplomat?

    11/05/2025

    So, You Want to Be a Diplomat?

    In this new episode, School of International Service professor and former US Ambassador to Mongolia Piper Campbell joins Big World to share reflections on her 30-year career in diplomacy and provide practical advice for aspiring foreign service officers. Campbell, the chair of the Department of Foreign Policy & Global Security, begins our conversation by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in diplomacy (2:01) and discusses the multiple stages of her career (3:49). Campbell also describes the various pathways available within the State Department to engage in diplomacy (8:11) and shares advice for how future diplomats can prepare for the variety of situations they are likely to encounter in their career (10:24). What are the different “cones” within the State Department, and what do they mean for a diplomat’s career path (14:53)? Why does it remain important for students to continue studying diplomacy amid recent changes in the federal hiring landscape (19:42)? Campbell answers these questions and shares her biggest piece of advice for aspiring foreign service officers (26:17). Career Resources Mentioned in this Episode: https://careers.state.gov/https://www.usajobs.gov/

    29 min
  5. Why the Kurds Still Don't Have a Country

    10/06/2025

    Why the Kurds Still Don't Have a Country

    In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor Yerevan Saeed joins Big World to talk about Kurdish history, geopolitics, culture, and more. Saeed, the director of the Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace and Barzani Scholar-in-Residence in the Department of Politics, Governance, and Economics (PGE), begins the conversation by talking about the history of the Ottoman Empire and the struggles of the Kurdish people to gain statehood (1:41). He then discusses the importance of statehood recognition and what gaining that would mean for the Kurds (6:27). How do a stateless people conduct diplomacy with surrounding nations and the United States? (11:39). Saeed considers this question and emphasizes the severity and longevity of the Kurdish struggle in the Middle East (18:28). Despite facing centuries of marginalization, Saeed explains how the Kurds have kept their culture and traditions alive and have remained resilient throughout time (22:53). To conclude our episode, Saeed talks about SIS’s Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace and how folks can follow their work online and on social media (25:25).

    27 min
  6. How Are Governments Using AI?

    09/02/2025

    How Are Governments Using AI?

    In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor William Akoto joins Big World to discuss the intersections of artificial intelligence and international affairs. Akoto, a member of the SIS Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security and the director of research at the Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, begins our conversation by explaining what is currently known about how governments are using AI and emerging technology (1:58). Akoto then examines the potential usefulness and dangers of AI’s rapid global proliferation (4:41). How can governments make sure AI is kept in the right hands and out of the wrong hands? (9:54). What role is AI playing in interstate cyber conflict, and how it will impact future challenges in cybersecurity? (13:35). Akoto answers these questions and considers the potential impacts of integrating AI models into government systems when they have proven to be imperfect (15:36). To conclude this episode, Akoto provides us with a few insights about the conversations he is currently having with his students about emerging tech (19:57).

    23 min
  7. The Economics of Hunger

    05/06/2025

    The Economics of Hunger

    In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor Jesse Ribot joins Big World to discuss his current research on migration, vulnerability, and the “hungry season” in West Africa.   Ribot, a member of the SIS Department of Environment, Development, and Health, begins our conversation by discussing how a ship that sunk off the coast of Italy and killed hundreds of migrants on board was the precursory climate event that spurred his latest research in West Africa (2:02). Ribot then shares what he learned when he traveled to Tambacounda, Senegal, to interview several families of migrants who died on the ship about their reasons for leaving home (5:59). What is the hungry season, and what role does it play in migration out of Senegal? (13:20) Jesse addresses these questions and shares how misconceptions about the roots of hunger can be addressed (24:16) and how he hopes his research is applied in the future (25:44).

    29 min
  8. US Immigration Realities and Futures

    04/04/2025

    US Immigration Realities and Futures

    In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professors Tazreena Sajjad and Maria De Jesus join Big World to discuss the history of US immigration policy and unpack how recent shifts are impacting our local DC community and beyond.    Sajjad, a professor in the Department of Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations, begins our conversation by explaining common misconceptions surrounding the US immigration system and the evolution of immigration policy (2:03) before explaining the pathways that currently exist for immigrants to enter the US (7:37). Sajjad and De Jesus, a professor in the Department of Environment, Development & Health, also break down the ripple effects of recent shifts in US immigration policy both domestically and internationally (11:45). How are recent policies impacting immigration advocates and immigrant communities? (25:00) What are the key skills required for the next generation of folks working on migration issues? (31:05) De Jesus and Sajjad answer these questions and provide a preview of the new Global Migration Certificate launching at SIS in fall 2025 (31:44).

    38 min
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About

Big World shines a spotlight on complex ideas and issues that matter. Each episode features an expert from the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC, breaking down a big, important topic into small bite sizes.

Information

  • Creator
    School of International Service, AU
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 School of International Service, AU
  • Show Website
    Big World

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