Conversations 4 Citizenship

Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong, Dr. Adam Peter Lang, Dr. Kamille Beye

Are you an educator or researcher seeking reliable resources about citizenship and human rights education? Are you interested in the burning issues of the day -- injustice, political polarization, politics of hate, economic populism, human rights violations, disinformation, racial and ethnic conflict and in other places -- and would like the opportunity to converse with experts on these topics? #Conversations4Citizenship is an educational resource for you. Each month, the podcast explores new ideas, insights and knowledge about citizenship and human rights education through fascinating conversations with scholars, doctoral students and practitioners across the world who have been involved in these fields of work or study. Each episode is hosted by experienced researchers from the Institute of Education, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society and Yonsei University: Dr. Adam Lang, Dr. Kamille Beye and Dr. Stella Mi-cheong Cheong. In season three of #Conversations4citizenship, we are inviting any interested citizenship and human rights education researchers and practitioners to also join our podcast as possible guests. For expressions of interest, please click on the Join Us! link at the top of this page, and we will contact you shortly. You may email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com. Let us know what you think! Thank you for your kind support. ©Copyright 2025 conversations4citizenship-All rights reserved

  1. Episode 07 | Rethinking History with Prof. Korostelina: Identity, Reconciliation and the Power of Memory in Peacebuilding

    Feb 3

    Episode 07 | Rethinking History with Prof. Korostelina: Identity, Reconciliation and the Power of Memory in Peacebuilding

    In this enlightening episode, Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong and her co-hosts welcome Dr. Karina Korostelina, Director of the Sustainable Peace Lab at George Mason University, to discuss the profound impact of collective memory on conflict and reconciliation. Korostelina argues that physical locations such as monuments and museums, are not merely static records of the past but active political tools that shape national identity and future conflict dynamics. She introduces concepts from her new book, Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, explaining how these sites often 'ascribe' negative traits to perceived enemies or 'enhance' a group's own narrative at the expense of others. Furthermore, the conversation challenges the traditional liberal peace model, advocating instead for a local turn that prioritizes community resilience and agonistic history—acknowledging multiple, coexisting interpretations of the same events. Ultimately, Dr. Korostelina emphasizes that education is key to disrupting monolithic narratives and fostering lasting peace. This episode is hosted by Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C,  do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com  If you are curious about Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, check out her new book, 'Memory Sites and Conflict DynamicsCollective Memory, Identity, and Power' and visit the Sustainable Peace Lab's website linked below. Korostelina, K. V. (2025). Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics: Collective Memory, Identity, and Power. Routledge.Korostelina, K. V., Gopin, M., Helsing, J. W., & Özerdem, A. (Eds.). (2024). Identity and religion in peace processes: Mechanisms, strategies and tactics. Taylor & Francis.The Sustainable Peace Lab Contact Conversations4citizenship Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!

    51 min
  2. Episode 06 | Global Higher Education in Crisis: 3 Hosts' Perspectives from the US, UK, and Korea

    Jan 4

    Episode 06 | Global Higher Education in Crisis: 3 Hosts' Perspectives from the US, UK, and Korea

    In this episode, Drs. Adam Peter Lang, Kamille Beye, and Stella Micheong Cheong engage in a comprehensive three-way discussion regarding the geopolitical and structural challenges facing higher education globally. Dr. Beye begins by highlighting the "tumultuous" landscape in the US, where the Trump administration’s policies against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have led to the revocation of research grants and created visa uncertainties for international students. Transitioning to South Korea, Dr. Cheong explains the intense societal pressure surrounding the "SKY" universities, describing a rigid "caste system" where academic credentials determine life success while vocational paths remain deeply stigmatized. Meanwhile, Dr. Lang details the UK’s deepening financial crisis, noting that nearly 40% of universities face deficits, resulting in mergers and significant staff redundancies. Despite these struggles, the hosts conclude with optimism, viewing these crises as potential catalysts for educational reform.       Contact Conversations4citizenship Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!

    52 min
  3. Episode 05 | Prof. Atherton's Vision on Widening Access: Fighting Inequality in Global Higher Education

    12/22/2025

    Episode 05 | Prof. Atherton's Vision on Widening Access: Fighting Inequality in Global Higher Education

    In this episode, Dr. Adam Peter Lang and Dr. Kamille Beye interview Professor Graeme Atherton about the pressing global challenges of inequality and access in higher education. Professor Atherton, who leads the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN) and the Ruskin Institute for Social Equity, shares his personal journey from a council estate in Blackpool to Oxford University, highlighting how this experience shaped his lifelong dedication to widening participation. He discusses the growing 'ideological pushback' against the value of inclusive education by populist movements and the structural difficulties of adapting elite university systems to serve the majority. The conversation also explores the historic role of Ruskin College in educating working-class adults and the complexities of ensuring international partnerships in the Global South remain genuinely equitable. Finally, Atherton emphasizes the need for curricula to adapt to AI while ensuring marginalized voices remain central to educational policy. This episode is hosted by Dr. Adam Lang. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C,  do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com  If you are curious about the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN), check out his new book, 'Making Equal' and visit the WAHEN's website linked below. Atherton, G., & John, P. (Eds.). (2025). Making Equal: New Visions for Opportunity and Growth. Emerald Publishing Limited.World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN)Ruskin Institute for Social Equity (RISE) Contact Conversations4citizenship Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!

    45 min
  4. Episode 04 | Art as Advocacy : Literature and Human Rights Education in the Philippines

    08/22/2025

    Episode 04 | Art as Advocacy : Literature and Human Rights Education in the Philippines

    Professor Rommel Rodriguez, an academic, writer, and staunch human rights advocate from the University of the Philippines, provides a profound overview of the nation's struggle for social justice. He begins by outlining the deep-seated issues of poverty, neocolonialism, and environmental problems that fuel a culture of protest. He details the nation's robust history of protest, from the 1986 People Power Revolution to contemporary movements addressing systemic issues like poverty and corruption. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the dark legacy of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and the current challenges of historical revisionism, particularly under the current government of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator, which seeks to erase the dark parts of the country's past. To counter this, Rommel details his unique approach of using literature and art as tools for advocacy, sharing insights from his university course that teaches human rights through creative works. He argues this method builds empathy and allows for discussions on sensitive topics like political imprisonment. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of extending activism beyond the classroom, describing the vital role of student movements in supporting grassroots causes. Despite facing personal risks, including having his book banned, Professor Rodriguez finds hope in collective action. He underscores the power of solidarity among artists, academics, and the Filipino diaspora in creating a potent counter-narrative to official government rhetoric. The episode concludes with his firm belief that educating future generations is the most crucial step toward building a more just and humane Philippine society. This episode is hosted by Dr. Stella Cheong. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C,  do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com  If you would like to learn more about the hidden history-- democratization movement and the coup d’état-- in the Philippines, along with insights into the current human rights movement and Prof. Rodriguez’s banned books, please visit the links below. Rommel Rodriguez's CVAuthors unbowed after gov’t ‘purge’ of booksKWF memo banning ‘subversive’ books voidedShortsighted and arrogant moveHere are some of the short documentaries Prof. Rodriguez did about political prisoners in the Philippines Tanikala at Talinhaga 1 (Chained Metaphors)Tanikala at Talinhaga 2Tanikala at Talinhaga 3  Also here are some documentaries about the social illnesses in the Philippines.  *Note. Just some trigger warning because the video contains violent images: Sa Ngalan ng Tubo (In the Name of Profit/Sugarcane)Mendiola Massacre (during the first year of presidency of corazon aquino, 1987)   Contact Conversations4citizenship Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!

    58 min
  5. Episode 03 | The Virtuous Circle: A Conversation with Dr. Tara Bartlett on Youth Agency and School Participatory Budgeting

    06/30/2025

    Episode 03 | The Virtuous Circle: A Conversation with Dr. Tara Bartlett on Youth Agency and School Participatory Budgeting

    In this episode, Dr. Tara Bartlett details School Participatory Budgeting (SPB) as a transformative democratic process where students decide how a portion of their school’s public budget is spent. Originating in the US in Arizona, this initiative provides students with tangible experience in civic decision-making, moving beyond theoretical education. The process is designed to be inclusive, intentionally engaging students who are not the “usual suspects” in leadership to build their agency and confidence. By taking part in needs assessments, proposal development, and voting, students develop critical 21st-century skills like budgeting, collaboration, and civil discourse. Dr. Bartlett emphasizes that SPB functions as a real-world application of democratic principles, demonstrating to young people that their participation can lead to meaningful improvements in their communities and foster a culture of active, engaged citizenship. The practical impact of School Participatory Budgeting extends far beyond the allocation of funds; it cultivates a deep sense of social justice and civic responsibility among students. Dr. Bartlett shares powerful examples, including elementary students advocating for ADA-accessible playground equipment and high school students successfully lobbying to remove a vendor using prison labor from the district’s approved list. The process also creates direct pathways to wider civic life by partnering with local agencies to register eligible students to vote during SPB election days. This connection between school-level action and formal democratic participation is key. By involving students, parents, and educators, SPB strengthens the entire school ecosystem, breaking down silos and proving that collective, democratic engagement can create more equitable and responsive institutions. This episode is hosted by Dr. Kamille Beye. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C,  do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com  If you are curious about School Participatory Budgeting (SPB), check out her new book, 'Educating for Democracy' and visit the Center for the Future of Arizona's website linked below. Schugurensky, D., & Bartlett, T. (Eds.). (2024). Educating for Democracy: The Case for Participatory Budgeting in Schools. Edward Elgar Publishing.The Center for the Future of Arizona  Contact Conversations4citizenship Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!

    55 min

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Are you an educator or researcher seeking reliable resources about citizenship and human rights education? Are you interested in the burning issues of the day -- injustice, political polarization, politics of hate, economic populism, human rights violations, disinformation, racial and ethnic conflict and in other places -- and would like the opportunity to converse with experts on these topics? #Conversations4Citizenship is an educational resource for you. Each month, the podcast explores new ideas, insights and knowledge about citizenship and human rights education through fascinating conversations with scholars, doctoral students and practitioners across the world who have been involved in these fields of work or study. Each episode is hosted by experienced researchers from the Institute of Education, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society and Yonsei University: Dr. Adam Lang, Dr. Kamille Beye and Dr. Stella Mi-cheong Cheong. In season three of #Conversations4citizenship, we are inviting any interested citizenship and human rights education researchers and practitioners to also join our podcast as possible guests. For expressions of interest, please click on the Join Us! link at the top of this page, and we will contact you shortly. You may email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com. Let us know what you think! Thank you for your kind support. ©Copyright 2025 conversations4citizenship-All rights reserved