Global in the Granite State

Tim Horgan

The Global in the Granite State Podcast is an engaging and informative show that aims to provide the audience with a deeper understanding of important international issues. By featuring experts in the field and individuals with lived experiences, the podcast offers a well-rounded perspective on various global topics. By focusing on breaking down complex issues in an easily understandable way, the Global in the Granite State is particularly valuable for those who are interested in global affairs but may not have formal training or work in foreign policy think tanks. By presenting information in a balanced manner, considering the historical context, policy implications, and future outlook of each topic, the podcast helps listeners grasp the multifaceted nature of global issues. Although the series is centered in New Hampshire, it seeks to provide insights that people from anywhere can benefit from. This approach ensures that listeners from different backgrounds and geographic locations can gain a broader understanding of the world and the forces that shape it.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ukraine Four Years On

    This month marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a conflict that has reshaped global politics, security, and the international order. To reflect on this grim anniversary, Global in the Granite State welcomes a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Sviatoslav Yuras, Ukraine’s youngest member of parliament and a recent participant in the Open World Leadership Program hosted in New Hampshire. Drawing on his experiences as both a lawmaker and a frontline soldier, Yuras offers rare insight into how Ukrainians view the war, the prospects for peace, and the hard lessons learned from broken agreements with Russia. He speaks candidly about why Ukrainians remain deeply skeptical of ceasefires without real security guarantees, how morale endures amid staggering personal sacrifice, and what “Live Free or Die” truly means when national survival is at stake. The conversation also explores the broader global implications of the war—from the authoritarian coalition backing Russia to the role of democratic accountability inside Ukraine itself, including how the country confronts corruption even in wartime. Above all, this episode asks a critical question for Americans and Granite Staters alike: why does Ukraine matter to us—and what role can citizens play in shaping what comes next? This is a sobering, hopeful, and ultimately urgent discussion about sovereignty, democracy, and the cost of indifference in a world where might is once again testing right.Sviatoslav Andriyovych Yurash is the youngest ever Ukrainian MP and a public figure. An active participant in the Revolution of Dignity. MP of Ukraine of the IX convocation from the "Servant of the People" party. Initiator and Chairman of the largest caucus in the history of the Parliament "Values. Dignity. Family", Initiator and Secretary of the second largest Parliamentary Caucus "Intermarium". Member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Relations and Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Ukrainians Abroad.

    25 min

  2. JAN 12

    What's Next in Venezuela

    In the wake of the U.S. capture of Nicholás Maduro, a lot of questions have swirled around this major international event. Two things seem indisputable at this point. First, this was a near flawless and impressive operation by the U.S. military. Second, Nicholás Maduro is not a good guy. Beyond that, people around the world seem to fall into two main camps, this was a law enforcement operation taking a dangerous person off the "streets" or this was an illegal capture of a sitting leader that sets a bad precedent. As with most international events, the truth probably lands somewhere in the middle. For this month's episode we brought back Henry Ziemer, associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to update us on the latest information about the raid, the future of Venezuela, and what this all means for the region. This episode does not aim to decide the legality of the U.S.' action, but rather to provide key insights and context into how this may shape the world moving forward. From providing insights into the background of interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, to how the U.S. is reshaping its relationship to Latin America, listeners will come away with greater insights on this major geopolitical shake-up.Henry Ziemer is an associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he supports the program’s research agenda and coordinates event planning and outreach. He previously served as an intern for the Americas Program. His research interests include transnational organized crime and human rights and security in Central America. Mr. Ziemer holds a BA in global affairs and history from Yale University.The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is a non-partisan, non-profit, community supported organization. We do not take stances on policy, politics, politicians, or Parties. We rely upon a strong community of supporters to ensure these programs remain free and available to the public.Please consider a donation to support this engaging work.

    38 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    The War the World Ignored

    Sudan, once one of Africa's largest countries, has had a tumultuous history since independence in 1956 from Egypt and the United Kingdom. Over that 70 plus year history, the country has struggled through multiple civil wars, coups and coup attempts (20 overall and 7 successful), creating a very unstable and violent history. That violence continues today with a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) each holding power over vast parts of the modern day country. The most recent fighting, which kicked off in 2023, has caused over 400,000 deaths and the world's worst displacement of people, numbering over 11 million. In addition, hundreds of thousands are on the brink of starvation and the number of documented atrocities continues to rise. Yet, this is the issue the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire consistently gets asked about why this conflict does not draw more attention. In a follow on to our conversation with Susan Stigant from 2023 (you can view here), the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire spoke with Husam Mahjoub, a Sudanese journalist and activist, to gain insights into the roots of this intractable conflict and why the United States has seemed disinterested in getting involved in over a decade. This episode aims to bring valuable attention to this critical issue and to provide key insights for the listener. By engaging with this conversation, you will better understand where things stand today and hear why your voice matters in this all. To support this program, please visit wacnh.org/donate to show the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire and its global community the value you find in these episodes. Husam Mahjoub is a cofounder of Sudan Bukra, an independent nonprofit TV channel watched by millions of Sudanese viewers. A telecom professional and activist, he holds master’s degrees from the London Business School and Georgia Tech and currently lives in Austin, Texas. He has published articles on politics, human rights, the economy, culture, and international affairs

    27 min

  4. 11/16/2025

    Is War with Venezuela Inevitable?

    You have likely heard about the buildup of American naval forces in the region around Venezuela. You have also, probably, heard conflicting reports on why this is happening. Does the United States want only to target drug trafficking groups and use all tools of the US military to stop it? Are they instead building up forces to scare Venezuela's government, led by Nicolas Maduro, to fold and flee the country? Is this the prelude to a war designed to completely reshape the future of this once democratic country? In this month's episode you will hear a deep conversation about the history of this impending crisis and where things go from here.Speaking with Henry Ziemer, associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Tim Horgan outlines the various voices leading these countries down this path, explores the rhetoric and highlights the complex realities, as well as provides some predictions on outcomes, understanding there are many factors that will shape this over the next weeks, months, and perhaps years. Whether designed to simply target drug boats or something more, the clock is ticking on the potential for conflict and the public relations battle that will follow no matter what happens.Henry Ziemer is an associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he supports the program’s research agenda and coordinates event planning and outreach. He previously served as an intern for the Americas Program. His research interests include transnational organized crime and human rights and security in Central America. Mr. Ziemer holds a BA in global affairs and history from Yale University.

    37 min

  5. 10/27/2025

    Protesting with Rizz - The Gen Z Protests

    As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the ways in which people, governments, and other entities engage with it morph right along with these generational changes. This is true for the current wave of protests sweeping the globe that got its start in countries from the Andes to the Himalayas. What ties these protests together are not only the demands for a better future, in each country's context, but also the marrying of A.I. with social media to mobilize at hyper-speed. From Nepal, to Madagascar, to Peru and beyond, people are jumping online to then organize and bring people to the streets in protest of the "nepo-babies", living standards, and a lack of a clear path to a better future. In this month's episode we speak with Dr. Janjira Sombatpoonsiri, a Research Fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies, about the features of these protests, what ties them together, and what drives them to change. Looking at the issues of how social media can be used to organize or infiltrate, provide anonymity or easy tracking, and a open playground for manipulation and rage. These trends have all been supercharged over the past several years, as Artificial Intelligence has allowed protest movements and governments to amplify their own messages at the speed of thought, creating catchy graphics, videos, and re-post chains that brings the fight online. Dr. Janjira Sombatpoonsiri is a political scientist whose work sheds light on how people organize, resist, and find their voices under authoritarian pressure. Based at the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and as a Research Fellow with the German Institute for Global and Area Studies, she studies social movements, digital repression, and nonviolent activism across Southeast Asia. The author of Humor and Nonviolent Struggle in Serbia, Dr. Sombatpoonsiri brings a unique perspective on how creativity and courage shape movements for change in today’s complex political landscape.

    29 min

  6. 09/29/2025

    Global Exchanges Change Lives

    How does studying or working abroad change the way we see ourselves—and the world? In this episode of Global in the Granite State, host Tim Horgan shares his own story of transformation through exchange, alongside insights from Mark Overmann, Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange. Together, they explore the lifelong impacts of international exchanges, from shaping careers to building cross-cultural understanding, and from strengthening local communities to advancing U.S. diplomacy. Discover how exchange programs—from study abroad to the International Visitor Leadership Program—empower individuals, enrich communities, and create global connections that ripple far beyond borders. Whether it’s learning adaptability, forging unexpected friendships, or contributing to citizen diplomacy, these experiences prove that exchange isn’t just travel—it’s life-changing.Mark Overmann joined the Alliance as Executive Director in 2022, after having served as Assistant Director and Deputy Director from 2009-2015. Mark has nearly 20 years of experience in the NGO, association, federal, and university sectors. He excels at association management, government relations, including extensive work with the U.S. Department of State and Congress, strategic communications, and organizational development. Mark also served as a Senior Manager at Accenture Federal Services supporting global health and diplomacy programs; Vice President of External Affairs at InterExchange; Director of College Communications at Georgetown University; and Program Associate for Communications at Global Ties U.S. Mark has a bachelor’s in English from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in International Communication from American University’s School of International Service. He is co-author with Sherry Mueller of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development (Georgetown University Press, 2008, 2014). He studied abroad during college in Angers, France, and taught English in Yanji, China, along the North Korean border.

    25 min

  7. 08/22/2025

    How to Try a Dictator - Lessons from Saddam

    What does it take to hold a dictator accountable for decades of atrocities? In this episode, Tim Horgan speaks with Chris Ried, Director of Operations at Mercury SGS and former Regime War Crimes Liaison in post-Saddam Iraq. Drawing on his firsthand experience in building the case against Saddam Hussein, Chris reflects on the challenges of documenting crimes, ensuring a fair trial, and balancing peace with justice. Together, they explore what Saddam’s trial revealed about international law, the dangers of “victor’s justice,” and how history can shape the pursuit of accountability today. As new atrocities emerge across the globe, this conversation highlights the hard lessons of Iraq, the importance of truth-telling, and the enduring struggle to make justice real—even in the aftermath of brutality.Chris Reid is the Director of Operations at Mercury SGS in New Hampshire, where he leads organizational strategy, program development, and operational efficiency for the firm. With a career spanning high-stakes international justice, security, and organizational leadership, Chris brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience in both government service and the private sector. From 2004 to 2006, Chris served as a Regime Crimes Liaison in Iraq, where he played a critical role in supporting the Iraqi High Tribunal during its prosecution of Saddam Hussein and other senior regime figures. In this capacity, he worked closely with Iraqi judges, prosecutors, and international partners to help build a judicial process capable of addressing some of the most significant crimes against humanity of the modern era. His efforts contributed to laying the groundwork for post-conflict accountability and the rule of law in Iraq. In addition to his work abroad, Chris has held senior leadership roles that bridge global affairs and local impact, ensuring that complex operational goals are achieved with integrity and precision. His expertise spans crisis management, security operations, and organizational strategy. At Mercury SGS, Chris applies these skills to strengthen operational performance and advance the company’s mission of delivering innovative solutions to clients across sectors. He is committed to fostering resilience, building effective teams, and creating systems that drive measurable results. Chris continues to be an active voice in conversations about international justice, security, and organizational leadership, drawing on his deep experience in conflict zones and in executive management.

    37 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    The Enduring US-UK Relationship

    For over 250 years the United States and the United Kingdom has shared a special relationship. While not always positive... for example the British burning down the White House during the War of 1812 (thanks a lot)... the past 150 years has been very positive. Throughout it all the shared people-to-people connections have driven the relationship to new heights and provided a solid footing for collaboration across all sectors. With the recent signing of the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, and the ensuing steps to implement the outline, the economic relationship is set to continue. In this month's episode, we check in with British Consul General in Boston, David Clay, to dive deeper into the current state of relations between the two countries. On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (next year), now is a great time to assess the history and the future of the transatlantic partnership, from the economic, to military, to cultural ties that bind these two countries together. No matter the challenges that face the world in the years to come, it seems that a strong relationship will remain a steadfast point in global affairs.David Clay has been a member of the Diplomatic Service since 2005, and has been appointed as the next British Consul General to New England. David was joint head of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Iraq and Arabian Peninsula Department. In this role he oversaw all aspects of the UK’s relationship with Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This included UK security cooperation with the Gulf, launching Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2022, and the Qatar World Cup. He then worked on the UK’s response to the conflict in Israel/Gaza from 2023 to 2024. From 2016 to 2020, David worked as Deputy Political Counsellor and then Counsellor at the UK’s Mission to the UN in New York. He covered peace and security issues in the UN Security Council and General Assembly. This involved regularly representing the UK in the Security Council and overseeing negotiations on many resolutions on conflicts, ranging from Yemen and Mali to Sudan and Colombia. Earlier in his career, David worked for the Foreign Office in Libya before and during the revolution in 2011, and then in Egypt from 2013 to 2016. He speaks Arabic and has a Masters (Distinction) in Middle East politics. Before joining the Foreign Office, David taught English in the east of Sudan.

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Global in the Granite State Podcast is an engaging and informative show that aims to provide the audience with a deeper understanding of important international issues. By featuring experts in the field and individuals with lived experiences, the podcast offers a well-rounded perspective on various global topics. By focusing on breaking down complex issues in an easily understandable way, the Global in the Granite State is particularly valuable for those who are interested in global affairs but may not have formal training or work in foreign policy think tanks. By presenting information in a balanced manner, considering the historical context, policy implications, and future outlook of each topic, the podcast helps listeners grasp the multifaceted nature of global issues. Although the series is centered in New Hampshire, it seeks to provide insights that people from anywhere can benefit from. This approach ensures that listeners from different backgrounds and geographic locations can gain a broader understanding of the world and the forces that shape it.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Horgan
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Tim Horgan
  • Show Website
    Global in the Granite State