UCG Podcasts

University College Groningen

UCG Podcasts hosts two playlists. Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional. With LAS Cast, UCG students bring you an interdisciplinary perspective on various topics of interest and show you what it means to study Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS). We bring you inspirational and thought-provoking ideas - from sciency stuff all the way to the arts!

  1. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E10.Brazil at a Crossroads: Environment, Power, and Politics

    Brazil sits at the heart of global environmental politics. As home to the Amazon rainforest, its policies have worldwide consequences. Yet behind the green rhetoric lies a complex struggle between Indigenous rights, agricultural expansion, and political power. This episode explores how Brazil's environment is shaped by capitalism, international politics, and shifting leadership. We'll examine the fight for Indigenous land, the impact of agribusiness, and the tension between economic growth and conservation. On the global stage, Brazil navigates climate agreements, foreign investments, and pressure from blocs like BRICS. Can development and sustainability coexist? * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    35 min

  2. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E9.New World Order: How Europe Can Form an Independent Block

    This episode of the UCG International Politics podcast, "New World Order: How Europe Can Form an Independent Block", delves into efforts of the European Union's (EU) to become more self-reliant in global affairs as a result of current global political developments, whilst touching upon the opportunities and implications regarding this. There are four experts discussing this topic from various perspectives. Apart from a moderator, there are a Journalist, an Economic Expert, a Think Tank Member, and a Security and Dispute Resolution Expert. In the discussion, the focus is on reducing the dependence of the EU/Europe on external powers, especially the United States, in defence and the economy. The experts provide context to recent developments and elaborate on the challenges that the EU is facing right now, while providing solutions or chances that are created through these dynamics. * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast arecourse assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    38 min

  3. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E8.Between Atonement and Alliance: Germany, Israel, and the Politics of Memory

    Why is Germany’s support for Israel so unwavering? What does Chancellor Olaf Scholz mean when he declares Israel’s security a part of Germany’s Staaträson? And how did Germany’s unique approach to historical atonement come into being? In this episode of UCG Podcasts, the host, Ella Sator, a journalist, takes us on a journey through post-WWII Germany to uncover the origins of its relationship with Israel. With insights from Memory Studies scholar Maite Fischer, we delve into how countries deal with and remember their past and how various moral and strategic considerations shaped Germany’s approach of atonement and public remembrance. With insights from political scientist Aika Krebs, we explore Germany’s strategy of atonement through reparations and which incentives post-war Germany had, and why Israel ‘complied.’ From the Luxembourg Agreement of 1952 to present-day foreign policy, this episode unpacks how shared history and evolving relations embedded Israel’s security into Germany’s identity and shaped bilateral ties. Join us as we delve into history, memory, and the politics behind Germany’s unshakable commitment to Israel. * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    26 min

  4. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E7.Herero & Nama: Investigating the forgotten genocide

    In this episode of the UCG International Politics podcast, “Herero and Nama: Investigating Justice for the Forgotten Genocide”, we take a closer look at the genocide of the Herero and Nama. Host and historian Neele Lange explores genocide and Germany's “Erinnerungskultur” through interviews with international lawyer Mira Lynar and memory studies expert Mia von Vacano. Between 1904 and 1908, German soldiers in German South West Africa, now Namibia, killed over 80% of the Herero population and 50% of the Nama population. The 2021 Joint Declaration between Germany and Namibia raises new questions: How should Germany deal with its colonial past? Are the measures taken appropriate? Together, the experts discuss Germany’s recognition of the Herero and Nama genocide, the Joint Declaration with Namibia, and its legal and political implications. Further, they also investigate how the genocide is remembered, particularly in comparison to the Holocaust. Finally, the episode explores whether the landscape of remembrance and reparation is truly changing or whether history is still being ignored. * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    29 min

  5. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E6.The Rise of China?

    China’s rise in the international sphere has been a hot topic of discussion in recent years. Given the 2024 Trump election victory, this topic is now more pertinent than ever. Are we currently watching a realignment of the world order with China as another or the next superpower? UCG Podcast Host John Ellwood discusses the topic with former British diplomat, Vito Marcich, and EU-China relations scholar Joséphine Page from the University of Cambridge, with a focus on the material capabilities of China, the soft power realignment in the Trump era, and shifting EU-China relations. Experts Joséphine and Vito, together with their host John, explore this topic at length in this new episode of the University College Groningen podcast! John, as the host, leads us through these two experts’ varied pools of experience to deliver a discussion on China that is sure to give viewers a new perspective on a burning topic of modern international politics. * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    32 min

  6. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E5.Between Remembrance and Reality: Israel and Germany in the 21st Century

    This episode of the UCG International Politics podcast explores how historical responsibility translates into modern politics, examining Germany’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance and the complexities of its moral obligations. We also look at why certain aspects of Germany’s past, such as its colonial history in modern Namibia, remain less addressed, raising questions about how nations confront their historical wrongdoings. Years after the end of World War II, Germany’s past continues to shape its present, particularly in its relationship with Israel. The country’s efforts to atone for the Holocaust have defined its foreign policy, influencing diplomatic, economic, and political ties. But why does Germany consistently stand by Israel, even as it takes a more cautious approach to human rights issues elsewhere? As global dynamics shift and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict evolves, Germany faces increasing challenges in navigating its role on the world stage. How does collective memory shape contemporary policy? And how does Germany reconcile its commitment to Israel with the realities of modern geopolitics? We thank Ross Bugden for the music! * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    38 min

  7. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E4.The Iraq Invasion: War, Occupation, and Aftermath

    In this episode of UCG International Politics, we take a look at the 2003 Iraq War, its causes, and the far-reaching consequences that continue to shape the region and global politics. While the U.S.-led coalition swiftly toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime, the war did not end there. The occupation that followed led to years of insurgency, sectarian violence, and the eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2011. The power vacuum left behind allowed extremist groups to rise, fueling conflicts in both Iraq and Syria. Through expert insights, we explore why Iraq was chosen for intervention, how the war unfolded, and the long-term effects on U.S. foreign policy, international interventions, and the Middle East as a whole. With perspectives from academia, journalism, and intelligence, this discussion will explore the war’s legacy and its ongoing impact on global security and diplomacy. * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    36 min

  8. 06/16/2025

    UCG International Politics.S3E3.Green vs Greed: Does Carbon Offsetting Deserve One Last Chance?

    In this episode of the UCG International Politics podcast, we will take a look at carbon offsetting. And if carbon offsetting deserves one more chance. Our host, Teun, is joined by environmental justice advocate Nia and climate solutions researcher Pia. We will discuss the risks of land grabs, corporate loopholes, and green deserts, while also discussing real solutions from community-led initiatives to policy reforms. * Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional.

    38 min
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About

UCG Podcasts hosts two playlists. Episodes of the UCG International Politics podcast are course assignments prepared by the students at the University College Groningen. The characters assumed by the students in the episodes are entirely fictional. With LAS Cast, UCG students bring you an interdisciplinary perspective on various topics of interest and show you what it means to study Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS). We bring you inspirational and thought-provoking ideas - from sciency stuff all the way to the arts!

Information

  • Creator
    University College Groningen
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © University College Groningen
  • Show Website
    UCG Podcasts