Oxford Policy Pod

Students at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University
Oxford Policy Pod

A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty. The podcast is supported by the staff of the Blavatnik School of Government. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the students, speakers and featured guests only. They do not represent the views or position of featured organisations, or the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

  1. Possible Utopia - Gendered View of Politics

    -1 J

    Possible Utopia - Gendered View of Politics

    Releasing Possible Utopia – the podcast where we explore the intersection of politics, gender, and leadership to imagine a better world. From navigating challenges of safety and well-being in public life to uncovering the motivations that drive them, we’ll delve into the stories behind the individuals shaping our societies. Together, we’ll tackle the tough questions, confront systemic issues, and reimagine what a more inclusive and just political landscape could look like This isn’t just a conversation about politics; it’s a journey toward possibility – a utopia we can begin building today. Let’s explore it together." Meet our host of Possible Utopia, Kanksshi Agarwal, Founder of NETRI Foundation, India’s first incubator for women in political ecosystem, LiveMint 100 women shaping India, TEDx speaker and Cyril Shroff Scholar at Oxford University. Our first guest is, Viktorya Aydinyan, A public policy expert from Armenia with over eight years' experience of strategic planning, policy development, and public sector reform, Viktorya has co-authored nine national strategies and led over 25 initiatives in public management and human capital development. She advised the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia on strategy, development aid, and public administration reform. Viktorya has also held roles such as, Advisor to the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, and Team Lead for Public Administration Reforms within the Ministry of Justice. In this episode, Kanksshi and Viktorya delve into experiences of a young armenian woman in politics, her role in revolution, her perspectives on public administration, but more so her journey as an ambitious woman in politics, who traverses the delicate world of politics to bring about transformational changes in the society.

    36 min
  2. The Mexican Judicial Overhaul: resisting democratic backsliding

    30/10/2024

    The Mexican Judicial Overhaul: resisting democratic backsliding

    Mexico is undergoing a constitutional and institutional crisis that is eroding its already fragile democracy. This is due to a recently approved constitutional reform that jeopardises checks and balances, the division of powers, the rule of law, judicial independence and democracy itself. (For more context of this reform, please read this article by Mariana De Lucio on the Blavatnik School of Government blog.) These constitutional reforms have resulted in mass resignations among federal judges and even Supreme Court justices, who are stepping down from the judiciary. They will be replaced by candidates elected through popular votes, whose requirements to run for these positions are only holding a law degree with a minimum average of 8 out of 10 and providing five letters of recommendation. This fight for protecting democracy has led to authorities, including the executive and legislative branches, disregarding judicial rulings and, in essence, the Constitution itself. To discuss this situation further, we invited Lilia Monica Lopez Benitez, a current Counselor of Mexico's Federal Judiciary, with over 34 years of experience in the system. Her career includes roles as a federal district and circuit judge. During these challenging times, Lilia Monica has been a strong advocate against the erosion of democracy and for the protection of the separation of powers. As a woman, her leadership has inspired many Mexicans who are eager to help rebuild the democracy that has been weakened. During the week this episode was recorded, Lilia Mónica, in an act of dignity and integrity, submitted her withdrawal to the Senate regarding her candidacy in the judges' elections. She stated:"I withdraw because, according to democratic and republican principles, the Judicial Reform has weakened the most sacred pact of the Union: to ensure the balance of powers and to protect human rights. This reform contravenes the principle of the law's progressivity and undermines the patriotic values of the common good and national interest." When Lilia Mónica tried to present her withdrawal letter, she was denied entry to the Senate and subsequently escorted out by security, illustrating the unjust treatment and the restriction of freedom of speech judges face when they speak out.

    31 min
  3. John Roome on Global Development, Leadership, Climate Action, and Public Service

    08/10/2024

    John Roome on Global Development, Leadership, Climate Action, and Public Service

    In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, MPP student and Australian Rhodes Scholar Tahlia Smith sits down with John Roome, who recently retired after a distinguished 35-year career at the World Bank. A fellow Oxford alum, John reflects on how his time at Oxford and the Rhodes Scholarship shaped his path to international public service and leadership within the World Bank, one of the world’s most influential development organisations. Tahlia and John discuss the evolving role of the World Bank in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change and development, and how international organisations can balance large-scale initiatives with local needs. John shares his experiences building coalitions to tackle climate change amidst political polarisation, his leadership of diverse teams across continents and cultures, and making tough decisions under pressure in high-stakes environments. With insights on leadership, the role of public service, and navigating the challenges of global governance, this episode provides a unique look into the career of someone who has played a key role in shaping international development policy. Tune in to hear John’s reflections on maintaining resilience in the face of global crises and his advice for the next generation of international public servants. *** John Roome recently concluded his role as Regional Director, South Asia Sustainable Development at the World Bank. Before that he was Senior Director for Climate Change. He joined the World Bank in 1989, working initially in Africa, and has since held various positions including Operations and Strategy Director for Global Practices and Cross Cutting Solutions, Director for Sustainable Development in the Bank’s East Asia and the Pacific Region, Operations and Strategy Director in the Bank’s South Asia region and as Operational Quality Director in the Bank’s Africa region. His experience spans water, urban, transport, energy, rural, agriculture, environment, and social sectors, as well as disaster risk management and climate change. Before joining the World Bank, John worked in Europe for Monitor Company, a leading corporate strategy consulting firm, and at Old Mutual, a South African Life Assurance Company. He was educated at Oxford University, where he obtained Masters Degrees in Econometrics and in Management Studies, and the University of Cape Town where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

    1 h 4 min

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À propos

A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty. The podcast is supported by the staff of the Blavatnik School of Government. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the students, speakers and featured guests only. They do not represent the views or position of featured organisations, or the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

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