Two years into Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Pindrop examines the origins of the war, the current frontline, and the future of the conflict. To what extent is a stalemate breaking in Russia's favor and how does Washington's indecision play into it? What has two years of war done to the societies of both Russia and Ukraine? What should we expect for the future? Pindrop is joined by two excellent scholars of Ukraine and Russia, Dr. Julian Waller and Dr. Henry Hale to find out. ------- PINDR...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 5
As Serbia tries to balance relations with Russia and the EU, its dispute over Kosovo flares and an incumbent government wins rigged elections. How did Serbia find itself in such a state and where will it go from here? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes the former U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michael Polt. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Jan 23, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 4
PINDROP is putting the "Christ" back in Christmas with coverage of three Christian news stories worldwide. First, Diego takes us to the Holy Land where Christians in Gaza are spending the season in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas War and Bethlehem, the city of Jesus' birth, has largely canceled public Christmas celebrations. Next, Nick explores a major schism in Ukraine's orthodox churches and what they mean for the ongoing war with Russia. Finally, A.J. delves into protestants in China and ho...
Dec 24, 2023•55 min
Most monarchs have lost power over the past century, but not Thailand's King Rama X. How is the continued power of the monarchy affecting the country's democracy and how is the new Thai government addressing a struggling agriculture sector? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes McGill University political science professor Erik Kuhonta. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Dec 13, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Much has been said about Iran's Axis of Resistance. From Hamas in the Gaza Strip to Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen, these militant organizations have cast a long shadow over Middle East geopolitics and security. On this episode of PINDROP, we delve into this network of Iranian-backed militias to answer core questions about these groups. How and why did Iran create this network? To what extent do these groups have operational autonomy from the Islamic Republic? Most importantly, how...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Argentines just voted for an anarcho-capitalist libertarian presidential candidate, taking a hard right after decades of left-leaning economic policy. Yet the president-elect will face hurdles from an unfriendly legislature. For a rundown of the election at what it means for Argentina and the rest of the world, join PINDROP and Fmr. U.S. Amb. to Argentina Edward C. Prado.
Nov 22, 2023•19 min
For 20 years Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has captained Türkiye's ship of state. But despite jailing opponents, restraining the media, and poor economic policy, President Erdoğan remains genuinely popular and just won re-election which should keep him in power through 2028. How has he held on without throwing the country into a complete autocracy? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes two political science professors from the Turkish Sabancı University, Mert Moral and Berk Esen. ------- ...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 1
The PINDROP crew reminisces about their favorite moments from season 3 and tease upcoming projects in season 4.
Nov 13, 2023•29 min
While Season 4 is in the works, the PINDROP crew sit down to chat about what they see as the big issues the world is facing in the coming months.
Nov 13, 2023•34 min
For years Poland's right-wing government has butted heads with the European Union, even as it leads the charge to support Ukraine as it defends itself against the Russian invasion. What will the election of a new government led by former European Council President Donald Tusk mean for Poland's role in EU foreign policy? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Cordelia Buchanan Ponczek, an expert on Russian and East European politics, as well as Julian Waller, a professor of politic...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 3 min
As the Israel-Hamas war rages three weeks after Hamas's unprecedented attack, Israeli-Palestinian relations appear to be at an all-time low. To discuss the implications of the war on the prospects of future peace, PINDROP welcomes George Washington University professor Ned Lazarus who previously served as Middle East Program Director for the Jerusalem-based Seeds of Peace.
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 19 min
With the Holy Land witnessing its first full-scale war in 50 years, the region's security situation and political landscape stand to be completely overturned. To discuss this and more, the PINDROP team is joined by political scientist Dr. Jenab Tutunji.
Oct 25, 2023•36 min
October's Polish parliamentary elections saw a united opposition coalition oust the incumbent Law & Justice party. Watch to hear George Washington University political science professor Julian Waller discuss what the results could mean for Poland, the European Union, and Ukraine.
Oct 25, 2023•30 min
Nepal, as an old king said, is a "yam between two boulders" -- namely, China and India. Today, we might add a third boulder to the mix: the United States. As Nepal tries to navigate relationships between these three larger and often-competing states, it continues to strive towards economic development and strengthen a new and fragile democracy. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, Michael Kugelman, and co-founder of ...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 9
While it remains far from reaching its full economic potential, the Mongolian mining industry is in the global spotlight as the West seeks to shore up its supply of strategic minerals. But how does Mongolia navigate the interests of the West with that of neighboring China and Russia? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes former US ambassador to Mongolia, and Rector of the Forman Christian College, Dr. Jonathan Addleton. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." C...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Only two years after Niger's first peaceful and democratic transition of power, the country was rocked by a military coup d'etat. As neighboring democracies demand the release of the democratically elected president, many fear the situation will escalate into a full-scale war. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes former US ambassador to Niger, and Senior Fellow at the Yale University Jackson School of Global Affairs, Bisa Williams. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Franc...
Aug 29, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 7
It's only August and already more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank in 2023 than in any other year on record. Not coincidentally, brand new Palestinian paramilitary groups like the Lion's Den are becoming ever more influential. After 75 years of conflict, is there any path to peace in the West Bank? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence and Arab affairs official, and Amb. Feda Abdelhady Nasser, the Deputy P...
Aug 26, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In August 2023, Dennis Jett, a former U.S. Amb. to Mozambique and a professor at Pennsylvania State University, joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss rampant corruption in Mozambique and the Islamist Insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
Aug 25, 2023•40 min
Mozambique is easily one of the world's poorest countries, and uncontrolled corruption and an Islamist insurgency are making further development of the country extremely difficult. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes former US ambassador to Mozambique Dennis Jett. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Aug 17, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In July 2023, Aron Ouzilevski, a freelance journalist, editor, and cybersecurity analyst currently working with the Institute of Current World Affairs, joined PINDROP's Nicholas Castillo to discuss why Russians are moving to Georgia and what the long-term impacts of their migration will be.
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In July 2023, Salome Kandelaki, a Project Coordinator and Policy Analyst at the Georgian Institute of Politics, joined PINDROP's Nicholas Castillo to discuss how Russians fleeing the Invasion of Ukraine and conscription are being received in Georgia.
Aug 08, 2023•52 min
At PINDROP World News we bring the world to your ear, one country at a time. Join us every week as we spin the globe, drop a pin on a different country, and take a look at the big issues facing them alongside decision-makers, diplomats, and doyens (that's a fancy word for experts).
Aug 02, 2023•3 min
At least 200,000 Russians have crossed into Georgia since the Invasion of Ukraine began. How have they been received in Georgia and how is their presence affecting Georgian politics? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Salome Kandelaki, a policy analyst at the Georgian Institute of Politics, and Aron Ouzilevski, a journalist and researcher working at the Institute of Current World Affairs. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Nicholas Castillo, Francisco "A.J." Camacho, an...
Aug 01, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 4
PINDROP 's Diego Austin reports on Israel's ongoing judicial reform protests and political crisis from Jerusalem. Joining him to discuss the country's most significant domestic problem in 28 years are Nicholas Castillo and Francisco "A.J." Camacho.
Jul 27, 2023•51 min
New Zealand is often upheld as a model for race relations, but is that reputation deserved? And with geopolitical tensions raising security and economic concerns, a debate is rising as to what New Zealand's position with China should be. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Chris Bishop, a National Party member of parliament and the Shadow Leader of the House. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin....
Jul 18, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In July 2023, Will Salgado, Mayor of San Miguel and GANA party member, joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss the country's adoption of Bitcoin, President Bukele's crackdown on gangs, and the US State Department's decision to sanction Salgado for aiding drug trafficking and money laundering.
Jul 17, 2023•19 min
President Nayib Bukele is a hero to Salvadorans and a villain to international human rights groups. His administration made headlines for formally adopting Bitcoin, but a massive crackdown on gangs has garnered praise for improving the country's safety and condemnation for skirting civil rights. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Will Salgado, mayor of San Miguel, El Salvador. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Aust...
Jul 12, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In June 2023, Illinois State University political science professor Ali Riaz, considered America's top Bangladesh scholar, joined PINDROP's Francisco "A.J." Camacho to discuss the 19-year-old administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the controversial Digital Security Act, and the fuel shortages facing Bangladesh.
Jul 11, 2023•38 min
In 1991, Sheikh Hasina helped restore democracy to Bangladesh. But after 19 years as Prime Minister, some say Hasina might now be destroying. To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Ali Riaz, a professor of politics and government at Illinois State University. Kai Camacho joins the PINDROP panel. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In the series finale of PINDROP, National Science Foundation Official Paul Sheppard discusses the end of the world -- Antarctica -- and why it is crucial for science despite the extremities faced by the researchers living there. Plus the season concludes with Ian Kearns, Kate McKown, Wajeeha Amir, Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Taylor McKinnie, and Jacob Schwartz on a PINDROP roundtable to reflect on the past year of programming. ------- PINDROP is a news department production of WRGW District Radio....
May 06, 2023•59 min•Season 2Ep. 13
