In this episode of the Round Room we explore historical efforts of student protests all across the globe. Join us as we go back in time to Mexico in the 1960s and the Movimiento Estudiantil, China in the 80s and the Tianemen Square protests, Iran in 2022 and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, and Kenya's current student movements starting on June 18th of last year. We would love to thank our writing team who put together the script for this episode: Styx Hatch, Audrey Collison, Ivan Andarza, and...
Apr 27, 2025•23 min
In this episode of the Round Room, we examine the evolving landscape of women's rights movements in the 21st century. We explore how transgender women are facing increasing violence and discrimination worldwide spotlighted by international incidents in China, Iran, and Afghanistan. We also explore global feminist responses, including South Korea’s radical 4B movement, mass women’s strikes across Europe and Latin America, and the urgent fight for reproductive rights. Join us as we trace how these...
Apr 20, 2025•15 min
In this episode of the Round Room, we explore the rising political unrest in Georgia, a former Soviet republic at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. We unpack the recent consolidation of power by the ruling Georgian Dream Party, the controversial election of far-right president Mikheil Kavelashvili, and the government's authoritarian turn including media crackdowns, protest bans, and a postponed bid for European Union membership. As tensions mount, student-led protests are sweeping the country, ...
Apr 12, 2025•9 min
In this episode of the Round Room, we delve into the ongoing persecution of the Uyghur community, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group from China’s Xinjiang region. We unpack the Chinese government’s systematic repression, from mass internment in so-called "re-education camps" to forced labor, cultural erasure, and relentless surveillance. As nations grapple with how to respond, we examine Switzerland’s delicate political stance with Uyghur immigrants, the broader implications of China's actions,...
Mar 22, 2025•8 min
In this episode of The Round Room , we explore the escalating humanitarian crisis in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, where armed groups, drug trafficking, and a lack of government control have fueled decades of violence. We break down the region’s complex history, from guerrilla movements and paramilitary forces to the failed 2016 peace agreement that left a power vacuum now filled by warring factions. With mass displacements, rising casualties, and reports of human rights abuses, the Colombian gov...
Feb 28, 2025•7 min
In this episode of the Round Room, we flash back to December 3, 2024, when South Korea was thrown into political chaos after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unprecedented move to suppress opposition power. As troops surrounded parliament and fear spread nationwide, the echoes of past military regimes loomed large. What followed was a dramatic chain of events—mass protests, Yoon’s impeachment, and his eventual arrest after a tense standoff. We examine how this six-hour declarat...
Feb 21, 2025•11 min
In this episode of The Round Room , we’re broadcasting from Barcelona, Spain, bringing a global lens to U.S. politics. As Donald Trump begins his second term as America’s 47th president, we analyze his foreign policy: Is it truly isolationist, or does it follow the “Madman Theory”? We break down his impact on immigration, international trade, climate agreements, and global diplomacy—covering NATO, Israel-Palestine, and China. Plus, we examine his early executive actions, including the TikTok ban...
Feb 15, 2025•17 min
In this episode, Monica and Rocio unpack Venezuela's tumultuous political history, tracing the rise of Hugo Chávez, the failed 2002 coup, and the ongoing struggles under Nicolás Maduro. They delve into U.S. intervention, economic collapse, and election controversies, shedding light on the role of misinformation, sanctions, and power struggles in shaping Venezuela’s current crisis. As the nation grapples with hyperinflation, migration, and humanitarian challenges, the hosts question what’s next f...
Dec 06, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode of The Round Room we dive into India's recent elections. India’s caste system, rooted in a 3,000-year-old social hierarchy, continues to shape every facet of life for millions, despite being officially outlawed. Dalits, or "Untouchables," face systemic oppression, disenfranchisement, and violence, compounded by government policies that suppress their votes and limit their opportunities. Recent elections reflect growing dissatisfaction with the ruling BJP, as opposition coalitions...
Nov 22, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode join our hosts as they examine the end of apartheid in South Africa, focusing on the ANC's historic rise to power and its recent electoral decline in 2024. Once a symbol of liberation, the party now faces growing public discontent over issues like corruption, inequality, and unemployment, signaling a significant shift in the country's political landscape. We would love to thank our writers who put together the script for this episode: Henry Jones, Melanie Pozo, Styx Hatch, and Au...
Nov 15, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode The Round Room dives into the complexities of Puerto Rico's November 5th gubernatorial election, where the question of political status — remaining a U.S. territory, pursuing statehood, or seeking independence — takes center stage. We explore the island's colonial past, enduring challenges with U.S. oversight, and recent controversies such as austerity measures imposed by La Junta, an unelected financial oversight board, and widespread power outages following privatization effort...
Nov 09, 2024•25 min
In this episode, join The Round Room as we break down the recent win of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party and its implications. With a history rooted in nationalist ideology, this victory is a key part of a broader trend of rising far-right populism across Europe. Follow us as we explore how this movement echoes similar shifts in Germany, France, and beyond, and what it means for global politics. We would love to thank our writers who put together the script for this episode: Henry Jones, Melani...
Nov 01, 2024•17 min
In this episode join The Round Room as we explore the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine, beginning with the founding of Israel in 1948 and key events like the Nakba, the Six-Day War, and the Intifadas. To the recent escalation on October 7, 2023, with Hamas' attacks and Israel's military response, as well as the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The discussion touches on the role of media, the involvement of international actors, and allegations of war crimes. Disclaimer: ...
Oct 25, 2024•31 min
In this episode join the Round Room as we revisit the current situation going on between Haiti and the United States. Amidst political turmoil back home, Haitians have kept immigrating to the United States in search of a better life. This has led to push back and racism from certain sectors of the American media. Join us as we revisit the history between Haiti and the US and the current issues facing Haitian immigrants. We would love to thank our writers who put together the script for this epis...
Sep 30, 2024•11 min
Join hosts Monica and Rocio for the first time in video!!! In today's episode our hosts will be reacting to and providing context for the statements made in comedian Ziwe's interview with former representative George Santos. Expect some laughs and shock as we fact check several statements throughout. We would love to thank our writers who put together the script for this episode: Iselin Bratz, Haley Clough, Hank Jones, and Melanie Pozo. We'd also love to thank our team of fact-checkers: Rocio So...
Sep 20, 2024•44 min
In this episode join the Round Room team on a deep dive into the historic tensions between China and Japan over islands in the pacific. This conflict has been present since even before the 20th century and still persists to this day. Expect to learn about the reasons behind the conflict and the political and influential tensions that have allowed the conflict to continue. This podcast is hosted by Monica Rivera Sosa and Rocio Sola Pardo. We would love to thank our writers who put together the sc...
Apr 07, 2024•10 min
In this episode, the Round Room team discusses Argentina's new president Javier Milei. Winning the election this past December, Milei has come to be a controversial figure. From his eccentricity involving the cloning of his dogs to his far right political views Milei has been a large topic of discussion in Latin America. With his presidency, Milei seeks to alleviate the Argentinian economy through several policy changes. In terms of international policy, he has already started taking stances on ...
Mar 04, 2024•10 min
In this episode, the Round Room team explores the United Nations. Ever since its origins after World War II the UN has played a key role in numerous conflicts around the world. Despite this, a lot of the history of the UN and their previous operations are not well known. In this episode expect to dive into the good and bad of the UN and learn of its origins. This podcast is hosted by Monica Rivera Sosa and our new host Rocio Sola Pardo! We would love to thank our writers who put together the scr...
Feb 26, 2024•10 min
In this episode, the Round Room team revisits and provides further context on the conflict between Iran and the US. Ever since the Iranian revolution in 1973 tensions have been high between the two countries. Further tensions grew after the 444 day long hostage crisis. With the war on terror tensions only continued to escalate between the two countries. Even in the present day the US is still clashing with Iran now over the country's atomic weapon development. Expect to hear about the many intri...
Feb 17, 2024•11 min
In this episode, the Round Room team explores the influence of Pope Francis on Catholicism. Besides being the first Latin American Pope, he is also considered to be one of the most liberal popes. From seeking to cut down the corruption in the Vatican and even making slight progress for LGBTQ+ people in the church calling to recognize and respect them. Despite this though, the Pope has still made several conservative statements against the LGBTQ+ community and has not committed fully to many of t...
Feb 09, 2024•9 min
In this episode, the Round Room team explores the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While some may call the situation a genocide due to the ethnic components involved, it is hard to make this conclusion due to the several other factors at play like politics, religion and economy. Expect to hear about the historical factors at the base of this conflict and learn of the conflict currently playing out in the border between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. This podcast is hosted by...
Feb 02, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, the Round Room team continues onto the second part of episode 2: a continuation of taking a look at LGBTQ+ legislation from all around around the world. In our second and final part, the team explores legislation in Africa and Asia. Here, you will listen to see if laws affecting the queer community have progressed or regressed. This is another big episode with plenty of countries to discuss, so sit tight and get ready to listen. Why are so many African countries passing anti-gay...
Dec 15, 2023•19 min
In this episode, the Round Room team introduces the first part of episode 2: taking a look at LGBTQ+ legislation from all around the world. In this first part, we take a look into legislation in the Americas, Europe, and Australia. Here, you will listen to see if laws affecting the queer community have progressed or regressed. This is a big episode with plenty of countries to discuss, so sit tight and get ready to listen. While many consider the United States to be more progressive when it comes...
Dec 08, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome back to the Round Room for Season 2! In this episode, the all-new Round Room team put together an episode on the recently eased sanctions imposed on Venezuela. As Venezuela's economy mainly relies on oil, the petrostate has fallen into an unfortunate economy which has furthered living poor conditions for many Venezuelan citizens. Additionally, as President Nicolas Maduro raises tensions in the country's election race, many residents have been faced with unfair election results and a ques...
Nov 03, 2023•9 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, we take a deeper look into serious difficulties which woman migrant workers from Ethiopia continuously face. We first start by taking a look at the Tigray War, a conflict which raised tensions between the Ethiopian government and Eritrea while, most of all, increasing the ethnic cleansing of Tigrayans in Ethiopia. Refugees which have fled from Ethiopia have faced the hardships of becoming migrant workers in the almost neighboring country of Saudi Arabia. Throughout the episode, ...
Nov 03, 2023•18 min
In this episode, we take a look at the ongoing protests which have taken France by storm. After President Macron proposed a policy which would increase France's retirement age to 64 in order to avoid a national pension deficit, French citizens took to the streets to show opposition. Macron has faced national disapproval in raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030, especially after he used a bypass law in an article of the French constitution. However, France has been infamous in spending...
Apr 19, 2023•17 min
In this episode, we discuss the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Starting with the Armenian Genocide in 1915, we take a look at how events have changed throughout the last century and specifically focus on the conflicts and wars in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. While looking at the tensions within the region, we additionally discuss perspectives coming from Russia, Turkey, and the United States and how each of their relationships with both Armenia and Azerbaijan differ. Lastly, we...
Mar 26, 2023•17 min
In this episode, we discuss the Ohio train derailment which happened last month and the rippling effects we've seen in different aspects since the event occurred. Here, we look into the facts of what we so far know about the train derailment itself as well as the impacts it had left on East Palestine citizens. We additionally explore the politicization of incidents like these and take a closer look at the current debates surrounding Ohio with both American political parties fighting for the spot...
Mar 16, 2023•23 min
In this episode, we discuss the police-caused shooting of UMass Boston student Arif Sayed Faisal and the lack of consequences that the Cambridge Police Department has been facing. We also look into the limited information coming from the ongoing investigation and why that information might be limited in the first place, ranging from the CPD not having body cameras to varying claims of what had happened to Faisal that day. Additionally, we sat down with Boston's Party of Socialism and Liberation ...
Mar 01, 2023•11 min
In this episode, we pinpoint the human rights violations surrounding the World Cup hosted in Qatar and how politics and human rights meet together with sports, including a discussion on anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violations against migrant workers seen in the sports tournament. This podcast is hosted by Monica Rivera Sosa and Natalie Vasileff. To keep up with podcast updates, please follow us @theroundroompod on Instagram. Sources for this episode: 1. “Everything You Need to Know about Human Right...
Dec 27, 2022•15 min
