The Global Bears
The Global Bears podcast is produced by the International Relations Council at Berkeley, a student organization focused on advocacy and awareness of international affairs. Episodes feature discussions on current events in international relations, interviews with students and professors, historical deep dives, and analysis of international relations theory.
Episodes
S5, Ep10: A New Military Law in Indonesia
In this episode members discuss the potential effects and reactions to a new law allowing military officials in Indonesia to run for elected office.
S5, Ep9: Recent News from Africa, Asia, and South America
In this episode members present some recent news topics that you maybe haven't heard about amongst the stream of media we normally consume.
S5, Ep8: The Situation of Syria
In this episode members discuss a wide variety of topics regarding the current situation in Syria such as refugees and the fall of the Assad Regime.
S5, Ep7: The Trump Administration and Ukraine
In this episode members discuss recent interactions between the Trump administration and Ukrainian government around the time of President Zelensky's visit to the Oval Office in February of 2025.
S5, Ep6: U.S. Withdrawal from International Organizations
In this episode Maya, Elena and Haeun discuss funding and participation cuts of certain international organizations being made by the Trump administration. The mics in the recording studio were acting up a little bit so please excuse any audio issues we weren't able to sift out!
S5, Ep.5: Russian Election Interference
In this episode Karis, Chloe and Hauen discuss potential interference by Russia in elections abroad as well as the duties of nations to curb misinformation.
S5, Ep.4: The India-China Border Dispute
In this episode Mark and Maya discuss some recent developments in the ongoing border dispute between India and China.
S5, Ep.3: North Korea Balloons Sent to South Korea
In this episode Karis, Chloe, Ha-eun and Maya discuss recent developments in the ongoing balloon battle between South and North Korea.
S5, Ep.2: An Attempted Coup in the DRC
In this episode members discuss a recent coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the three American citizens sentenced to death for their participation.
S5, Ep.1: The New President of Iran
Welcome to season 5! In this episode members discuss who Iran's new president, Mazoud Pezeshkian, is and what his election may entail for the future of Iran's foreign policy.
S4, Ep.17: TikTok Bans Around the World
In this episode, members discuss over 15 bans on the social media platform known as TikTok around the world.
S4, Ep.16: China-Taiwan Relations
In this episode, members discuss the history of China-Taiwan Relations, the economics of both, and the recent offer of financial support from China to Taiwan.
S4, Ep.15: Suicide Bombings in Afghanistan
In this episode, members discuss the past of Afghanistan, the recent suicide bombing incident, and the future of the country in relation to the international community.
S4, Ep.14: Conflict in Myanmar
In this episode, podcasters Mark and Samantha discuss the recent outbreak of conflict in Myanmar.
S4, Ep.13: Europe's Alt Right (pt.2)
In the second portion of this special two-part episode series, podcasters discuss the history and current status of Europe's Alt-Right Parties.
S4, Ep.12: Europe's Alt Right (pt.1)
In this special two-part episode, podcasters discuss the history and current status of Europe's Alt-Right Parties.
S4, Ep.11: Russian Elections & Alexei Navalny
In this episode, podcasters Ben, Maya, and Samantha discuss the recent Russian Elections and the ongoing situation with Alexei Navalny.
S4, Ep.10: International House Open Mic
In this special edition episode, tune into the opinions of International Students on the Berkeley campus. Our team of podcasters interview international students on their opinions of American Politics.
IRCB Presents: Diplomat Night with Ryan M. Gliha
We invite you to listen in on a recording of IRCB's Diplomat Night Event with Ryan M. Gliha.
Ryan, with a rich diplomatic career and expertise in international relations, will share insights into careers and opportunities with the State Department. This event is a rare chance for students to learn from a seasoned diplomat about the paths available in diplomacy and international service.
S4, Ep.9: The Sahel Alliance
In this episode, two of our members have a 1:1 discussion about the African Sahel Alliance.
S4, Ep.8: The Mattei Plan
In this episode, members discuss the Mattei Plan and it's implications.
S4, Ep.7: A Nuclear Belarus
In this episode, podcast members Samantha and Ben discuss the recent nuclearization and change of military doctrine in Belarus.
S4, Ep.6: Cultural Influence in International Affairs
In this podcast episode, our members discuss how cultural aspects influence democracy and international relations between countries by looking at Pandas and China, and Pepsi-Cola and Russia.
S4, Ep.5: APEC Conference
In this episode of the Global Bears Podcast, members discuss the ups and downs, wins and losses of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation hosted right in our own backyard, San Fransisco.
S4, Ep.4: Hurricane Otis
In this week's episode, podcast members discuss the effects both economically and politically of Hurricane Otis in Mexico.
S4, Ep.3: Shooting in Brussels
In this episode, members discuss the recent shooting in Brussels, Belgium, and it's potentially problematic implications.
S4, Ep.2: The Israel-Hamas Conflict
October 23rd, 2023.
Within this episode, we review the current situation within Israel and the Gaza Strip from a historical and analytical point of view.
***SENSITIVITY WARNING***: While we understand that the current situation is entirely awful and hope for a swift and peaceful solution to the conflict, it is important to note that the International Relations Council of Berkeley is not openly ta
S4, Ep.1: Ukraine Aid
October 13th, 2023.
Delving into the ongoing discussion of Ukrainian aid amid the Russo-Ukrainian War, we examine the ongoing consideration of whether aid should persist and explore deeper questions surrounding the matter.
S3, Ep.6: Abortion Rights Around the World
April 19th, 2023.
In this episode, we investigate the spectrum of abortion access worldwide, ranging from stringent restrictions to unrestricted choice for women. We provide insights into the historical evolution of abortion access and discuss the current legislative landscape in various nations.
S3, Ep.6: The Comparative History of Political Hegemony
March 14th, 2023.
Across history, diverse civilizations and nations have wielded influence over their surroundings, giving rise to distinct empires that have indelibly shaped the course of the world. In this episode, we explore the notion of political hegemony and its historical import, spotlighting several great empires that epitomize this phenomenon. Additionally, we investigate the ramification
S3, Ep.5: The Politics of International Sports
March 9th, 2023.
In this episode, we delve into various topics surrounding the controversies in international sports. Our discussion with fellow UC Berkeley students covers the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Winter Olympics in China, the dual-nationality of players, and much more!
S3, Ep.4: Open Mic - Do you think the United Nations should Exist?
January 1st, 2023.
Do you think the United Nations should Exist? In the half-hour special episode, Berkeley students share their thoughts on the UN's past actions and future outlooks.
S3, Ep.3: An Update on Ukraine
November 1st, 2022.
In this episode, two team members provide insights into recent ground developments in the Russia-Ukraine War. We delve into the global reactions of other countries to the crisis and wrap up by discussing our predictions for the likely conclusion of the war.
S3, Ep.2: Cyber Security
October 16th, 2022.
A concise examination of the present landscape of contemporary cybersecurity reveals its growing militarization. Specifically, we explore the integration of cyberwarfare into the military and political strategies of China, Russia, and the US. The utilization of cyber capabilities varies significantly, shaped by the overall geopolitical practices of each nation.
S3, Ep.1: The Steady Growth of Isolationism
October 11, 2022.
In this episode, three contributors from The Global Bears Podcast explore the rise of isolationist sentiments worldwide. Examining events such as Brexit and the withdrawal of American troops from the Middle East, nations grapple with finding a nuanced equilibrium between economic and political cooperation while safeguarding their individual interests. Concurrently, China extends
S2, Ep.5: Exploring Neutrality as a Strategic Position: Case Studies from Switzerland, Mongolia, and India
May 1st, 2022.
Maintaining neutrality in global affairs is a proactive stance aimed at safeguarding a nation's citizens, irrespective of the geopolitical, moral, or ethical implications. In this discussion, we explore the examples of Switzerland during World War II, Mongolia in the 2000s, and India amid the Putin-Ukraine Crisis.
Research and presentations by Lukas Leitzgen, Tiffany Liu and M
S2, Ep.4: Examining Three Perspectives on the Putin-Ukraine Crisis: Latvia, Palestine, and Syria
March 11, 2022.
The discussions today aimed to shed light on neighboring countries' perspectives regarding the Invasion of Ukraine. The goal was also to highlight the perceived hypocrisy of the West in strongly supporting Ukrainian victims against an oppressive force. Assertions that indifference is justified due to the persistent conflict in the Middle East, that victims of U.S. and NATO acti
S2, Ep.3: The Putin-Ukraine Crisis: An Analysis by Professor Michaela Mattes
February 26th, 2022.
Embark on a new episode with our esteemed guest, Professor Michaela Mattes, an associate professor at UC Berkeley specializing in conflict management. Additionally, we feature insights from students on campus, sharing their perspectives on the present situation.
Podcast produced by Maurice Ruttimann
Voices include Maurice Ruttimann, Tiffany Liu and Kaitlyn Lenkeit
S2, Ep.2: COP26: From an International Perspective
December 15th, 2021.
In this episode, we delve into the aftermath of COP26 through the lens of the four largest global polluters. Join us as we analyze the commitments and pledges made by the United States, European Union, China, and India.
S2, Ep.1: COP26: Strategies for Combating Climate Change
November 18th, 2021.
In the 26th edition of the Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, global leaders convened to address the pressing call for transformative action. Join us in this episode as we explore the background of COP26, underscore the urgency for immediate change, and contemplate the path that lies ahead.
S1, Ep.4: U.S. Airstrikes on Syria
March 12th, 2021.
In this week’s podcast episode, we examine the recent U.S. airstrikes on Syria carried out by the Biden administration.
S1, Ep.3: The COVID-19 Vaccine
March 2nd, 2021
In this week's podcast, The Global Bears explore the intricate landscape of global vaccine distribution. Delving into the current spectrum of available vaccines, we unravel the dynamics of vaccine procurement by various countries and scrutinize the effectiveness of the rollout strategies in place.
S1, Ep.2: The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
December 2nd, 2020.
In this week's podcast, The Global Bears delve into the complexities of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Guided by insights from geopolitical analyst and geolocation specialist Rich Elmoyan, we unravel the historical threads of this conflict, explore the key players involved, and decipher the high stakes at play. Through a deep dive into the pea
S1, Ep.1: Decoding Democracy: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 2020 U.S. Election
November 11th, 2020.
In this week's podcast, the team delves into the intricacies of the 2020 U.S. Election. The conversation spans Trump's reluctance to concede to Joe Biden, examinations of voter fraud claims, an insightful overview of the electoral college, and the pivotal role of swing states. Furthermore, the team thoroughly analyzes the outcomes of both Senate and House of Representa
The Global Bears Introduction!
Meet four Golden Bears interested in international relations and excited to give you our take on anything and everything IR!
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