In Relation To
In Relation To is a podcast from the International Relations Review that explores global discourse and the field of international relations. Each episode features discussions and interviews with students, scholars, practitioners, and public figures about IR as a profession, academic discipline, and arena for activism and global citizenship. The show aims to promote diversity and richness in the field and to eliminate stigmas or misconceptions about pursuing a path in international relations. It is directed by Lyla Olczak with sound engineering by Kalani Wong.
Episodes
Episode 45: American Studies, Arts Administration, and Advising with Claire Solène-Becka
In today’s episode, we sit down with Claire Solène-Becka, a BU KHC ‘21 alumna and current M.S. candidate in Arts Administration at BU. From studying American Studies as an undergraduate student to working in museum operations, and then returning to BU as an undergraduate advisor at Pardee, Claire reflects on her journey. Listen in to hear Claire’s unique perspective on career exploration, graduate
Episode 44: Citizenship, Migration, and Time in the Middle East with Professor Noora Lori
In today’s episode, we sit down with Noora Lori, Associate Professor of International Relations at Boston University and the director of the Middle East–North Africa Initiative, and discuss her research including the idea of “permanent temporary” status of migrants in the Middle East, with the United Arab Emirates as a case study. She also explores the possibilities that the interdisciplinary stud
Episode 43: Reflection and Advice on Careers in Diplomacy with Paul Hare
In today’s episode, we sit down with Paul Hare, a Master Lecturer of International Relations at BU. Former British ambassador to Cuba and diplomat for 30 years, Hare reflects on his journey from his academic career at the University of Oxford and College of Law in London, to his diplomatic career and how the field has evolved over time. Listen in to hear about stories from his time in the field an
Episode 42: University Experience and Urban Refuge with Daria Kosack
In today’s episode, we sit down with Daria Kosack, a BU Pardee and CAS ‘25 alumna and current MS Cybersecurity Align Candidate at Northeastern University. CEO of Urban Refuge (UR), a student organization dedicated to mapping resources for displaced communities in Boston, Daria reflects on her time at BU and how her involvement in UR shaped her passion for cybersecurity for refugees. Listen in to l
Episode 41: Student Involvement and Reflection with Luke Gialanella
In this episode, we sit down with Luke Gianlanella, a junior at BU studying International Relations and Political Science. A writer in the Europe section of the IRR, he discusses his recent journal article entitled “Soft Power ‘Al Dente’: Giorgia Meloni’s Gastronationalism and its Implications for Multilateralism.” Plus, he gives his insight on joining IR-related student organizations as a freshma
Episode 40: The Social and Cultural Histories of East Africa with Chepchirchir Tirop
In this episode, we sit down with Chepchirchir Tirop, a BU historian of Africa, about her journey into African studies and what brought her to campus. She reflects on her research on the Indian diaspora in Kenya, how memory and identity shaped post-independence nation-building, and her dissertation on the political role of athletics in Kenya from 1945 to 2000. This conversation highlights her pass
Episode 39: Global Security & International Security Studies with Sanne Verschuren
In this episode, we sit down with Sanne Verschuren, Assistant Professor of International Security at the Pardee School of Global Studies. Verschuren discusses the Global Security Initiative at the Pardee School, the process of writing her first book, and her insights into the evolving field of security studies. Listen in to hear her advice for students interested in international security and poli
Episode 38: Writing, Leadership & Advocacy with IRR Editor-in-Chief Cristell Bacilio
To kick off this season of In Relation To, we’re joined by the International Relations Review’s Editor in Chief, Cristell Bacilio. Cristell discusses her journey to and at Boston University as well as some of her professional experiences that furthered her passion for law and advocacy. Listen in to hear about her path from freshman writer to Editor-in-Chief and the advice she has for those interes
Exploring Religion, Power, and Social Change with Jeremy Menchik
This episode we’re joined by Professor Jeremy Menchik, Director of Boston University's Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs (CURA) and Associate Professor of International Relations and Political Science. Professor Menchik discusses his research on religion and international affairs, including his books on Islam and democracy in Indonesia, social movements during COVID, and the his
Global Histories: A Conversation with Rachel Nolan
Assistant Professor of International History, joins us to discuss her latest book, Until I Find You. From her journey as a journalist to becoming a leading voice in modern Latin American history, Nolan shares insights into migration, political violence, and U.S.-Latin American relations. We also delve into her upcoming research on deportation histories and future hopes. Follow us on Instagram @irr
Leading the Boston University International Affairs Association
In this episode, we sit down with the two presidents of the Boston University International Affairs Association (BUIAA), Andrew Severance and Senthil Meyyappan, to discuss their journeys within the organization, from eager members to leading one of BU’s most dynamic student groups. They share insights into BUIAA’s role in fostering global awareness, hosting Model UN conferences, and connecting wit
Decolonizing the Classroom: Teaching Africa with Accuracy and Agency
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Elsa Wiehe, who
leads the K-16 Education Outreach program at the African Studies Center
In this conversation, our host and Dr. Wiehe unpack the systemic challenges in teaching Africa accurately and explore strategies for educators to integrate African voices, literature, and perspectives into their curriculum. Our guest discusses the importance of shifting
Global Impacts with Melissa Martin
In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Martin, the Assistant Director of the African Studies Center at Boston University, to explore her journey and interests within the sphere of international public health. With experience spanning NGOs and academic institutions, she offers a unique perspective on driving impactful programs and advancing African studies. Martin bridges global impact with he
Forced Displacement and the Power of Interdisciplinary Research
We’re joined by Professor Carrie Preston, Associate Director of the Center on Forced Displacement at Boston University. She is also known for her expertise in English, Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, as well as modernist literature, performance, and dance, Professor Preston shares insights into her background, ongoing research on forced displacement, student opportunities, and her vision
Learning Abroad: Three Semesters in Europe
In this episode, we talk with Isaac Killilea, a senior at BU studying International Relations and Visual Arts, about their unforgettable journey studying abroad in Europe for three consecutive semesters. He shares insights on how this experience helped him academically, and personally as they discuss challenges, new experiences, and cultural immersion. From navigating new academic environments to
Episode 30: Lift Off
In the landmark 30th episode, serving as the season one finale of In Relation To, we engage in a compelling conversation with Professor Jack Weinstein, an esteemed authority in the field of the practice of International Security. Professor Weinstein graciously takes us on a captivating journey, recounting his evolution from his early days as a commissioned officer through the ROTC program to his p
Episode 29: Charting Legal Waters: The Crossroads of Global Legal Landscapes
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pavle Kilibarda, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva. He shares his insights on the cross-sections of international law and international relations, as well as the complexities of their applications. He speaks about the areas he specializes in and how he’s personally connected with cases relating to humanitarian law.
Episode 28: Bridging Worlds Through Climate Action
In this episode, we're joined by Raghuveer Vyas, a climate analytics and sustainability expert, as he shares insights from his global journey and work at Climate Analytics. With experiences from Kenya to Geneva, he dives into his role, key projects, and how his diverse background shapes his approach to climate issues. Raghuveer also discusses his aspirations, emerging trends in climate policy,
Episode 27: The Age of Adaptation
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adil Najam, who is well-known for his expansive career in international relations and environmental affairs. By referencing his own experiences, he provides us with his valuable insights on influencing behaviors when it comes to the planet and nature. He speaks about his responsibilities as President of WWF International, as well as the pressing challenges tha
Episode 26: Great, What’re You Gonna Do About It?
This episode, we talk to Dhruv Kapadia, BU’s Student Body President. Dhruv speaks about his experiences in his numerous and impressive roles in public service and for the BU community. We learn about how his personal ambitions and passions motivate his involvement in activities, as well as the interconnectedness of all his pursuits.
Episode 25: How the IRR Opened Doors for Me
Meet Emma Shapiro– the IRR’s very own Editor-in-Chief! Emma, now a senior, reflects back on her time with the IRR and discusses her personal journey through her experiences. Drawing on valuable insights learned from her experiences with the IRR and beyond, she elaborates on the leadership skills she’s gained and shares her future goals and aspirations.
Episode 24: Navigating Global Narratives: Behind the Scenes with IRR Senior Editors
This week, we sit down with Rosalia, Camila, and Amy, some of our Senior Editors, to get insight on their experiences with IRR. They speak about the editorial process and how IRR has impacted their lives academically and personally, as well as what they’ve gained from their experiences.
Episode 23: Call Me a Dreamer
This week on In Relation To, host Maria sits down with Dean of Pardee, Scott Taylor. Dean Taylor is a prolific author and respected scholar in the field of African politics and political economy. Learn more about how Dean Taylor’s travels through Africa have influenced his studies, the importance of diversity in the field of international relations, and what he has planned for the future of Pardee
Episode 22: Is Cryptocurrency The New Frontier of Warfare?
Cryptocurrency is an emerging threat in hybrid warfare that is posing many challenges for the international community. Stephanie Hwang, from the University of Pennsylvania, joins host, Margherita Marras, to discuss her thesis “Digital Frontlines: The Emerging Role of Cryptocurrencies in Hybrid Warfare & Geopolitics.” Stephanie breaks down the challenges posed by cryptocurrencies and how she th
Episode 21: What Would You Protest For? - A Conversation with BUIAA President Faisal Ahmed
BUIAA president Faisal Ahmed comes from an international background that has given him a passion for global affairs. Over his past three years at BU, Faisal has worked in several branches at BUIAA and is the co-founder of the student organization ARISE, which works with forcibly displaced people in Boston. Maria Kachrimanidi, our host, sits down with Faisal to discuss his experiences in leadership
Episode 20: The Tenuous Status of Immigration
272 million people worldwide live outside their country of birth, and with thousands more crossing international borders each day, some countries are running into a problem: they’re struggling to welcome more people. In some cases, this issue turned violent, leading to police and governmental organizations cracking down on immigration access. Listen to Maria Kachrimanidi and Migena Satyal, a Bosto
Episode 19: University Students and the Next Generation of International Relations
International diplomacy often takes place way above our heads and is inaccessible to the people in each country. University students across the world, however, get the chance to study how decisions are made at this level, and the factors that may influence the next generation of diplomacy. Join Margherita Marras as she talks with Bella Newell, the president of the Boston University International A
Episode 18: Europe’s Approach to Environmental Policy
As the fight against climate change continues, governments around the world have pursued various pathways to protect the health of our environment. Europe, however, has taken a team-based approach to the problem with regulation coming from the European Union. Join Maria Kachrimanidi as she sits down with Professor Henrik Selin, an expert on international environmental cooperation, to discuss the f
Episode 17: The Silicon Valley Layoffs: What Does It Mean?
Over the past few months, tech companies have been laying off workers at an unprecedented rate. Over 120,000 people have been forced to find other work. But why is this crisis happening, and could it have been prevented? Join Margherita Marras and the In Relation To team as we dive into how and why tech companies are downsizing, and what this means for the rest of the labor force across the world.
Episode 16: Vesko Garčević: Why Small States Need a Voice
In this episode of In Relation To, hosts Margherita Marras and Maria Kachrimanidi sit down with Vesko Garčević, a former ambassador of Montenegro in Brussels and Vienna, and a professor of international relations at Boston University. Garčević and IRT team discuss his extensive resume and career, along with the need for small states to have a seat at the table in global affairs. We also discuss wh
Episode 15: Sacré Bleu! A Diplomat's Duties and Dilemmas
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Maria and this week's guest host, Faizaan Firoz, sit down with Ambassador Mark Storella to discuss his long and storied career as a United States Foreign Service Officer for over three decades serving as Ambassador to Zambia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, and Dean of the Leadership and Manag
Episode 14: The Pacepa Files: Tales of a Former CIA Operative
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Maria and this week's guest host, Fiona Captan, sit down with Professor Joe Wippl to discuss his long and storied career as an operations officer in the CIA, his experiences being stationed across the globe, his craziest stories from the field and his thoughts on the future of U.S. intelligence.
Episode 13: The Experiences of a Third Culture Kid
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Margherita sits down with Salloni Sunderaj, a junior studying international relations and economics here at BU whose upbringing spanned 3 different countries: India, Singapore, and the UAE. They discuss working for the International Relations Review, her role in founding BU's South Asian Student Association (SASA) and growing up as a thi
Episode 12: Study Abroad Experiences with Juliana Burns
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Margherita sits down with Juliana Burns, a junior studying international relations and political science here at BU who recently completed a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain. They discuss the application process, the classes she took, adapting to the new environment, living with a host family, traveling across Europe and tips for making
Episode 11: The Role and Impact of the Secretary-General in the United Nations
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Maria and Margherita sit down to discuss the role of the Secretary General of the United Nations. Our hosts discuss how different secretary-generals have focused on different aspects of the role, the intricacies and nuances of their respective tenures and how they have approached and assessed the threats and dangers in society.
Episode 10: The Legacy and Future of the British Monarchy
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Maria and Margherita sit down to discuss the British Monarchy in light of Queen Elizabeth II’s recent passing. Our hosts discussed how the late Queen was viewed by the public, the views of other Commonwealth countries towards the monarchy at large, and whether we’d be better off without the monarchy.
Episode 9: An Interview with the co-Presidents of Migration Tales - Yiran Yu and Lara Werneck
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Kriti sat down with the co-President's of Boston University's Migration Tales, Yiran Yu and Lara Werneck, to discuss how their ideas for Migration Tales came to fruition, their mission statement, advice for current students, and more.
Host: Kriti Ghai
Sound Engineer: Sarah Talbert
Podcast Producer: Margherita Marras
Podcast Director: Lil
Episode 8: America Divided - The Legality of Abortion
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Kriti sat down to discuss one of the issues that has the United States greatly divided — the legality of abortion. Kriti discusses recent legislation, laws that have come into affect, and the possible paths of the future, given this divide.
Host: Kriti Ghai
Sound Engineer: Sarah Talbert
Podcast Producer: Margherita Marras
Pod
Episode 7: Interview with Political Science PhD Student, Zara Albright
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Maria got a chance to sit down with Boston University Political Science PhD Student, Zara Albright. They discussed her region of focus, Latin America, and specifically the course of its economic development. In addition, Zara gave her opinion on current global economic states, and discussed her past internship with the UN.
Host:
Episode 6: The Perils of War: An Open Discussion About the Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Maria and Kriti have a discussion about the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and give their opinions about how it began, motives, and possible outcomes. Please note, this episode was recorded on February 28, 2022, and as this is an ongoing conflict, some of the information discussed may not be relevant to the present day situ
Episode 5: China's Media Purification
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, Maria is talking about the latest developments in Xi Jen Peng's "media purification" campaign.
Host: Maria Kachrimanidi
Sound Engineer: Sarah Talbert
Podcast Producer: Margherita Marras
Podcast Director: Lila Redler
Music By Bradley Parsons
Episode 4: "Meet the Writers" - Diana Reno
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, we got the chance to sit down with Diana Reno, a print writer for the International Relations Review. We discussed her path to IR, her most recent article, as well as opinions about global issues currently occurring that relate to her areas of expertise.
Guest: Diana Reno
Host: Maria Kachrimanidi
Sound Engineer: Sarah Talbert
Podc
Episode 3: Interview with Ethan Wong
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, we got the chance to sit down with Ethan Wong, the president of Boston University's International Affairs Association, BUIAA. We discussed his unconventional path to his current BUIAA presidential position being a neuroscience major, plans for the future, and advice for anyone looking to make their way to the top.
Guest: Ethan Wo
Episode 2: Navigating Global Careers with Kim West, Vesko Garčević, and Francesca Giovannini
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, we got the chance to sit down with Ashcroft Law Firm partner Kim West, Professor of International Relations at the BU Pardee School of Global Studies Vesko Garčević, and Executive Director at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center Francesca Giovannini and ask about their paths in IR, possible careers, and how to navigate our individu
Episode 1: Interview with Bridgette Lang
Welcome to this week's episode of In Relation To! Coming up, we got the chance to talk with the Co-Editor in Chief of the International Relations Review, Bridgette Lang. We discussed her life, future goals, how she got involved with the International Relations Review, and what she believes to be some of the major concerns that need to be addressed in the current world.
www.irreview.org
Gues
The International Relations Review Presents: In Relation To (Trailer)
Hello, and welcome to In Relation To, a culmination of the International Relations Review's effort to discover new ways to promote global discourse in a changing world.
Coming up in future episodes, you can look forward to dynamic discussions and interviews with students, scholars, practitioners, and public figures dedicated to advancing human progress and eliminating stigmas or misconceptio
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