In our first podcast of 2018, we introduce our newest contributor Valida Azamatova. She joins other South Dakota State University grads Nicholas Hayen and Stephen Howard to begin our back to basics approach to educating people about foreign policy and international relations. We begin by talking about the foundations of what is known as the "Liberal International Order." (Not to be confused with American liberal political ideas.) Then, the team makes some predictions about possible hotspots for conflict in 2018.