With the international agreement over Iran’s nuclear weapons program in doubt, Nicholas Hayen and Stephen Howard discuss the possible impact of re-imposing sanctions. They also debate the larger impacts of this decision on the Middle East and the possibility of that the U.S. Congress will try to stall on the question of Iranian sanctions.
Episode 06, Totally Not Rational Security
As a tumultuous summer draws to a close, Stephen, Kurt, Brandon, and Nick discuss the active debate surrounding ISIS fighters and their future in a post-caliphate world. Should nations attempt to rehabilitate returning fighters who have surrendered, or deny them re-entry into their home countries? Then, the team answers one of the most divisive topics in modern international relations: Is the world safer with nuclear weapons?
Episode 05, Democracy Inaction
At the 101st day of the new administration, Stephen, Kurt, and Nick react to America's increasingly cozy relationship with dictators, authoritarians, and leaders who project strength. Is this policy just a reflection of realism, or should the U.S. do more to promote democracy and human rights throughout the world? Then, the team discusses the recent referendum in Turkey and why some people would vote away their own democratic powers. Lastly, Kurt and Stephen revive our Key Terms segment with a look at Populism and Illiberal Democracies.
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Episode 04, Bans & Brotherhoods
In Episode 04, the usual team is back together to discuss reactions to the Trump administration's travel ban against seven Muslim majority nations. In the second half, the team finally disagrees about something when confronting rumors that the Muslim Brotherhood may be designated as a terrorist organization.
Episode 03, Settlers of Canaan
In Episode 03, we react to the first days of the Donald Trump administration and its impacts on Middle East policy. First, we take a critical look at Israeli settlement policy and the prospects of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Then, Kurt explains the rise of authoritarianism in Turkey and the constitutional changes that grant president Erdogan even more powers. And Stephen closes out the episode with remarks on the death of former Iranian president Rafsanjani.
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Episode 02, From Russia with Contempt
In this week's episode, the team discusses the intersection of American foreign policy and the Russian government. We begin with a continuation of last week's debate about likely Russian policy under the coming Trump presidency and then transition into a general discussion about Trump's picks for cabinet level positions regarding national security. Finally, we introduce a new segment called Key Terms, which is designed to help explain some of the jargon often used in the study of international relations.
Episode 01, Trumping Iran & Syria
In our first ever podcast, the Orientalist Express team takes a look at the future of several key Middle Eastern issues in light of the recent election of Donald Trump to the American presidency. Our main focus includes the likely breakdown of the Iran nuclear deal and the future of the Syrian Civil War. Contributors include Nicholas Hayen, Stephen Howard, Brandon Kenney, and Kurt Guner.