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S7E1 | How to Lose the Narrative

Protest movements are often branded as unified fronts against injustice— but what happens when we unpack that assumption? This week on the Global Inquirer, we compare the protests in Hong Kong and France’s Yellow Vest protests in order to draw important parallels. We compare the government response in these cases and explore what the reality of a protest movement entails.

S7 BONUS | All Good Things

From climate change to impeachment, the traditional news media has a lot on its plate and hasn't been able to highlight the small victories that have been unfolding over the past year. To give you a break from your regularly scheduled Doom and Gloom, we have decided to focus on some of the good things happening in the world today. To kick off your 2020, we asked several of our researchers to go out into the world found stories and find case studies that made them smile. From peace talks in Africa to a deer the size of a puppy, here's our attempt to make your day a little brighter.

S6E6 | Reporting for Duty

This week on the Global Inquirer, we take a look at the modern implications of mandatory military service and how the service affects these countries as a whole. We look at the reasons for why countries chose to draft their own citizens and how their cultures are later impacted. Additionally, we discuss the distinctions between mandatory services in different countries, and then dive into what this has meant for Israel specifically.

S6E4 | You Can't Do This To Us

Democracy has always been the solution of the western world, but is it the best option for Latin America? Researcher Sarah Rocca looks at protests in Puerto Rico and the dictatorship in Venezuela to answer this question. With information from the Concordia International Conference and global news, this episode looks at how democracy is affecting real lives, and if there is a better answer.

S6E3 | Just Say Nyet: Protests In Putin's Russia

The West cheers and hails protests in Russia with the hope that the people will one day overcome Putin. But as researchers Katya Sankow and Anna Von Spakovsky explain, promoting protests are not as pro-democratic as we’d hope. It was in fact the Bolshevik Revolution through protests that created the Soviet Union. Mass demonstrations have a deep history in Russia, so the question is what will Putin allow.

S6E2 | Words That Kill

Sticks and stones may break my bones, and gaffes might hurt me too. Researcher Nick Mortensen spoke with Professor Brad Carson about the impact of embarrassing gaffes in politics. It turns out that awkward moments don’t necessarily end political careers. Rather, blunders stick and stain a politician’s reputation when the blunder fits into a narrative about the politician.

S6E1 | Putting a Price on Sovereignty

Gone are the days when countries bought vast quantities of foreign territory in the interest of expanding their borders...or are they? Beginning with President Trump's interest in a purchase of Greenland, we look both at the history of nations buying control over one another, as well as a glance to the future. What happens when nations are forced to buy foreign land because of the threats of sea level rise? What are the implications of one sovereign nation purchasing another? Is it possible that the acquisition of foreign nations could become the norm?

S5E9 | Being Muslim In China - The Plight Of The Uighurs

Imagine being imprisoned for praying. Imagine being unable to communicate with your family. For the Uighurs in Eastern China, this is a reality. Every part of their identity as Muslims is being systematically erased: their mosques, their language, their culture. On our last episode of the season, we cover the humanitarian crisis unfolding in China. Researcher Anna Von Spakovsky interviewed a Uighur-American student; our interviewee provided key insight to understanding the crisis as the situation is far from clear and transparent.

About The Global Inquirer

We're an undergraduate research podcast that uses case studies to examine how global trends are impacting

real lives.