<![CDATA[The Geopolitical Review]]>The Geopolitical Review explores the forces shaping the modern world through in-depth conversations with leading academics, journalists and policy experts. Going beyond headlines, the show examines the conflicts, power struggles, security challenges and political developments defining international affairs today.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:10:39 GMTThu, 28 May 2026 16:27:05 GMT60Grace May Shipp<p><i>The Geopolitical Review</i> explores the forces shaping the modern world through in-depth conversations with leading academics, journalists and policy experts. Going beyond headlines, the show examines the conflicts, power struggles, security challenges and political developments defining international affairs today.</p>episodicGrace May Shippgraceshipp@hotmail.comno<![CDATA[Social Responsibility and Drug Addiction]]>In this episode, I interview Chrysogonus Okwenna about his research on drug addiction, social responsibility, and the social realities influencing addiction. They explore how societal structures, community, and moral responsibility intersect with addiction issues, emphasizing practical ways individuals can contribute to solutions.

]]>9d7618e4-3e96-4a5e-a666-1793a9e8bc89Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:31:05 GMT<p>In this episode, I interview Chrysogonus Okwenna about his research on drug addiction, social responsibility, and the social realities influencing addiction. They explore how societal structures, community, and moral responsibility intersect with addiction issues, emphasizing practical ways individuals can contribute to solutions.</p><p></p>no00:37:3015Social Responsibility and Drug Addictionfull<![CDATA[Human Rights, Accountability and Justice]]>Unlock the strategies behind justice and accountability in a world teetering on the edge of crisis. Why do so many atrocities go unpunished, and what can be done to change that? If you're passionate about human rights, international law, or simply want to understand why justice often feels out of reach, this episode is your crucial guide.Sheila Paylan, a renowned international human rights lawyer with over 20 years of experience working across conflict zones, reveals how legal mechanisms, diplomatic efforts, and grassroots advocacy intersect—and why their effectiveness remains so elusive. From her work on genocide prevention in places like Rwanda and Congo to her insights on the failure of international institutions, Sheila exposes the core challenges that hinder real accountability. She also discusses the expanding role of NGOs, the importance of survivor justice, and how communities can push for meaningful change, even amid global apathy. You'll discover:

  • The key reasons mass atrocities often go unpunished and how international legal systems can improve enforcement.
  • The impact of denial and denialism on ongoing conflicts, including the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath.
  • How grassroots activism and strategic accountability initiatives can make tangible differences—even when international institutions falter.
  • The critical importance of addressing legitimacy crises within global human rights enforcement and what that means for future justice efforts.
  • How individuals and communities can turn awareness into action in a divided and overwhelmed world.

This episode isn't just about understanding—the goal is empowering. With decades of experience, Sheila provides concrete insights into what works—and what doesn't—in the pursuit of justice. Whether you're an advocate, policymaker, or simply curious about the fight for human rights amidst global turmoil, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to contribute to positive change.Guest Sheila Paylan is a human rights lawyer specializing in international criminal law, genocide prevention, and accountability. Her work advising NGOs, governments, and international bodies places her at the forefront of some of the biggest moral challenges of our time.If you're committed to making a difference or seeking to comprehend the complex system of justice in conflict zones, this episode offers clarity and hope. Because ultimately, it reminds us: even in a divided world, every voice matters in the fight for accountability.

]]>719ef4c9-2924-4b10-b8bf-f16c746b79afTue, 30 Jun 2026 12:35:53 GMT<p>Unlock the strategies behind justice and accountability in a world teetering on the edge of crisis. Why do so many atrocities go unpunished, and what can be done to change that? If you're passionate about human rights, international law, or simply want to understand why justice often feels out of reach, this episode is your crucial guide.Sheila Paylan, a renowned international human rights lawyer with over 20 years of experience working across conflict zones, reveals how legal mechanisms, diplomatic efforts, and grassroots advocacy intersect—and why their effectiveness remains so elusive. From her work on genocide prevention in places like Rwanda and Congo to her insights on the failure of international institutions, Sheila exposes the core challenges that hinder real accountability. She also discusses the expanding role of NGOs, the importance of survivor justice, and how communities can push for meaningful change, even amid global apathy. You'll discover:</p><ul><li>The key reasons mass atrocities often go unpunished and how international legal systems can improve enforcement.</li><li>The impact of denial and denialism on ongoing conflicts, including the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath.</li><li>How grassroots activism and strategic accountability initiatives can make tangible differences—even when international institutions falter.</li><li>The critical importance of addressing legitimacy crises within global human rights enforcement and what that means for future justice efforts.</li><li>How individuals and communities can turn awareness into action in a divided and overwhelmed world.</li></ul><p>This episode isn't just about understanding—the goal is empowering. With decades of experience, Sheila provides concrete insights into what works—and what doesn't—in the pursuit of justice. Whether you're an advocate, policymaker, or simply curious about the fight for human rights amidst global turmoil, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to contribute to positive change.Guest Sheila Paylan is a human rights lawyer specializing in international criminal law, genocide prevention, and accountability. Her work advising NGOs, governments, and international bodies places her at the forefront of some of the biggest moral challenges of our time.If you're committed to making a difference or seeking to comprehend the complex system of justice in conflict zones, this episode offers clarity and hope. Because ultimately, it reminds us: even in a divided world, every voice matters in the fight for accountability.</p>no00:37:1714Human Rights, Accountability and Justicefull<![CDATA[Prefigurative Pacifism]]>In this episode of the Geopolitical Review, I speak with Dr. Borislav Tsokov about prefigurative pacifism, nonviolence, and the politics of everyday life. We explore how pacifism can be understood not just as a moral stance, but as an active form of resistance that asks whether peaceful ends can really be built through violent means.The conversation covers Gandhi, withdrawal as political action, the limits of violence, and the idea that everyday habits can reproduce or challenge systems of harm. We also discuss war, self-defense, militarization, climate, and the political significance of how we live day to day.

To read Dr Tsokov's recent article: https://brill.com/view/journals/jpn/aop/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060.xml

]]>b9815bf7-fcfb-4446-abd1-520b81d3faceTue, 23 Jun 2026 09:57:08 GMT<p>In this episode of the Geopolitical Review, I speak with Dr. Borislav Tsokov about prefigurative pacifism, nonviolence, and the politics of everyday life. We explore how pacifism can be understood not just as a moral stance, but as an active form of resistance that asks whether peaceful ends can really be built through violent means.The conversation covers Gandhi, withdrawal as political action, the limits of violence, and the idea that everyday habits can reproduce or challenge systems of harm. We also discuss war, self-defense, militarization, climate, and the political significance of how we live day to day.</p><p></p><p>To read Dr Tsokov's recent article: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://brill.com/view/journals/jpn/aop/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060.xml" target="_blank">https://brill.com/view/journals/jpn/aop/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060.xml</a></p>no00:51:1913Prefigurative Pacifismfull<![CDATA[Global Energy Dynamics]]>This interview explores the complexities of energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, and the evolving landscape of global energy security amid conflicts like the US-Iran tensions and Russia-Ukraine war. Rauf Mammadov shares insights on how these dynamics influence global markets, regional stability, and future energy strategies.

energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, global energy security, US-Iran conflict, Russia-Ukraine war, energy resilience, Middle Corridor, Azerbaijan, Gulf States, China energy reserves

]]>f4488b4e-26c6-4797-8c24-098175b1dd14Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:08:05 GMT<p>This interview explores the complexities of energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, and the evolving landscape of global energy security amid conflicts like the US-Iran tensions and Russia-Ukraine war. Rauf Mammadov shares insights on how these dynamics influence global markets, regional stability, and future energy strategies.</p><p></p><p></p><p>energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, global energy security, US-Iran conflict, Russia-Ukraine war, energy resilience, Middle Corridor, Azerbaijan, Gulf States, China energy reserves</p>no00:53:4812Global Energy Dynamicsfull<![CDATA[The UN's Role in Global Peace and Security]]>The conversation with Dr. Lang delves into the evolution of the UN's role in global affairs, highlighting its importance and the challenges it faces. Dr. Lang shares insights on the UN's historical significance, its role in conflict management, the US-UN relationship, and the evolving mission of the UN in shaping global values and international law. The conversation delves into the challenges of slow governance, the enforcement of international law, the need for reform in the UN Security Council, China's role in global diplomacy, rethinking assumptions in geopolitics, and the influence of novels on global politics.

Takeaways

  • Importance of the UN in global affairs
  • Evolution of the UN's role in international relations International law is a response to societal and economic developments.
  • The UN Security Council requires reform to reflect the changing global power dynamics.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Evolution of the UN's Mission and International Law
  • 31:34 The Challenge of Slow Governance
  • 39:43 China's Role in Global Diplomacy
  • 53:09 Novels and Global Politics
]]>999134cd-89fb-4093-a1b9-aedcc9a4b563Thu, 28 May 2026 17:22:45 GMT<p>The conversation with Dr. Lang delves into the evolution of the UN's role in global affairs, highlighting its importance and the challenges it faces. Dr. Lang shares insights on the UN's historical significance, its role in conflict management, the US-UN relationship, and the evolving mission of the UN in shaping global values and international law. The conversation delves into the challenges of slow governance, the enforcement of international law, the need for reform in the UN Security Council, China's role in global diplomacy, rethinking assumptions in geopolitics, and the influence of novels on global politics.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Importance of the UN in global affairs</li><li>Evolution of the UN's role in international relations International law is a response to societal and economic developments.</li><li>The UN Security Council requires reform to reflect the changing global power dynamics.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Evolution of the UN's Mission and International Law</li><li>31:34 The Challenge of Slow Governance</li><li>39:43 China's Role in Global Diplomacy</li><li>53:09 Novels and Global Politics</li></ul>no00:53:0111The UN's Role in Global Peace and Securityfull