Chatham House - Undercurrents

Undercurrents returns for its first episode of 2021 with an extended interview on the future of UK foreign policy. The United Kingdom is emerging from four long years of intense debate abouts its relationship with the European Union. While the effects of Brexit are still to be felt, questions now confront policymakers about how the UK should position itself in an increasingly complex global landscape.  In this episode Ben is joined by Chatham House Director Dr Robin Niblett to discuss his new report, Global Britain, Global Broker, which proposes a new approach to understanding Britain's international role.  Read the Chatham House report: Global Britain, Global Broker: A Blueprint for the UK's Future International Role Credits: Speaker: Dr Robin Niblett Host: Ben Horton Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

In the final episode of Undercurrents in 2020, Ben is joined by Yusuf Hassan from the Africa Programme for a preview of a new podcast series launching in January 2021.  2020 was anticipated to be a year of landmark elections across Africa, with numerous countries at critical junctures in their transitions to electoral democracy. Dr Christopher Fomunyoh of the National Democratic Institute speaks to Yusuf about efforts to democratize Africa, democratic backsliding and the role of the civil society in bolstering democratic institutions. They also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on democracy in Africa, and how the multifaceted challenges it poses must be addressed over the coming years.   After the interview, Africa Programme colleagues Elizabeth Donnelly, Christopher Vandome and Ahmed Soliman consider the key challenges and events affecting Africa in 2021.  Find more work from the Africa Programme Credits: Hosts: Ben Horton, Yusuf Hassan Speakers: Christopher Fomunyoh, Elizabeth Donnelly, Ahmed S

Undercurrents is back with two new interviews! This week, as President-elect Joe Biden’s transition to the White House gathers pace, Ben speaks to academic and author Claire Yorke about the role that empathy played in the 2020 election campaign. They talk about empathy as a dynamic in campaigns, but also as a tool for governing, and take a look at examples elsewhere in the world of political empathy in action. Then Ben is joined by Pepijn Bergsen from the Europe Programme at Chatham House. They discuss the current trajectory of EU-China relations, particularly in the economic sphere, and consider how COVID-19 and US trade wars have impacted this complex geopolitical situation. Read The World Today article: Will Empathy Win the Day? Read the Expert Comment: Why the Pandemic and Populism Still Work Together Credits: Speakers: Pepijn Bergsen, Claire Yorke Host: Ben Horton Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

Undercurrents returns with two new interviews! Since highly contentious elections in 2019, citizens across Thailand have engaged in largescale protests to call for constitutional reform. Ben speaks to Dr Thitinan Pongsudhirak about what the mass movement has demanded, and how the Thai government is responding so far. Then Ben is joined by Dr Sarina Theys to discuss how Bhutan started a global debate on gross national happiness. They discuss how Bhutan has influenced the sustainable development agenda at the United Nations and beyond, and consider what this means for small states more broadly.  Read the International Affairs article: The influence of small states: how Bhutan succeeds in influencing global sustainability governance

In the final instalment of Who Rules Cyberspace? Ben and Joyce are joined by two cyber experts to explore future developments in cyber governance. Kerstin Vignard of UNIDIR reflects on the progress achieved so far through the United Nations processes, and the challenges that lie ahead at future negotiations. Then former cyber diplomat Chris Painter explains how technological innovations could change the debate on regulating the internet, and how these conversations can be made more relevant for wider society.       Read the Journal of Cyber Policy article: The vital role of international law in the framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace Watch the video: How Can We Work Towards a Stable #Cyberspace4all? Credits: Speakers: Chris Painter, Kirsten Vignard Hosts: Joyce Hakmeh, Ben Horton Editor: Esther Naylor Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

While international debates on cyber governance can often seem dominated by governments and powerful multi-national corporations, there remains an important role for civil society organisations to play. In this episode of Who Rules Cyberspace? Ben and Joyce speak to cyber experts from the civil society space to find out more.  Ben considers the avenues available for civil society to engage with the UN processes on cyber governance with Allison Pytlak from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Then Joyce speaks to Arindrajit Basu from the Centre for Internet and Society about the capacity-building role civil society can play in emerging economies. Credits: Speakers: Arindrajit Basu, Allison Pytlak Hosts: Joyce Hakmeh, Ben Horton Editor: Esther Naylor Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

As the first two episodes of Who Rules Cyberspace? have shown, much of the debate around cyber governance at the state level takes place within highly complex United Nations processes.  Beyond the high-level diplomacy, however, a wide range of non-state actors are working to develop international solutions to cyber governance. In this episode Ben and Joyce speak to representatives from the private sector to find out how businesses are responding to the challenge. Casper Klynge (VP for European Government Affairs at Microsoft) outlines the apporach that tech companies are taking to support the diplomatic process, and Ria Thomas (Managing Director at Polynia Advisory) explains why non-tech businesses must make cyberspace a higher priority.  Credits: Speakers: Casper Klynge, Ria Thomas Hosts: Joyce Hakmeh, Ben Horton Editor: Esther Naylor Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

In Episode 2 of Who Rules Cyberspace? Ben and Joyce find out how states are approaching the debate on cyber governance at the United Nations. Through the GGE and OEWG processes, the UN has attempted to be the forum where countries could come together to find solutions to these issues. However, as was explained in Episode 1, there remain many obstacles to international cooperation on cyber governance. In this episode Joyce speaks to Moliehi Makumane, Special Advisor to South Africa's GGE representative, about her country's approach to the UN negotiations and how so-called developing countries can wield influence in this arena. Then Ben speaks to Carmen Gonsalves from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs about how states can encourage respect for existing norms around cyber governance, and how the potential of the UN processes can be realised.  Credits: Speakers: Carmen Gonsalves, Moliehi Makumane Hosts: Joyce Hakmeh, Ben Horton Editor: Esther Naylor Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham H

A new Chatham House mini-series on the Undercurrents podcast feed explores the ongoing international debate on how to govern cyberspace.  In the first episode of Who Rules Cyberspace? Ben Horton and Joyce Hakmeh, from the International Security Programme at Chatham House, trace the recent history of cyberspace and outline the major dividing lines that characterise debates at the United Nations and beyond.  For the rest of this week Ben and Joyce will be interviewing a wide range of individuals from governments, the private sector and civil society to find out the latest thinking on how cyberspace can be made a safe and prosperous tool for societies throughout the world.  At the time of publishing this episode two resolutions have been circulated in the United Nations General Assembly which will soon be voted on by member states. One, proposed by the United States, calls on states to wait for the completion of the current Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) and Group of Governmental Experts mandate. Another, backe

Note: this episode was recorded at 9am (GMT) on Friday 6 November 2020.  Three days after polls closed in the highest turnout presidential election in US history, the result is still yet to be definitively decided. As the dust begins to settle Ben speaks to Dr Leslie Vinjamuri and Professor Michael Cox to find out: what lessons can be drawn from the election so far; what we can expect from both candidates in the coming days as the results are contested; and how the result might affect US foreign policy.  Read the Chatham House Report:  US Foreign Policy Priorities Read the Expert Comment: Next US President Has to Choose His Words Carefully Credits: Speakers: Michael Cox, Leslie Vinjamuri Host: Ben Horton Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House.

Throughout the world, journalists and other news workers are facing new and growing threats. From the state-sponsored killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the state-led harassment of Maria Ressa, to the suppression of dissent in Hong Kong and the demonization of journalists by the Trump administration, the excesses of the state are endangering the lives and livelihoods of journalists as they seek to produce public interest media. These risks are exacerbated by the viral disinformation crisis which was discussed in Episode 2 of the series. This episode focuses on the various threats facing media professionals, and consider new initiatives seeking to protect their rights at a multilateral and local level. Guests include Maria Ressa (CEO and Editor in Chief of Rappler), David Kaye (UC Irvine and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression), Caoilfhionn Gallagher (QC, Doughty Street Chambers) and Joel Simon (Executive Director, Committee to Protect Journalists).  Credits: Speakers: Cao

The second episode of Future-Proofing Media Freedom looks at how media organisations are responding to the ongoing crisis of disinformation.  As landmark elections loom in, among other countries, the US and Myanmar, the role of the media as a source of trusted, accurate information is under renewed scrutiny. Social media-driven disinformation campaigns have been regular features of many recent electoral events, from the UK’s referendum on Europe to the 2016 US presidential election, and countless other local and national elections around the world. How can media organisations counter the spread of fake news, and support informed, transparent elections? Have new strategies emerged since 2016 to address disinformation campaigns? What should governments be doing to support the media sector in these endeavours?  To discuss these questions Ben Horton and Dr Julie Posetti are joined by Mevan Babakar (Deputy CEO of Full Fact), Melissa Fleming (United Nations Under-Secretary General for Global Communications), Sonny

Future-Proofing Media Freedom, the new mini-series on the Undercurrents podcast feed, is a collaboration between Chatham House, Luminate, and the International Center for Journalists. Presented by Ben Horton, host of the Undercurrents podcast, and Dr Julie Posetti, Global Director of Research at the ICFJ, the series explores the challenges facing public interest media in the 21st century and highlights how a range of actors are seeking to tackle them. The rise of the major social media platforms and the internet-driven proliferation of news and analysis which is free at the point of delivery, has fundamentally undermined traditional media business models. From the controversies over the BBC licence fee model, to the slow death of local news outlets, the economic strain has rarely felt more pressing. Beyond advertising and subscription business models, what solutions exist to ensure the survival of independent media organisations?  To answer this question, Ben and Julie are joined by Joyce Barnathan (President

Undercurrents returns with two new interviews! As the conflict in Syria raged after 2011, a wide range of state and non-state actors competed for territory, population control and domination of the country's resources. One such resource was water, with access to critical infrastructure like dams acting both as a driver of fierce fighting and brittle compromises. Marwa Daoudy has studied the ways in which water was weaponized during the Syrian conflict, revealing how the Assad regime interacted with actors like ISIS and the Kurdish-led rebel forces in complex struggles to control this scarce resource. Ben spoke to Marwa to find out more.  Depression is the predominant mental health problem worldwide - it is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem and major depression is thought to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide. In his new book, Living Better, Alastair Campbell explores his personal struggle with depression and its impact on his political a

Design in an Age of Crisis is a new mini-series on the Undercurrents podcast feed. Great design thinking can play a major role in improving our health and wellbeing, by strengthening our resilience to illness, and to major pandemics, like COVID-19. It can also be focused on helping the most marginalized members of the society. In this episode, Professor Dame Sally Davies, Kelly Doran and Charlene Prempeh discuss how design can empower marginalised groups within society, and improve health and social care.  Design In An Age Of Crisis is a global open call from the London Design Biennale and Chatham House. The open call is looking for radical and rapid responses, in any format, to problems facing humanity across four briefs: Health, Environment, Work and Society. Read the briefs and submit your radical design thinking by 31 August 2020. Submit your radical design idea: https://www.londondesignbiennale.com/opencall Credits: Speakers: Professor Dame Sally Davies, Kelly Doran and Charlene Prempeh Host: Ana Yang So

Design In An Age of Crisis is a new mini-series on the Undercurrents podcast feed. COVID-19 could provide a moment to recast work as a social as well as economic activity, as business models change and people find new ways of organising work and life. At the same time, the pandemic has demonstrated the urgent need for us to radically rethink environments to be sustainable, just and resilient in the face of shocks to come, including the climate and biodiversity crises. In this episode, Bruce Daisley and Dr Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg discuss the role design could play in making work more meaningful, and in designing better, more sustainable places. Design In An Age Of Crisis is a global open call from the London Design Biennale and Chatham House. The open call is looking for radical and rapid responses, in any format, to problems facing humanity across four briefs: Health, Environment, Work and Society. Read the briefs and submit your radical design thinking by 31 August 2020. Submit your radical design idea: htt

Design In An Age of Crisis is a new mini-series on the Undercurrents podcast feed. On 22 July 2020, London Design Biennale and Chatham House launched an open call inviting radical design solutions from the world’s design community, the public and young people. The open call hopes to harness the creativity that comes from crisis. In this episode, Sir John Sorrell and Rose Abdollahzadeh explain the role design can play in solving the challenges facing our world as a part of the launch of our international call for radical design solutions. Design In An Age Of Crisis is a global open call from Chatham House and London Design Biennale. The open call is looking for radical and rapid responses, in any format, to problems facing humanity across four briefs: Health, Environment, Work and Society. Read the briefs and submit your radical design thinking by 31 August 2020. Submit your radical design idea: https://www.londondesignbiennale.com/opencall Credits: Speakers: Rose Abdollahzadeh and Sir John Sorrell Host: Ana

Policy-makers and researchers are daily confronted by violent images that influence how complex political problems are seen and consequently understood. From bodycam footage revealing acts of police brutality, to media coverage of the catastrophic impact of the refugee crisis, depictions of violence and horror spread at startling speed through social media platforms, drawing out powerful emotional responses from public and policymaker alike.  In the last episode of Undercurrents before the summer break, Ben speaks to three academics whose work explores the connections between violent images and politics. Dr Helen Berents explains how images of suffering children are deployed in political debates around interventions. Dr Stefanie Fishel shows how horror movies provide a space for understanding public responses to apocalyptic events such as nuclear war or global pandemics. Dr Constance Duncombe then discusses how social media platforms accelerate the spread of violent images, and the effects this has on policy

The meeting that called into being the British Institute of International Affairs was held on July 5, 1920 at the Royal Society of Arts on the Strand. The institute, as noted by Arthur Balfour, UK foreign secretary until the previous year, would cultivate ‘mutual comprehension between different nations and between the leaders of thought in different communities’.  100 years later, Chatham House remains a centre for debate and exchange on the major issues shaping international affairs.  Undercurrents is marking the Chatham House centenary with an episode on the history of the institute. You'll hear from librarian Malcolm Madden about the origins of Chatham House, and then a selection of current Chatham House staff tell us about the events and speakers they have most enjoyed during their time at the institute.  Watch the Events: Chatham House Centenary Week Read the Expert Comment: The Hotel Majestic and the Origins of Chatham House Credits: Speakers: Malcolm Madden, Zara Berry, Yusuf Hassan, Kamil Hussain, Gl

The 21st century has been a time of significant change for the global LGBTQ+ movement. While same-sex marriage and gender transition are increasingly celebrated in some parts of the world, laws to criminalise homosexuality and gender non-conformity have been strengthened in others. In this episode, Ben speaks to journalist Mark Gevisser to find out more. Then Agnes discusses China's global reputation with Dr Sam Geall from the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House. They cover how the coronavirus pandemic may have affected China's soft power, and also how the country is positioning itself in the international debate on climate change.  Find the book: The Pink Line: Journey's Across the World's Queer Frontiers Read the article: China Expands Coal Plant Capacity to Boost Post-Virus Economy Explore the Chatham House Centenary: Centenary Events Credits: Speakers: Sam Geall, Mark Gevisser Hosts: Agnes Frimston, Ben Horton Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House