PINDROP World News Podcast

PINDROP World News

Francisco "A.J." Camacho
PINDROP brings the world to your ears, one country at a time. Join the team every Tuesday as they spin their globe, drop a pin on a new country, and discuss the big issues facing it alongside decision-makers, diplomats, and doyens (that's a fancy word for experts).
Two Years of War in Ukraine: Frontline Situation and how Russia and Ukraine have Changed
Two years into Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Pindrop examines the origins of the war, the current frontline, and the future of the conflict. To what extent is a stalemate breaking in Russia's favor and how does Washington's indecision play into it? What has two years of war done to the societies of both Russia and Ukraine? What should we expect for the future? Pindrop is joined by two excellent scholars of Ukraine and Russia, Dr. Julian Waller and Dr. Henry Hale to find out. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Mar 1, 2024
1 hr 15 min
Serbia: A Choice Between Europe and Russia ft. Fmr. Amb. Michael Polt
As Serbia tries to balance relations with Russia and the EU, its dispute over Kosovo flares and an incumbent government wins rigged elections. How did Serbia find itself in such a state and where will it go from here? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes the former U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michael Polt. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Jan 23, 2024
59 min
Christians in Palestine, Ukraine, & China
PINDROP is putting the "Christ" back in Christmas with coverage of three Christian news stories worldwide. First, Diego takes us to the Holy Land where Christians in Gaza are spending the season in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas War and Bethlehem, the city of Jesus' birth, has largely canceled public Christmas celebrations. Next, Nick explores a major schism in Ukraine's orthodox churches and what they mean for the ongoing war with Russia. Finally, A.J. delves into protestants in China and how they practice their faith under a hostile Communist Party.
Dec 24, 2023
55 min
Thailand: The World's Richest King & Failing Farms ft. Prof. Erik Kuhonta
Most monarchs have lost power over the past century, but not Thailand's King Rama X. How is the continued power of the monarchy affecting the country's democracy and how is the new Thai government addressing a struggling agriculture sector? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes McGill University political science professor Erik Kuhonta. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Dec 13, 2023
52 min
Iran's Axis of Resistance: What the Militant Network Means for the Mid East ft. Faysal Itani
Much has been said about Iran's Axis of Resistance. From Hamas in the Gaza Strip to Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen, these militant organizations have cast a long shadow over Middle East geopolitics and security. On this episode of PINDROP, we delve into this network of Iranian-backed militias to answer core questions about these groups. How and why did Iran create this network? To what extent do these groups have operational autonomy from the Islamic Republic? Most importantly, how will the various militant actors in this network be involved in the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza and the broader regional tension that entails? PINDROP Co-Producers Nick Castillo and Diego Austin will speak with Middle East political expert Faysal Itani of the Newlines Institute to find out. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Dec 8, 2023
1 hr 1 min
Argentina's Election Explained
Argentines just voted for an anarcho-capitalist libertarian presidential candidate, taking a hard right after decades of left-leaning economic policy. Yet the president-elect will face hurdles from an unfriendly legislature. For a rundown of the election at what it means for Argentina and the rest of the world, join PINDROP and Fmr. U.S. Amb. to Argentina Edward C. Prado.
Nov 22, 2023
18 min
Türkiye: A Popular Proto-Autocrat ft. Profs. Mert Moral & Berk Esen
For 20 years Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has captained Türkiye's ship of state. But despite jailing opponents, restraining the media, and poor economic policy, President Erdoğan remains genuinely popular and just won re-election which should keep him in power through 2028. How has he held on without throwing the country into a complete autocracy? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes two political science professors from the Turkish Sabancı University, Mert Moral and Berk Esen. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Nov 17, 2023
1 hr 7 min
Fall Interseason Pt. 2 - Season 4 Updates & Season 3 Reflection
The PINDROP crew reminisces about their favorite moments from season 3 and tease upcoming projects in season 4.
Nov 13, 2023
28 min
Fall Interseason Pt. 1 - World News We're Watching
While Season 4 is in the works, the PINDROP crew sit down to chat about what they see as the big issues the world is facing in the coming months.
Nov 13, 2023
34 min
PINDROP - Poland ft. Cordelia Buchanan Ponczek & Dr. Julian Waller
For years Poland's right-wing government has butted heads with the European Union, even as it leads the charge to support Ukraine as it defends itself against the Russian invasion. What will the election of a new government led by former European Council President Donald Tusk mean for Poland's role in EU foreign policy? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes Cordelia Buchanan Ponczek, an expert on Russian and East European politics, as well as Julian Waller, a professor of political science at George Washington University who specializes in East European politics. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
Oct 31, 2023
1 hr 2 min
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