Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast

In this week’s podcast veteran peacemaker, Monica McWilliams, author of Stand Up, Speak Out, joins former UN Assistant Secretary-General, Andrew Gilmour, author of The Burning Question: Climate and Conflict - why Does it Matter? and Dr Roxani Krystalli from St Andrews University at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in partnership with Beyond Borders. Where they reflect upon climate, conflict and the state of our troubled world and what we have to do to make more safe, secure and just. Featuring: Monica McWilliamsAndrew GilmourDr Roxani Krystalli Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com More From Monica McWilliams:(2021) Stand Up, Speak Out: My Life Working for Women's Rights, Peace and Equality in Northern Ireland and Beyond (Blackstaff Press Ltd) at:https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781780733227/Stand-Speak-Out-Life-Working-1780733224/plp More From Andrew Gilmour:(2024) The Burning Question: Climate and Conflict - why Does it Matter? (Berghof Foundation) at:https://berghof-foundation.org/library/the-burning-question Audio Editor: Aedan Wilson

In this compelling episode of the Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast, we revisit an urgent and unflinching discussion recorded live at the Beyond Borders International Festival. Professor Sir Geoff Palmer is joined by historian William Dalrymple and journalist Alex Renton for a wide-ranging conversation that interrogates Scotland’s role in the legacies of slavery and empire, and how their repercussions are still felt today. The panel unpacks how racial hierarchies were constructed to justify economic exploitation—from the chattel slavery of the Caribbean to the looting of the Indian subcontinent under the East India Company. Geoff Palmer’s perspective, rooted in personal and academic insight, provides a powerful lens on the enduring impact of colonialism and structural racism. Alex Renton shares his journey of discovering his family's links to slavery, as explored in his book Blood Legacy, while William Dalrymple details Scotland’s disproportionate involvement in colonial India and how the infrastructure of corporate imperialism was born. Together, they call for truth-telling, reparative justice, and radical curriculum reform as vital steps toward healing and equity in a post-imperial society. Featuring: Professor Sir Geoff Palmer - Human rights activist, academic, and historian William Dalrymple - Historian and author of The Anarchy Alexander Renton - Journalist and author of The Blood Legacy Find out more: Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/ Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/ Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Join us on this poignant episode of the Beyond Borders Scotland podcast as we explore stories of survival, justice, and reconciliation in the aftermath of some of the most devastating conflicts of recent times. Hosted by David Hamilton, trustee of the Scottish educational charity Beyond Srebrenica, this episode delves into the horrors of the Srebrenica genocide and the ongoing efforts to address its aftermath through educational initiatives and partnerships. David introduces Nedzad Avdic, a survivor of the Srebrenica massacre, who shares his harrowing escape from execution and his life thereafter. Nezhad’s testimony not only recalls the tragic events but also embodies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Additionally, we are joined by Judge Roberto Carlos Vidal Lopez from the Colombian special jurisdiction for peace. Judge Lopez discusses the innovative approaches being used in Colombia, focusing on restorative justice to heal and rebuild communities torn apart by decades of armed conflict. This session is expertly chaired by Oscar Guardiola Rivera, professor of human rights and political philosophy at Birkbeck Law School in London, who guides the conversation with insightful questions and reflections on the themes of justice and human rights. Featuring: David Hamilton - Host and Trustee, Beyond Srebrenica Nezhad Davdish - Survivor of the Srebrenica Genocide Judge Roberto Carlos Vidal Lopez - Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace Oscar Guardiola Rivera - Chair, Professor of Human Rights and Political Philosophy Find out more: Beyond Srebrenica: https://srebrenica.scot/ Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/ Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/ Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

In this compelling episode, Allan Little, an esteemed journalist, engages in a profound discussion with Humza Yousaf, Scotland's former First Minister, about his pivotal year in office. This conversation provides a unique personal insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by Humza Yousaf, including his management of national and personal issues against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global landscape. From his experience following Nicola Sturgeon to navigating the impacts of global crises such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which affects his family personally, Humza offers an insider’s view on leadership in turbulent times. This episode not only reflects on political leadership but also delves into how global events like the rise of far-right movements in Europe can shape a nation’s direction and the life of its leaders. Featuring: Allan Little - Renowned Journalist and Broadcaster Humza Yousaf - MSP and Former First Minister of Scotland Find out more: Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/ Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/ Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

In this episode, introduced by Catherine Maxwell Stuart, join Ben Cowell OBE, Director-General of the Historic Houses Association, as he discusses his book, "The British Country House Revival." Historians Geoffrey Baskerville and Wessley Edmonds also explore captivating stories, including a revealing letter from the Traquair House archives that uncovers the life of an enslaved boy. Discover the enduring allure and complex histories of Britain's stately homes. Featuring: Ben Cowell OBE - Director General of the Historic Houses Association Geoffrey Baskerville - Historian Wessley Edmonds - Historian Find out more: Traquair Househttps://www.traquair.co.uk/ The Rise and Fall of the Stately Home https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781837650583/the-british-country-house-revival/ Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/ Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/ Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

In this episode of the podcast, join seasoned political commentators Steve Richards and Tim Phillips as they dive into the ramifications of the recent general election in Britain and the upcoming US Presidential elections. With their expert analysis, they explore how these political events will shape both nations' futures on the global stage. Steve Richards, known for his sharp insights into British politics, and Tim Phillips, an expert in international relations and US politics, come together to offer a comparative analysis of the challenges and opportunities ahead for both countries. From election results to the political landscape changes, this conversation is packed with thought-provoking insights into the evolving political dynamics of the UK and US. Guests: Steve Richards: Acclaimed British political journalist and broadcaster, author of "The Prime Ministers: Reflections on Leadership." Tim Phillips: Political commentator and international affairs expert, co-host of Beyond Borders Scotland’s podcast on global politics. To learn more about Tim Phillips and the work of Beyond Conflict go https://beyondconflictint.org/. Beyond Conflict combines 30 years of experience in conflict resolution with insights from brain and behavioural science to advance new strategies to prevent violence and promote peace and reconciliation. Find out more: Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/ Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/ Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast delves into the complexities of divided societies in places like Turkey and Gaza. Join Allan Little as he talks to Elif Shafak about her compelling book How to Stay Sane in the Age of Division with journalist Sarah Helm. Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2021, in this discussion its panel draws forth on the societal divisions which continues among countries suffering from civil unrest. Guests: Allan Little: Award-winning Scottish journalist and presenter. Joining the BBC in 1983, he thereafter became an on-air correspondent in 1985. He is the current veteran Special Correspondent for the BBC. Elif Shafak: Award-winning British Turkish novelist. She is a Fellow and Vice President of the Royal Society of Literature and holds numerous awards for her work including the PEN Nabokov prize. Sarah Helm: Helm is a journalist and author. Previously working for The Sunday Times and The Independent, she now writes for several publications. Find out more: Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/ Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/ Produced by FoSho STUDIOS