RAIA(ffairs)

In this episode, we sat down with Sofia Ena to unpack the leadership of General Abdourahmane Tchiani one year after his coup in Niger. We explore how the junta’s pivot away from Western alliances — and withdrawal from ECOWAS — has deepened insecurity, fueled economic turmoil, and reshaped the region’s geopolitical landscape. From the rise in jihadist attacks and Niger’s growing ties with Russia, to the emergence of new regional players like Morocco, we examine the consequences of Tchiani’s decisions and what they mean for Niger, the Sahel, and power dynamics in West Africa.Don't forget to read Sofia's article here: https://raiagroup.org/tchianis-cold-strategy-escalating-crisis

In this episode, we’re joined by Elisa De Angelis to unpack the political crisis facing French President Emmanuel Macron after the 2024 snap elections. Intended to stabilize France’s political landscape, the vote instead deepened divisions, collapsed coalitions, and triggered widespread unrest. We explore how Macron’s leadership is being tested — from controversial immigration reforms to the use of Article 49.3 — and what it all means for France’s democratic future and role in the EU.Don’t forget to read Elisa’s article here: https://raiagroup.org/macron-cold-navigating-france-political-crisis

In this special episode, we sat down with RAIA's director and co-founder, Dario Hasenstab, for an insightful conversation about the origins, evolution, and future of RAIA. We talked about the history of the organization, the idea behind it, as well as its vision and mission in international affairs.Don't forget to check out our new articles at RAIAGroup.org and to follow us on social media to receive updates on all our new contents.

In this episode, we sat down with Mariana Gamez and Aimée Wolff to explore the nuanced climate leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh. While celebrated internationally for initiatives like co-founding the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and implementing the Energy Efficiency Conservation Master Plan (EECMP), her leadership faces challenges at home. We discuss her efforts to combat air pollution and reduce short-lived climate pollutants, alongside the institutional barriers and enforcement gaps that have limited progress. Tune in to learn how Sheikh Hasina has positioned Bangladesh as a climate leader while navigating the complexities of policy implementation in a rapidly developing nation.This episode is the sixth in a series of six as part of the IExRAIA Summer Research Program of 2024. RAIA has invited twelve IE University students to join our think tank and spend 9 weeks researching a figure from around the world to try to answer a simple question: Are they a climate leader?Don't forget to read Mariana and Aimée's article (https://raiagroup.org/sheikh-hasina-mild-climate-leader) and report (https://raiagroup.org/ie-university-x-raia-research-program-2024).

In this episode, we sat down with Chiara Ausenda to analyze Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s environmental policy, particularly his ambitious deforestation agenda. Despite significant progress, including a 50% reduction in Amazon deforestation, political obstacles such as state corruption, underfunded agencies, and a resistant Congress have hindered his efforts. We discuss how Lula’s environmental promises align—or conflict—with his development agenda, the pressures from indigenous communities and international donors, and the potential political fallout as Brazil approaches local elections. Don't forget to read Chiara's article here: https://raiagroup.org/lula-cold-as-deforestation-policy-faces-obstacles

In this episode, we sat down with Africa Romero Rodriguez and Sofia Damasio Figueiredo to explore the bold climate leadership of Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, whose implementation of green economy policies is setting a global example. With initiatives like the Blue Economy Strategy and the Roof to Reefs resilience plan, Mottley is transforming Barbados into a sustainable powerhouse, addressing economic, social, and environmental vulnerabilities. We discussed how Mottley’s leadership has amplified international climate change awareness and paved the way for collaborative solutions. Tune in to learn how her policies are reshaping Barbados and inspiring other island nations to take action against climate change.This episode is the fifth in a series of six as part of the IExRAIA Summer Research Program of 2024. RAIA has invited twelve IE University students to join our think tank and spend 9 weeks researching a figure from around the world to try to answer a simple question: Are they a climate leader?Don't forget to read Africa and Sofia's article (https://raiagroup.org/mia-mottley-hot-amid-implementation-of-her-green) and report (https://raiagroup.org/ie-university-x-raia-research-program-2024).

In this episode, we sat down with Clara Chikuse and Maja Prokopiuk to explore Hage Geingob’s ambitious pursuit of transforming Namibia into a global leader in green hydrogen production. Geingob’s vision centered around harnessing Namibia’s natural resources to fuel sustainable economic growth and energy self-sufficiency. We delve into the Namibia Green Hydrogen and Derivatives Strategy, the challenges faced, and the potential of the $9.4 billion Hyphen Hydrogen project. Learn how Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions could reshape the global energy landscape and Geingob's lasting impact on the nation's future.This episode is the second in a series of six as part of the IExRAIA Summer Research Program of 2024. RAIA has invited twelve IE University students to join our think tank and spend 9 weeks researching a figure from around the world to try to answer a simple question: Are they a climate leader?Don't forget to read Clara and Maja's article (https://raiagroup.org/geingobs-pursuit-green-hydrogen-economy-for-namibia) and report (https://raiagroup.org/ie-university-x-raia-research-program-2024).

In this episode, we sat down with Roxane de Bergevin to explore the intensifying conflict between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame as the M23 rebels advance in Eastern DRC. Tshisekedi accuses Kagame of supporting the M23, leading to destabilization and resource exploitation in the region. We discuss the recent attacks in North Kivu, the displacement of civilians, and the strategic importance of regaining control over valuable resources. Please don't forget to read Roxane's article here: https://raiagroup.org/hostilities-between-tshisekedi-and-kagame-persist-as