Season three - WORLD: we got this podcast

In our themed episodes we talk to experts about global challenges we face today, and ask them to suggest ways that individuals, decision-makers and society can help overcome these. In our In Conversation episodes, one of our academics talks with a student about a global issue related to their study and research.

Episode 13: Facing up to the energy crisis

The war in Ukraine has laid bare the important role of energy in the geopolitical order of our planet and how reliant we still are on fossil fuels to power our daily lives.

This new podcast episode explores the links between energy and international relations, including whether Russia will still be an energy superpower after its war in Ukraine, and how China can meet its future energy needs while balancing climate commitments. It also looks at why we are finding it so hard to transition away from fossil fuels, and what alternative options exist.

It features Dr Thomas Fröhlich, Kalina Damianova and Isabel Hilton, all of whom are part of the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy at King’s.

Episode 12: In conversation about the war on drugs in Guatemala

With the mass incarceration of women quintupling in Guatemala as a result of the 'war on drugs', Gloriana Rodriguez Alvarez, PhD candidate and human rights advocate, asks how the country's policies and institutions perpetuate social prejudices and impact marginalised communities.

In this episode, Gloriana speaks with David Mwambari, Lecturer in African Security and Leadership Studies at King’s African Leadership Centre, about her research, her time interviewing inmates in Guatemalan prisons and the importance of being an empathetic researcher.

Episode 11: The role of space in modern-day warfare

This episode, the second on the Changing Face of War, looks at how space has become an integral part of military and security operations today, how countries around the world and private individuals are expanding their activities into space, and how closely these are linked to what is happening on Earth.

It features Dr Sophy Antrobus, Dr Mark Hilborne and Julia Balm, who are all based in the School of Security Studies in our Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy.

Episode 10: How cyber operations, social media and artificial intelligence are changing warfare

The invasion of Ukraine has shown how new technologies are now used alongside more traditional means of waging war.

This episode explores the role of cyber operations, social media and artificial intelligence in modern-day conflicts with Dr Tim Stevens and Dr Kenneth Payne, of the School of Security Studies.

Episode 9: In conversation about how foreign policy interacts with health

How does foreign policy interact with health? And how is power intertwined with health policy?

In this episode, Maria Berta Ecija Salgado, PhD alumnus, discusses with Anthony Pereira, Professor of Brazilian Studies. her research on soft and hard power in Brazil foreign affairs. This included conducting field work in Mozambique to explore the role of Brazil in establishing a factory for antiretroviral drugs.

Episode 8: Why does global poverty exist and how we can share wealth more evenly?

This episode features Dr Eduardo Ortiz-Juarez, Dr Liz Fouksman and Otto Lehto, who are all part of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, sharing research on what lies behind global poverty including the effects of the pandemic and where it is increasing the most.

They also look at the suggestion that every adult should get a guaranteed minimum income, and share how fixed and deep-rooted ideas around work could be affecting grassroots support for such schemes and be contributing to poverty around the world.

Episode 7: In conversation about a future with no humans as we know them

Last year, Sara Dahlen won King’s Biotechnology & Society Essay Contest on the theme: "In the future there will be no humans as we know them. So what?”

In this episode, Sara Dahlen, a PhD candidate and Dr Silvia Camporesi, Reader in Bioethics and Health Humanities, discuss this imagined future, humanity’s relationship with nature and technology, and explore some of the bioethical questions facing us today. You can also read Sara's essay and find out more about the Biotechnology and Society research group on the King's website.

Episode 6: In conversation about communicating the risk of COVID

During the pandemic, how have governments’ approach to communication impacted our sense of risk? Have our governments helped us to feel safe and alert or just confused?

In this episode, George Warren, a King’s PhD candidate, takes a look at different governments’ communications strategies around the risk of COVID and some of the best and worst practices. Hear George explore his research with Ragnar Löfstedt, Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Geography.

Episode 5: How gender inequality impacts society

This episode explores how gender inequalities are having an impact on different societies across the globe and hears what could be done to create a more equal world.

Dr Ye Liu, Professor Cathy McIlwaine and Dr Aleida Borges, who all work in the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy at King's College London, share research on what lies behind gender inequalities, some of the effects this has on societies ranging from Latin America to China, and their ideas for bringing about change.

Episode 4: In conversation about corporate accountability

What is the role of companies in complex crises, such as pandemics, inequality and climate change? How responsible are they for their impact on society and the environment? And what about the CEO – what is their role in the corporate response to crises?

In this episode, Marc Lepere explores these questions, including whether the COVID-19 pandemic has led to companies becoming more responsible. Hear him explore his research with Dr Robyn Klingler-Vidra, Senior Lecturer in International Political Economy in the Department of International Development.

Episode 3: is our society as divided as it seems?

Generational, cultural, political and geographical divisions are all covered in this episode which looks at how divided and polarised our society is today.

The episode features Professor Bobby Duffy, of the Policy Institute, Paula Surridge, of the UK in a Changing Europe, and Dr Jack Brown, of the School of Politics & Economics, discussing recent trends of social division and ways we might be able to become more cohesive and unified in the future.

Episode 2: In conversation about gender bias and climate

Are women climate scientists judged for speaking out about climate change? After all, women have often, and still are, dismissed as dramatic or emotional in the public sphere.

In this episode master's graduate, Lauren Armstrong explores her research on the topic with Dr George Adamson, Senior Lecturer in Geography.

Episode 1: global inaction over climate change

Climate change is having an impact on every country and on every continent, but our current level of action is falling short of what is needed to avoid the worst effects of global warming.

In this episode we talk to Dr Kris de Meyer, Dr James Porter and Dr Anshu Ogra, who work in the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy about why we aren’t all doing more to tackle climate change.

They share their views on how the way we talk about, present and prioritise and engage communities in the issue all contribute to inaction on global warming. And they set out ideas for how we can encourage more people to take action and hold decision makers to account.