Cuba continues to be a regional threat to democracy. This threat is targeted externally in its support for dictatorial governments like Venezuela and internally in its treatment of dissidents. One of the reasons Cuba has been successful is the story it tells about itself. Both domestically and internationally, the Cuban government messages that it respects political and social rights and that its people are cared for with housing, education, and healthcare. This, however, is false. As demonstrated in a recent study by the Cuban Human Rights Observatory, the Cuban government is failing exactly where it claims success. For this episode, we spoke with three guests. First, Yaxys Cires is the current political advisor to the Cuban Human Rights Observatory. A lawyer by training, Yaxys was forced to leave Cuba due to his political activism advocating for greater democratic freedoms. @observacuba Second, Luz Escobar is a Cuban journalist currently living and reporting from Havana. She primarily writes for the independent news organization 14ymedio. Recently, she has repeatedly been prevented from leaving her home by the Cuban state security. @Luz_Cuba Finally, we spoke with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean John Barsa. @JBarsaUSAID @USAIDLAC

Global

Cuba: The Reality Of Social Rights

Venezuela continues to grapple with a humanitarian crisis caused by the dictatorial corruption of Nicolas Maduro. But despite the danger to themselves and their families, every day people continue to mobilize and demand respect for human rights and a return to democracy. Over the last three years of this podcast, we've discussed the political situation in Venezuela a number of times – often focusing on the crisis at the national level situation. Today, we wanted to bring things down to the personal level. Our producers Sam Johannes and Travis Green spoke with two activists on how their journey led them to be involved in politics and what keeps them motivated through such trying times. Rafaela Requesens is a Venezuelan student activist who gained recognition as the Student Council President of the Central University of Venezuela (Universidad Central de Venezuela, UCV) in 2017-2018. She has been instrumental in raising awareness on the current state of education in Venezuela and has led the student movement in several peaceful protests. Ms. Requesens has also been a public advocate for political prisoners, given that her brother, National Assembly Deputy Juan Requesens, was arbitrarily imprisoned by the Maduro regime in 2018. To date, he remains imprisoned with no trial date set. Armando Armas is a Member of the political party Voluntad Popular, who was elected to the National Assembly in 2015. He was one of the Deputies injured in July 2017 when the National Assembly was attacked by pro-Maduro supporters.

Bright Spots Of Democracy - Venezuela Activists

The greatest challenge to the seemingly overwhelming power of authoritarian governments is the ordinary citizen's willingness to put themselves at risk for the sake of democracy. This year, Hong Kong's citizens have been demonstrating that willingness through protests that have been ongoing since June. As protesters seek to maintain momentum in the face of violent crackdowns, their demands are clear - Hongkongers want democracy. In this episode, we look at the stories of four student activists from Hong Kong, their journey into activism, and what keeps them motivated to pursue democracy. Our host spoke with: Edy Jeh, a member of the University of Hong Kong Students' Union Danian Wan, current council chair of the University of Hong Kong Students' Union Kelly Hung, an activist at the University of Hong Kong and an employee in the Legislative Councilor's Office Joey Siu, current acting vice president of the City University of Hong Kong Students' Union

Bright Spots Of Democracy - Hong Kong Student Activists

The dominant narrative today says Europe’s democracy is in retreat. To be sure, the challenges are real – from emboldened authoritarians to hyper-polarized discourse. Generations that lived through Communism have seen democracy’s promises of liberty and prosperity deliver mixed results. But that isn’t the only story about democracy in Europe. Every day, young people are driving change in their own communities by doing the day-to-day work of democracy. In this episode, we'll hear from six young civic and political leaders from the European Democracy Youth Network on why democracy offers the solutions to the challenges facing their countries. Host Sam Johannes speaks with: Esma Gumberidze - UN Youth Delegate to the 74th General Assembly (Georgia) Konstantina Stoyanova - Member, Bulgaria for Citizens Movement (Bulgaria) Malik Sakic - Vice President, Youth Forum of Our Party (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Juela Hamati - President, European Democracy Youth Network (Albania) Aleksander Savic - National Coordinator for Communications & Fundraising, Da Se Zna! (Serbia) Luka Krzhaloski - Secretary General, European Democracy Youth Network (North Macedonia)

Bright Spots Of Democracy - European Democracy Youth Network

jour·nal·ism noun 1. the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media What is it like to provide accurate news coverage when the government is actively creating false narratives? Journalism is essential to a healthy democracy. But it's also often a key part of fighting authoritarianism. Dictatorships rely on maintaining citizens uninformed and divided from each other. In these situations, independent media struggles against censorship, limited resources, and threats to personal safety. Journalist do this to inform citizens with the hope they will hold their government accountable and push for democratic change. For this episode, our host Lucas Jensen ties together responses from five journalists about what are the challenges and the motivations for reporting from within a dictatorship.

Journalism Under Authoritarianism

media noun 1. the main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the Internet) regarded collectively. A healthy democracy relies on a free and independent media. Inclusive and informed public discourse ensures democratic institutions reflect the will of the people. But this role makes the free press a target for a number of forces corrosive to democracy. Our host Travis Green explores these themes with: Beata Balogova, Editor-in-Chief of SME, a Slovak daily and Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of the International Press Institute | @BalogovaBeata Dina Sadek, IRI's Media Advisor in the Center for Global Impact | @DinaMSadek

Media Freedom

cor·rup·tion noun 1: dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. On the surface, corruption seems straightforward - individuals using their positions of power for personal gain. But is that a reductive characterization of a much more complex phenomenon? The way corruption manifests, and its possible remedies, are informed by a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts. To effectively address corruption, domestic and international actors alike need to implement system-wide solutions that account for these contexts. These issues affect places the world over and the practices that allow it to continue link countries seen both as corrupt and as clean in inextricable ways. On this episode, our host Sinclair Stafford explores these issues with: Dr. Bret Barrowman, Senior Researcher, Center for Global Impact | @bbarrowm Dr. Brian Klaas, Assistant Professor of Global Politics at University College London, columnist for the Washington Post, and host of the podcast "Power Corrupts" (https://apple.co/2Y8vYND) | @brianklaas

Corruption

In February, ten days after strongman president Abelaziz Bouteflika announced his candidacy for a fifth term, Algerians took to the streets in massive peaceful protests in what has become know as the "Revolution of Smiles." While protesters successfully forced Bouteflika's resignation, over two decades of historical violence, repression and corruption leave the country's future uncertain. Will the successful of the protests translate into much needed progress in key areas like youth unemployment? And what does Algeria's political and economic stability mean for both its African and European neighbors? Find out on this episode, of our podcast Global! Our host Francesca Gortzounian (@FrancescaGortz) speaks to: Mr. Samy Boukailia - President & Founding Member | Cercle d'Action et de Reflexion autour de l'Enterprise (CARE) @EagleSamy Dr. Dalia Ghanem - Resident Scholar | Carnegie Middle East Center, Co-Director | Program on Civil-Military Relations in Arab States @DaliaZinaGhanem

Algeria

in·flu·ence noun 1: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. China exerts its influence to seek beneficial political and economic outcomes throughout the world. To do so, a decentralized apparatus of Chinese Communist Party officials and state-owned private enterprises employ a range of tools from opaque infrastructure investment to cultivating favorable thought leadership. Frequently, these activities have a corroding effect on the receiving countries' democratic institutions by exploiting high-level corruption and manipulating the information space. On this podlette, our host Travis Green explores these themes with: Dr. David Shullman, IRI's Senior Advisor, oversees IRI’s work addressing the influence of China and other autocracies on democratic institutions and governance in countries around the world. He recently edited IRI's report, entitled "Chinese Malign Influence and the Corrosion of Democracy" | @DaveShullman

Podlette - Chinese Malign Influence

From April 11 to May 19, the largest democratic exercise in history was held in India. Off the popularity of incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)achieved dominant results. But Modi and the BJP face a host of complex challenges arising from the country's staggering size, diversity, and changing role in the world. How can international partners like the United States bolster India as it continues to develop? And what does India's ascent mean for the future of democracy? Find out on this episode, of our podcast Global! Our host Travis Green speaks to: Dr. Milan Vaishnav - Director and Senior Fellow, South Asia Program | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace @MilanV Dr. Daniel Twining - President | International Republican Institute @DCTwining Vivek Shivaram - Program Officer | International Republican Institute @vivek_shivaram

India

mi·gra·tion noun 1: movement of people to a new area or country in order to find work or better living conditions. Migration is complex phenomenon driven by a wide range of economic, social, and political circumstances. It has far reaching implications for the long-term growth and political dynamics of both the countries from which migrants leave and the countries in which they arrive. Today, the world is seeing those implications play out around migration streams through Northern Africa and the Americas. On this podlette, our host Travis Green explores these themes with: Christopher Livesay, an award-winning foreign correspondent and producer based in Rome. His work on migration has been featured on the PBS NewsHour. | @cLivesay Jorge Ceballos, Program Manager in IRI's Guatemala office. | @kokiceballos

Podlette - Migration

Several decades removed from the conflict, Guatemala continues to deal with the lasting impact of its thirty-year civil war. Against a backdrop of systemic corruption and violent organized crime driven by the global drug trade, Guatemalans head to the polls on June 16 to elect the President, Congress and municipal offices. But can the country find solutions in an electoral environment where a Presidential candidate was arrested over allegations of connections to the Sinaloa Cartel? Will reformers be able to succeed in this election? What can be done to address long-standing concerns over corruption and citizen security? And why should the United States care about what happens in Guatemala? To answer these questions, our host Lucas Jensen spoke to: Patricio Gajardo - Resident Program Director in Guatemala, International Republican Institute | @pfgajardo Amb. Stephen McFarland - United States Ambassador to Guatemala from 2008 - 2011 | @AmbMcFarland Adriana Beltran - Director for Citizen Security, Washington Office on Latin America | @Adriana_WOLA

Guatemala

pro·test noun: a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something. Is there a formula for mass protests that induce change? Or, is it the luck of the draw? Find out what went right in Sudan and Algeria. And, what could still go wrong. Our host, Sinclair Stafford, chats with IRI's Acting Africa Director, Elizabeth Lewis and Middle East expert (and Global host!), Chessy Gortzounian about the protests in Algeria and Sudan. In their discussion, they cover what has made these protests successful, what the people of Algeria and Sudan have learned from the failed Arab Spring protests and what the next steps are for the two African countries.

Podlette - Protests

For over sixty years, the European Parliament has been dominated by centrist coalitions of national-level parties, from both the left and the right. But in response to growing anxiety about corruption, changing demographics, and slow economic growth, Europe has seen a rise in anti-systemic parties. These parties are poised to disrupt the traditional balance of power in the upcoming May Parliamentary elections, raising questions about how the EU's policies will change on issues like collective security, immigration policy, and trade. Will the world see "Brexit" repeated in other countries? How will the EU's relationship with Russia change? And why should the United States care about the results? To answer these questions, our host spoke to: Ryan Heath - Political Editor, POLITICO Europe | @PoliticoRyan Jan Zahradil - Member of European Parliament, Civic Democratic Party (CZ), Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists candidate for President of European Commission | @ZahradilJan Jan Surotchak - Senior Director for Transatlantic Strategy, International Republican Institute | @jansurotchak

European Parliament Elections

fa·tigue noun 1: a lessening in one's response to or enthusiasm for something, typically as a result of overexposure to it. In a democracy, it's often taken for granted that political parties balance citizens' competing values and priorities. But parties can become counterproductive to a healthy democracy when they lose touch with citizens or undercut the political independence of governing institutions. Widespread dissatisfaction with parties has shifted elections across the world and many parties are failing to adapt to these changes. What's driving these shifts on both the left and right? What can mainline parties do to adapt to the new political landscape? And are political parties even necessary for modern democracy? Our host Francesca Gortzounian speaks with IRI's Europe Program Director based in Slovakia, Thibault Muzergues, who draws on his extensive experience with political parties across Europe to answer these questions.

Podlette - Political Party Fatigue

Global, a podcast brought to you by IRI, is not your usual foreign policy podcast. Each 45-minute episode dives into one country’s history, current events and prospects for a democratic future. Our dynamic hosts interview top country experts, including heads of state, elected officials, foreign policy analysts, journalists, and on-the-ground activists. Whether you’re a foreign policy expert learning about a new country in your portfolio or a world traveler looking for your next destination, Global provides unique context from all corners of the world. If you’d like to request a country or contact our hosts, email us at podcast@iri.org or tweet us @IRIGlobal.

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