MENA Stories: Episode 5 More than five months into the Gaza war, many pieces have started to come together: the power of the Israeli lobby, the complexity of negotiations and the varieties of actors involved, as well as the prospects for ceasefire. However, the positions of Arab states remain unclear. Some have relied on the war of words to condemn Israel; others opted for wooden language. While those groups are different, the common denominator is that no substantial action has been taken so far. What are the actual positions of Arab states? And what explains them? This is MENA Stories, the E ..read more

MENA Stories: Episode 4 In March, nearly 64 million Turks in 81 provinces are expected to head to polling stations to vote for municipal elections. Turkish politics and elections are always a hot topic, and local polls are no exemption. After securing the majority in the national round in 2023, Erdoğan is aiming to take an easy win, but what can we expect? Will Erdoğan be able to regain control over major cities like Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir? Will the opposition manage to save face after last year’s defeat? What has changed since the 2019 local elections?  This is MENA Stories, the EST ..read more

In this episode, hosts Oliwia Borek and Nikita Pia Jensen delve into the factors shaping Ireland's distinct pro-Palestine stance, setting it apart from other EU nations amid the ongoing crisis.  The episode traces Ireland's historical roots, highlighting pivotal moments such as the 1641 Uprising and the Irish War of Independence, which contributed to the nation's support for Palestine.  Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato Credit to music: ComaStudio ..read more

MENA Stories: Episode 3 Falling in-between history, politics, and controversy, Henry Kissinger – the famous American diplomat who has shaped American foreign policy and world diplomacy in the second half of the 20th century - passed away in November 2023 at the age of 100.  Many provided a detailed account of his controversial role around the world, but only a few have focused on his legacy in the Middle East. How has Kissinger, the US diplomat who had fled Nazi persecution, contributed to what the Middle East looks like today? How is Kissinger’s diplomacy important to understand the ongo ..read more

Join host Claris Diaz, Deputy Head of the Security and Defense Working Group at the European Student Think Tank, for a compelling discussion with Professor Chris Adamczyk, a 20-year veteran in law enforcement and intelligence. In this episode, they dissect the complexities of Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW). Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato Credit to music: ComaStudio ..read more

MENA Stories: Episode 2 Amidst the looming spectre of climate crises - floods, storms, heatwaves, and wildfires - the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP28) emerges as a crucial battleground for climate action. As the world prepares for Dubai's negotiations that will start in less than a week, what can we expect from COP28? What are the main issues on the agenda? And the main actors? Will it pave the way for genuine change or offer empty promises? This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region. This episode was ..read more

MENA Stories: Episode 1 More than a year has passed since nationwide protests broke out in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini under mysterious circumstances. The slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom' has long echoed through Iran's streets, but what does the protest movement look like one year later? How is the government reacting? Has the movement been successful? And if so, to what extent? This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region. This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. Script-edited by L ..read more

This week, Hannah, host and researcher from our podcast team, has the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hutchings, co-founder of Refugee Support.  Founded in 2016, this organization's mission is to compensate for the failures of States when it comes to humanitarian help and to 'create a system that put dignity, equality and fairness' in the life of Refugees. In this episode, Paul tells us about their work since their creation, the double standard with which Europe treats refugees according to their country of origin, and the role of media representation in the public's perception of refugees ..read more

Since its candidacy in 1989, Turkey has been at the heart of the E.U Enlargement debate. Ioannis Grigoriadis, associate professor at Bilkent University will help us today to understand what are the challenges for the accession to the European Union for Turkey, and what impacts the debate has on the two entities relation. This episode was hosted by Semina Melissi. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Semina Melissi and Pauline Oléon. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music ..read more

Urban environments play a pivotal role in addressing today's pressing environmental challenges, serving as both the epicentre of these issues and the potential crucible for innovative solutions. This episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of giving citizens a voice in shaping their cities, as we discuss the power of localized knowledge, contrasting opinions, and the delicate balance between environmental goals and public preferences. Discover why participatory democracy is key to creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. This episode was hosted by Marta Schwarz and R ..read more