In this episode with Professor Jane Zimmerman, we examine the dismantling of America’s foreign assistance system and what it means for American diplomacy and global development. Discussing the many roles foreign aid has historically played, ranging from advancing humanitarian goals to strengthening U.S. national security, we explore what the United States has lost by scaling back its aid programs and development institutions. We also consider how this shift has reshaped global competition with China, whose development financing and infrastructure projects are increasingly shaping relationships across the Global South. Looking ahead, we discuss what the future of foreign assistance might look like and how the United States could rebuild or rethink its approach to development. — Special Guest: Jane Zimmerman Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Elizabeth Reid and Ricardo Bruinton

In this episode with Dr. Lauren Bridges and Zhou Zhuoran, we examine how artificial intelligence is shaping society in both the United States and China. Looking across many different contexts, we consider how debates over AI safety, ethics, and regulation are unfolding in both countries, and what these perspectives reveal about the future of technology and society. Along the way, our guests reflect on how AI is transforming their own work and offer advice for listeners seeking to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape. — Special Guests: Dr. Lauren Bridges and Zhou Zhuoran Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Xuxin Fan and Julien Steines

In this episode with Ambassador David Young, we examine the recent gutting of the U.S. State Department. Discussing the Trump administration’s efforts to cut staffing, funding, and foreign assistance programs as part of a broader restructuring of the federal government, we explore how these changes have affected both American diplomacy and the individuals who carry it out. Alongside this policy discussion, Ambassador Young reflects on his own career in diplomacy, offering insights into the practice of international relations and the paths that lead people into public service. — Special Guest: Ambassador David Young Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Anika Shah, Abby Burritt, and Ellie Grace Robinson

In this episode with Professor Kyrill Kunakhovich, we examine the history and evolution of fascism. Discussing its origins under Mussolini, we explore why fascism has proven so difficult to define and how rigid definitions may sometimes obscure emerging threats. Looking beyond the symbols and imagery of the past, we attempt to identify the common patterns that link fascist movements across time, and examine the emotions, tendencies, and thought processes that have drawn people to them. — Special Guest: Kyrill Kunakhovich Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Co-Hosts: Jason Kim and Carolina Zanna-Stone Correspondents: Sloane Solley, Maria Pekarsky, Sofia Gonzalez, and Sofia Fuller

In this first-ever live episode of the Global Inquirer, recorded in front of a live audience at a meeting of UVA’s International Relations Organization, we sit down with Professor Dale Copeland to rethink China’s rise. We dive into the debate over whether Beijing truly seeks hegemony, examine historical patterns shaping Chinese strategy, and consider how perception, media, and fear influence Western interpretations of Chinese power. — Special Guest: Dale Copeland Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Jason Kim, Anika Shah, and Andrew Chand

In this episode with Professor Hanadi Al-Samman, we discuss Syria’s monumental regime change. Investigating the conditions of minority groups, we analyze the lead up to the Assad Regime’s collapse, the transition to the new government under Al-Sharaa, and both the promise and peril that may lie ahead. — Special Guest: Hanadi Al-Samman Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Jason Kim, Victoria Strama, Anthony Chandler, and Nathaniel Fox

In this episode with Professor Levi Vonk, we discuss the state of U.S. immigration under Donald Trump’s second administration. We analyze what is different about Trump’s repressive crackdown, but also explore what has remained the same under an immigration system that both parties have leveraged to exclude immigrants for decades. — Special Guest: Levi Vonk Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Abby Larkin, Anika Shah, Carolina Zanna-Stone, and Kamina Mentore

In this episode with Dr. Hikmat Nasr, we discuss the aftermath of Israel’s most recent conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. We analyze the human cost of the war, Hezbollah’s position in Lebanese society, and recent progress for the country’s internationally recognized government. We also consider the different options for integration and reconciliation in the future. — Special Guest: Dr. Hikmat Nasr Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Jason Kim and Tommy Williams

In this episode with Professor Camellia Webb-Gannon, we discuss the often-overlooked fight for self-determination in West Papua. We analyze the history of West Papua’s independence movement and the current state of the struggle, while also exploring possible paths forward. — Special Guest: Camellia Webb-Gannon Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Hannah Vinas and Calvin Pan

In this correspondent-led episode, we discuss the international labor trafficking scandal unfolding in, perhaps surprisingly, Canada. We analyze the systems that enable the exploitation of migrant workers, the experiences of the victims, and the various responses of global actors to the revelation of this story. — Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Correspondents: Danial Butt and Tesher Baer

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating political situation in El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele—who has led the country’s transformation from the murder capital of the world to perhaps the safest country in the Americas—is implementing anti-democratic policies with seemingly broad public support. How sustainable is this, and is there a fundamental trade-off between security and democracy? The Global Inquirer discusses this and more. Executive Producer: Andrew Chand Staff Correspondents: Khyzeima Gonzalez, Kayla Kline-Polio, Maryam Ahmed, & Allison Fuentes Guest: Dr. Lean Sweeney