What In The World?

With 2017 coming to a close, former State Department public servant Jenna Ben-Yehuda and global trends expert Claire Casey, look back at America's global actions during the year, discuss what lies ahead in 2018 and what these actions mean for Americans at home.

In the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Former EPA Assistant Administrator, Mathy Stanislaus, explains the environmental, economic and human costs of climate change, unpacks the science of global warming and discusses what the deal is behind the Paris Agreement.

The clock on U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations was turned back making it once again, difficult for American citizens and businesses to travel to Cuba. Dr. Marguerite R. Jimenez takes us through Cuba-U.S. relationship beyond cigars, cars, and communism and in to the island nation's quest for independence. Join us as we discuss everything from historic events that have hardened the relationship, the tensions surrounding Guantanamo Bay, to the June 2017 memo and what it means for future American visitors.

Foreign assistance expert, inter-faith advocate, and peacekeeper, C. Eduardo Vargas, explains the mission of United States Agency for International and Development (USAID) and talks us through his thoughts on whether or not American foreign assistance actually works. Eduardo also shares why his theme song, in many ways, embodies the diversity in his family.

America's 6th US Youth Observer to the United Nations explains what exactly happened at the United Nations General Assembly, her role as the youth representative, and the importance of Americans staying engaged with the U.N.

Pharohl Charles demystifies nuclear science, "the roots" (hint, hint) of America's relationship with the Republic of Iran, and breaks down what exactly is in the Iran Nuclear Deal. Pharohl grew up studying planes, speaks fluent Russian, and is and has a stockpile of amazing photos of New York City.

What are the Russian sanctions about? How do sanctions impact Americans? Prodigy fan, Portlander, and Eurasia expert Alex Johnson unpacks the crisis in Crimea by understanding sanctions, taking a look back at the Cold War and sharing his insights on what exactly President Putin wants.

Foreign Policy Interrupted Fellow and trade industry expert, Jana Nelson, explains the basics of trade policy, trade agreements, and what NAFTA could mean for America's Tequila consumption.

Does the spread of democracy make America any safer? Army Veteran and New Yorker, Asha Castleberry, explains using her experiences in Iraq and what Americans gain from a more democratic world. Using her time in the Middle East and Latin America, you'll learn why the U.S. gets involved in some places and not others, why it's difficult to spread democracy, and how America is viewed by the rest of the world.

This is the launch episode for What In The World(WITW)? Listen as Bunmi speaks with Ambassador Reuben Brigety about the basics of U.S. foreign policy, what it in the world it means for everyday people, and how Americans can stay engaged.