IR Unfiltered

From liberalism and conservatism to socialism and anarchism, political ideologies influence everything from elections to international conflicts. This episode explores the core ideas behind the world's most influential political philosophies and why understanding them matters in today's world.

What happened in Iran in 1979, and why does it still matter today? This episode breaks down the causes of the Iranian Revolution, the rise of the Islamic Republic, and the long-term consequences for regional politics, global diplomacy, and Iran's place in the world.

Using international relations concepts, this episode explains how cyber warfare works, when it becomes a security threat, and how international law tries to keep it in check. It also explores how power, sovereignty, and state responsibility are redefined when conflict moves into the digital realm.

Is war always illegal, or are there exceptions? This episode looks at the UN Charter, self-defence, and Security Council authorisation, alongside war theory. We unpack how law and morality overlap, and where they sharply disagree.

From crime headlines to courtroom debates, diplomatic immunity often sparks outrage. This episode looks beyond the headlines to explain why the system was created, how it functions today, and whether it still makes sense in a world focused on accountability and human rights.

Success in peacekeeping is more complicated than just sending troops. In this episode, we unpack the political, humanitarian, and community-level factors that decide whether a mission creates real stability or struggles to gain ground.

In this episode, we break down what public diplomacy really means and why it matters in today’s world. From cultural exchanges and student programs to media outreach and social media campaigns, governments use public diplomacy to shape how people view them both at home and abroad. We’ll look at simple examples, explore how it connects to soft power, and discuss why it’s becoming even more importan...

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Hariharan, a global markets strategist and China expert, to explore how China’s economy and geopolitics ripple across the world. From tech innovation to trade wars, we unpack why China matters more than ever.

From highways in Malaysia to industrial parks in Africa, China’s BRI is expanding fast. Is this the future of global trade, or a tool of geopolitical control? This episode unpacks the opportunities it creates, along with the risks countries face when the price of development comes with strings attached.

Military alliances connect countries across continents, from Europe’s NATO to Asia-Pacific partnerships like AUKUS and ANZUS. We examine how they safeguard, shape, and complicate global security in an era of escalating conflict.

From the International Court of Justice to UN peacekeeping missions, this episode dives into how the UN holds countries accountable, even without force. We ask: can global rules survive in a world where power often wins over principle?

What are the SDGs, and how close are we to achieving them? In this episode of IR Unfiltered, we look at the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. From ending poverty to tackling climate change, these goals aim to build a better future. We also check in on how countries like India are doing and what progress has been made after COP29. With 2030 coming up fast, it’s time to ask where we really stan...

From emergency food drops to climate projects and refugee camps, the real work of the UN happens through its specialised agencies. In this episode, we explore how WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, and others make an impact in everyday lives. We also unpack the five major regional commissions: why they exist, what they do, and how they help tailor UN goals to specific parts of the world. It's a behind-...

Sri Lanka is a country shaped by conflict, resilience, and shifting global power. In this special episode, we unpack its journey—from the roots of the civil war to the trauma of the Easter Sunday attacks, and China’s growing influence through major projects like the Colombo Port City.

What is the UN really, and why does it matter? In this episode, we break down the structure, goals, and global impact of the United Nations. Discover how this powerful organisation brings countries together to solve the world’s biggest challenges, from peacekeeping to development. This is the first episode in our UN series to understand how the world works together.

How do countries officially agree on peace, climate action, or trade? In this episode, we explore the different kinds of international agreements — from binding treaties to symbolic MoUs — and explain how they shape global decisions.

In this episode, we break down economic pacts — those international trade deals that shape your job market, tech access, and even food prices. From ASEAN to BRICS, find out why these agreements matter and how they impact your everyday life, whether you realise it or not.

In this debut episode of IR Unfiltered , we break down a few of President Trump’s key executive orders since returning to office in January 2025. From pausing foreign aid and refugee programs to withdrawing from global agreements, we explore how these early moves reflect a renewed “America First” strategy on the international stage. Timestamp mentioned in Episode: 75 more days as of January 31, 20...

In the IR Unfiltered trailer, get a glimpse of what this podcast is all about—breaking down global politics simply and engagingly. Expect deep dives into historical rivalries, modern conflicts, and surprising global connections, presented unbiasedly. If international relations intrigues you, this is your go-to podcast!