The Global Bears

In this episode, members discuss the recent shooting in Brussels, Belgium, and it's potentially problematic implications.

October 23rd, 2023. Within this episode, we review the current situation within Israel and the Gaza Strip from a historical and analytical point of view. ***SENSITIVITY WARNING***: While we understand that the current situation is entirely awful and hope for a swift and peaceful solution to the conflict, it is important to note that the International Relations Council of Berkeley is not openly tak...

October 13th, 2023. Delving into the ongoing discussion of Ukrainian aid amid the Russo-Ukrainian War, we examine the ongoing consideration of whether aid should persist and explore deeper questions surrounding the matter.

April 19th, 2023. In this episode, we investigate the spectrum of abortion access worldwide, ranging from stringent restrictions to unrestricted choice for women. We provide insights into the historical evolution of abortion access and discuss the current legislative landscape in various nations.

March 14th, 2023. Across history, diverse civilizations and nations have wielded influence over their surroundings, giving rise to distinct empires that have indelibly shaped the course of the world. In this episode, we explore the notion of political hegemony and its historical import, spotlighting several great empires that epitomize this phenomenon. Additionally, we investigate the ramification...

March 9th, 2023. In this episode, we delve into various topics surrounding the controversies in international sports. Our discussion with fellow UC Berkeley students covers the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Winter Olympics in China, the dual-nationality of players, and much more!

January 1st, 2023. Do you think the United Nations should Exist? In the half-hour special episode, Berkeley students share their thoughts on the UN's past actions and future outlooks. 

November 1st, 2022. In this episode, two team members provide insights into recent ground developments in the Russia-Ukraine War. We delve into the global reactions of other countries to the crisis and wrap up by discussing our predictions for the likely conclusion of the war.

October 16th, 2022. A concise examination of the present landscape of contemporary cybersecurity reveals its growing militarization. Specifically, we explore the integration of cyberwarfare into the military and political strategies of China, Russia, and the US. The utilization of cyber capabilities varies significantly, shaped by the overall geopolitical practices of each nation.

October 11, 2022. In this episode, three contributors from The Global Bears Podcast explore the rise of isolationist sentiments worldwide. Examining events such as Brexit and the withdrawal of American troops from the Middle East, nations grapple with finding a nuanced equilibrium between economic and political cooperation while safeguarding their individual interests. Concurrently, China extends...

May 1st, 2022. Maintaining neutrality in global affairs is a proactive stance aimed at safeguarding a nation's citizens, irrespective of the geopolitical, moral, or ethical implications. In this discussion, we explore the examples of Switzerland during World War II, Mongolia in the 2000s, and India amid the Putin-Ukraine Crisis.  Research and presentations by Lukas Leitzgen, Tiffany Liu and Ma...

March 11, 2022. The discussions today aimed to shed light on neighboring countries' perspectives regarding the Invasion of Ukraine. The goal was also to highlight the perceived hypocrisy of the West in strongly supporting Ukrainian victims against an oppressive force. Assertions that indifference is justified due to the persistent conflict in the Middle East, that victims of U.S. and NATO acti...

February 26th, 2022. Embark on a new episode with our esteemed guest, Professor Michaela Mattes, an associate professor at UC Berkeley specializing in conflict management. Additionally, we feature insights from students on campus, sharing their perspectives on the present situation. Podcast produced by Maurice Ruttimann Voices include Maurice Ruttimann, Tiffany Liu and Kaitlyn Lenkeit

December 15th, 2021. In this episode, we delve into the aftermath of COP26 through the lens of the four largest global polluters. Join us as we analyze the commitments and pledges made by the United States, European Union, China, and India.

November 18th, 2021. In the 26th edition of the Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, global leaders convened to address the pressing call for transformative action. Join us in this episode as we explore the background of COP26, underscore the urgency for immediate change, and contemplate the path that lies ahead.

March 12th, 2021. In this week’s podcast episode, we examine the recent U.S. airstrikes on Syria carried out by the Biden administration.

March 2nd, 2021 In this week's podcast, The Global Bears explore the intricate landscape of global vaccine distribution. Delving into the current spectrum of available vaccines, we unravel the dynamics of vaccine procurement by various countries and scrutinize the effectiveness of the rollout strategies in place.

December 2nd, 2020. In this week's podcast, The Global Bears delve into the complexities of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Guided by insights from geopolitical analyst and geolocation specialist Rich Elmoyan, we unravel the historical threads of this conflict, explore the key players involved, and decipher the high stakes at play. Through a deep dive into the pea...

November 11th, 2020. In this week's podcast, the team delves into the intricacies of the 2020 U.S. Election. The conversation spans Trump's reluctance to concede to Joe Biden, examinations of voter fraud claims, an insightful overview of the electoral college, and the pivotal role of swing states. Furthermore, the team thoroughly analyzes the outcomes of both Senate and House of Representa...

Meet four Golden Bears interested in international relations and excited to give you our take on anything and everything IR!