The Round Room

In this episode of The Round Room , we examine how politics have overshadowed the 2026 Winter Olympics—from protests in Milan over the reported presence of U.S. ICE agents, to American athletes speaking out against immigration policies, and the disqualification of a Ukrainian athlete over a war memorial helmet. The episode explores the growing tension between athletic competition and political exp...

What makes a nation — and what happens when a nation doesn’t have a state of its own? In this episode of The Round Room , we explore communities like the Basques, Kashmiris, and Kurds who share a common identity, language, and history but lack full sovereignty. We break down nationalism, autonomy, and self-determination to understand how history, borders, and power shape global politics today, all...

In this episode of The Round Room, we examine stateless nations and what independence movements reveal about identity, sovereignty, and power in global politics. Through case studies on Catalonia, Scotland, and Quebec, we explore how history, culture, and political conflict shape demands for self-determination, from Catalonia’s independence push and Scotland’s post-Brexit debates to Quebec’s langu...

In this episode of The Round Room, we unpack the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. What began as a local conflict has escalated into a global one, with countries supplying troops and weapons to both sides. Caught in the middle are the people of Sudan, who are facing dwindling support as international actors scale back critical aid programs. We would love to thank our writing team who put toget...

In this episode of the Round Room we go over seas and explore several student protests occurring in Asia. Join us as we explore fights against corruption and political elitism, while also seeing the powerful role social media plays in protest and revolution in the 21st century. From Nepal to the Philippines there is something we can all learn from the efforts of these protesters. We would love to...

In this episode of the Round Room we explore historical efforts of student protests all across the globe. Join us as we go back in time to Mexico in the 1960s and the Movimiento Estudiantil, China in the 80s and the Tianemen Square protests, Iran in 2022 and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, and Kenya's current student movements starting on June 18th of last year. We would love to thank our w...

In this episode of the Round Room, we examine the evolving landscape of women's rights movements in the 21st century. We explore how transgender women are facing increasing violence and discrimination worldwide spotlighted by international incidents in China, Iran, and Afghanistan. We also explore global feminist responses, including South Korea’s radical 4B movement, mass women’s strikes acro...

In this episode of the Round Room, we explore the rising political unrest in Georgia, a former Soviet republic at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. We unpack the recent consolidation of power by the ruling Georgian Dream Party, the controversial election of far-right president Mikheil Kavelashvili, and the government's authoritarian turn including media crackdowns, protest bans, and a postpon...

In this episode of the Round Room, we delve into the ongoing persecution of the Uyghur community, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group from China’s Xinjiang region. We unpack the Chinese government’s systematic repression, from mass internment in so-called "re-education camps" to forced labor, cultural erasure, and relentless surveillance. As nations grapple with how to respond, we examin...

In this episode of The Round Room , we explore the escalating humanitarian crisis in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, where armed groups, drug trafficking, and a lack of government control have fueled decades of violence. We break down the region’s complex history, from guerrilla movements and paramilitary forces to the failed 2016 peace agreement that left a power vacuum now filled by warring faction...

In this episode of the Round Room, we flash back to December 3, 2024, when South Korea was thrown into political chaos after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unprecedented move to suppress opposition power. As troops surrounded parliament and fear spread nationwide, the echoes of past military regimes loomed large. What followed was a dramatic chain of events—mass protests, Yoon’...

In this episode of The Round Room , we’re broadcasting from Barcelona, Spain, bringing a global lens to U.S. politics. As Donald Trump begins his second term as America’s 47th president, we analyze his foreign policy: Is it truly isolationist, or does it follow the “Madman Theory”? We break down his impact on immigration, international trade, climate agreements, and global diplomacy—covering NATO,...

In this episode, Monica and Rocio unpack Venezuela's tumultuous political history, tracing the rise of Hugo Chávez, the failed 2002 coup, and the ongoing struggles under Nicolás Maduro. They delve into U.S. intervention, economic collapse, and election controversies, shedding light on the role of misinformation, sanctions, and power struggles in shaping Venezuela’s current crisis. As the natio...

In this episode of The Round Room we dive into India's recent elections. India’s caste system, rooted in a 3,000-year-old social hierarchy, continues to shape every facet of life for millions, despite being officially outlawed. Dalits, or "Untouchables," face systemic oppression, disenfranchisement, and violence, compounded by government policies that suppress their votes and limit t...

In this episode join our hosts as they examine the end of apartheid in South Africa, focusing on the ANC's historic rise to power and its recent electoral decline in 2024. Once a symbol of liberation, the party now faces growing public discontent over issues like corruption, inequality, and unemployment, signaling a significant shift in the country's political landscape. We would love to thank our...

In this episode The Round Room dives into the complexities of Puerto Rico's November 5th gubernatorial election, where the question of political status — remaining a U.S. territory, pursuing statehood, or seeking independence — takes center stage. We explore the island's colonial past, enduring challenges with U.S. oversight, and recent controversies such as austerity measures imposed by La Junta,...

In this episode, join The Round Room as we break down the recent win of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party and its implications. With a history rooted in nationalist ideology, this victory is a key part of a broader trend of rising far-right populism across Europe. Follow us as we explore how this movement echoes similar shifts in Germany, France, and beyond, and what it means for global politics....

In this episode join The Round Room as we explore the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine, beginning with the founding of Israel in 1948 and key events like the Nakba, the Six-Day War, and the Intifadas. To the recent escalation on October 7, 2023, with Hamas' attacks and Israel's military response, as well as the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The discussion touches on the...

In this episode join the Round Room as we revisit the current situation going on between Haiti and the United States. Amidst political turmoil back home, Haitians have kept immigrating to the United States in search of a better life. This has led to push back and racism from certain sectors of the American media. Join us as we revisit the history between Haiti and the US and the current issues fac...

Join hosts Monica and Rocio for the first time in video!!! In today's episode our hosts will be reacting to and providing context for the statements made in comedian Ziwe's interview with former representative George Santos. Expect some laughs and shock as we fact check several statements throughout. We would love to thank our writers who put together the script for this episode: Iselin Br...

In this episode join the Round Room team on a deep dive into the historic tensions between China and Japan over islands in the pacific. This conflict has been present since even before the 20th century and still persists to this day. Expect to learn about the reasons behind the conflict and the political and influential tensions that have allowed the conflict to continue. This podcast is hosted by...

In this episode, the Round Room team discusses Argentina's new president Javier Milei. Winning the election this past December, Milei has come to be a controversial figure. From his eccentricity involving the cloning of his dogs to his far right political views Milei has been a large topic of discussion in Latin America. With his presidency, Milei seeks to alleviate the Argentinian economy thr...

In this episode, the Round Room team explores the United Nations. Ever since its origins after World War II the UN has played a key role in numerous conflicts around the world. Despite this, a lot of the history of the UN and their previous operations are not well known. In this episode expect to dive into the good and bad of the UN and learn of its origins. This podcast is hosted by Monica Rivera...

In this episode, the Round Room team revisits and provides further context on the conflict between Iran and the US. Ever since the Iranian revolution in 1973 tensions have been high between the two countries. Further tensions grew after the 444 day long hostage crisis. With the war on terror tensions only continued to escalate between the two countries. Even in the present day the US is still clas...

In this episode, the Round Room team explores the influence of Pope Francis on Catholicism. Besides being the first Latin American Pope, he is also considered to be one of the most liberal popes. From seeking to cut down the corruption in the Vatican and even making slight progress for LGBTQ+ people in the church calling to recognize and respect them. Despite this though, the Pope has still made s...