SOAS DevTraC Podcast Series

'How might the lessons of history inform our choices in the present? Does a rules-based world order risk concealing informed discussions, potentially blurring the line between assumptions and reality? 

In a world shadowed by its history, Gilbert Achcar, professor at SOAS Development Studies as he discusses his latest book with Karabekir Akkoyunlu, lecturer at SOAS, he urges us to transcend the rhetoric and slogans of blame when examining contemporary issues - from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine to the tense Taiwan standoff with China, and the evolving power dynamics between the US, Russia and China in between. 

Instead Achcar’s analysis of the present political tensions challenged us to transcend the ‘black and white debate’, and unravel the nuances of policy decisions taken at critical junctions, dynamics present in the global structure, and the psychological dimensions shaping this social fabric. By offering us a manual crafted by past lessons, Achcar’s “New Cold War” is a call to take inspiration from how existing institutions like the UN were forged and wield this knowledge to navigate the complex political landscape for a more sustainable path. 

Achcar’s hopefulness resonates throughout, taking a firm belief that another world was and still is possible.'

9 January 2024

Listen #5. The New Cold War: The United States, Russia and China, from Kosovo to Ukraine 

Guy Standing, Professorial Research Associate in Development Studies at SOAS discusses his latest book, “The Blue Commons: Rescuing the Economy of the Sea” with Chris Cramer, Professor at SOAS, highlighting the role of corporates in prioritising profits over planet, and de-commoning our seas.

30 June 2023

Listen #4. The Question of "The Blue Commons": Christopher Cramer in conversation with Guy Standing

The latest conversation in the DevTraC Podcast Series is part two of the Afghan podcast where Bismellah Alizada, Reza Hussaini, Rabia Khan, and Zarifa Hosseini discuss the struggles encountered by Afghan migrants seeking a new home, both as individuals and as a group on the move. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, the group investigates the impact of language on inter-group relations and how it adds to the 'us' versus 'them' mentality in political discourse. This harsh reality has the potential to hinder migrants' prospects for a "better life" and upward mobility. The ultimate goal of this discussion is to advance a more inclusive and cooperative social order, grounded in ideas rooted in equal civility and shared citizenship, both in the UK and internationally.

19 May 2023

Listen #3. From Home to Unknown: The harsh reality of the Afghan migration crisis

"Afghanistan in Archives" is the first of a two-part episode, a group of SOAS scholars, Florence Shahabi, Zeynep Tuba Sungur, Barry Sadid, and Bismellah Alizada, examine the role of archives in shaping nationalism, identity and the state, both in the past and present. They explore the prospects of using archives to preserve the Afghan identity and humanise local discourses surrounding the state. This podcast is an invaluable addition to the ongoing debate on the preservation of memories and cultural heritage for stateless and scattered diasporas, a critical issue for an increasing number of nation-states plagued by political instability, with memories often inaccessible to researchers. 

5 Avril 2023

Listen #2. Afghanistan in Archives: Nationalism, identity and the State

This episode features a conversation between Professor Carlos Oya from SOAS, and Khalid Abu-Ismail, Senior Economist at United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and lead report author of “World Development Challenges Report: Development from a broader lens”. The report launch was hosted by SOAS DevTraC on October 2022 at SOAS. This discussion captures insights shared by the lead author and stimulates debate about the report and its use.

28 February 2023

Listen #1. UN-ESCWA’s World Development Challenges Report Launch Podcast