Episodes

  • Episode Seven: Educide, Lawfare, and Belarus

    Episode Seven: Educide, Lawfare, and Belarus
    Aug 11 2024
    In the seventh episode of EDUCIDE, hosted by Mike Cunningham, the focus is on the concept of 'lawfare'— the strategic utilization of legal systems to achieve military or political objectives, explored through the lens of events surrounding the forced landing of a Ryanair Flight orchestrated by Belarus to arrest a dissident journalist on board. Cunningham elaborates on the intricate use of global legal mechanisms and international regulations in place, with a focus on the subsequent indictment of key Belarusian officials and the swift international response that ensued. The host also delves into the legal complexities of the U.S. charges made in the context of international jurisdiction and the potential bias of an immediate response without a thorough investigation. Cunningham rounds off the conversation by highlighting the importance of critical thinking skills when interpreting such complex global affairs.
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    23 mins
  • Episode Six: Armenia, Artsakh, and the Truth

    Episode Six: Armenia, Artsakh, and the Truth
    Aug 10 2024
    In this episode of EDUCIDE, Mike Cunningham explores the concept of 'educide'—the rewriting or genocide of history or education itself—with a deep dive into post-World War I Turkey. The episode revolves around the Treaty of Sèvres and its replacement by the Treaty of Lausanne, focusing how the turbulent historical, legal, and political conditions drove this transformative event. A significant person dissected in this journey is Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—his vehement opposition to the Treaty of Sèvres, establishment of a counter movement, and eventual victory in remapping the narrative and identity of a nation. Mike also studies how the signing and ratification of international treaties influence the fate of such agreements, covering the roles of domestic and international influences, with particular focus on Soviet Russia's support to Atatürk's nationalist movement. The episode highlights the remarkable capacity of leaders, external alliances, and strategic narrative control in crafting a nation's future.
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    19 mins
  • Episode Five: Lawfare, Armenian Educide In The Crosshairs

    Episode Five: Lawfare, Armenian Educide In The Crosshairs
    Aug 9 2024
    In this episode of EDUCIDE, Mike Cunningham delves into the concept of lawfare and its application in historical and modern-day contexts, specifically centered on the ongoing legal battles between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice. The discussion focuses on racial discrimination, ethnic cleansing, and the destruction of cultural heritages, and it explores case studies like the blockade of the Lachin corridor and the invasion of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. Mike further takes listeners back in time to dissect the Treaty of Sèvres and the Treaty of Lausanne, highlighting their roles in shaping today's geopolitical landscape. The episode underscores the strategic use of legal mechanisms to manipulate narratives, influence international opinion, and alter the course of conflicts – ultimately demonstrating how lawfare can reshape history.
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    21 mins
  • Episode Four Educide: Lawfare-The Changing Of The Narrative

    Episode Four Educide: Lawfare-The Changing Of The Narrative
    Aug 9 2024
    In the EDUCIDE podcast episode, Mike Cunningham explores the concept of 'lawfare,' a strategic use of legal systems to achieve military and political objectives. Through deep dives into various historical instances, he unveils how lawfare has been vital in shaping narratives, influencing public views, and serving as a combat tool in the arena of politics. The insightful discussion revolves around the Watergate scandal, Donald Trump's impeachment trials, and legal challenges faced by Belarusian officials. Mike also elaborates on the usage of lawfare, highlighting powerful examples of its deployment from the past and contextualizing its implications in today's politico-legal landscape. By looking at its role in complex political maneuverings, legal battles, and public discourse, Mike offers his perspective on understanding the interplay between lawfare and educide — the process of changing a story's narrative using legal means. This intriguing episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the not-so-apparent interconnectivity between politics, law, and public perception.
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    26 mins
  • Episode Three, The Role of Educide In Our Everyday Life-The Endless War

    Episode Three, The Role of Educide In Our Everyday Life-The Endless War
    Aug 9 2024
    In this episode of EDUCIDE, host Mike Cunningham delves into the concept of 'educide,' a term coined to describe the systematic destruction or manipulation of education. Tracing its roots to the Iraq War, Cunningham explains how 'educide' has evolved from the physical eradication of intellectuals to the subtle yet pervasive control over educational content by powerful entities like the media, politicians, and historians. By influencing what is taught, these entities can perpetuate cycles of ignorance and conflict, magnifying societal issues like homelessness and promoting an endless cycle of war. Cunningham highlights the need for recognizing and challenging these manipulated narratives to safeguard the integrity of education and effectively address both local and global challenges. He ties in a discussion on the potential positive impacts of reallocating funds from military spending to domestic needs such as education, housing, and healthcare. The episode emphasizes the significance of advocacy, public awareness, and balanced government policies in fostering a more informed and harmonious society.
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    18 mins
  • Episode Two: Educide: American Sanctions Constitutional Or Not? Belarus Example

    Episode Two: Educide: American Sanctions Constitutional Or Not? Belarus Example
    Aug 8 2024
    In this episode of EDUCIDE, Mike Cunningham discusses the implications of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) enacted in 1977, which grants significant powers to the president to regulate economic transactions during national emergencies. The podcast explores how the use of IEEPA could bypass constitutional checks and balances, raising concerns about potential violations of the 4th, 5th, 8th, and 14th Amendments. These amendments protect rights like against unreasonable searches and seizures, right to due process, protection against excessive penalties, and equal protection under the law. The episode also discusses the importance of maintaining the balance between national security and constitutional rights, concluding with potential reforms to better align IEEPA with constitutional principles.
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    30 mins
  • Episode One: Educide: The Belarusian Genocide Hero Raphael Lemkin

    Episode One: Educide: The Belarusian Genocide Hero Raphael Lemkin
    Aug 8 2024
    In this episode of "EDUCIDE," Mike Cunningham explores the impactful legacy of Raphael Lemkin, notably his coinage of the term 'genocide' and advocacy for its recognition and prosecution under international law. Lemkin, a Polish-Jewish lawyer, was motivated by his personal experiences through the Armenian massacres and the Holocaust in World War II. His tireless efforts culminated in the formulation of the United Nations Genocide Convention in 1948, the first human rights treaty by the UN, which set a universal standard to prevent mass atrocities. Today, thanks to Lemkin's pioneering work, numerous international tribunals and bodies protect against crimes against humanity following the principles enshrined in the Genocide Convention.
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    14 mins