Episodes

  • Two Years of War in Ukraine: Frontline Situation and how Russia and Ukraine have Changed

    Two Years of War in Ukraine: Frontline Situation and how Russia and Ukraine have Changed
    Mar 1 2024

    Two years into Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Pindrop examines the origins of the war, the current frontline, and the future of the conflict. To what extent is a stalemate breaking in Russia's favor and how does Washington's indecision play into it? What has two years of war done to the societies of both Russia and Ukraine? What should we expect for the future? Pindrop is joined by two excellent scholars of Ukraine and Russia, Dr. Julian Waller and Dr. Henry Hale to find out.

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    PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Serbia: A Choice Between Europe and Russia ft. Fmr. Amb. Michael Polt

    Serbia: A Choice Between Europe and Russia ft. Fmr. Amb. Michael Polt
    Jan 23 2024

    As Serbia tries to balance relations with Russia and the EU, its dispute over Kosovo flares and an incumbent government wins rigged elections. How did Serbia find itself in such a state and where will it go from here? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes the former U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michael Polt. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
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    59 mins
  • Christians in Palestine, Ukraine, & China

    Christians in Palestine, Ukraine, & China
    Dec 24 2023

    PINDROP is putting the "Christ" back in Christmas with coverage of three Christian news stories worldwide. First, Diego takes us to the Holy Land where Christians in Gaza are spending the season in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas War and Bethlehem, the city of Jesus' birth, has largely canceled public Christmas celebrations. Next, Nick explores a major schism in Ukraine's orthodox churches and what they mean for the ongoing war with Russia. Finally, A.J. delves into protestants in China and how they practice their faith under a hostile Communist Party.
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    55 mins
  • Thailand: The World's Richest King & Failing Farms ft. Prof. Erik Kuhonta

    Thailand: The World's Richest King & Failing Farms ft. Prof. Erik Kuhonta
    Dec 13 2023
    Most monarchs have lost power over the past century, but not Thailand's King Rama X. How is the continued power of the monarchy affecting the country's democracy and how is the new Thai government addressing a struggling agriculture sector? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes McGill University political science professor Erik Kuhonta. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
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    52 mins
  • Iran's Axis of Resistance: What the Militant Network Means for the Mid East ft. Faysal Itani

    Iran's Axis of Resistance: What the Militant Network Means for the Mid East ft. Faysal Itani
    Dec 8 2023
    Much has been said about Iran's Axis of Resistance. From Hamas in the Gaza Strip to Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen, these militant organizations have cast a long shadow over Middle East geopolitics and security. On this episode of PINDROP, we delve into this network of Iranian-backed militias to answer core questions about these groups. How and why did Iran create this network? To what extent do these groups have operational autonomy from the Islamic Republic? Most importantly, how will the various militant actors in this network be involved in the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza and the broader regional tension that entails? PINDROP Co-Producers Nick Castillo and Diego Austin will speak with Middle East political expert Faysal Itani of the Newlines Institute to find out. ------- PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Argentina's Election Explained

    Argentina's Election Explained
    Nov 22 2023

    Argentines just voted for an anarcho-capitalist libertarian presidential candidate, taking a hard right after decades of left-leaning economic policy. Yet the president-elect will face hurdles from an unfriendly legislature. For a rundown of the election at what it means for Argentina and the rest of the world, join PINDROP and Fmr. U.S. Amb. to Argentina Edward C. Prado.
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    19 mins
  • Türkiye: A Popular Proto-Autocrat ft. Profs. Mert Moral & Berk Esen

    Türkiye: A Popular Proto-Autocrat ft. Profs. Mert Moral & Berk Esen
    Nov 17 2023

    For 20 years Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has captained Türkiye's ship of state. But despite jailing opponents, restraining the media, and poor economic policy, President Erdoğan remains genuinely popular and just won re-election which should keep him in power through 2028. How has he held on without throwing the country into a complete autocracy? To discuss this and more, PINDROP World News welcomes two political science professors from the Turkish Sabancı University, Mert Moral and Berk Esen.

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    PINDROP World News is produced by Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Nicholas Castillo, and Diego Austin.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Fall Interseason Pt. 2 - Season 4 Updates & Season 3 Reflection

    Fall Interseason Pt. 2 - Season 4 Updates & Season 3 Reflection
    Nov 13 2023

    The PINDROP crew reminisces about their favorite moments from season 3 and tease upcoming projects in season 4.
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    29 mins