VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE

Dear Listeners, 

Thank you for visiting Conversations on the Diplomacy and Power Politics. Because of you and the tremendous feedback we've received, I am happy to announce that we have moved to a brand new, redesigned website.

For all future podcasts, articles and information visit: http://www.diplomacyandpower.com

Let us know what you think of the new website! Thank you.

Somali Pirates and the International Naval Uproar

Modern-day pirates off the coast of Somalia have the attention of the world's most powerful navies. Around the Horn of Africa, a tinderbox combination of black-market arms deals, million dollar ransoms, navy gunships, UN Resolutions and fishermen turned professional pirates have led to an international naval build-up. Over 20 nations are actively patrolling the coasts to combat the pirate menace that threatens international merchant vessels. While a comprehensive solution to restore government law and order in Somalia seems far off, the pirates are also unwittingly serving an intelligence role for western nations. Download the 11 minute podcast and submit your comments on this fascinating problem.

Download Podcast - Somali Pirates 03.16.09

An Analysis of Microfinance in Bangladesh

Microfinance has been a heavily touted strategy to alleviate poverty in developing countries by the UN and World Bank. In this podcast, Dr. Lamia Karim of the University of Oregon shares her research on the real-life impact and spiraling debt consequences of microfinance for women in Bangladesh. Her research on the Grameen Bank and other NGOs reveals many of the unintended consequences of microfinance driven development strategies and offers the means by which policy makers can design better anti-poverty programs. Dr. Karim’s forthcoming book is entitled “Microfinance and Its Discontents: NGOs and Gender in Bangladesh,” and is being published through the University of California Press in Fall 2009.

Download Podcast - An Analysis of Microfinance in Bangladesh 03.01.09