Best Bunmi Akinnusotu Podcasts (2025)

1
#39 - Passing the Baton 36:02

4y ago36:02

36:02

This first episode of season 5 is a lovefest with the founders and advisory board members of Diversity in National Security Action Network (DINSN). Together with Bunmi, Camille Stewart, Marcus T. Coleman Jr., and Clifford Pulley III recount the contributions of DINSN and share the call to action for others to continue the imperative of bringing gre…

1
Season 5 - Hello & Goodbye 2:56

4y ago2:56

2:56

After nearly four incredible years of discussing foreign policy issues, sharing laughs, and groovin' to some of the greatest music of our time, Bunmi Akinnusotu says her goodbyes to the extraordinary community of supporters and listeners. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatintheworld/message…

1
#38 - Leadership in Times of Crisis 50:19

4+ y ago50:19

50:19

We've all heard that we are living in "unprecedented times" and "a new normal”. The last time the world faced a pandemic was over a century ago. So, what does it take to actually lead during the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020? During this episode, we talk with three women who are leading in this time of crisis: Dr. Tener Veenema, an international…

1
#37 - The United States & The WHO? 44:31

4+ y ago44:31

44:31

The 72-year-old global organization known as the World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, President Trump has ceased contributions to the organization and has begun America's withdrawal--a move that has left many wondering about America's influence. On this episode, human rights expert and former …

1
#36 - I've Got the Power!: Great Power Competition in a COVID-19 World 40:54

4+ y ago40:54

40:54

America's existence has grown as a result of decades of flexing its political power. While contested by various nations and "non-state actors", America's "grand strategies" has still been virtually unmatched. In the midst of COVID-19 though, we're wondering if America still has the power. Has China "won" the global competition for respect, influenc…

1
#35 - All Eyes on U.S.: How America Should Walk its Talk 42:07

4+ y ago42:07

42:07

During this defining moment in history, the world is watching as the United States addresses protests and racial injustice, cheats its own democratic values, and fumbles the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. What can a progressive approach do to course-correct? Host Bunmi Akinnusotu and featured guests Anka Lee (@anka_Lee), Meg Guliford (@mkguli…

1
#34 - Is America Dead? Cash Rules & COVID 44:19

4+ y ago44:19

44:19

One of the greatest hip hop groups of all time, the Wutang Clan, once chanted: Cash rules everything around me. America, by way of the dollar, has been the ruling authority of global economic institutions and standards--to which we owe much of our modern-day comforts. Today though, Cornoravirus has wreaked economic havoc and has required new consid…

1
#33 - Is America Dead? Race & Foreign Policy 45:00

4+ y ago45:00

45:00

Continuing on the theme “Is America Dead?”, this episode explores the intersection of race and foreign policy. The foreign policy block is hot. The recent racial and political unrest has lit a fire of debate and reflection in foreign policy. Scholars, policymakers, and everyone in between have finally joined the party and are now grappling with Ame…

1
#32 - Is America Dead? Diplomacy & its Discontents 40:13

4+ y ago40:13

40:13

In this season 4 kick-off, Bunmi Akinnusotu is joined by Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, a 30-year diplomat to discuss the health of the Department of State and America's "situationship" with the rest of the world. Amid a global pandemic, the dismissal of norms and expectations of diplomacy, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley argues America …

1
Is America Dead? Season 4 Introduction 2:09

4+ y ago2:09

2:09

Season 4 of What in the World? with Bunmi Akinnusotu, returns with a five-part conversation exploring America's global leadership. Has America reached political atrophy? Is it's global muscle still there? Is America still influential? Relevant? Necessary? COVID-19 and the political unrest stemming from police brutality has certainly toppled the ima…

1
#31 - Ride Or Die: What Is NATO And Does It Help America? 53:19

5y ago53:19

53:19

2019 marks the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization better known as NATO. The US' participation in NATO has been scrutinized by President Trump as he has expressed some concerns about spending. Transatlantic experts, music lovers, and global trotters, Alex Johnson and Anthony Robinson explain NATO--what it is, h…

1
#30 - Space Force: Out of This World or The Future of Global Engagement? 55:35

5y ago55:35

55:35

Houston, do we have a problem? President Trump announced the establishment of Space Force in February. Skeptics have asked, what could we possibly need a space military for when we haven’t found aliens to fight and what's the difference between NASA and Space Force?. Guest experts, Victoria Samson and Krystal Wilson, discuss space security, space t…

1
#29 - Bienvenido, Sr. Presidente: Guaido, Maduro, And The Crisis In Venezuela 57:47

5y ago57:47

57:47

President Maduro, in late January, ordered diplomats in the American embassy in Caracas to leave the country. Since then, Venezuela's crisis has gained national attention here in America, sparking concern about what exactly is happening in the country. The international community has called for Maduro to step down and to allow opposition leader Jua…

1
#28 - We Gon' Be Alright: Understanding Nigeria's Long Journey To Democracy 51:17

5y ago51:17

51:17

February 15, 2019 was to mark the Presidential election day for some 84 million Nigerians. Nigerians from all over the world flew back to Nigeria to cast their vote in eager anticipation of a new chapter for the nation. But then about 5 hours before polls were about to open, the elections were postponed until February 23rd. Our guest, Chris Ogunmod…

1
#27 - Beyond Jollof Wars: Chinese Influence On African Media Freedoms 54:29

5y ago54:29

54:29

The United States has been immersed in the news of the trade war China and concerns about Chinese currency manipulation. But across the ocean in Africa, the Chinese have a different kind of relationship. Their presence has grown exponentially over several decades. Annually, trade between Africa and China has ballooned to $166B—China IS Africa’s lar…

1
#26 - What's Congress Got To Do With It? 53:55

5y ago53:55

53:55

The 116th Congress is in session and the Hill is buzzing with new faces, new agendas, and lots of global issues to tackle. Brian Greer, a Georgia boy, chess player, and Defense expert explains the ins and outs of the power of Congress when it comes to foreign policy and why your understanding of these issues matter. Credits: Theme Song: "Asi ki no …

1
#25 - #ChangeYourPassword: How Your Everyday Habits Can Help Prevent Cyber Attacks 54:59

5y ago54:59

54:59

From hacked emails to questionable election results, Cybersecurity is often looked at as something outside of our control. Our Cyberhero, Tech policy expert, and advocate of digital smarts, Camille Stewart, shares every day cyber tips to protect users and the country. We talk about the basics of cybersecurity (the players, the issues, and challenge…

1
#24 - Déjà Vu: What's Happening With Brazil's Elections? 52:50

5y ago52:50

52:50

Brazil's elections, laden with controversy, hate speech, violence, and deep community divide, is reminiscent of America's 2016 Presidential elections. Like President Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, has promised to bring economic stability and an end to the status quo of democratic ideals. At what cost, though? And why should Americans pay attention? Jana Ne…

1
#23 - Knowing Kofi And Learning To Lead A Complicated World 46:43

5y ago46:43

46:43

Imagine what it's like to work alongside someone whose job is to orchestrate the cooperation of 190+ vastly different countries. Mihn-Thu Pham of the United Nations Foundation shares her experiences being led by the late Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Born in Vietnam and moving to America with her family, Minh-Thu was called t…

1
#22 - Yemen's War And The Power Of The Pen 48:00

5y ago48:00

48:00

A bus full of school children is bombed by Saudia Arabian war weapons purchased from the United States; Women negotiate food supplies for a country where 60% of the population lives in poverty; And a community tries to claim its sovereignty amid dueling powers and violent extremists. Yemen's silent war, for many Americans, is an unknown. Sanam Nara…

1
#21 - Foreign Policy Comes To Philadelphia 30:30

5y ago30:30

30:30

Bunmi Akinnusotu attends Podcast Movement 2018 and speaks to David Direntis, a conference guest and fellow podcaster, about why foreign policy is relevant to the city of Brotherly Love. David shares how he came up close and personal with foreign policy when he and his wife traveled to China on a quest to achieve an important milestone. This episode…

1
#20 - From Enemies To "Friendemies": The Historic Agreement To Normalize Relations With North Korea 48:25

5y ago48:25

48:25

On June 12, 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in ushered in a new era of what will hopefully be, peace and stability along the Korean peninsula. For almost seven decades, the peninsula was a hotbed of nuclear threats between North and South Korea and was an area of contention between the superpowers of the United States and the former Soviet Un…

1
#19 - Journey To Justice: Bringing Human Rights To The Rohingya of Myanmar 57:04

5y ago57:04

57:04

On August 25, 2017, nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims fled their homes to escape "cleansing operations" of the Myanmar military. For decades, the Rohingya have been politically, socially, and economically isolated and continue to live under repressive discriminatory practices. Debate team nerd turned Human Rights Advocate, Francisco Benscome, descr…

1
#18 - Sherpas & Yaks: The G7 Summit Explained By American Youth Delegates 49:07

5y ago49:07

49:07

What's a Yak? A Sherpa? And what exactly happens at the G7? Listen to Sydney Hulebak, Ryan Migeed, and Ann Love, share what the G7 Summit is all about and why it matters to youth in America and all around the world. Sent on their way to represent youth voices at the Y7 Summit, a subset of the G7, the team also shares thoughts and lessons learned tr…

1
#17 - What's Beef?: The True Effects Of America's Trade Wars 46:43

5y ago46:43

46:43

Trump recently announced tariffs on steel and aluminum from foreign countries--a move he initially said was a matter of national security and protecting America's trade interests. Thamar Harrigan, our soca groovin' Trade Whisperer talks us through the current trade beef (pun intended), educates us on basic trade principles using familiar household …

1
#16 - U.N.I.T.Y: Hate Speech in Elections And A Rethinking Of Foreign Policy 53:00

5y ago53:00

53:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one year prior to his assassination condemned the Vietnam War and U.S. foreign policy of the time. He called on America to lead a global revolution from a place of love and unity. Vasu Mohan of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), builds on Dr. King's philosophy by reimagining modern foreign policy…

1
#15 - The Basics Of A Brutal Regime: Syria's Civil War And It's Impact On America 43:40

5y ago43:40

43:40

The trickle-down effects of the Arab Spring sparked a wave of protests throughout Arab nations, Syria was one of those nations. Wa'el Azayat, President of Emgage, explains the basics of what's happening in Syria from its colonial history, the strict rule of the Assad family and government, the Syrian people's fight for basic freedoms, and all of th…

1
#14 - A View From The Table: Reflections On Why Women Matter In Foreign Policy 49:15

5y ago49:15

49:15

From Cardi B, Cambodia, and to the Congo, Afropean-American, Laura Kupe and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Jalina Porter discuss why women matter in American foreign policy drawing from their colorful tapestry of personal and professional experiences. Both also share the parallels of Foreign Policy and film, Black Panther and acknowledge extraordi…

1
#13 - Fashion, Fabric, & Flexin': Africa's Economic Growth & Global Contributions 45:12

5y ago45:12

45:12

What in the world is going on in Africa? Africa enthusiasts and trade experts, Brionne Dawson and Jennelle Cray-Pelamoko explain! In celebration of Black History Month and the release of Black Panther, we discuss how the textiles industry and other products, fuel the continent's economic growth and how America benefits from U.S.-Africa partnerships…

1
#12 - From K Street To Kuwait: The Fight To End Modern Day Slavery And Human Trafficking 45:53

5y ago45:53

45:53

Slavery and human trafficking are still a reality for 40 million people, from the corridors of K street in Washington D.C. to Kuwait and elsewhere. The CNN video of a slave auction in Libya has elevated this reality and many have begun to pay attention. To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The Civil Rights Center and New Bethel Bapti…

1
#11 - Preparing For War Or Planning For Peace?: Making Sense Of The 2018 National Security Strategy 53:07

5y ago53:07

53:07

On December 18th, the White House released the 2018 National Security Strategy. Queens-born and Bronx-raised military veteran, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, shares her thoughts on the document and why Americans should read it. Could modernizing the military mean more jobs for Americans? Should America promote American values abroad while it struggles …

1
#10 - U.S. vs. Them: America's Global Actions in 2017 & Beyond 52:17

5y ago52:17

52:17

With 2017 coming to a close, former State Department public servant Jenna Ben-Yehuda and global trends expert Claire Casey, look back at America's global actions during the year, discuss what lies ahead in 2018 and what these actions mean for Americans at home. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA. --- Send in a voice…

1
#9 - Paris, Politics & Plastics: The Paris Agreement & What It Means For Climate Change And America 40:19

5y ago40:19

40:19

In the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Former EPA Assistant Administrator, Mathy Stanislaus, explains the environmental, economic and human costs of climate change, unpacks the science of global warming and discusses what the deal is behind the Paris Agreement. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arli…

1
#8 - A Quest For Independence: Cuba-U.S. Relations Beyond Cigars, Cars, & Communism 47:42

5y ago47:42

47:42

The clock on U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations was turned back making it once again, difficult for American citizens and businesses to travel to Cuba. Dr. Marguerite R. Jimenez takes us through Cuba-U.S. relationship beyond cigars, cars, and communism and into the island nation's quest for independence. Join us as we discuss everything from historic e…

1
#7 - Keep It Real: Does Foreign Assistance Work? 53:34

5y ago53:34

53:34

Foreign assistance expert, inter-faith advocate, and peacekeeper, C. Eduardo Vargas, explains the mission of United States Agency for International and Development (USAID) and talks us through his thoughts on whether or not American foreign assistance actually works. Eduardo also shares why his theme song, in many ways, embodies the diversity in hi…

1
#6 - Give The Poet Some: Youth Voices At The United Nations 38:02

5y ago38:02

38:02

America's 6th US Youth Observer to the United Nations explains what exactly happened at the United Nations General Assembly, her role as the youth representative, and the importance of Americans staying engaged with the U.N. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.…

1
#5 - What's The deal With The Iran Nuclear Deal? A Look At Nukes And U.S.-Iran Relations 47:34

5y ago47:34

47:34

Pharohl Charles demystifies nuclear science, "the roots" (hint, hint) of America's relationship with the Republic of Iran, and breaks down what exactly is in the Iran Nuclear Deal. Pharohl grew up studying planes, speaks fluent Russian, and is and has a stockpile of amazing photos of New York City. This episode was recorded in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM…

1
#4 - Rules Of The Road: Can Sanctions Keep Countries In Check? 47:39

5y ago47:39

47:39

What are the Russian sanctions about? How do sanctions impact Americans? Prodigy fan, Portlander, and Eurasia expert Alex Johnson unpacks the crisis in Crimea by understanding sanctions, taking a look back at the Cold War and sharing his insights on what exactly President Putin wants. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington,…

1
#3 - Hands Off Tequila: NAFTA And How It Protects Happy Hour 57:35

5y ago57:35

57:35

Foreign Policy Interrupted Fellow and trade industry expert, Jana Nelson, explains the basics of trade policy, trade agreements, and what NAFTA could mean for America's Tequila consumption. This episode was released in 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatintheworld/message…

1
#2 - 'D' Is For Democracy: What America Is Doing In The Middle East And How It Affects You 53:14

5y ago53:14

53:14

Does the spread of democracy make America any safer? Army Veteran and New Yorker, Asha Castleberry, explains using her experiences in Iraq and what Americans gain from a more democratic world. Using her time in the Middle East and Latin America, you'll learn why the U.S. gets involved in some places and not others, why it's difficult to spread demo…

1
#1 - The Basics: U.S. Foreign Policy 41:04

5y ago41:04

41:04

This is the launch episode for What In The World(WITW)? Listen as Bunmi speaks with Ambassador Reuben Brigety about the basics of U.S. foreign policy, what in the world it means for everyday people, and how Americans can stay engaged. This episode was released July 2017 via WERA 96.7 FM in Arlington, VA. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcast…

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Bunmi Akinnusotu Podcasts

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