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Graduate Institute What Matters Today

Graduate Institute What Matters Today

Written by: Geneva Graduate Institute
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 What Matters Today is a podcast series from the Geneva Graduate Institute in which we ask faculty members to comment on current issues impacting, economics, politics, health, and society.2023 Geneva Graduate Institute Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The Venezuela Precedent: Power, Law, and Global Order

    The Venezuela Precedent: Power, Law, and Global Order
    Jan 14 2026
    The recent US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro have sent shockwaves across the global stage. For many observers, the operation represents a clear breach of international law — raising fundamental questions about state sovereignty, the use of force, and the immunity traditionally granted to sitting heads of state. So what does this case mean for international law, for global stability, and for the future credibility of multilateral institutions? That’s what we’ll explore in today’s conversation. Our guest is Professor Nico Krisch, Professor of International Law, and Head of the International Law Department at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
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    19 mins
  • Beyond the Vote: New Forms of Youth Political Engagement Worldwide

    Beyond the Vote: New Forms of Youth Political Engagement Worldwide
    Dec 8 2025
    Young people are often portrayed as politically disengaged, accused of turning their backs on voting and traditional politics. But is that really the full story? Recent waves of youth-led mobilisations—from climate marches to social justice movements—suggest something very different. So, how do we explain this apparent paradox? Are young people truly stepping away from politics, or are they reinventing it? In this episode, we’ll explore what youth engagement looks like today: from the role of young voters in the United States to the issues driving activism across the Global South. We’ll also ask whether new forms of participation—both online and offline—signal a global movement or remain rooted in local priorities. And now that COP 30 has wrapped up, we’ll reflect on the lessons from years of youth-led climate activism: have they managed to influence policy or shift mindsets? Our guest today is Dr. Laura Bullon-Cassis, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute's Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy.
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    15 mins
  • The central economic role of the United States in question?

    The central economic role of the United States in question?
    Dec 2 2025
    For much of the modern era, the United States has stood at the heart of the global economy—anchoring the international monetary system, shaping the rules of trade, and driving global growth through its innovation and financial power. But today, this long-standing leadership is being tested on multiple fronts. In this episode, we explore the shifting foundations of U.S. economic dominance: from pressures on the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency to the rise of China and the growing assertiveness of other economic actors. We look at how geopolitical fragmentation, internal U.S. political tensions, and debates over industrial policy are reshaping America’s global position. Our guest is Cédric Tille, Professor of International Economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute, Head of the Bilateral Assistance and Capacity Building for Central Banks (BCC) Programme, and is a Faculty Associate at the Institute’s Centre for Finance and Development.
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    15 mins
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