Given the prevalence of positivism in scientific study, subjective mediums, like creative expression and imagination are often not taken seriously in academia. We already do apply imagination, as we cannot exist without it, but realising its essentiality and potential, can help us devise fresh ways of thinking and discovering. Dr. Moeini discusses the need for applying imagination in academic study and shares some examples from his own pedagogical experience
On February 1st, Myanmar’s quasi-democratic government came to an end when the military surrounded the parliament houses and detained the President, State Chancellor, cabinet ministers, and other civilian officials. The reason behind the coup is what the military leadership alleges as fraudulent elections, an allegation that has been termed null and void by the Election Commission. The general public has strongly resisted this sudden shift. From banging pots and pans to openly coming out on streets and calling for freedom, the Burmese have indicated their support for the detained civilian leadership. Despite the violent crackdowns against the protestors, the popular resistance against the new rule has only grown. But why is Myanmar’s military so powerful? What has the systemic exclusion of women from the country’s political representation to do with it? And how will the future of the Rohingya community unfold?
To find this and more, we sat down with Dr. Elisabeth Olivius, associate professor at the department of political science Umeå University, to understand the many facets of the present political turmoil in Myanmar.
In Bolivia, former president Jeanine Anez has been arrested over a political crisis that ousted her opponent Evo Morales from power in 2019. In this episode, we place the current political crisis in its socio-historical context. What events led to the coup in 2019? Who are the main political actors in the present situation? What is the role of foreign parties involved in the crisis? And how does the socio-politics of other countries across the Andes affect the situation in Bolivia? Marcelo Lima joins us to discuss the current political predicament in Bolivia.
Themrise Khan has been serving as a consultant and working in the development sector on various research projects for 25 years, in Pakistan as well as Canada. She shares her experience working with foreign and local NGOs while reflecting on the role of foreign-funded projects in developing countries. The politics of agencies and foreign aid in Pakistan is a significant factor to consider for a better understanding of social development.
The Nagorno-Karabakh enclave is the subject of a protracted conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In this episode, we discuss the historical development of the conflict, its geopolitical repercussions, the demographics of the region, past efforts towards peace-making, as well as the involvement of foreign actors in the conflict.