Everyone’s looking at Germany. Not because its general elections are typically an exciting affair, but because Chancellor Angela Merkel is stepping down after more than a decade and a half at the helm of Europe’s most powerful nation. Germany’s youth wanted a female, young, climate activist to take her place, but the leader of a likely coalition will be Social Democrat Olaf Scholz. Beyond Germany, this election is realigning EU politics. There are questions about whether France’s Macron will step into the Merkel vacuum, but he is up for re-election and isn’t known for consensus-building strengths. Beyond Macron, however, it is hard to think of an alternative. Will the values and unity of the EU remain strong?   Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Ramiro Villapadierna, former Executive Director at Instituto Cervantes and longtime Central European journalist based in Berlin. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the disappointment of young German voters who desperately wanted the Green Party in power.   ----- Produced by Simpler Media

Altamar - Navigating the High Seas of Global Politics

Is there Life after Angela? [S4, E18]

Social activism and conscious consumerism are on everyone’s mind. Should businesses be taking stances on the social justice debate of the day?   Given the repeated failures of government to resolve long-festering issues such as widening inequality, injustice, and racism, corporations have now become more engaged in pushing social causes.  Is this simply good marketing?  At a time when Millennials and Gen-Zers demand more social “woke-ness,” companies are quickly jumping on the opportunity to demonstrate their activism as a way to stand out in the market. Some of it appears legitimate – think of Patagonia, Ben and Jerry, and Nike’s recent support of Colin Kaepernick. Other corporate actions elicit a more cynical response Think of British oil giant BP renaming itself to become “Beyond Petroleum” or Phillip Morris railing against smoking. So, we delved deeper. How far should activism really go? How do we differentiate between genuine mission orientation vs. corporate propaganda to make more profits for shareholders? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Vivek Ramaswamy, author of Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam, who argues the case that politics has no place in business. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic takes us on a journey: the founding of Immigrant Food, Washington, DC’s first cause-casual restaurant with an embedded social justice mission.

Woke Corporations and Cancel Capitalism [S4, E17]

Since the early 2000s, most US and European companies have cut significant costs by moving manufacturing operations to China and Southeast Asia. Because of COVID disrupted supply chains, growing tensions and trade disputes between China and Western nations, and backlash over China’s dismal human rights records, companies are seeking diversity. As CEOs are rethinking their supply chain strategies and looking to new areas, the Caribbean and Central American regions are positioning themselves as attractive, close-to-the-US global manufacturers. Will this new practice be a fad or a long-term solution? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Roberto Álvarez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, to explain this new concept of “nearshoring.” Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses how governments must do more to prepare their young population for nearshoring.

‘Friendshoring’ in the Caribbean [S4, E16]

Calls for freedom and change ring in Cuba as the country faced the most widespread, violent protests since 1959. What spurred these demonstrations and what lies in store for the island’s future?   Exhausted by food shortages, lack of opportunity, and a declining economy, protests exploded across the island as people – from novelists and singers to cooks and nurses – took to the streets to call for freedom from the authoritarian regime. The world was taken by surprise by the scope and size of the Cuban people’s defiance. Despite years of oppression and a complete lack of political freedom, Cubans don’t seem to merit more than a shrug from many Western governments. Why? The U.S.’ decades-long embargo hasn’t succeeded in isolating Cuba, but rather the U.S.  Other countries – from Canada to Brazil, Spain, and China – have invested heavily for years on the island. The embargo has become the Havana authoritarian government’s favorite political crutch.    Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by José Miguel Vivanco, Director of the Human Rights Watch’s Americas division and a clear voice in defense of human rights, to dig into the complexities of Cuba. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses how social media allowed young Cubans to use the internet as a tool for protest.

Cuba Libre? Not So Much. [S4, E15]

America’s “longest war” has again entered the spotlight as the Biden Administration announced a complete withdrawal of U.S. military forces. Nicknamed ‘the graveyard of empires,’ Afghanistan has defeated many global powers – the British, the Soviets, and now the Americans. The U.S. leaves after having spent close to $800 billion and lost countless lives. The Taliban’s growing presence is worrisome, not least because of its grip on civilian life in the country.  Now, with the lack of military and security forces, who will fill the power vacuum? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Edward Girardet, an expert on Afghanistan and editor of Crosslines Global Report and President of the International Centre for Humanitarian Reporting, to sort out what lies in store for the future of Afghanistan. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses how the U.S. withdrawal will affect human rights, particularly the lives of Afghani women and girls.

Afghanistan: The Graveyard of Empires [S4, E14]

The worldwide vaccination effort has deepened the fault lines between rich and poor countries. While more developed countries are welcoming a long-anticipated reopening, developing countries continue to live a hellish public health crisis. The global initiative, COVAX, spearheaded by the WHO, GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance), CEPI, and UNICEF, aims to provide participating countries with equal access to vaccines. But it’s not that simple. The global effort is riddled with obstacles from vaccine hesitancy, trade restrictions, lockdowns, political conflict, and lack of cooperation from richer countries. How can this international partnership succeed? In a special edition of Altamar with Johns Hopkins University’s Hopkins at Home, hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Bill Moss, Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center, to delve into the international efforts of vaccine distribution amid a global pandemic. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the educational, social, and psychological adversity facing young people because of constant school closures all around the developing world.

COVID, Diplomacy and Populism [S4, E13]

With the end of Copa America and the Eurocup, and the Olympics starting soon, sports are on everyone’s mind this Summer. Most sports now share various commonalities: a huge influx of money from sponsors, venture capital and huge corporations, injured athletes, corruption, and political ambition. Sports have become an arena for countries, companies, investors, fans, broadcasters, and athletes to jostle in a global free-for-all to prove who’s on top. Is it all too much? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Nick Sprague, co-owner of sports biotech and data science leader Orreco, to sort out the intricacies of the sports industry. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses women in sports, in both the developing world and wealthy countries, as well as the challenges, changes, and future opportunities they face.

Sports, Money, and Politics [S4, E12]

Europe is in flux – on the one hand, the French and German elections are on the horizon, and their outcomes seem ever more uncertain, Eastern European EU governments are becoming increasingly undemocratic, and Britain is gone forever.  On the other hand, vaccinations are finally getting traction; the EU is injecting robust funds to spur economic recovery, and Mario Draghi, Italy’s Prime Minister, is taking an increasingly active role on the continent.  What is the outlook for post-Brexit continental Europe?  Recent summits such as the G-7 in Britain and the Geneva summit were great photo-ops, but they failed to address some big challenges: competition with China, and relations with Russia, for instance. We talk about a ‘united Europe,’ but when it comes to critical issues, how united are the Europeans, really?  Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Erik Jones, Director of European and Eurasian Studies at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at The Johns Hopkins University, to discuss the impending changes in Europe this year with two major elections on the horizon. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the “lost generation” of Europe that has faced economic crises, educational disruption, and more.

Europe’s Fault Lines [S4, E11]

After a total reign of fifteen years, Netanyahu has been ousted and replaced with what can only be described as a ‘pretzel coalition government’ with parties ranging from the center-left to the right and even a member from an Arab Islamist group. But Bibi isn’t going down without a fight. Imitating Trump, he alleges election fraud, warning of the dark presence of a deep state conspiracy and calling for protestors to fill the streets to fuel his claim to power. Can this new coalition last?  And will the new government be able to fend off Netanyahu’s attacks and create a compelling agenda of change? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Gil Tamary, Chief International News Editor and Commentator for Israel’s Channel 13 News, to discuss a post-Bibi world and what that means for the future of Israel. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the estrangement many young American Jews feel towards Israel.

The World After Bibi [S4, E10]

As the U.S. opens up and people are beginning to dine out and travel, the Biden Administration is betting on much-needed economic growth. But the current U.S. economy is sending a confusing mix of signals with a plethora of contradictions: labor shortages and unemployment, and rising prices but low-interest rates. Notwithstanding the daily debates about reducing unemployment benefits and many experts warning about the dangers of inflation, the Administration is pressing forward with a $6 Trillion budget proposal that injects stimulus in infrastructure, climate change, elder care, child tax credits, and much more. Will ‘Bidenomics’ save America’s confusing economy?   Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Caroline Atkinson, former Head of Global Policy at Google and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics in the Obama Administration, to discuss the contradictory nature of the U.S.’s economy and what comes next. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses the economic trends of young workers.

Will ‘Bidenomics’ Become a Word? [S4, E9]

For the past decade, Latin America enjoyed economic growth as many countries moved towards more equality, economic prosperity, and personal freedoms. But the pandemic wreaked havoc in the region as even the most stable countries are straining as old and new wounds surface. Can Latin America muddle through as it has in the past? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Ricardo Avila, former Editor in Chief of Portafolio, Colombia’s respected business publication, and author of Latin America and the Domino Effect, to discuss the growing crisis in Latin America. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic looks at how the region’s downturn has impacted Latin American youth.

Latin America in Flames [S4, E8]

The Oscars this year were the most diverse and unusual, but they also had the worst ratings in history, with less than 10 million viewers—a record low! Awards seasons are not the same anymore now that Netflix has managed to snag 7 Oscars this year. And in a world that is becoming more globalized, global entertainment has changed people’s lives and perspectives. Do streaming platforms pose a dangerous threat to business as usual in Hollywood? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Silvia Bizio, a correspondent for Italy’s most important daily and weekly publications: La Repubblica & L’Espresso, to understand the future of the film industry. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses how the future of TV is all about streaming platforms and immersive experiences.

Hollywood’s Abyss [S4, E7]

In 2015, Iran and P5+1 (US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China) brokered a deal known as the JCPOA in an effort to achieve nuclear de-escalation. In return for pausing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the West’s economic sanctions would be lifted. But in 2017, the Trump administration abruptly pulled out of the deal, and Iran retaliated by resuming its nuclear program. With JCPOA talks resuming in Vienna amidst heightened tensions, is a pathway towards denuclearization possible? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Vali Nasr, former dean of The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a leading Middle East expert, to understand the changing dynamics of Iran. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic delves into the influence of Iran’s youth on politics and Iran’s upcoming presidential elections.

Iran vs. the West, Again [S4, E6]

In 2020, the world came to a shrieking halt. Empty airports, deserted roads, and grounded airplanes were the story of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Now, as COVID vaccines become more available, we echo the commonly asked question by children: Are we there yet? Countries are making moves toward reopening, and European airlines are beginning to see large upticks in summer ticket sales. Should the travel industry begin to cheer, or is it a little too soon to call this a ‘win’?  Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Céline Fornaro, Head of the European Industrials team at UBS Securities, to understand the changing nature of travel. Altamar’s new segment, ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic, takes a deeper look into ‘responsible travel’ and the new social trend of ‘travel shaming’ among younger generations.

The Future of Travel: Winners & Losers [S4, E5]

Russia seems to garner one success after the next: its bold space travel program, successful vaccine creation, and global distribution efforts, and a powerful military. Despite a weakened economy overly dependent on oil and gas, growing internal dissent, and no real foreign policy strategy, Russia remains a force to be reckoned with. Winston Churchill warned us that “Russia is never as weak or as strong as she looks.” So what’s really happening? Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Jill Dougherty, the former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief and a Russia expert at the Woodrow Wilson Center, to better understand Russia’s true power. Altamar’s new segment, ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic, discusses the growing youth dissent and its importance for Russia’s future.

Russia: Weak and Strong [S4, E4]

Altamar is dedicated to curating an informative discussion on how global issues impact all of us. The show avoids the typical Washingtonian US bias and talks about accelerating changes from a global perspective by featuring diverse guests on a range of foreign policy topics. We aim to rise above the polarization that detracts from the public’s understanding of crucial global issues. Hosted by political analyst Peter Schechter and columnist Muni Jensen.

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Altamar - Navigating the High Seas of Global Politics

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