11. "Trump the Transformer" & How the Left Fights Back with Yasmin Radjy

Hi, good news we are working on season 2 of 'If You Were in Charge' But in the meantime something a little different this week. We’re partnering with Houses of the Moon Theater Company to share this special episode from their three-part podcast series “De Novo.” It’s adapted from an acclaimed documentary play of the same name. It tells the true story of Edgar Chocoy, a Guatemalan teenager who faces deportation after fleeing to the U.S.In 2002, fourteen-year-old Edgar Chocoy Guzman fled his barrio in Guatemala City, when MS-13, the largest gang in Central America, put a hit on his life. He traveled over 3,000 miles to be reunited with his mother, who had left him when he was a baby to go work in the United States. Detained by Homeland Security, Edgar, whose nickname was Lil’ Silent because of his timid demeanor, spoke clearly and loudly about his fear of being deported: “I’m afraid to go back. They’ll kill me.”A pro bono immigration lawyer helped Edgar argue his asylum case in front of a federal judge and the facts of Edgar’s case are reconstructed by actors working with verbatim text from immigration court transcripts, interviews, letters, and other documents from this real-life asylum case.So enjoy episode one of the three-part “De Novo” series from Houses on the Moon podcast. www.housesonthemoon.orgIf You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yasmin Radjy, CEO of Swing Left, argues that Donald Trump is a transformative president and part of a global populist arc. So, how does the left find its own voice in an age of populism, and what possibilities does this trend offer the progressive movement to create radical change?Welcome to If You Were in Charge, A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini.Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. This week, Sanam is joined by one of her twin daughters, Soleh. In an incisive conversation, Sanam and Soleh sit down with Yasmin Radjy, CEO of Swing Left, to discuss the shifts in American politics. From the fight for reproductive rights to lessons from recent elections, Radjy offers a candid assessment of the Democratic Party’s prospects, underscores the vital role of grassroots organizing, and makes the case for a disciplined, long-term approach to political strategy, offering a roadmap for progressives aiming to drive change in a polarized America.If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkSwing Left - https://swingleft.orgYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.comChapters00:00The State of Reproductive Rights in Florida03:12Introduction to Yasmin Raji and Swing Left04:38Reflections on the Recent Elections08:35Attacks on Civil Society and Voting Rights12:53The Republican Playbook and Long-Term Strategy15:46Democratic Party's Learning from Past Elections18:37The Importance of Grassroots Organizing22:22The Global Context of Political Movements29:15If You Were in Charge: A Call to Action35:40The Role of Swing Left in Democratic Politics38:53Imagination in Governance and Policy Communication44:56Funding and Supporting Grassroots Movements49:34Hope Amidst Political Challenges54:20The Power of Small Donations58:34Reflections on the Season and Future Prospectskeywords reproductive rights, Florida elections, Yasmin Raji, Swing Left, civil society, voting rights, Democratic Party, grassroots organizing, political movements, populism, Swing Left, Democratic Party, grassroots movements, political imagination, funding, hope, community engagement, policy communication, elections, civic engagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were in Charge,A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini.Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. This week, we're doing something a little different. Sanam is joined by her twin daughters, Soleh and Lydia, to reflect on their podcast journey so far, the insights gained from various guests, and the importance of exploring hope while considering future directions for the podcast.If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.comChapters00:00Introduction and Reflections on the Podcast Journey02:56Exploring Hope and Perspectives in Conversations05:53Aha Moments and Insights from Guests09:13Diverse Perspectives on Complex Issues12:10Media Landscape and Its Impact on Public Perception14:50Engaging Conversations and Future Directions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were in Charge,A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini.Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. After each discussion, Sanam is joined by one of her twin daughters, Soleh, to hear her reaction and gain a different generational perspective.In Episode 9, Sanam interviews Stephen Walt, Professor of International Affairs at Harvard’s Kennedy School and noted author, on the dangers of the erosion of academic independence during the Trump administration and the potential implications of the incoming administration’s foreign policy appointments. The conversation delves into the dangers of self-censorship and the influence of political pressure on academic freedom. Walt shares insights from his experience publishing The Israel Lobby, critiques U.S. foreign policy missteps, and emphasizes the need for more diverse voices in government decision-making.Stephen received the International Studies Association’s Distinguished Senior Scholar award in 2014. Walt is the author of The Origins of Alliances (1987), Taming American Power: The Global Response to U.S. Primacy (2005); The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy (2007, with John J. Mearsheimer), The Hell of Good Intentions: America’s Foreign Policy Elite and the Decline of U.S. Primacy (2018), and “The End of Hubris and a New Era of American Restraint,” (Foreign Affairs, May/June 2019).If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.comChapters 00:00U.S. Military Assistance and Foreign Policy Critique03:07The Role of Academia in Political Discourse05:53Concerns Over Self-Censorship in Universities09:04The Impact of Political Pressures on Academic Freedom11:51Navigating Political Pressures in Academia15:12Reflections on the Israel Lobby and Its Influence18:02Disappointment in U.S. Foreign Policy Outcomes21:12The Need for Diverse Perspectives in Government24:00Proposed Changes to U.S. Foreign Policy26:49American Values and Global Perception29:39The Hypocrisy of U.S. Foreign Policy34:24The Role of Wealth in Advocacy and Change39:59The Importance of Diplomacy in Foreign Relations43:03Hope Amidst Challenges56:31The Cost of Speaking OutKeywords U.S. foreign policy, Israel, academia, self-censorship, political discourse, military assistance, academic freedom, Israel lobby, diverse perspectives, American values, U.S. foreign policy, hypocrisy, diplomacy, wealth, advocacy, women's rights, hope, speaking out, institutions, political loyalty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were in Charge, A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini.Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources.In episode 8, Sanam speaks with Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, about critical issues surrounding data privacy, surveillance, and the role of technology in society.They discuss the use of artificial intelligence in surveillance and its deadly applications in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine.972 Investigation by Yuval Abraham into AI being deployed by Israel in Gazahttps://www.972mag.com/mass-assassination-factory-israel-calculated-bombing-gazaIf You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.comChapters00:00 The Consequences of Data Privacy Breaches03:09 Understanding Signal and Its Mission06:52 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Technology12:25 Surveillance and Its Real-World Implications20:57 Signal's Unique Approach to Privacy27:40 The Role of Technology in Social Dynamics29:35 The Evolution of Internet Communities36:03 Reimagining Tech Infrastructure43:12 The Role of Privacy in Technology44:00 Hope Amidst Challenges51:06 Surveillance and Its Implicationskeywordsdata privacy, surveillance, Signal, technology, AI, corporate secrecy, communication, privacy rights, social media, digital security, internet communities, tech infrastructure, privacy, surveillance, innovation, data security, public utilities, AI ethics, digital rights, global communication Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. In each episode, we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this seventh episode, Sanam speaks with Mohammad Darawshe a leading political analyst and expert on Jewish-Arab relations inside Israel. After the conversation Sanam is joined as usual by her daughter Soleh to reflect on the conversation. Mohammad Darawshe explains the complex realities of Arab and Jewish coexistence in Israel, focusing on the challenges faced by Palestinian citizens and the pivotal role of education in shaping a shared future. The conversation examines the structural barriers within Israel’s segregated educational system, the hurdles to higher education for Palestinians, and innovative programs aimed at fostering integrated learning environments. Mohammad Darawshe sheds light on the strain recent conflicts have placed on intercommunal relationships, highlighting the systemic discrimination endured by Palestinian citizens. He advocates for empowering these communities and fostering collaboration between Jewish and Palestinian citizens to create a more equitable society. Sanam and Mohammad also explore the political and humanitarian dimensions of Palestinian support, the chilling effect of surveillance and intimidation on Arab citizens, and the need for a national dialogue and how to bring about a resolution to the Arab Israeli conflict. TIME CODE00:00The Reality of Coexistence in Israel03:01Understanding the Role of Education in Peacebuilding05:55The Challenges of Segregated Education08:50Barriers to Higher Education for Palestinian Citizens12:09Creating Mixed Educational Environments15:00Success Stories in Education and Integration17:49The Impact of Recent Conflicts on Relations21:07Navigating Discrimination and Identity23:55The Political Landscape and Future Aspirations30:06Political and Humanitarian Support for Palestinians33:28The Impact of Surveillance and Intimidation35:42Sweet and Sour Relationships: Palestinians in Israel38:32Envisioning a National Dialogue for Peace42:48Education as a Path to Change44:46Hope Amidst Adversity47:11Reflections on Discrimination and Identity51:01The Complexity of Palestinian Struggles54:25The Role of Surveillance in Daily LifeCREDITS Mohammad Darawashe is a Shalom Hartman Institute faculty member and Director of Planning, Equality and Shared Society at Givat Haviva Educational Center. https://www.usfogh.org/If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.comKeywords: Israel, Palestine, coexistence, education, peacebuilding, discrimination, identity, integration, conflict, community, Palestinian support, Israeli politics, surveillance, education, peace dialogue, discrimination, identity, humanitarian aid, hope, community engagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. In each episode, we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this sixth episode, Sanam speaks with Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger about the escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. How to create a lasting peace in the region and the hard road to achieving that goal.From his bio on www.friendsofroots.net - Shorashim/Judur/Roots – A Local Palestinian Israeli Initiative for  Understanding, Nonviolence and Transformation'Hanan is an Orthodox rabbi and teacher who has been profoundly transformed by his encounters with Palestinians and the Palestinian People beginning in late 2013. As he never tires of saying, he is now healing from the hubris of exclusivity with which he was afflicted all of his adult life. Today he knows that there are two Peoples in the Holy Land, and that each has their own story. Indeed the Land itself bears two identities – the Land of Israel is also the Land of Palestine.'Next week, we have our second episode from the Middle East, focusing on the movement fighting for Palestinian access to higher education.Guest Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger  www.RavHanan.org רב חנן שלזינגר Director of International Relations, Shorashim/Judur/Roots If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.comIsraeli-Palestinian conflict, peacebuilding, identity, dialogue, settlements, trauma, recognition, historical context, extremism, community engagement, violence, Judaism, land claims, transformation, hope, education, community, personal responsibility, dialogue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. In each episode, we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this fifth episode, Sanam is on the road in Asia, and we’re taking a pause for the U.S. elections.Stay tuned for exciting episodes to come, including a double special on the Middle East and an election review, exploring what the results mean for progressive political movements.If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, where we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power.In this this fourth episode, Kavita Ramdas a globally-recognized advocate for gender equity and justice. She currently serves as the Director of the Women’s Rights Program at the Open Society Foundations after completing her tenure as Strategy Advisor for MADRE, an international women’s rights organization. She founded KNR Sisters, an independent consulting venture.From 1996-2010 Kavita led and transformed the Global Fund for Women as its second President and CEO to become the largest public foundation for women’s rights in the world. In this conversation, Kavita and Sanam discuss the evolving landscape of feminism, the generational differences in understanding and identifying with feminist ideals, and the societal pressures women face regarding likability and leadership. Ultimately emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to leadership and the significance of addressing global issues through a feminist lens.If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, where we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power.In this third episode, Dame Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland DBE on the power of optimism in the battle to preserve biodiversity, addressing the urgent need for action to save our planet’s ecosystems.This isn't your typical podcast about problems - it's about solutions. Sanam Naraghi Anderlini brings over 20 years of experience as a peace strategist, having worked on conflicts and peacebuilding initiatives with the UN, civil society, and governments. With her daughters, she adds a personal touch, discussing her concerns for the future they face and seeking expert advice on how to create a better world for the next generation.If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy.And ICAN International Civil Society Action NetworkYou can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-chargeOriginal Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse LynchThis is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.