Graduate Institute What Matters Today

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing its 17th Ebola outbreak, once again putting communities and health systems under immense pressure. But this latest outbreak is unfolding in an especially challenging context — amid conflict and displacement, persistent mistrust of health authorities, and with a strain of the virus for which there is no specifically licensed vaccine. More than a decade after the devastating West African Ebola epidemic, how much better prepared are we to respond? And what does the continuing struggle to contain Ebola tell us about global health priorities, inequalities and the importance of investing in resilient health systems? Our guest for this episode is Vinh-Kim Nguyen, Director of Global Health specialisation of the MINT programme, and Professor of Anthropology and Sociology here at the Geneva Graduate Institute

The recent confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel has once again placed the Middle East at the centre of global attention. While a fragile ceasefire may have eased immediate tensions, fundamental questions remain about the future of the region, the balance of power, and the risk of further escalation. In this episode, we take a step back to examine the historical roots of the Iran–US rivalry, explore how the nature of conflict in the Middle East is evolving, assess the role of regional actors, and discuss what the latest developments mean for Iran, its people, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Our guest for this episode is Cyrus Schayegh, Professor of International History and Politics at the Institute and Chair of the department.

Conflict in the Middle East has implications that extend far beyond the region itself. For Europe, tensions involving Iran could affect energy markets, international trade, inflation, financial stability, and even the continent's environmental ambitions. Such a conflict could also reshape geopolitical alliances and force governments to reconsider long-standing economic and security dependencies. In this episode of What Matters Today, we explore the potential economic, political, and environmental consequences of a conflict with Iran for Europe. Our guest for this episode is Dominic Rohner, Professor of International Economics here at the Geneva Graduate Institute and a Faculty Associate at the Institute’s Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding.

As Switzerland prepares to vote on the so-called “No to a Switzerland with 10 million!” initiative on 14 June, questions surrounding immigration, population growth, and Switzerland’s relationship with Europe have once again come to the forefront of public debate. Supporters argue that rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on housing, transport, and public infrastructure, while opponents warn that restricting immigration could weaken the economy and deepen labour shortages in key sectors. In this episode, we explore the economic and political implications of the debate - from the role immigration plays in Switzerland’s prosperity to the potential consequences for the country’s relationship with the European Union and the future of the bilateral agreements. 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.

Alors que la Suisse s’apprête à voter, le 14 juin prochain, sur l’initiative « Pas de Suisse à 10 millions ! (initiative pour la durabilité) », les questions liées à l’immigration, à la croissance démographique et aux relations entre la Suisse et l’Europe reviennent au cœur du débat public. Les partisans de l’initiative estiment que la croissance rapide de la population exerce une pression croissante sur le logement, les transports et les infrastructures publiques, tandis que ses opposants mettent en garde contre les conséquences économiques d’une restriction de l’immigration, notamment l’aggravation des pénuries de main-d’œuvre dans des secteurs clés. Dans cet épisode en francais de “What Matters Today”, nous explorons les implications économiques et politiques de ce débat - du rôle que joue l’immigration dans la prospérité de la Suisse aux conséquences potentielles pour les relations entre la Suisse et l’Union européenne, ainsi que pour l’avenir des accords bilatéraux. Mon invité est Cédric Tille, professeur d’économie internationale au Geneva Graduate Institute, responsable du programme Bilateral Assistance and Capacity Building for Central Banks (BCC) et chercheur associé au Centre for Finance and Development de l’Institut.

The war involving Iran has entered a new and uncertain phase, with Israeli and American strikes hitting the heart of the country’s political and religious power centres. At the same time, a significant shift appears to be underway within the Islamic Republic itself. Mojtaba Khamenei - long an influential but behind-the-scenes figure - has now emerged at the centre of power, raising fundamental questions about the regime’s future. Are we witnessing continuity, or a turning point in Iran’s political system? Our guest today is Farzan Sabet, a Managing Researcher of the Sanctions and Sustainable Peace Hub which is part of the Global Governance Centre here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In this episode, we explore how the United States is rethinking its industrial strategy—from “America First” policies and supply‑chain reshoring to the global race for critical minerals. We look at whether bringing production closer to home can truly strengthen economic and national security, and how these shifts are reshaping U.S. relations with resource‑rich regions in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. We also examine how multinational firms are adapting to this new landscape and why AI infrastructure—data centers, chips, and massive energy systems—is becoming a strategic asset in its own right. Are we witnessing a profound reconfiguration of global supply chains, or the emergence of hybrid models that blend global reach with strategic domestic control? Our guest for this episode is Filipe Calvão, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In the wake of the protests that erupted in Minneapolis, national and international conversations have intensified around the nature of state power, policing, and the institutions responsible for enforcing migration policies in the United States. Today, we turn our attention to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, also known as ICE, to explore the circumstances of its creation in 2003 and how its practices have evolved over the past two decades. We’ll also examine how recent allegations surrounding ICE’s treatment of migrants might be understood through the lens of international law and human rights obligations. Our guest today is Vincent Chetail, Professor of International Law and Director of the Global Migration Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Today we turn our focus to Iran at a moment of intense uncertainty. Over the past year, the country has witnessed another major wave of protests—driven by deep social grievances, political frustration, and an economic situation that continues to deteriorate. The government’s response has been marked by severe repression, while regional tensions and new international sanctions have heightened pressure on the Islamic Republic. In today’s conversation, we’ll take a closer look at what’s happening inside Iran: the roots of the current uprising, the role of the political leadership, the impact of the economic crisis, and the landscape of opposition figures abroad. We’ll also explore how the regime’s crackdown fits into its broader survival strategy, and what Iran’s trajectory might look like in the months ahead. Our guest is Clément Therme, an alumnus of the Geneva Graduate Institute and a lecturer at the University of Montpellier.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we mark the first year of the Nagulendran Chair in Peace Mediation with a wide-ranging conversation on the state of peace diplomacy today. At a time when conflicts are multiplying across the globe, we ask whether this signals a failure of diplomacy or a call for its evolution. We explore how the peace diplomacy sector works—who its actors are, the roles they play, and how they differ. We also examine the mounting pressures of budget cuts and political change, and consider how these challenges are reshaping the field’s future. This conversation offers both a moment of stock-taking and a forward-looking vision for how peace diplomacy can remain resilient, relevant, and transformative in uncertain times. Our guest is Achim Wennmann, Director for Strategic Partnerships here at the Geneva Graduate Institute, Professor of Practice in the Inter-disciplinary Programme, and Nagulendran Chair in Peace Mediation.

More than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the prospect of peace remains elusive. Several rounds of negotiations have taken place — yet none have brought the two sides closer to ending the war. Why have diplomatic efforts failed so far? What obstacles continue to block progress? And how do global and regional powers — from the European Union to the United States — shape the possibilities for peace? In this episode, we explore the diplomatic dynamics of the Russia–Ukraine conflict and consider what a realistic path toward peace might look like in the years ahead. Our guest is Dr. Vassily Klimentov, Senior researcher at the University of Zurich and Visiting professor here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most complex and debated issues in international law: the recognition of the State of Palestine. What is Palestine’s current status at the United Nations? Does it meet the legal criteria for statehood? And what would recognition by countries like France mean for its future on the global stage? We’ll unpack these questions and more, looking at the legal foundations, political implications, and whether recognition could help advance peace efforts in the region. Our guest today is Fuad Zarbiyev, Professor of International Law and, Faculty Associate at Global Governance Centre here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In this episode we dive into a major development in international trade: the Trump administration’s decision to impose 39% tariffs on Swiss goods. What could this mean for Switzerland’s economy and its long-standing relationship with the United States? Is it time to rethink trade alliances — and what role can the WTO still play in managing tensions like these? Join us as we unpack the implications with expert insights and explore what’s at stake for Switzerland and global trade. Our guest is Cédric Dupont, Professor of international relations and political science here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In this episode, we delve into the complex and urgent questions surrounding the conflict in Gaza and the broader implications for international humanitarian law. From António Guterres’ powerful statement that “international humanitarian law is not an à la carte menu” to the controversial use of AI in military targeting by the IDF, we explore the legal, ethical, and technological dimensions of modern warfare. We also examine the unprecedented involvement of both the ICC and ICJ, the role of European states under the Geneva Conventions, and whether the current global response signals the erosion—or evolution—of humanitarian law in real time. Our guest today is Vincent Chetail, Professor of International Law and Director of the Global Migration Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In this episode, we unpack the recent 12-day confrontation between Iran and Israel and ask: Will the ceasefire last? We explore who’s gaining from the current unrest—and who’s paying the price. We also look at what could follow if the Islamic Republic were to fall: What political or social alternatives might emerge? What would that mean for the region, for global powers, and for the future of U.S.-Iran diplomacy? Our guest today is Clément Therme, an alumnus, and former visiting lecturer here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In today’s episode, we explore the layered and often turbulent history of Kashmir. From the final days of British colonial rule to the first war between India and Pakistan, the roots of the conflict run deep. We'll trace how early decisions and territorial disputes shaped the region’s divided identity and laid the groundwork for decades of tension. As we move through the Cold War era and beyond, we’ll examine how global politics, rising militancy, and evolving strategies from New Delhi have influenced the trajectory of Kashmir. With recent events like the violence in Pahalgam and the Modi government’s response, we ask: how did we get here, and what lies ahead for this deeply contested region? Our guest today is Gopalan Balachandran, Co-Director, Albert Hirschman Centre On Democracy and Honorary Professor of International History and Politics here at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

In this episode, we turn our focus to the United States, where President Donald Trump has ignited a wave of executive actions targeting gender rights. From policies cloaked in the language of “protecting women” to legislation that could restrict voter access for trans and gender-diverse individuals, these developments raise urgent questions about democracy, identity, and power. To help us unpack the historical roots and global implications of these policies, we're joined by Claire Somerville, Executive Director of the Gender Centre here at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Together, we’ll explore how gender is being politicised, what’s at stake for marginalised communities, and how similar debates are unfolding beyond U.S. borders.