The Orientalist Express Podcast

In our first podcast of 2018, we introduce our newest contributor Valida Azamatova. She joins other South Dakota State University grads Nicholas Hayen and Stephen Howard to begin our back to basics approach to educating people about foreign policy and international relations. We begin by talking about the foundations of what is known as the "Liberal International Order." (Not to be confused with American liberal political ideas.) Then, the team makes some predictions about possible hotspots for

With the international agreement over Iran’s nuclear weapons program in doubt, Nicholas Hayen and Stephen Howard discuss the possible impact of re-imposing sanctions. They also debate the larger impacts of this decision on the Middle East and the possibility of that the U.S. Congress will try to stall on the question of Iranian sanctions.Rational Security PodcastJCPOA Iran Nuclear Deal Blog PostMEK DefinitionIranian Revolutionary Guard CorpsKurdistan Blog PostBalkanization Definition

As a tumultuous summer draws to a close, Stephen, Kurt, Brandon, and Nick discuss the active debate surrounding ISIS fighters and their future in a post-caliphate world. Should nations attempt to rehabilitate returning fighters who have surrendered, or deny them re-entry into their home countries? Then, the team answers one of the most divisive topics in modern international relations: Is the world safer with nuclear weapons?Nuclear Security LinkNuclear Stockpile ReportSyria Conflict Live MapSecond

At the 101st day of the new administration, Stephen, Kurt, and Nick react to America's increasingly cozy relationship with dictators, authoritarians, and leaders who project strength. Is this policy just a reflection of realism, or should the U.S. do more to promote democracy and human rights throughout the world? Then, the team discusses the recent referendum in Turkey and why some people would vote away their own democratic powers. Lastly, Kurt and Stephen revive our Key Terms segment with a look

In Episode 04, the usual team is back together to discuss reactions to the Trump administration's travel ban against seven Muslim majority nations. In the second half, the team finally disagrees about something when confronting rumors that the Muslim Brotherhood may be designated as a terrorist organization.

In Episode 03, we react to the first days of the Donald Trump administration and its impacts on Middle East policy. First, we take a critical look at Israeli settlement policy and the prospects of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Then, Kurt explains the rise of authoritarianism in Turkey and the constitutional changes that grant president Erdogan even more powers. And Stephen closes out the episode with remarks on the death of former Iranian president Rafsanjani.LinksThe Third IntifadaPeace

In this week's episode, the team discusses the intersection of American foreign policy and the Russian government. We begin with a continuation of last week's debate about likely Russian policy under the coming Trump presidency and then transition into a general discussion about Trump's picks for cabinet level positions regarding national security. Finally, we introduce a new segment called Key Terms, which is designed to help explain some of the jargon often used in the study of international

In our first ever podcast, the Orientalist Express team takes a look at the future of several key Middle Eastern issues in light of the recent election of Donald Trump to the American presidency. Our main focus includes the likely breakdown of the Iran nuclear deal and the future of the Syrian Civil War. Contributors include Nicholas Hayen, Stephen Howard, Brandon Kenney, and Kurt Guner.