PAIS Podcasts
PAIS Podcasts 2025 - Maitri Lalai interviews Vicki Squire
13:27, Thu 13 Nov 2025
Maitri Lalai interviews Professor Vicki Squire, Professor of International Politics, Deputy Head of Department and Director of Research at PAIS. She is also the co-convener of the Warwick Borders, Race, Ethnicity and Migration Network and her research covers a wide variety of topics including migration, citizenship, humanitarian and border studies. Vicki's work has taken her to the US-Mexico border region, the Mediterranean and Balkans, Northern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
In this podcast Vicki explores migration as complex, fragmented journeys shaped by overlapping drivers like conflict, climate change, and economic hardship. She critiques simplistic distinctions such as voluntary vs. forced migration, highlights that most displaced people remain within their regions, and examines overlooked benefits like remittances and cultural innovation. The discussion also addresses deterrence policies, political narratives, and the need for more inclusive, humane approaches grounded in solidarity.
You can find a transcript of the podcast here.
(MP3 format, 22 MB)
PAIS Podcasts 2025 - Maitri Lalai interviews Tom Long
13:20, Thu 13 Nov 2025
Today Maitri Lalai interviews Tom Long, Professor in International Relations at PAIS. He is currently Principal Investigator on an AHRC funded project that investigates Latin America's engagements with and contributions to the formation of international order in the late nineteenth century. Additionally, he is co-coordinator of the Latin America at Warwick Network, co-director of PAIS' Centre for the Study of Globalization and Regionalization, and steering committee member of the Warwick Global History and Culture Centre.
Tom explains that small states are best understood through their asymmetrical relationships, not fixed size. He highlights how decolonization and global institutions increased their visibility and influence, and how they use diplomacy, alliances, and niche strategies—especially on issues like climate change—to amplify their voice. Despite challenges from major powers and regional fragmentation, small states can still gain leverage in areas like cybersecurity and technology.
You can find a transcript of the podcast here
(MP3 format, 21 MB)
PAIS Podcasts 2025 - Tom Whelan interviews Dr. Salomé Ietter
13:08, Thu 13 Nov 2025
In this episode PAIS student Thomas Whelan interview Dr Salomé Ietter. Salomé currently works at the University of Glasgow as an early Career Leverhulme Fellow in Sociological & Cultural Studies with her current project entitled "French and British ‘Left Behinds’: Race, Gender, and Class Identity". Before moving she was a Teaching Fellow in Political Theory at PAIS and the Coordinator of MA Student Experience and Progression. She completed her PhD in political theory at Queen Mary University of London with a thesis on anti-populism and the crisis of ‘liberal democracy’. She taught for 5 years at Queen Mary and King’s College London, and am an Associate Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy.
Salomé and Thomas discuss populism and traces populism’s origins as a progressive movement in late 19th-century America, contrasts this with its modern association with far-right politics, and examines how crises and neoliberalism have fuelled both left- and right-wing populist movements globally. Dr. Ietter argues that populism isn’t inherently anti-democratic and highlights the dangers of anti-populism, which often reinforces elitism and limits democratic agency. The discussion emphasizes the need to engage with grievances driving populism rather than dismissing them.
You can find a transcript of this episode here
(MP3 format, 25 MB)
PAIS Podcasts 2025 - Maitri Lalai interviews Dr Mouzayian Khalil
12:49, Thu 13 Nov 2025
In this interview Maitri Lalai, who studied for an MA in International Security at PAIS in 2025, interviews Mouzayian Khalil. Mouzayian is an Assistant Professor in International Development and Global South Politics and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and current Warwick International Higher Education Academy (WIHEA) Fellow. Additionally she is the course director for the MA in International Development at PAIS and is currently director of the Warwick Interdisciplinary Research Centre for International Development, co-editor of its Think Development blog, and convenes its Think Development Out Loud series. Outside of Warwick Mouzayian has experience as a technical lead consultant on gender and social impact investment in agribusiness, health, and education projects in Nigeria.
In this podcast Mouzayian discusses what development means in the current era of globalization and volatility. She discusses how she conceptualises development and the tensions between government aims for development and the needs of individuals and communities.
You can find a transcript of the podcast here.
(MP3 format, 21 MB)
PAIS Podcasts 2025 - Thomas Whelan interview Max Warrack
17:18, Tue 11 Nov 2025
PAIS student Thomas Whelan interviews Max Warrack, Teaching Fellow in Politics and International Studies (East Asia) at the University of Warwick. Max is also Coordinator of the University of Warwick East Asia Study Group (EASG) as well as Coordinator of MA Student Experience and Progression (MA CSEP).
The podcast covers Max's research interests which include the links between culture, politics and international relations with a focus on Japan. Max investigates the links between media, security and militarism and in the podcast he discusses his work and how Japanese culture and the entertainment industry supports Japanese militarism, contrary to accepted norms.
You can find a transcript of the podcast here.
(MP3 format, 25 MB)