Drinks and Diplomacy

Understanding Forms of Government

Democracy, authoritarianism, communism, socialism, monarchy, diarchy. Some of these you may know well, some you might have heard of, while others you have not (I am looking at you diarchy). What forms of government are out there, what shapes to they take, and is there any overlap? In this episode we talk with Djimet Dogo, Director of Africa House in Portland Oregon, who walks us through the various types of governments we see around the world. He has a unique lived experience that informs his understanding of these types of government, as he has fought hard against authoritarian governments, specifically in his home country of Chad. It is important to understand what these forms of government are and what they really mean, as many of these terms are talked about in a way that does not reflect their true nature. As you listen to this episode, you will gain insights in to these forms of government, some of the key features to look for, and how you can talk about them in an accurate way. Djimet Dogo is the Associate Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) and Director IRCO/Africa House. His work to effect true community engagement includes a demonstrated history of over 23 years’ experience facilitating collaborative coalition building for refugee and immigrant communities. His many educational qualifications include a Master of Public Administration from PSU and several degrees in Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, Peace building and Leadership from France, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and South Africa. Mr. Dogo was pivotal in the creation of the culturally specific community focal point Africa House in 2006—the only culturally and linguistically specific one-stop service center targeting the increasingly diverse and rapidly growing number of African immigrants and refugees living in Oregon.

Impact of Exchange

Every day, people from around the world are visiting the United States through various exchange programs. From high school students visiting for a semester to working professionals coming for three-week tour for meetings with their counterparts, there is a wide range of opportunities for unique experiences. However, we know that it is not just these international visitors who benefit from cross-cultural engagements. In this episode, we talk with Janine Branch, Senior Program Officer for the International Visitor Leadership Program at FHI 360, about how she has seen, firsthand, the power of exchanges to build connections and shape the world. We also share stories of impact, providing insights into the ways in which exchanges have affected the local communities we all live in. Janine Branch is a servant leader on a mission to foster purposeful global engagement by uplifting and nurturing civic-minded leaders to persevere and be resilient. Currently, Janine is a Senior Program Officer implementing the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program at FHI360, a nonprofit human development organization, and is the Onboarding Champion for the Global Connections department. Janine spent more than a decade developing professional exchange programs at the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. She uses her unique combination of over 13 years of international exchange program management and talent management experience to engage across cultures and create shared understanding through meaningful person-to-person interactions. In addition to the U.S. Department of State, Janine has worked with a variety of clients, including the Open World Leadership Center, U.S. Agency for International Development, Korea International Trade Association, the Embassy of the United States to the United Kingdom, and the University of Jos in Nigeria. Janine is passionate about using professional development as a driving force to promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations around the world. Janine is dedicated to building practical training programs to provide young leaders with opportunities to explore the international exchange industry and apply their academic knowledge to the “real world.” In doing so, Janine hopes to increase the network of citizen diplomats who have the individual willingness to build relationships to help sustain a secure, economically sound, and socially interconnected world.

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most contentious international issues of our time. With various groups claiming it as the largest existential threat to humanity, while others claiming that humans have no impact, and everything in-between, this issue continues to challenge the world in new and unique ways. This is an issue that is both global and local, requiring individual, community, and global action to effect change and protect the natural resources of the globe. It is also not just about carbon emissions, as overfishing, development, and destruction of habitat are all changing the ways in which humans interact with the earth. In this episode we speak with Gerard Rodriguez, formerly of the Willamette Falls Trust in Oregon City, OR, who's indigenous background informs his work on environmental protection and climate change prevention. Infusing modern solutions with ancestral knowledge, Gerard guides us through the ways in which we can live more harmoniously with the earth and its systems. This is not your traditional look at climate change from a Western scientific method, but rather a look at how humans have impacted the natural systems we rely on and ways in which community and international action can bring about needed changes. Our conversation brings a different perspective, which will assist the audience in gaining a deeper understanding of the issues at stake. Gerard Rodriguez was the Associate Director and Director of Tribal Affairs for the Willamette Falls Trust in Oregon City, OR. In this role he worked to bring together a coalition of local tribes, governments, and interested parties to help restore the land of the Willamette Falls, the second largest waterfall in the U.S. by volume. He has an extensive history in environmental and indigenous advocacy, having started his interest in high school, working as a legal assistant, and in various indigenous outreach roles. He is Yaqui/Nahua and has a deep connection to the broader Portland region.

The Essential Nature of Human Rights

As with many of these conversations, there is a tendency to include a litany of issues as a part of Human Rights. Following the horrors of the Second World War, the world came together and created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides the foundation of Human Rights laws, which was ratified by all but eight member states (they abstained rather that rejecting it). Outlining what governments can and cannot do to you as a person, these laws help the world come together and avoid the worst of human nature, this episode will help you to understand what it is meant when the conversation turns to Human Rights and the need to uphold them. Speaking with Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, your hosts bring together a wide range of conversations to help you better understand how these Human Rights are implemented and what happens when they are not followed. In addition, what happens when the idea of Human Rights gets caught up in geo-political debates that minimize some rights, while amplifying others. Don't worry, there is even a conversation on how countries and leaders can be held accountable in real life for their violations of Human Rights. Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett serves as President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, established in 2008 to continue the legacy of her father, the late Congressman Tom Lantos. Under her leadership, The Lantos Foundation has rapidly become a distinguished and respected voice on key human rights concerns. Dr. Lantos Swett is the former Chair and Vice-Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and teaches Human Rights and American Foreign Policy at Tufts University. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Board of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) and the Budapest based Tom Lantos Institute. Dr. Lantos Swett also serves on the Advisory Board of UN Watch, the annual Anne Frank Award and Lecture, and The Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership, and Public Policy.

Making International Trade Fun!

With over 95% of consumers living outside of the United States, there is a strong incentive for businesses, big and small, to go global. However, it can sometimes feel daunting to understand how international trade works, what tripping points there are, and where to even start. In this episode your fearless hosts dive right into a conversation about the power of imports and exports to improve lives and make global connections. In addition, the conversation covers why "Free Trade" gets a bad wrap, as it should really be looked at as "Free and Fair Trade" to open up new markets and allow for new technologies to cross borders and pushes down costs. On the other hand, where tariffs and controls do exist, this creates competitive disadvantages for companies trying to price their products competitively. By listening to this episode you will come away with a better understanding of the power of international trade, the pitfalls, and opportunities to hear about some of the more unique tariff evasion schemes! Justin Oslowski has been with the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service, since 2000. During this time, he has worked in the Nashville, Tennessee and in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offices as an International Trade Specialist. In June 2007, Justin joined the office in New Hampshire as its new director. Justin currently specializes in assisting safety and security, defense, aerospace and environmental technologies companies in expanding international sales. As an International Trade Specialist, he has worked extensively with many U.S. Embassies and Consulates in order to aid local companies in achieving success in export sales. Temporary assignments have included writing market research at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines and acting as a Commercial Attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece. Justin attended the University of Pittsburgh for his undergraduate studies in Political Science and History. Justin graduated Magna Cum Laude and received membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Justin pursued and received a master's degree in Public and International Affairs from Pitt before joining the U.S. Department of Commerce. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Commerce, Justin was an intern for Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-12) and worked in Mellon Financials' Global Security Services. https://www.trade.gov/global-diversity-export-initiative