Office Hours with Graham Dodds: Executive Power, Writing Books, and Grad School Survival

Climate Shocks and Trade: Juliette Weil on Environmental Provisions and Policy

In this episode of the PoliSci Podcast, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Juliette Weil, a master’s student in political science at Concordia University, whose research explores the intersection of climate politics and international political economy. Juliette discusses her thesis on how climate disasters shape environmental provisions in preferential trade agreements, and what this reveals about state behavior and policy design. The conversation also traces her journey from Paris to Portland and Montreal, and how these experiences shaped her academic path. We also touch on her work as a teaching and research assistant, life during her MA, and—of course—her cat Boba, who occasionally makes an appearance during thesis-writing sessions. Host, Production and Audio Editing: Navid Mahlooji Guest: Juliette Weil Location: Concordia University Library Music: Source: Free Music Archive Pierce Murphy - Hey Mercy (CC BY) Yuri Megis - Team Funk (CC BY)

Office Hours with Graham Dodds: Executive Power, Writing Books, and Grad School Survival

In this episode of the PoliSci Podcast, part of the Office Hours faculty focus series, hosts Navid Mahlooji and Nick Von Rosk sit down with Graham Dodds, professor of political science at Concordia University. The conversation moves from Dr. Dodds’ unconventional academic path to a sharp, accessible critique of executive power in the United States, touching on the unitary executive theory, presidential pardons, and the growing use of unilateral authority—before closing with candid, practical advice for graduate students navigating the pressures of academic life. Music Team Funk By Yuri Megis Source: Free Music Archive License: CC BY

From the Arctic to Armenia – Danforth Oghigian on Policy, Place, and Global Perspectives [Part 2]

In this second, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes back Danforth Oghigian, a globe-trotting Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans Japan, Iceland, Norway, Armenia, and Canada. Dan reflects on his experience studying Polar Law in Iceland and Norway, where he was immersed in Arctic governance, environmental law, and indigenous rights, supported by Erasmus+ and the UArctic network. He shares what drew him to Armenia, his ancestral homeland, where he lived through the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflict while working in political consulting. Credits Host: Navid MahloojiGuest: Danforth OghigianProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: February 13th – 3 PMLocation: Concordia University – Library With Music credits right here: Music from Free Music Archive (CC BY-NC) Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi 19:57 Indifferent Light by Even Twice 32:46 All The Colors In The World by Podington Bear 40:33 This Game Has No Nameby Antethic

From Tokyo to the Arctic – Danforth Oghigian on Nationalism, Polar Law, and Indigenous Governance [Part 1]

In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Danforth Oghigian, a Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans continents—from growing up in Japan to studying polar law in Iceland. Dan shares how his experiences living in Tokyo shaped his worldview and cultural values, his evolving views on nationalism, and how a transformative course at Carleton University shifted his understanding of civic identity. He also introduces listeners to his passion for Arctic governance, explaining Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage, the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the vital role of indigenous participation in polar regions. Through detailed reflections on colonial legacies, Dan highlights the unique political landscape of the Arctic, where indigenous governance, environmental challenges, and international law intersect. Credits Host: Navid Mahlooji Guest: Danforth Oghigian Production: João Roque Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin Date: April 2nd – 6PM Location: Concordia University – Library

Belonging, Identity, and the Diaspora – Leandrew Goseco on Immigrant Political Behavior in Canada

n this episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Leandrew Goseco , a master's student in political science at Concordia University, whose research focuses on immigrant political behavior, integration, and belonging in Canada—a theme deeply rooted in his own journey as a Filipino migrant. Leandrew discusses his work with the Migration Research Team at Concordia, where he explores transnational political engagement and how diasporic communities across Canada use technology to stay connected to their roots. The conversation unpacks how first- and second-generation immigrants engage politically, how identity is maintained or reshaped, and the importance of feeling accepted in a new country. He also reflects on the limitations of terms like “migrant,” “immigrant,” and “expat,” and shares his admiration for Jimmy Carter, his love for 70s rock music, and introduces us to his pet tortoise, Ross. Host: Navid MahloojiGuest: Leandrew GosecoProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: March 18th – 6 PM Location: Concordia University – Library