ODI | Think Change

Feb 27 2025 84 ep. 34 mins 868

ODI | Think Change Podcast artwork

From global think tank ODI, in Think Change we discuss some of the world’s most pressing global issues with a variety of experts and commentators. Find out more at odi.org

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How is Ukraine redefining global security?

Feb 27 2025 42 mins

Ukraine stands at a pivotal point as its war with Russia enters its third year. With high-stakes talks between the US and Russia taking place in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine finds itself excluded from crucial discussions, which raises alarms in Kyiv and Europe. As Western unity begins to fracture, the debate intensifies over whether to prioritise negotiations or continue military support.

What are the costs and impacts of shutting down USAID?

Feb 13 2025 36 mins

For decades, US foreign aid has played a vital role in humanitarian assistance, development and global security. But last month, the US government – the world’s biggest aid donor – announced a sudden 90-day freeze on foreign aid. This will have a devastating impact on communities globally who depend on it to survive. It has triggered widespread uncertainty across the global d

How can we fix a system that fuels rampant inequality?

Jan 30 2025 31 mins

Nearly a decade ago, nations worldwide committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the first goal focused on ending poverty in all its forms by 2030. Whilst some progress has been made, we remain well off track to reach this ambitious target. Poverty reduction has stalled, whilst a new report by Oxfam – launched during the recent World Economic Forum Annual Meetin

Investing in frontier economies – what can public-private collaboration achieve?

Jan 16 2025 33 mins

The term ‘fragility’ is used to describe various complex challenges including protracted conflicts, weak state capacity, and vulnerability to climate-related shocks. Development progress has been the hardest in these contexts. But the landscape is changing, with new development players emerging – notably in the private sector. Private capital is reaching frontier economies (t

What's fast fashion's impact on local economies?

Jan 02 2025 34 mins

Fast fashion has transformed how we consume clothing. A staggering 11.3 million tonnes of textile waste ends up in US landfills alone every year. This global fashion waste crisis has far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy and local communities. Sites which often appear like dumping grounds for unused goods can transform themselves into major sources of creativity an

What trends will shape 2025?

Dec 19 2024 36 mins

2024 was a year of significant transitions – characterised by rapid technological progress, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and ongoing crises and conflicts. In this final episode of the year, we reflect on its defining moments and look ahead to the key trends likely to shape 2025. As the world becomes increasingly multipolar, the shift towards a more balanced global power stru

Sudan war – what's the untold story?

Dec 10 2024 43 mins

Since April last year, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war which has claimed over 150,000 lives, displaced over 11 million people and created acute food insecurity. It is arguably the world's most devastating conflict. So why, over 600 days on, is Sudan still not getting the media and international attention it needs? And what can be done to spur more recognition and acti

What role should donors play in a post-aid world?

Nov 26 2024 37 mins

Our new Donors in a Post-Aid World (DPAW) dialogue series provides an informal space for reimagining the functions of Northern bilateral donors in an evolving global landscape. Last month, our first dialogue focused on creating a new narrative for Northern ‘donorship,’ identifying opportunities for a refreshed approach to development cooperation. This episode discusses key take

Trump 2.0 – geopolitical reboot or national reroute?

Nov 12 2024 32 mins

The world is experiencing significant shifts, and the recent US election stands as one of the most influential. This could introduce a new level of unpredictability to global politics, economic relations and social dynamics worldwide. Donald Trump’s decisive victory has surprised many, and his re-election raises several important questions about how it will impact on global dynam

Is social media’s hate problem beyond repair?

Oct 29 2024 29 mins

In the wake of our decision at ODI to suspend all activity on X (formerly Twitter), this episode examines the polarisation and hate so prevalent in today’s social media landscape and what is driving it. Since Elon Musk took ownership of X two years ago there has been a rise of hate speech, mis- and disinformation on the platform. The UK riots, which we dissected in a recent episo