In our final episode of season two, host Terry McDonald is joined by Anette Mäletjärv, Cooperation Officer in the Estonian LGBT Association, to discuss the history of the LGBTQ+ movement in Estonia, where it started, and what it has achieved. Happy Pride Month! 

In our final episode of season two, host Terry McDonald is joined by Anette Mäletjärv, Cooperation Officer in the Estonian LGBT Association, to discuss the history of the LGBTQ+ movement in Estonia, where it started, and what it has achieved. Happy Pride Month!

2.11 Pride Month Special - the history and future of the LGBTQ+ movement in Estonia

From claims like "Made with recycled products" to pictures of a rainforest on the label, the image of environmentalism is everywhere in advertising today. Similarly, more consumers are trying to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions than ever. To do so, though, they need to be able to know which products are actually produced in an environmentally-sustainable manner. Many products and events are advertised using 'green' themes while not actually using 'green' practises - in a process called "Greenwashing". In this episode, we have environmental policy expert Kadri Kalle join our host Terry McDonald to help us all learn the difference between environmentalism and environmental marketing.  This episode is our annual contribution to the Tallinn University Green Month initiative. To check out last year's, listen here:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o1flCTXMakcW0v6q5E5vM 

From claims like "Made with recycled products" to pictures of a rainforest on the label, the image of environmentalism is everywhere in advertising today. Similarly, more consumers are trying to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions than ever. To do so, though, they need to be able to know which products are actually produced in an environmentally-sustainable manner. Many products and events are advertised using 'green' themes while not actually using 'green' practises - in a process called "Greenwashing". In this episode, we have environmental policy expert Kadri Kalle join our host Terry McDonald to help us all learn the difference between environmentalism and environmental marketing. This episode is our annual contribution to the Tallinn University Green Month initiative. To check out last year's, listen here:  <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o1flCTXMakcW0v6q5E5vM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o1flCTXMakcW0v6q5E5vM</a>

2.10 Greenwashing - TLU Green Month Episode

The arts have been essential to the survival of Estonian culture, through various occupations, up through the Singing Revolution, and in the revitalization of independence. Now, on Tallinn Music Week, our host Terry McDonald is joined by Shiftworks CEO and TMW Founder Helen Sildna to discuss the festival's history, and the meaning of the arts in times of repression and war. Then, Monika Tomingas - Project Manager at the Estonian Folklore Council and Lecturer at the Baltic Film, Media, and Arts School at Tallinn University - joins us to talk about the history and meaning of the arts in Estonian culture - and if Estonian society is doing enough to encourage the artistic community. Happy TMW!   Thanks to Kadri Voorand for permission to use a clip of her performance from TMW in the show. If you are interested in Tallinn Music Week - you can find more information here:  https://tmw.ee/ 

The arts have been essential to the survival of Estonian culture, through various occupations, up through the Singing Revolution, and in the revitalization of independence. Now, on Tallinn Music Week, our host Terry McDonald is joined by Shiftworks CEO and TMW Founder Helen Sildna to discuss the festival's history, and the meaning of the arts in times of repression and war. Then, Monika Tomingas - Project Manager at the Estonian Folklore Council and Lecturer at the Baltic Film, Media, and Arts School at Tallinn University - joins us to talk about the history and meaning of the arts in Estonian culture - and if Estonian society is doing enough to encourage the artistic community. Happy TMW!  Thanks to Kadri Voorand for permission to use a clip of her performance from TMW in the show. If you are interested in Tallinn Music Week - you can find more information here: <a href="https://tmw.ee/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://tmw.ee/</a>

2.9 Estonia's Funding for the Arts: Tallinn Music Week Special Episode

Social Media and the rights and responsibilities that come with it shape so much of our world - politics, relationships, war and peace.  How can we have democracy in a world where people are living in different information realities? Who gets to choose what is acceptable discourse? In a wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Mart Susi - founder of the Digital Human Rights Network and Professor of Human Rights Law at TLU - joins Terry to discuss how we shape the conversation that shapes so much of our reality.  If you would like to hear more from Dr. Susi and other experts on this issue, please join the webinar “Media freedom and freedom of expression at times of military aggression” Tuesday 19th of March 11am at the link below.   https://www.facebook.com/events/653911495902479

Social Media and the rights and responsibilities that come with it shape so much of our world - politics, relationships, war and peace.  How can we have democracy in a world where people are living in different information realities? Who gets to choose what is acceptable discourse? In a wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Mart Susi - founder of the Digital Human Rights Network and Professor of Human Rights Law at TLU - joins Terry to discuss how we shape the conversation that shapes so much of our reality.  If you would like to hear more from Dr. Susi and other experts on this issue, please join the webinar “Media freedom and freedom of expression at times of military aggression” Tuesday 19th of March 11am at the link below.  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/653911495902479" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/653911495902479</a>

2.8 Social Media and Human Rights

Hacking. Cybercrime. Cyberwarfare. It cuts to the heart of modern life, and the essential functions of modern society. Now, as one of the major players in cyberwarfare engages in total war, we need to understand the vulnerabilities we have to cyberattack, and how we can deal with them without sacrificing the connectivity we depend on as a global society. Catlyn Kirna, Lecturer of International Relations at TLU and Cyber Security Consultant with CGI Estonia, join our host Terry McDonald to talk about cyberwar, cybersecurity, how you can do your part for cyber defence, and how some hackers are like the Wet Bandits from Home Alone.   This episode is brought to you as part of the 10th Annual Tallinn University Symposium of International Relations, which received funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the institutional package measure for R&amp;D institutions and higher education institutions (ASTRA project TLU TEE of Tallinn University; University of Tartu’s ASTRA project PER ASPERA)) and is organized by Doctoral School in Economics and Innovation. 

Hacking. Cybercrime. Cyberwarfare. It cuts to the heart of modern life, and the essential functions of modern society. Now, as one of the major players in cyberwarfare engages in total war, we need to understand the vulnerabilities we have to cyberattack, and how we can deal with them without sacrificing the connectivity we depend on as a global society. Catlyn Kirna, Lecturer of International Relations at TLU and Cyber Security Consultant with CGI Estonia, join our host Terry McDonald to talk about cyberwar, cybersecurity, how you can do your part for cyber defence, and how some hackers are like the Wet Bandits from Home Alone.  This episode is brought to you as part of the 10th Annual Tallinn University Symposium of International Relations, which received funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the institutional package measure for R&amp;D institutions and higher education institutions (ASTRA project TLU TEE of Tallinn University; University of Tartu’s ASTRA project PER ASPERA)) and is organized by Doctoral School in Economics and Innovation.

2.7 Cyber War and Cyber Security

Pandemics. Climate change. Refugee crises. The problems we face in the era of globalization run deep. Despite layers of governance and a plethora of expertise, there are modern problems that simply do not have simple solutions. These are known as Wicked Problems - and how we learn to adapt to and deal with them will shape the future of human society. Dr. Benjamin Klasche is an expert in Wicked Problems, and in this episode joins our host Terry McDonald to discuss how we survive the era of wicked problems. 

Pandemics. Climate change. Refugee crises. The problems we face in the era of globalization run deep. Despite layers of governance and a plethora of expertise, there are modern problems that simply do not have simple solutions. These are known as Wicked Problems - and how we learn to adapt to and deal with them will shape the future of human society. Dr. Benjamin Klasche is an expert in Wicked Problems, and in this episode joins our host Terry McDonald to discuss how we survive the era of wicked problems.

2.6 The Era of Wicked Problems

With the invasion of Ukraine underway, we invited Dr. Matthew Crandall and Dr. Benjamin Klasche back on the podcast to speak with Terry about why Russia would do this, and what it means for the future of Europe, International Relations, and the world. We also discuss the events from each of an American, German, and Canadian perspective.  This episode was done live on Twitter Spaces - and we are releasing it here for those who may have missed it. 

With the invasion of Ukraine underway, we invited Dr. Matthew Crandall and Dr. Benjamin Klasche back on the podcast to speak with Terry about why Russia would do this, and what it means for the future of Europe, International Relations, and the world. We also discuss the events from each of an American, German, and Canadian perspective.  This episode was done live on Twitter Spaces - and we are releasing it here for those who may have missed it.

2.5 Special Live Episode: Ukraine is Invaded 

Half a world apart geographically, close partners in culture, economy, and security - in this episode we discuss the relationship between Canada and Estonia.  Estonian Ambassador to Canada Toomas Lukk joins our host Terry McDonald to talk about the history of Estonians in Canada, how the Estonian diaspora maintains their identity, what NATO security partnerships mean to Estonia, and tells us his favourite Canadian band. O Canada!  In the episode we reference a visa-free work arrangement for citizens of the two countries - if you want to know more, check out the links below:  https://ottawa.mfa.ee/youth-mobility-agreement/  https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/eligibility.asp 

Half a world apart geographically, close partners in culture, economy, and security - in this episode we discuss the relationship between Canada and Estonia.  Estonian Ambassador to Canada Toomas Lukk joins our host Terry McDonald to talk about the history of Estonians in Canada, how the Estonian diaspora maintains their identity, what NATO security partnerships mean to Estonia, and tells us his favourite Canadian band. O Canada!  In the episode we reference a visa-free work arrangement for citizens of the two countries - if you want to know more, check out the links below:  <a href="https://ottawa.mfa.ee/youth-mobility-agreement/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ottawa.mfa.ee/youth-mobility-agreement/</a> <a href="https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/eligibility.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/eligibility.asp</a>

2.4 The Estonian-Canadian Relationship - with Amb. Toomas Lukk

The year 2021 saw an unprecedented surge in energy prices in Europe, with the retail price of electricity almost tripling in Estonia within a year. Why has this happened, and what does it say about the future of energy? Host Terry McDonald is joined by Dr. Mihkel Kangur, an Associate Professor of Sustainable Development at the School of Natural Sciences and Health here at Tallinn University, to discuss Estonia's energy situation, the geo-politics of the issue, nuclear power, and if your electricity bill will be coming down anytime soon. 

The year 2021 saw an unprecedented surge in energy prices in Europe, with the retail price of electricity almost tripling in Estonia within a year. Why has this happened, and what does it say about the future of energy? Host Terry McDonald is joined by Dr. Mihkel Kangur, an Associate Professor of Sustainable Development at the School of Natural Sciences and Health here at Tallinn University, to discuss Estonia's energy situation, the geo-politics of the issue, nuclear power, and if your electricity bill will be coming down anytime soon.

2.3 The Electricity Price Surge 

Russian troops are amassed near the Ukrainian border, in an escalation of the crisis that has been building since the invasion of 2014. Just yesterday, Putin and Biden exchanged ultimatums regarding the consequences of any potential Russian military invasion of Ukraine, with the potential of a "complete breakdown" of the relationship between the US and Russia in the air. How did Ukraine become a flashpoint in international affairs? What does Russia seek to gain? Why is the US so concerned? What role does the EU and NATO play in the situation? What do Ukrainians want? In this episode, our host Terry McDonald is joined by Dr. Matthew Crandall, Professor of International Relations at Tallinn University, to talk about what is driving all these actors to the brink in Ukraine. 

Russian troops are amassed near the Ukrainian border, in an escalation of the crisis that has been building since the invasion of 2014. Just yesterday, Putin and Biden exchanged ultimatums regarding the consequences of any potential Russian military invasion of Ukraine, with the potential of a "complete breakdown" of the relationship between the US and Russia in the air. How did Ukraine become a flashpoint in international affairs? What does Russia seek to gain? Why is the US so concerned? What role does the EU and NATO play in the situation? What do Ukrainians want? In this episode, our host Terry McDonald is joined by Dr. Matthew Crandall, Professor of International Relations at Tallinn University, to talk about what is driving all these actors to the brink in Ukraine.

2.2 A Potential Crisis in Ukraine

Bringing the ideas of Tallinn University to the world - and vice versa. Hosted by Terry McDonald.

A border crisis by design on the edge of the European Union. Migrating people's desire for a better life being used as weapon to destabilize a political rival. Who are these people arriving on Europe's doorstep - who sent them, and why? Dr. Mari-Liis Jakobson, Associate Professor of Political Sociology at TLU's School of Governance, Law and Society joins our host Terry McDonald to explain.  If you want to know more about the issues in Belarus, check out episode 3 from last season, where we examine them in depth. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fTI3MwL4CHEJ1t7rQx9ph 

A border crisis by design on the edge of the European Union. Migrating people's desire for a better life being used as weapon to destabilize a political rival. Who are these people arriving on Europe's doorstep - who sent them, and why? Dr. Mari-Liis Jakobson, Associate Professor of Political Sociology at TLU's School of Governance, Law and Society joins our host Terry McDonald to explain.  If you want to know more about the issues in Belarus, check out episode 3 from last season, where we examine them in depth. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fTI3MwL4CHEJ1t7rQx9ph" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fTI3MwL4CHEJ1t7rQx9ph</a>

2:1 The Weaponization of People on the Poland-Belarus Border

Estonia is a world-leader in education. For example, in 2018 Estonian 15 year-olds had the highest scores in Europe in the OECD's PISA tests - the best standardized measurement of educational success available today. What is it about the Estonian education system that works so well? Are there lessons that other countries and educators should take from Estonia's experience? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mati Heidmets from Tallinn University's Centre of Excellence in Educational Innovation to find out. https://www.tlu.ee/en/hti/research/centre-excellence-educational-innovation

Estonia is a world-leader in education. For example, in 2018 Estonian 15 year-olds had the highest scores in Europe in the OECD's PISA tests - the best standardized measurement of educational success available today. What is it about the Estonian education system that works so well? Are there lessons that other countries and educators should take from Estonia's experience? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mati Heidmets from Tallinn University's Centre of Excellence in Educational Innovation to find out. <a href="https://www.tlu.ee/en/hti/research/centre-excellence-educational-innovation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.tlu.ee/en/hti/research/centre-excellence-educational-innovation</a>

1.6 Why Estonia Matters - Education

Major powers have been using Covid vaccines - and the desire other states have for access to them - to buy allies and enhance their global reputations. Russia, China, the USA, and the EU have all had different approaches and agendas when it comes to this vaccine diplomacy - and this has been a force in international relations and the global Covid response. In this episode, we discuss this phenomenon and its implications with Dr. Mika Aaltola.  Dr. Aaltola is the Director of FIIA, a tenured professor of International Relations and European Union Affairs at Tallinn University, and holds the rank of docent at Tampere University. He has been a visiting fellow at Cambridge University, Sciences Po (CERI), and Johns Hopkins as well as a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota. His areas of expertise include the U.S. global role, dynamics of major power politics, democratic vulnerability, pandemic security, and Finnish foreign policy. His latest published monograph is Democratic Vulnerability and Autocratic Meddling – The ‘Thucydidean Brink’ in Regressive Geopolitical Competition (Palgrave-Macmillan, 2021).

Major powers have been using Covid vaccines - and the desire other states have for access to them - to buy allies and enhance their global reputations. Russia, China, the USA, and the EU have all had different approaches and agendas when it comes to this vaccine diplomacy - and this has been a force in international relations and the global Covid response. In this episode, we discuss this phenomenon and its implications with Dr. Mika Aaltola.  Dr. Aaltola is the Director of FIIA, a tenured professor of International Relations and European Union Affairs at Tallinn University, and holds the rank of docent at Tampere University. He has been a visiting fellow at Cambridge University, Sciences Po (CERI), and Johns Hopkins as well as a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota. His areas of expertise include the U.S. global role, dynamics of major power politics, democratic vulnerability, pandemic security, and Finnish foreign policy. His latest published monograph is Democratic Vulnerability and Autocratic Meddling – The ‘Thucydidean Brink’ in Regressive Geopolitical Competition (Palgrave-Macmillan, 2021).

1.5 - Vaccine Diplomacy with Prof. Mika Aaltola

Do you know what bees mean to society, and what you can do to help them thrive? Dr. Liisa Puusepp of the Tallinn University Institute of Ecology joins us to talk about how bees made your breakfast, pollination corridors, and why she has 100 000 bees on the roof of Tallinn University.  This episode is our contribution to TLU's Green Month initiative - you can find other events here https://linktr.ee/GreenMonthTLU . 

Do you know what bees mean to society, and what you can do to help them thrive? Dr. Liisa Puusepp of the Tallinn University Institute of Ecology joins us to talk about how bees made your breakfast, pollination corridors, and why she has 100 000 bees on the roof of Tallinn University.  This episode is our contribution to TLU's Green Month initiative - you can find other events here <a href="https://linktr.ee/GreenMonthTLU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/GreenMonthTLU</a> .

1.4 - Why Bees Matter - Green Month Special Episode!

How did Estonia succeed in building a lasting democracy, while Belarus still fights for one? Our guests Dr. Leif Kalev (Professor of State and Citizenship Theory - TLU) and Belarusian Activist Irina Suursild discuss the divergent paths of their two nations since 1991.  For those who want to help build democracy in Belarus - here are some links:  https://bysol.org valgevenemaja.ee https://politzek.me https://dissidentby.com

How did Estonia succeed in building a lasting democracy, while Belarus still fights for one? Our guests Dr. Leif Kalev (Professor of State and Citizenship Theory - TLU) and Belarusian Activist Irina Suursild discuss the divergent paths of their two nations since 1991.  For those who want to help build democracy in Belarus - here are some links: <a href="https://bysol.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bysol.org</a> <a href="http://valgevenemaja.ee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">valgevenemaja.ee</a> <a href="https://politzek.me" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://politzek.me</a> <a href="https://dissidentby.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://dissidentby.com</a>

1.3 Estonia and Belarus - How to build a lasting democracy (or not)

Michael McFaul

A conversation with former US Ambassador to Russia Prof. Michael McFaul. We discuss changes in US foreign policy in the region from Prof. McFaul's time in the Obama administration, through the Trump era, and what a Biden Presidency will mean for Estonia and the region as a whole. Plus, we reflect on Prof. McFaul's personal experiences in Estonia, Russia, and the USSR, and muse on the future of International Relations. Recorded at the Tallinn University Winter School of International Relations - 26 February 2021. 

A conversation with former US Ambassador to Russia Prof. Michael McFaul. We discuss changes in US foreign policy in the region from Prof. McFaul's time in the Obama administration, through the Trump era, and what a Biden Presidency will mean for Estonia and the region as a whole. Plus, we reflect on Prof. McFaul's personal experiences in Estonia, Russia, and the USSR, and muse on the future of International Relations. Recorded at the Tallinn University Winter School of International Relations - 26 February 2021.

1.2 - Estonia's Shelter with Fmr. Ambassador Michael McFaul 

In our inaugural episode, we meet with the former President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and discuss the role of Estonia in the wider world, along with some of his personal history and unique insights into Estonian politics - near and abroad. Hosted by Terry McDonald  Facebook: @TLUPODCAST Instagram: @tlupodcast Twitter: PodcastTallinn

In our inaugural episode, we meet with the former President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and discuss the role of Estonia in the wider world, along with some of his personal history and unique insights into Estonian politics - near and abroad. Hosted by Terry McDonald Facebook: @TLUPODCAST Instagram: @tlupodcast Twitter: PodcastTallinn

1.1 - "Why Estonia Matters" feat. Toomas Hendrik Ilves

The Tallinn University Podcast

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