
Hosted by Ardian Mollabeqiri & Robert Skidmore · EN

Episode 71: Tarantulas, Tariffs, and Trade Wars: Ambassador Maria Pagan on Global Trade’s Future In this week’s episode of Tradesplaining, Rob and Ardi tackle the unexpected, the essential, and the downright quirky in global trade and policy. Joined by Ambassador Maria Pagan, U.S. representative to the WTO, this episode offers insights and plenty of laughs as they explore: 🎙️ What’s Inside: Tarantula Smuggling Gone Wild 🕷️: A man caught with 300 tarantulas at customs? Learn how the global wildlife trade intersects with international regulations. COP29 Climate Talks 🌱: From funding gaps to policy fatigue, we break down the major takeaways from the latest climate conference and what it means for global sustainability. Cheese and Tariffs 🧀: Why Parmesan is being hoarded in response to shifting trade policies. National Security in Trade 🛡️: Ambassador Pagan explains how national security exceptions are reshaping trade policy and the role of the WTO in dispute resolution. Globalization Trends 🌍: Are new tech jobs like TikTok QVC hosts the latest iteration of globalization? 🔑 Key Takeaways: The U.S. perspective on the WTO’s role in dispute resolution. How climate goals are stalling at COP29 and what needs to happen next. Quirky stories that make trade more relatable, from smuggled wildlife to unusual customs cases. 🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to leave a review and share with friends who love global stories with a twist! 📌 Follow Us: Twitter: @Tradesplaining Instagram: @trade.splaining Email: tradesplaining@gmail.com 🔍 Keywords: COP29 Climate Talks National Security Trade Policy Ambassador Maria Pagan WTO Tarantula Smuggling Stories Global Trade Podcast Parmesan Cheese Tariffs TikTok Globalization Trends Climate Finance Challenges Wildlife Trade Regulations Sustainable Trade Practices Stay informed, stay entertained, and as always—listen responsibly! 🎙️

Episode 70: Diverging Paths, Turkey’s BRICS Aspirations, and Narratives on Globalization ft. Nicholas Lamp Welcome to Episode 70 of Trade Splaining! In this episode, Rob and Ardi are joined by Nicholas Lamp, Associate Professor at Queen’s University, to discuss diverging economic approaches, shifting trade narratives, and some unexpected trends. Key Topics Covered: US vs. EU Economic Divergence: As the U.S. and Europe take increasingly different approaches to economic policy, what does this mean for a unified Western strategy? Turkey and the BRICS: Turkey’s aspirations to join the BRICS highlight a shift toward a multipolar global economy. How could this reshape alliances and influence trade? Narratives on Globalization: Nicholas Lamp offers fresh insights on how public and political perspectives on globalization are evolving, as seen in his book, Six Faces of Globalization. Special Guest: Nicholas Lamp, an expert in international trade law, joins us to unpack the changing narratives around globalization and share his take on what the future holds for global trade. Highlights: Insights into the U.S.-EU economic policy gap. Turkey’s pivot to BRICS and its implications for NATO and Western alliances. A deeper look at the forces shaping public and political discourse on globalization, from labor rights to climate concerns. A humorous dive into the quirky concept of the “selmelier” (salt sommelier) and other local news. 🔊 Tune in now for an episode packed with trade insights, policy debates, and some light-hearted moments! Keywords: US-EU Economic Divergence Turkey BRICS Membership Globalization Narratives International Trade Podcast Nicholas Lamp BRICS Alliance WTO Global Trade Dynamics Trade Policy Trends Global Economic Shifts 📌 Call to Action: Stay informed—subscribe to Tradesplaining on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Share your thoughts and leave a review! Follow us on social media for more updates and insights: Twitter: @Tradesplaining Instagram: @trade.splaining #GlobalTrade #TradePolicy #BRICS #Globalization #NicholasLamp #EconomicDivergence #TurkeyBRICS #Podcast #USTrade #EUTrade #SupplyChain #BusinessPodcast

Welcome to Trade Splaining Episode 69! In this episode, hosts Rob and Ardian are joined by Ambassador Maria Pagan, U.S. representative to the WTO, to discuss a wide range of timely topics in global trade. Key Topics Covered: Re-Globalization: What does the post-pandemic world look like? We explore how trade rules must evolve to meet the needs of 2024 and beyond. China’s Economic Stimulus: As China pushes stimulus packages to revitalize its slowing economy, what will this mean for global trade dynamics? Worker-Centered Trade Policy: Ambassador Pagan breaks down what the U.S. means by "worker-centered" trade policy and why it’s critical in today’s evolving economic landscape. Special Guest: Amb. Maria Pagan, who leads the U.S. mission to the WTO, shares her expert insight on how trade policy is shifting, addressing inequalities, and adapting to modern challenges like technology disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Highlights: The importance of adapting trade rules in light of modern challenges. How China’s stimulus could impact global growth and trade. A detailed discussion on worker-centered trade policies and their long-term benefits. Amb. Pagan’s personal journey and what she’s learned from her extensive career in international trade. 🔊 Tune in now for thought-provoking discussions on the future of global trade! 📌 Call to Action: Don’t miss out on these timely insights—subscribe to Tradesplaining on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to leave a review and share with your network! Follow us on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content: Twitter: @Tradesplaining Instagram: @trade.splaining #GlobalTrade #TradePolicy #WTO #ReGlobalization #ChineseStimulus #WorkerCenteredPolicy #Podcast #AmbMariaPagan #InternationalBusiness #USTrade #TradeNegotiations #GlobalEconomy #EconomicStimulus #TradeReform #SupplyChain

Episode 68 – Trade, National Security, and the WTO Walk Into a Bar Welcome to Trade Splaining – the podcast that makes sense of international trade, business, and expat life... without putting you to sleep. In this special WTO Public Forum edition, your hosts, Rob and Ardian, dive deep into national security, global trade, and even kebabs. Episode 68 brings a lively discussion with special guests Dr. Mona Paulson from the London School of Economics and Professor Greg Messenger from the University of Bristol. This episode is packed with insights on the evolving dynamics of global trade, dispute resolution, and the intersection of trade and national security. Episode Highlights: - What’s New at the WTO Public Forum?: Mona and Greg give us the scoop from the heart of Geneva. From re-globalization to security exceptions, we get an insider look at what global leaders and policymakers are focusing on in 2024. - National Security & Trade – A Growing Tension: Explore how national security is increasingly used as a rationale for trade decisions. Is it a legitimate concern or just an excuse for protectionism? Greg and Mona dissect the legal and political implications. - Dispute Settlement Crisis at the WTO: With the U.S. absent from key discussions and a massive drop in disputes, is the WTO’s future in jeopardy? Our guests weigh in on the future of multilateralism and whether informal agreements are the new way forward. - Climate Change and Trade: Developing countries are pushing for climate action within the WTO, but how do we reconcile economic security with environmental protection? Hear from our experts on how the global trade system is adapting to these urgent challenges. - Is the WTO Appellate Body Done For?: With the U.S. blocking new appointments, how will trade disputes be settled? The rise of unilateral actions and side agreements points to a modular future, but what does that mean for global trade governance? Key Quotes: - "The WTO is at an inflection point – it's not about going back to normal, it's about moving forward with a new, inclusive vision for global trade." - "National security has become the 'get-out-of-jail-free card' for trade restrictions. But is it really justified, or are we just seeing a rise in protectionism?" About Our Guests: - Dr. Mona Paulson: Assistant Professor at LSE, specializing in international economic law and trade policy. Her research delves into the intersections of trade, development, and economic security. - Professor Greg Messenger: Trade law expert at the University of Bristol, co-director of the Trade and Public Policy Network (TAP), and advisor on trade and sustainable development issues in the UK. Connect With Us: - Don’t miss an episode – subscribe to *Tradesplaining* on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. - Follow us on Twitter: @Tradesplaining for the latest updates and trade jokes. - Got questions or feedback? Drop us an email at tradesplaining@gmail.com. Listen, laugh, and learn – all in under an hour!