Faculty of Social Sciences news
Global Studies academics launch new podcast: Global Takes on Trump
By: Maria Andreou
Last updated: Thursday, 30 October 2025
The podcast examines the global repercussions of Trump’s second term
Critical perspectives on global challenges
Donald Trump’s second presidency is already reshaping global political dynamics.
Associate Professor in International Relations Dr Synne Dyvik and colleagues have launched a new podcast series that brings together academics from across the University of Sussex’s Faculty of Social Sciences to examine the global repercussions of Trump’s second term.
Exploring issues that define our time
In each episode, host Dr Dyvik is joined by a guest host and an expert guest to discuss a specific theme of Trump’s presidency and what it means for the world today.
On episode 1, ‘Drill baby Drill!’, Synne was joined by Global Studies’ Professor Peter Newell and Dr Will Lock to discuss Trump’s determination to drill, baby, drill and explore his disastrous environmental programme, what America’s retreat from green policies means for the wider world, and where we can find hope in our struggle to navigate the climate emergency.
Subsequent episodes focus on the past, present, and future of the US empire and imperialism, featuring Professor Alan Lester and Dr David Wearing. Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit and Postgraduate Researcher Tanja Weis also join to discuss key members of Trump’s coalition: Tradwives and Techbros.
Synne says: “We are very excited to be launching a brand-new podcast series where we ask what Trump’s second term means for global politics today.
“Throughout the series we will be inviting academics from the School of Global Studies and beyond to offer historical, sociological and political context to help us all understand this current political moment better.”
Global Takes on Trump is made possible through a Faculty of Social Sciences Cultures of Belonging funding grant.
Find out more
Listen to Global Takes on Trump and explore more Global Studies podcasts including Intergalactic Relations, hosted by Dr Faiz Sheikh, Assistant Professor in International Relations.