By the People

IRI

By the People is a monthly podcast committed to giving you an insider’s look at the challenges and possibilities facing democracies around the world. Join the nonpartisan International Republican Institute as we dive into the issues of the day and discuss new ideas in governance, elections, and democracy. read less

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Observing Elections in Moldova with Former Congressman Peter Roskam | Ep 11

Observing Elections in Moldova with Former Congressman Peter Roskam | Ep 11

In this episode, we’ll discuss the issues and results from the most recent election in Moldova.  On October 20th, Moldovans went to the polls to cast their ballots for president and for a referendum on joining the European Union (EU). The International Republican Institute (IRI) helped lead a short term election observation in Moldova and found that there was significant foreign interference, including vote-buying, propaganda, and cyberattacks to disrupt the election. However, over 1.5 million Moldovans voted. To unpack all of this we are joined by former Congressman Peter Roskam, one of the leaders of IRI’s election observation mission in Moldova. Congressman Roskam has held a number of positions during his service in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019, including serving in the House Leadership as Chief Deputy Whip. He previously chaired the U.S. House Democracy Partnership, a bipartisan commission supporting emerging democracies abroad.

Episodes

Observing Elections in Moldova with Former Congressman Peter Roskam | Ep 11

Observing Elections in Moldova with Former Congressman Peter Roskam | Ep 11

In this episode, we’ll discuss the issues and results from the most recent election in Moldova.  On October 20th, Moldovans went to the polls to cast their ballots for president and for a referendum on joining the European Union (EU). The International Republican Institute (IRI) helped lead a short term election observation in Moldova and found that there was significant foreign interference, including vote-buying, propaganda, and cyberattacks to disrupt the election. However, over 1.5 million Moldovans voted. To unpack all of this we are joined by former Congressman Peter Roskam, one of the leaders of IRI’s election observation mission in Moldova. Congressman Roskam has held a number of positions during his service in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019, including serving in the House Leadership as Chief Deputy Whip. He previously chaired the U.S. House Democracy Partnership, a bipartisan commission supporting emerging democracies abroad.

The Future of Democracy in Georgia and the Caucasus with Congressman John Shimkus and Dr. Daniel Twining | Ep 10

The Future of Democracy in Georgia and the Caucasus with Congressman John Shimkus and Dr. Daniel Twining | Ep 10

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal parliamentary elections in Georgia, held on October 26th, a critical moment for the nation’s future. The elections, however, were marred by systematic voter intimidation, legal irregularities, and widespread distrust in the Central Election Commission's impartiality. We unpack these issues with insights from former Congressman John Shimkus and IRI President Dr. Daniel Twining, who were on the ground as election observers. Together, we explore what these developments mean for Georgia’s democratic future and the broader region.

What’s Next for Venezuela? Divergent Paths Forward with David Smolansky | Ep 9

What’s Next for Venezuela? Divergent Paths Forward with David Smolansky | Ep 9

In this episode of By the People, we’ll discuss many of the issues and results from the most recent "stolen" election in Venezuela. To help us understand what happened and how the opposition won, we’re joined by David Smolansky, a Visiting Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and Senior Advisor on Foreign Policy and leads the Venezuelan diaspora movement for the prominent Venezuelan Presidential candidate, Maria Corina Machado.

The Largest Election in Mexico's History with Dr. Lorenzo Cordova | Ep 8

The Largest Election in Mexico's History with Dr. Lorenzo Cordova | Ep 8

In this month's episode of By the People, we’re joined by Dr. Lorenzo Cordova to discuss many of the issues and results from the recent elections in Mexico. This year’s election was considered the largest in Mexico’s history, with the highest number of voters casting ballots for the presidency and more than 20,000 local, state and congressional posts. On June 2nd, Mexico held a landmark election and Claudia Sheinbaum was elected President.

Religious Freedom in Nicaragua with Felix Maradiaga | Ep 7

Religious Freedom in Nicaragua with Felix Maradiaga | Ep 7

In this episode, we’ll discuss the challenges confronting the people of Nicaragua and the increasing number of obstacles to democratic advancement throughout the country and more specifically, attacks on religious freedom. We'll be joined by Felix Maradiaga, a prominent Nicaraguan human rights advocate, who holds a significant role as the President and Founder of the Fundación Para la Libertad.

Russia and the Road to a Freer Society with Vladimir Milov | Ep 6

Russia and the Road to a Freer Society with Vladimir Milov | Ep 6

In episode 6, we're joined by Vladimir Milov, a Russian opposition politician, publicist, economist, and energy expert. We’ll discuss the challenges confronting the people of Russia and the obstacles to a freer society brought forth by Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship. We’ll review the recent 'elections,' how the political opposition can better work together in the wake of Alexei Navalny’s murder, Moscow’s war on Ukraine, and how the international community can support political prisoners inside Russia.

The Fight for Freedom in Iran with Masih Alinejad | Ep 5

The Fight for Freedom in Iran with Masih Alinejad | Ep 5

On this episode of BTP, we look at the crucial role that women play in the fight for freedom around the world, with a focus on the monumental “Women Life Freedom” protest movement that first rocked Iran in 2022. We are joined by activist and journalist Masih Alinejad, an international leader in the fight for women’s rights and democracy in Iran and a true inspiration.

Challenges and Opportunities in West Africa with Ambassador Maman Sidikou and Will Meeker | Ep 4

Challenges and Opportunities in West Africa with Ambassador Maman Sidikou and Will Meeker | Ep 4

On this episode of 'By the People', we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing West Africa – a key strategic region on the Continent. We drill down on some of the political situation in Senegal – which recently experienced some high drama when the president decreed that the upcoming general election would not take place as scheduled, only to be overruled by the country’s Supreme Court. We also explore the latest developments in Niger – which was rocked by a military coup last summer – and in the Sahel region.

Taiwan, Democracy, and an Unknown Future with Matthew Pottinger and Russell Hsiao | Ep 3

Taiwan, Democracy, and an Unknown Future with Matthew Pottinger and Russell Hsiao | Ep 3

By the People discusses the significance of Taiwan’s recent general election with two eminent experts – former U.S. deputy national security advisor Matthew Pottinger and Russell Hsiao, executive director of the Global Taiwan Institute.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya | Ep 2

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya | Ep 2

Belarus’ Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya talks about living under a dictatorship and the challenges of leading her country’s shadow government from exile. IRI's Eurasia Division Director, Steve Nix, joins the podcast.

Estonian PM Kaja Kallas and IRI President Daniel Twining | Ep 1

Estonian PM Kaja Kallas and IRI President Daniel Twining | Ep 1

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas discusses life as a female head of state, while IRI President Daniel Twining sits down with host Antonia Ferrier to reflect on 40 years of IRI advancing democracy in an ever-changing global landscape on the inaugural podcast of "By the People."