Episode 410: Sovereign Debt And The Geopolitics of Finance

Global markets are sending some extraordinary signals right now with guaranteed borrowing costs surging. Bond yields at their highest levels that we haven’t seen in decades and geopolitical tensions that honestly are starting to reshape some capital flows. But what does this mean for the world? What does it mean for the markets, for the…

Ka Lok (Steve) Wong

Ka Lok (Steve) Wong

Ka Lok Wong (Steve) is an economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, where he works on macro-financial issues, including economic growth, fiscal policy and sovereign debt. His research focuses on public finance in emerging markets, particularly sovereign borrowing patterns and the conditions under which governments access domestic and…

Marquita Bradshaw

Marquita Bradshaw

Marquita Bradshaw is a nationally recognized environmental justice advocate, organizer, and public servant whose lifelong dedication to building healthier, safer, and more equitable communities has made her a powerful force for change across Tennessee and beyond. Her leadership is rooted in decades of grassroots activism, community organizing, and a deep commitment to social justice. As…

The Democratic Wave: Is President Trump losing status and will that matter on November 3rd?

The Democratic Wave: Is President Trump losing status and will that matter on November 3rd?

On the 23rd of September, Marist Poll published their findings on public opinion ahead of when voters will cast their ballot on November 3rd. For President Donald Trump and the White House, the current predictions are certainly not in their favour. Amongst registered voters the polls currently show the Democratic Party leading by 12 points…

Episode 408: The U.S. Midterms and Tennessee with Marquita Bradshaw

In this episode, Dominic discusses the US Midterms with Marquita Bradshaw, the Democratic nominee for the US Senate Elections on November 3rd. The conversation spans what challenges working people within the USA are currently facing, what change is necessary for Americans, and the dynamics within the political system today.  It is clear there is a…

“It’s The Economy Stupid”: Does A $13 Hot Dog Matter More Than a Billionaire?

“It’s The Economy Stupid”: Does A $13 Hot Dog Matter More Than a Billionaire?

Billionaires. Lest we forgot the ‘Trillionaires’. Terms that were arguably always inherently political but have never felt more so then in the run up to the 2026 U.S. Midterms. As the cost of living continues to erode the lifestyles of many folks at home, it is unsurprising attention has spun its head to what many…

Episode 405: US Midterm Elections with Alex Tarascio

What happens when voters hear promises about cheaper living — but see their government focused elsewhere? Dominic Bowen puts that question to international pollster Alex Tarascio of Cygnal in episode #405 of The International Risk Podcast. Their conversation examines voter frustration, the US #midterm #elections and the gap between political headlines and the choices people…

Alex Tarascio

Alex Tarascio

Alex Tarascio is an international pollster and strategist with expertise in political parties, democratic institutions, and civil society organisations. The Director of Policy and Political Strategy at Cygnal, his career began within conservative grassroots political organisation. He ran campaigns in over 12 U.S. States. Alex later went on to be a Senior Staff Assistant in…