Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast

Year in the Life of Humza Yousaf with Allan Little | Ep 39

In this compelling episode, Allan Little, an esteemed journalist, engages in a profound discussion with Humza Yousaf, Scotland's former First Minister, about his pivotal year in office. This conversation provides a unique personal insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by Humza Yousaf, including his management of national and personal issues against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global landscape.
From his experience following Nicola Sturgeon to navigating the impacts of global crises such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which affects his family personally, Humza offers an insider’s view on leadership in turbulent times. This episode not only reflects on political leadership but also delves into how global events like the rise of far-right movements in Europe can shape a nation’s direction and the life of its leaders.
Featuring:
Allan Little - Renowned Journalist and Broadcaster
Humza Yousaf - MSP and Former First Minister of Scotland
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

A Citizen From Nowhere with Kirsty Lang and Aminatta Forna OBE | Ep 38

In this compelling episode, BBC correspondent Kirsty Lang engages with Aminatta Forna OBE in a profound discussion about identity and belonging in today's global landscape. They delve into what shapes us as "global souls" - is it a choice, or are we moulded by forces such as mass migration, rising nationalism, and the surge of populism? This conversation explores the intricate dance between personal identity and global citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.
Featuring:
Kirsty Lang - BBC Correspondent
Aminatta Forna OBE - Author and Thinker
Find out more:
 
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

The British Country House and its Secrets with Geoffrey Baskerville, Ben Cowell OBE and Wessley Edmonds | Ep 37

In this episode, introduced by Catherine Maxwell Stuart, join Ben Cowell OBE, Director-General of the Historic Houses Association, as he discusses his book, "The British Country House Revival." Historians Geoffrey Baskerville and Wessley Edmonds also explore captivating stories, including a revealing letter from the Traquair House archives that uncovers the life of an enslaved boy. Discover the enduring allure and complex histories of Britain's stately homes.
 
Featuring:
Ben Cowell OBE - Director General of the Historic Houses Association
Geoffrey Baskerville - Historian
Wessley Edmonds - Historian
 
Find out more:
Traquair Househttps://www.traquair.co.uk/
The Rise and Fall of the Stately Home
https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781837650583/the-british-country-house-revival/
 
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

The Dream Shall Never Die: An Interview with Alex Salmond | 36

In the light of the Scottish Parliament’s recent tribute to the remarkable Scottish politician that was Alex Salmond, after his untimely death on 12th October, this episode takes us back to a 2015 interview Salmond conducted with veteran BBC journalist, Jim Naughtie, in the wake of the vote on Scottish Independence, in which he talked about his life in politics, the phenomena that is Donald Trump, and why he felt impelled to write his memoir, The dream Shall Never Die, which recounts the 100 days leading up to the referendum from an insider’s perspective. The interview captures both Salmond’s irrepressible personality and political legacy and his commitment to supporting festivals like the Beyond Borders International Festival. 
The Dream Shall Never Die: 100 Days that Changed Scotland Forever, By Alex Salmond
https://www.harperreach.com/products/the-dream-shall-never-die-100-days-that-changed-scotland-forever-alex-salmond
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

What Next for Britain and America with Steve Richards and Tim Phillips | Ep 35

In this episode of the podcast, join seasoned political commentators Steve Richards and Tim Phillips as they dive into the ramifications of the recent general election in Britain and the upcoming US Presidential elections. With their expert analysis, they explore how these political events will shape both nations' futures on the global stage.
Steve Richards, known for his sharp insights into British politics, and Tim Phillips, an expert in international relations and US politics, come together to offer a comparative analysis of the challenges and opportunities ahead for both countries. From election results to the political landscape changes, this conversation is packed with thought-provoking insights into the evolving political dynamics of the UK and US.
Guests:
Steve Richards: Acclaimed British political journalist and broadcaster, author of "The Prime Ministers: Reflections on Leadership."
Tim Phillips: Political commentator and international affairs expert, co-host of Beyond Borders Scotland’s podcast on global politics.
To learn more about Tim Phillips and the work of Beyond Conflict go https://beyondconflictint.org/. Beyond Conflict combines 30 years of experience in conflict resolution with insights from brain and behavioural science to advance new strategies to prevent violence and promote peace and reconciliation.
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Martin Griffiths CBE lecture at the Signet Library - Scottish Global Dialogues | Ep 34

On 22 August 2024, Martin Griffiths CBE, the former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (2021-24) delivered the Second Keynote Address of Scottish Global Dialogues at the Signet Library in the heart of enlightenment Edinburgh during the height of the 2024 Edinburgh festivals on the Conflict Crisis.
 
Scottish Global Dialogues is a joint annual initiative between Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society designed to shine a light on a global policy issue of concern to the public. Last year, Secretary John Kerry, gave the inaugural address on the climate crisis. This year Martin Griffiths reflects on the conflict crisis and widespread failure to adhere to international humanitarian law and what to do about both.
 
After some initial welcome remarks from Mark Muller Stuart KC, founder of Beyond Borders Scotland, Martin is introduced by the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney MSP, who gives his own take on the crisis and Martin’s role in it. Martin then delivers a tour-de-force account of the current state of the world and what has to be done to ameliorate the current unacceptable level of suffering of civilian populations caught up in conflict. 
 
In the Address, Martin sets out the case for enhanced humanitarian diplomacy in international affairs, greater accountability and an end to impunity, and explores the role that advocacy and education can play in encouraging  compliance with universal normative standards. 
 
Martin also makes the case for the greater use of political mediation as a means of securing humanitarian relief in an increasingly facturing and dangerous world, including through new mediators and a renewed dialogue with the global south, including  over how to equitably apply the international rules-based order of the United Nations.
 
Scottish Global Dialogues and the annual Address are designed to promote non-partisan debate on international relations and global affairs in the interests of advancing citizenship and global exchange.
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Divided Societies with Allan Little, Elif Shafak and Sarah Helm | Ep 33

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast delves into the complexities of divided societies in places like Turkey and Gaza. Join Allan Little as he talks to Elif Shafak about her compelling book How to Stay Sane in the Age of Division with journalist Sarah Helm. 
Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2021, in this discussion its panel draws forth on the societal divisions which continues among countries suffering from civil unrest. 
Guests:
Allan Little: Award-winning Scottish journalist and presenter. Joining the BBC in 1983, he thereafter became an on-air correspondent in 1985. He is the current veteran Special Correspondent for the BBC. 
Elif Shafak: Award-winning British Turkish novelist. She is a Fellow and Vice President of the Royal Society of Literature and holds numerous awards for her work including the PEN Nabokov prize. 
Sarah Helm: Helm is a journalist and author. Previously working for The Sunday Times and The Independent, she now writes for several publications. 
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Is there such a thing as American exceptionalism? | Ep 32

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast is a compelling reflection on US politics and the role it plays in the world. Gain insight into thoughts on American politics through the minds of this varied panel of guests, all offering their own unique knowledge on the subject. Listen to Jim Naughtie as he speaks to Tim Phillips, Aminatta Forna and Oscar Guardiola- Rivera, and joined by Razia Iqbal later in the talk, for a detailed discussion on if there is such a thing as American exceptionalism.
 
Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2021, this discussion remains of relevance through the range in expertise on reflecting on American politics and furthermore,  in light of the ongoing US elections. 
 
Guests: 
 
Tim Phillips: Founder and CEO of Beyond Conflict, a non- profit organisation that works with leaders to address conflict and promote social change in the United States and abroad. 
 
Aminatta Forna: Director of the Lannan Center at Georgetown University, and award winning author of the novels Happiness, The Hired Man, The Memory of Love and Ancestor Stones, a memoir The Devil that Danced on the Water, also an essay collection, The Window Seat. Her website for more can be viewed below. 
https://www.aminattaforna.com/
 
Razia Iqbal: Professor at Princeton University and journalist, most recently employed by BBC News as a special correspondent, reporting for outlets across the BBC. From 2011 to 2023, Iqbal also presented Newshour on the BBC World Service.
 
Oscar Guardiola-Rivera: Author and Professor at Birkbeck College, University of London. Oscar Guardiola-Rivera teaches international law and international affairs. He has served as an aide to the Colombian Congress and as a consultant to the United Nations in South America.
 
Jim Naughtie: Journalist, author and British radio and news presenter for the BBC. From 1994 to 2015, he was one of the main presenters of Radio 4's Today programme.
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS