Episode 148: Laurie Adams

Laurie Adams is president of the NGO Women for Women International which works with women survivors of war. She has had a long career in the NGO sector and as an activist, including many years with Oxfam in various parts of Africa and with the NGO ActionAid International.

Laurie also had a career as an activist initially inspired by the anti-apartheid movement. We have a really thoughtful conversation about both the role of activism in international affairs and also just how one becomes a "professional" activist. Laurie describes the tension she felt between doing long term advocacy work to change public attitudes and public policies versus the direct aid that has more immediate impact on individuals lives.

This is a great conversation with someone who has lived an interesting life dedicated to progressive change and in service of the common good.

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Bonus episodes for premium subscribers include:

#1: International Relations Theory, explained.

#2: A Brief History of Nuclear Non-proliferation

#3: A Brief History of NATO

#4: The Syrian Civil War, explained. (Well, sort of -- it's complicated!)

#5: Meet the Kim family of North Korea.

#6: The Sustainable Development Goals, explained (Coming soon!)

#7: The Six Day War, Explained. (Coming soon!)