New podcast explores how law makes our world a better place

New podcast explores how law makes our world a better place

A new podcast takes listeners behind the scenes with leading international lawyers to reveal the machinations of war, peace and human rights.

Better Place: Talking International Law is an interview series with international law practitioners from around Australia and the world, hosted by Dr Jonathan Kolieb from RMIT University’s Graduate School of Business and Law.  

Guests in the first season include Nobel Peace Prize winning anti-nuclear weapons campaigner Tilman Ruff, Palestinian human rights activist Maha Abdallah, international peace negotiator Paul Williams and former lead adviser to the US Pentagon on civilian protection in wartime, Sarah Holewinski.

They share their experiences from working in refugee camps to advising three-star generals, and talk about how they got to where they are. 

Soldiers taking prisoners during a conflict. Credit: ICRC Soldiers taking prisoners during a conflict. Credit: ICRC

Kolieb, whose own research covers international conflict resolution and the intersection of business and human rights, said he was motivated by the perennial questions students ask him of what international law is really about, and what motivates people to take on such epic challenges.

“International law is increasingly relevant to every facet of life, work and society in our globalised world. These are the people that create, support, engage, enforce and work with international law… the people that “do” international law,” says Kolieb.

“I also hope there's something amongst the interviews that international law students may find of some value - both in terms of the substantive areas of international law and governance that they are engaged in as well as their personal career paths - and as a supplement to the teaching of international law courses,” he added.

Better Place host Dr Jonathan Kolieb. Better Place host Dr Jonathan Kolieb.

Guests provide interesting insights into what it’s really like in the field, the access to power and decision makers, the major achievements and the crushing disappointments. 

Oh, and they all get asked what their favourite ice cream flavour is too, which for many is actually not as straight forward a question as it seems.

The podcast is available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and as video on Youtube. 

 

Story: Michael Quin

27 October 2020

Share

27 October 2020

Share

  • Research
  • RMIT Europe
  • Society
  • Business
  • Legal & justice
  • Defence
Engage

Related News

cyberbully-1220px.jpg

Nine in 10 adults have been cyberbullies, study finds

New research led by RMIT University indicates that nine in 10 adults who use social media have committed cyberbullying, flagging a need for more measures to prevent this toxic online behaviour.

SIM_Grad-Crowd.jpg

RMIT celebrates 35 years in Singapore

A week of celebrations has marked the 35th anniversary of RMIT’s presence in Singapore and its longstanding partnership with the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) over that time.

Malaysia City

New report aims to strengthen Victoria’s connections with Southeast Asia

A new report out of the RMIT Asia Trade and Innovation Hub has made 19 recommendations designed to strengthen Victoria’s connections with the countries of Southeast Asia.

decjuba-1220px.jpg

Innovative and inspiring: RMIT students celebrated at the DECJUBA Awards for Marketing

RMIT students were recognised at the inaugural DECJUBA Awards for Marketing, which recognise marketing students for their academic achievements and commitment to improving marketing practice as a future business leader.

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information