A Shakeup in the Race for UN Secretary-General | To Save Us From Hell

A Shakeup in the Race for UN Secretary-General | To Save Us From Hell

Author: Global Dispatches August 27, 2026 Duration: 29:41

The United Nations is in the midst of selecting its next Secretary-General — and the race to succeed António Guterres just got more interesting. Last week, the Security Council held a straw poll to test the viability of the eight women and men vying to become Secretary-General in January. The results: we have a new frontrunner, though her apparent lead is narrow. Meanwhile, some candidates once considered frontrunners now look like long shots.

On this episode of our sister podcast, To Save Us From Hell,  Mark Leon Goldberg and Anjali Dayal dissect the results of the straw poll and discuss the latest developments in the Secretary-General race

You can unlock full access to To Save Us From Hell with a paid subscription --> https://www.globaldispatches.org/ 


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
Why The Status Quo in Gaza Can't Last Much Longer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
There is a ceasefire on paper in Gaza. But in reality, Gazans are being killed on a near-daily basis by Israeli forces. Since the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, more than 1,000 Gazans have been killed in Israeli strik…
Sudan Is on the Brink of Another Mass Atrocity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:15
Sudan's civil war may be entering another catastrophic phase. As I write this, a genocidal militia is massing outside a major city in Sudan, El Obeid. NGOs, the United Nations — and even Donald Trump's State Department —…
Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:49
Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is an unusual politician. For one, he has never held elected office and does not represent a traditional political party. Rather, he built a career as a criminal defens…
The U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: What Happens Now? | With Gregory Brew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:08
Since the start of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict on February 28, I've found myself drawn to a handful of thoughtful analysts who have helped me make sense of the unfolding conflict and its vast global implications. One o…