In the first episode of the GS4S mini-series, Colleen Boland and Ksenija Ivanović have a conversation with Mahdi Ghodsi, an Economist at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), one of the partner organizations at GS4S.

Ghodsi has extensive experience in applied econometrics, macroeconomic modelling, and data science, with a particular focus on global markets, trade policy, trade regulations, financial and labour market analysis, migration policy, economics of sanctions, and Iran’s economy. Recently, he led GS4S research on the role of skills shortages in shaping migration aspirations in the Western Balkans. 

In this episode, Ghodsi discusses the relevance and key findings of the GS4S research. He reflects on challenges encountered during the process, and how these were overcome to result in novel indicators of skills shortages. The episode also digs deeper into the policy implications of skills-oriented migration from the Western Balkans to the European Union.

Radboud University presents its third CMR Podcast in which assistant professors of Sociology of Law and Migration Law Karen Geertsema and Ricky van Oers have a conversation with Professor of Human Rights Jasper Krommendijk. They discuss the topic of his recent oration ‘The effectiveness of human rights in a multilevel legal order under threat?’

Human rights and the rule of law have been under pressure in recent years. On the one hand, human rights courts and monitoring bodies are increasingly challenged by populist politicians. On the other hand, there is also criticism from academic quarters: they would, for instance, fail to address socio-economic inequality and reason too much top-down. Reason for concern? Yes. Reason for pessimism? No. This is the main thrust of Krommendijk’s inaugural lecture.

Download the episode here.