Oxford Policy Pod

How does a country rebuild while fighting for its survival?
In this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, MPP student Marc Naro interviews Oleksandra Azarkhina, International Lead of the Small Air Defence Command of the Ukrainian Air Force, former Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.
Drawing on her experience at the highest levels of government throughout Russia's full-scale invasion, Oleksandra discusses Ukraine's reconstruction strategy, the creation of a groundbreaking digital reconstruction platform to combat corruption, the coordination of international military and humanitarian assistance, and the development of Ukraine's defence industry. She also reflects on the growing importance of international cooperation in air defence, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the lessons Ukraine's wartime experience holds for Europe and its allies.
From digital governance and defence innovation to public service in times of war, this conversation offers a unique insider's perspective on how Ukraine is planning not only to defend itself today, but to rebuild for the future.

As the global economic order undergoes profound change, what kind of national strategy does the UK need? In this episode, Jenny Bates, 2025–26 Heywood Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government and Former Director General at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), discusses how Britain can navigate an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
Interviewed by MPP students Marc Naro and Eleanor Williams, the conversation explores the changing global economic order, strategic policymaking, and the UK's future role in the world.
Recorded at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, Nawaz sit down with Dr Monazza Aslam, Research Director of the Data and Research in Education Research Consortium (DARE-RC), a leading education researcher, to explore how evidence can strengthen education systems and shape better public policy.
Together, they discuss why improving learning outcomes remains one of the most persistent challenges facing low and middle income countries, why investing in research is just as important as investing in schools, and how programmes like DARE-RC are working to bridge the gap between evidence and policymaking. They also examine what separates research that informs government decisions from research that remains on the shelf, drawing on DARE-RC's work in Pakistan and its engagement with policymakers to translate findings into practical reforms.
Dr Monazza Aslam also reflect on the importance of building local research capacity, strengthening partnerships between researchers and governments, and where future investments in education should be directed if countries are to deliver meaningful improvements in learning.

In this episode, BSG MPP student Claire Astrid Fuchs speaks with Ali Maisam Nazary, Head of Foreign Relations of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF), about the country's evolving security landscape. Together, they examine the collapse of the former Afghan government, the impact of the Doha Agreement, and the rise of Taliban rule, exploring how these developments have reshaped Afghanistan's political and security environment.
The conversation also considers the role of the National Resistance Front, the challenges facing the Afghan people, and the prospects for Afghanistan's future security and governance amid ongoing regional and international uncertainty.

Is poverty simply about income, or is it about opportunities, health, education, dignity, and the freedom to live the life you value?
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Sabina Alkire, Director of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) at the University of Oxford and one of the pioneers of multidimensional poverty measurement.
We talk about her remarkable academic journey, the ideas behind the Multidimensional Poverty Index, how it has shaped public policy around the world, and why measuring poverty differently can ultimately help improve millions of lives.
A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in economics, development, and evidence-based public policy.
🎙 Hosted by MPP students Diego Peñaranda and Cecilia Esteche.
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