What's Happening in the DRC?

Jan 8, 2024

Ben Shepherd, an expert on the Democratic Republic of Congo, discusses the progress made by the country in the last 20 years and its potential for the future. Topics covered include the history and geography of the DRC, Congolese misgovernance, violence in the eastern DRC, recent elections, and the future of the country's leadership.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

The Lack of Knowledge and Understanding about the Democratic Republic of Congo

02:49 • 24min

DRC's Ongoing Violence and Recent Elections

26:52 • 25min

Challenges and Perceptions of the DRC

51:49 • 3min

Exploring the Future of Ticketti's Leadership in the DRC

55:07 • 2min

Decentralization and the Shift in Congolese Governance

56:44 • 5min

Churches, Coalition Politics, and the Uncertain Future

01:02:01 • 4min

Power Corrupts and Checking in on the DRC

01:06:04 • 2min

Ben Shepherd joins Jacob to talk about the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ben urges listeners to think and look beyond the endless stories about violence in the DRC and instead to note, however, halting and fragile, the progress the country has made in the last 20 years and its potential in the future.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(02:36) – History and geography of the DRC

(15:15) - Why is it shaped that way?

(21:48) – Breakdown of Congolese misgovernance

(28:26) - Violence in the eastern DRC

(42:26) – Recent elections and the future

Referenced in the Show:

Ben’s recent article on DRC elections: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/01/drcs-election-was-halting-step-towards-embedding-democracy

Map of Congo: https://alearningfamily.com/main/wp-content/uploads/DemRepCongoPhysical.jpg

King Leopold’s Ghost: https://www.amazon.com/King-Leopolds-Ghost-Heroism-Colonial/dp/0618001905

Bourdain episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k59ToTXOuuE

CI Site: cognitive.investments

Jacob Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

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