Today, Dominic Bowen hosts Dr Florian Krampe on The International Risk Podcast to examine how climate insecurity is reshaping conflict dynamics, governance pressures, and Europe’s expanding risk perimeter. They discuss how environmental stress interacts with fragility, why climate impacts compound existing vulnerabilities, and how these pressures influence patterns of violence, mobility, and institutional strain across regions from the Sahel and the Horn of Africa to South Asia and Europe. Together they explore how climate change acts as a risk multiplier, deepening livelihood insecurity, affecting the legitimacy of state institutions, and altering the operational landscape for policymakers and businesses.

Dr Krampe outlines the pathways through which climate variability translates into insecurity, explaining how deteriorating livelihoods, internal displacement, armed actor behaviour, and resource exploitation shape conflict environments. The conversation highlights the challenges facing regional and European institutions as they attempt to incorporate climate-security into policy and operational planning, including issues of institutional fragmentation, competing priorities, and the diversion of resources. Dr Krampe also discusses the implications for Europe’s strategic posture, supply chains, and the growing need to understand climate impacts not only as external pressures but as domestic security concerns.

Dr Florian Krampe is the Director of Studies, Peace and Development at the SIPRI and the Acting Director of SIPRI’s Climate Change and Risk Programme. His work examines the intersection of climate change, environmental stress, fragility, and security, providing analysis that informs international organisations, governments, and regional actors. His research focuses on how climate impacts interact with governance capacity, peacebuilding processes, and long-term resilience, and he has contributed to some of SIPRI’s leading frameworks for understanding climate-related security risks.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode, Dominic Bowen and Susannah Streeter discuss France’s increasing fiscal challenges, recent credit downgrades, and the political gridlock complicating meaningful political reform. Find out more about how markets are reacting to rising public debt, the renewed debate over wealth taxes, and the risk of broader European contagion. The conversation also addresses the growing economic divergence between the US and Europe, alongside shifting investor sentiment. Finally, they explore key geopolitical flashpoints -from China–Taiwan tensions to Arctic competition- and their implications for global risk.

Susannah Streeter is a renowned financial commentator, international broadcaster, and former BBC business anchor known for translating complex global trends into clear, actionable insights. She has led money and markets analysis for the UK’s largest retail investment platform and appears widely across outlets such as the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNBC. Fluent in English and French, Susannah is a sought-after keynote speaker and conference chair who moderates high-level discussions on economics, geopolitics, climate policy, and technological disruption at events worldwide—from the World Green Economy Summit and Arctic Frontiers to major OECD and Paris Club forums. A former RAF Squadron Leader, she brings a deep understanding of defence and strategic issues, complementing her expertise in financial markets, AI, and macroeconomics. She also hosts leading investment and technology podcasts, writes columns for The Evening Standard and City AM, and has received multiple Headlinemoney Awards for her impactful financial analysis.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode, Dominic Bowen hosts Vjosa Musliu to analyse the growing wave of protests and dissent across Serbia. Together, they examine the EU’s influence, the controversial lithium extraction agreement, and the role of media bias in shaping public opinion. From political repression to Serbia–Kosovo tensions, they trace how civil rights and democracy are being tested in one of Europe’s most complex regions.

Vjosa Musliu is an Associate Professor of International Relations at the VUB. Her research interests include international and European interventions, conflicts and international political economy. Her area of focus is primarily the Balkans and post-Soviet space. She is a co-editor of the Routledge Series of Studies in Intervention and Statebuilding and co-founder of Yugoslawomen+ Collective, a collective of six academics from the post-Yugoslav space working in ‘Global North’ academia She is also a board director at the Youth Initiative for Human Rights Kosovo. She is the author of three books and dozens of journal articles in the field of international relations. Before entering academia, she worked as a journalist in Kosovo. Vjosa is based between Belgium and Kosovo.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this week's midweek episode, we explore the institutional and socioeconomic risks and opportunities facing Syria in the aftermath of the Assad regime. Joined by Zaki Mehchy, we delve into the critical steps that both the international community and Syria's next government must prioritize in the coming years. From resilience-building and community engagement to targeted investments in non-rent-seeking industries, we discuss how Syria can lay the foundation for sustainable recovery and inclusive growth.

Zaki Mehchy is a policy fellow at London School of Economics and Political Science Conflict and Civicness Research Group (CCRG), a researcher at the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep) and a co-founder of the Syrian Center for Policy Research. Zaki has dedicated his career to advancing development policies and addressing the complex socio-economic challenges facing Syria. His extensive research spans topics such as the socio-economic impacts of the Syrian crisis, poverty and multidimensional deprivation, labor dynamics, local governance, and community empowerment. Zaki holds an MSc. in International Economics from the University of Essex, UK, bringing a robust academic foundation to his impactful work.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe’s leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world’s highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Joseph Daher and Dominic discuss the collapse of the Assad Regime and the risks and opportunities for Syria in a post-Assad world.

Joseph Daher, is a Swiss-Syrian academic and activist. He currently teaches at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), and at the University of Ghent (Belgium) and has been an affiliated professor at the European University Institute(EUI). He has worked with the EUI on the conflict in Syria and the aftermath of the war. Herewith Joseph has published multiple papers, which aimed to produce quality, strategic and accurate reports and analysis of wartime perspectives, challenges, trends and policy options in anticipation of post-conflict stabilisation in Syria.

Moreover, Joseph is an expert on Syria, Lebanon, and the Middle East, and has worked for various UN Agencies, NGO’s and research centers in consulting and expert mandates to conduct programs, trainings, and research for them. He is the author of three books: Hezbollah: The Political Economy of Lebanon’s Party of God, Syria After the Uprising: The Political Economy of State Resilience and Palestine and Marxism . Finally, he is the founder of the blog Syria Freedom Forever. He is also co-founder of the Alliance of Middle Eastern and North African Socialists.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.

Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this  episode, we are joined by the insightful  Mr. Mikatekiso Kubayi, a distinguished voice from South Africa and a renowned thinker on global power dynamics. Mr. Kubayi wears many hats: researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD) associated with UNISA, fellow at the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and a PhD candidate at UJ. His expertise spans the intricate web of power in the international system and the ever-evolving global political economy of finance.

Together, we traverse the intricate world of Sino-African relations—exploring its history, its influence on infrastructure and investment, sovereignty, the BRICS, and more! 

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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Tune in to hear Stefan Wolff discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Dominic and Stefan also discuss the Moldovan Elections, Mark Rutte becoming General-Secretary of NATO, and the influence of the US Elections on the war in Ukraine and find out what the thought outcome will be with Trump being re-elected for office.

Stefan Wolff is Professor of International Security and Head of Department of the Political Science and International Studies, at the University of Birmingham. A political scientist by background, he specialises in the management of contemporary security challenges, especially in the prevention and settlement of ethnic conflicts, in post-conflict state-building in deeply divided and war-torn societies, and in contemporary geopolitics and great-power rivalry. Wolff has extensive expertise in the post-Soviet space and has also worked on a wide range of other conflicts elsewhere, including in the Middle East and North Africa, in Central Asia, and in sub-Saharan Africa. 

With almost three decades of experience in UK higher education, Wolff has a publication record that includes almost 100 journal articles and book chapters, as well as 20 books. He is the founding editor of Ethnopolitics, co-founder of Navigating the Vortex, and a regular international affairs contributor to The Conversation. 

Bridging the divide between academia and policymaking, Wolff regularly advises governments and international organisations and has been involved in various phases of conflict settlement processes, including in the disputed territories in Iraq, in Transnistria and Gagauzia (Moldova), in Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen. 

Wolff holds degrees from the University of Leipzig (Erstes Staatsexamen), the University of Cambridge (M.Phil.), and the LSE (Ph.D.).

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of emerging technologies on modern warfare and international security with Alexandra Ba-Tin, a doctoral candidate at the University of Edinburgh specialising in hybrid warfare and AI ethics. Ba-Tin brings her unique expertise in defence, security, and data privacy to explore critical questions facing military leaders and policymakers today.

From the Pentagon's generative AI initiatives to Russia's evolving military capabilities, we examine how artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, and cyber warfare are reshaping the battlefield. Ba-Tin offers valuable insights into the ethical implications of AI in military decision-making, the growing challenges of information warfare, and the complex interplay between data privacy and national security.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on hybrid warfare tactics, the future of nuclear deterrence in the age of quantum computing, and how emerging technologies are influencing asymmetric warfare between state and non-state actors. This episode provides essential insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, international security, and the evolving nature of modern conflict.

Alexandra Ba-Tin is a doctoral candidate at the University of Edinburgh, where she researches the intersection of hybrid threats and space-based assets in national security strategies. Her unique perspective combines academic expertise with hands-on experience in the defence and security sector, where she specialised in business analysis, data ethics, and privacy protection.

As a War Studies Postgraduate Representative for the British International Studies Association (BISA), Alexandra actively contributes to advancing research and dialogue in the field of war studies. She also serves as Co-President of the University of Edinburgh's Accessible AI Society, working to democratise understanding of artificial intelligence across disciplines.

Before pursuing her PhD, Alexandra made significant contributions to the UK's data protection landscape, including participating in the government's "Data: A New Direction" consultation in 2021. Her interdisciplinary background bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications in modern warfare, emerging technologies, and international security.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast - Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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Dive into China's complex involvement in the Middle East with Barbara Kelemen and our host, Dominic Bowen. Covering vast topics from China's Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, how China is balancing its strategic partnership with Iran, and China's relationship with Afghanistan since the US withdrawal of troops.

Barbara Kelemen studied in China (Peking University) and London (LSE), earning a double degree in International History. She has specialized in international security and relations, focusing primarily on China and its relations with the Middle East. After graduating, Barbara joined MERICS but then decided to join the private intelligence sector where she has now been for 5 years.  Barbara works for Dragonfly Intelligence (a UK-based geopolitical advisory) but moved to Singapore 1.5 year ago, where she is head of their Asia office. Dragonfly Intelligence advise clients how to anticipate and prepare for major geopolitical and security trends.

Barbara’s research interests include China's security policy, China-Middle East relations, China-Afghanistan relations, Terrorism in Southeast Asia.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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In this episode of the International Risk Podcast, host Dominic Bowen speaks with Julia Ebner, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and leader of the Violent Extremism Lab at the University of Oxford. As one of the foremost experts in extremism and radicalisation, Julia shares insights from her decade-long research, including her remarkable undercover investigations into various extremist groups.

The conversation explores the alarming trend of extremist ideologies moving from the fringes into mainstream politics and culture, as detailed in Julia's 2023 book "Going Mainstream: How Extremists Are Taking Over." She discusses how the global polycrisis - from COVID-19 to economic uncertainties and ongoing conflicts - has created fertile ground for extremist recruitment and radicalisation.

Julia provides fascinating insights into the psychology of extremism, particularly the concept of "identity fusion" and the symbiotic relationship between different extremist groups. She shares her unique perspective on researching male-dominated extremist spaces as a woman and discusses the challenges of countering online radicalisation in an era of increasing social media influence.

Drawing from recent events, including the Austrian regional elections and the Capitol riots, the discussion examines how extremist ideas are increasingly penetrating mainstream political discourse and the implications this has for democratic societies. The episode concludes with a thoughtful analysis of emerging extremist risks and potential strategies for addressing them at policy, technological, and societal levels.

Interested in exploring the topics discussed in this episode? Dive deeper into the topics explored with Julia Ebner's books referenced in the episode:

• Going Dark: The Secret Social Lives of Extremists (2020) An immersive investigation into extremist groups, based on Ebner's experiences infiltrating various radical organizations online and offline.
• The Rage: The Vicious Circle of Islamist and Far-Right Extremism (2017) A groundbreaking analysis examining the symbiotic relationship between Islamist and far-right extremism, showing how these movements feed off each other's narratives.
• Going Mainstream: How extremists are taking over (2023) From radicalisation on gaming platforms to algorithmic extremism, this book reveals how fringe movements are strategically infiltrating public discourse and reshaping modern politics.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast - Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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Join us on our analysis of another Trump term. We discuss with Lara Kristjansdottir what the consequences are for US, Chinese and EU businesses for the threatened import tariffs. In addition, we discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and what we think will happen now that Trump is in power. Finally, will Trump fulfil his 100 day promise of cutting down electric prices and fuel? Will he indeed close the border between Mexico and will he start his mass-deportation plans? Tune in now to find out!

Lara Kristjánsdóttir is an analyst at 2Secure, specialising in strategic advisory and international risk management. With a background in security studies and crisis management, Lara provides organisations with strategic guidance to develop and refine robust risk management structures. Through Lara’s expertise, she helps clients effectively identify, analyse, and mitigate risks, empowering them to pursue growth opportunities with confidence. Lara holds a master’s degree from the Swedish Defence University and she also has a background in public diplomacy and communication, having previously served with the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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This week we dive into the role of misinformation with Sander van der Linden. We discuss what effect the British government could have with their promise of a crackdown on extreme misogyny. Moreover, with Sander's background in Psychology, we dive into the question as to why people believe misinformation and what might be done to counteract the rise of misinformation. Finally, hand-in-hand with misogyny and misinformation, we discuss the US Elections and how misinformation has managed to worm its ways through the news and into the candidates.

Today we are joined by Sander van der Linden, a Ph.D., is Professor of Social Psychology in Society and Director of the Cambridge Social Decision-Making Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge. He has won numerous awards for his research on human judgment, communication, and decision-making, including the Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science (APS). He co-developed the award-winning fake news game, Bad News and regularly advises governments, public health authorities, and social media companies on how to combat the spread of misinformation. He is ranked among the top 1% of highly cited social scientists worldwide and has published over 150 research papers. His research is regularly covered in outlets such as the New York Times, BBC, NPR, and Rolling Stone. His book Foolproof: Why We Fall for Misinformation and How to Build Immunity won the 2024 Harvard Goldsmith Prize, the best book prize from the British Psychological Society and was named a Financial Times, Waterstones, and Nature Book of the Year. Before joining Cambridge, he held academic positions at Princeton, Yale, and the LSE.

Find his website here.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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With the US election next week, we sit down with two of the world's foremost experts on terrorism: Bruce Hoffman, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Georgetown University professor, and Jacob Ware, Research Fellow at CFR and specialist in far-right extremism. Together, they discuss their groundbreaking new book, God, Guns, and Sedition, which examines the evolving landscape of far-right terrorism in America.

Our guests explore how traditional extremist movements have transformed in the digital age, becoming more sophisticated and internationally influential. Drawing on Hoffman's half-century of expertise and Ware's deep understanding of contemporary extremist tactics, the conversation delves into crucial topics including:

• The fusion of anti-government sentiment, religious extremism, and militant advocacy
• How social media platforms have revolutionised extremist recruitment
• The global impact of U.S.-based extremist movements
• The emergence of "accelerationism" as a tactical framework
• Lessons learned from the January 6th Capitol riot
• Protecting democratic institutions while maintaining their accessibility

This essential discussion provides security professionals, risk analysts, and concerned citisens with vital insights into one of the most pressing challenges facing democratic institutions today.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast - Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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I am Dominic Bowen, and I am the host of the International Risk Podcast.

At 7am on the 15th of August, after ten days of marathon sessions and a final overtime session that stretched more than 24 hours, the Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution formally adjourned INC-5.2. What was meant to be the final round of talks on a global plastic treaty ended not with a breakthrough but with collapse. Despite two draft texts, delegates left Geneva without a consensus on a legally binding agreement. 

The deadlock revealed stark fault lines: on one side, a majority of countries demanding binding rules to tackle plastics across their full lifecycle — turning off the tap at the source. On the other hand, a minority of petrochemical and oil-producing states are pushing for a nationally determined approach, focused narrowly on recycling and waste management after production. The result? Paralysis by consensus: a process where the need for unanimity allowed a small group of obstructionists to stall the world’s response to a rapidly escalating crisis.

Today, we’re joined first by Christina Dixon, Ocean Campaign Leader at the Environmental Investigation Agency. For several years, Christina and her team at EIA have been pushing for a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution and she was present at the UN Environment Assembly in 2002 when nations adopted the resolution to begin negotiations on a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Christina has more than 15 years of experience driving change through policy and strategic communication, including her previous role as Global Campaign Lead at World Animal Protection, and holds degrees in both Broadcast Journalism and Media and Communications. 

Alongside Christina, we are joined by Alexandra Harrington, an international law scholar and practitioner specialising in international organisations, environmental and sustainable development law, corporate social responsibility, transitional justice and treaty regimes. She is Chair of the Plastic Pollution Task Force at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). She has published extensively, with recent books inlcuding International Law and Global Governance: Treaty Regimes and Sustainable Development Goals Interpretation. She holds a doctoral degree in civil law, in addition to a JD and LLM.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

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After the recent terrorist attack in Turkey, Dominic interviewed Serap Dalmizrak, a risk expert and management consultant at 2Secure Strategic Advisory. They discuss the best ways European businesses and companies can handle international risks and terrorist attacks, and give tips to what a company needs to avoid a crisis situation.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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Deep dive into foreign politics in this second episode regarding the US Elections. David Dunn and Dominic discuss extensively foreign politics of the US and the change a Harris or Trump administration would or would not make. Find out what the consequences are of either another Trump administration or on a new Harris administration on the current geopolitical situation. They discuss EU security, the war in Ukraine, the war in Palestine, Russia's authoritarianism, and China's eye on Taiwan.

David Dunn, Professor of International Politics and Director of Internationalisation for the College of Social Science at the University of Birmingham. David holds a MSc in International Studies and has a PhD in War Studies. He has diverse research interests that fit largely within the areas of US foreign and security policy, strategic and security studies, and diplomacy and statecraft. He has written extensively on the use of force, transatlantic relations and summit diplomacy. He has also published on the security impact of drone technology. His most recent book, co-authored with Nicholas J. Wheeler is: Drones, Force and Law: European Perspectives (Elements in International Relations) and came out in Jan 2024. Finally, David writes articles for the Conversation. 

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Tell us what you liked!

We are turning the microphone around this week with the chance to interview our host, Dominic Bowen, whilst he is in Mexico. Harriet Reading will host this week's podcast, exploring topics with Dominic on the presidential transition, judicial reforms, security environments, and business risks in Mexico. 

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Roger Burrows and Dominic discuss the upcoming US Elections. They discuss the consequences of the influence of NRx on Republicans and extremist viewpoints that have been shared throughout the election process. Moreover, Roger gives us his view on the three most important risks that we are facing as a society. Tune in to find out which!

Roger Burrows is Professor in Global Inequalities in the School of Policy Studies at the University of Bristol, UK and Honorary Professorial Fellow at the Centre for Cities at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His most recent research has been on the social impacts of the global superrich and, more recently, the role of digital risk profiling technologies in housing markets. His writings on NRx include Smith, H. and Burrows, R. (2021) ’Software, Sovereignty and the post-neoliberal Politics of Exit'.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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Here's a description for the episode of The International Risk Podcast featuring an interview with Stepan Stepanenko, titled "How Russia Capitalises on Crises":

In this compelling episode of The International Risk Podcast, host Dominic Bowen engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Stepan Stepanenko, Director of Forward Strategy Limited and Director of Research at the Forum for Foreign Relations. The discussion delves into the intricate world of foreign interference, disinformation campaigns, and the exploitation of social tensions by foreign actors, with a particular focus on Russia's tactics.

Dr. Stepanenko provides a deep analysis of recent events in the UK, including the Southport riots, and how Russia has attempted to manipulate these situations through social media to create discord and instability. He explores the broader implications of such interference on Western democracies and global stability, offering valuable insights into the strategies employed by foreign powers to influence public opinion and political landscapes.

The conversation also touches on the roles of various social media platforms in facilitating disinformation, the challenges faced by democratic countries in countering these threats, and potential measures to build resilience against such destabilisation efforts. Dr. Stepanenko shares his personal experiences, including being sanctioned by Russia, which adds a compelling dimension to the discussion.

This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the complex interplay between geopolitics, social media, and information warfare, providing crucial insights for understanding contemporary international risks and the evolving nature of global conflicts.  Read more about Stepan on LinkedIn. 

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth and Dominic discuss the decision of the British government to make 'extreme' misogyny extremism. They dive into misogyny and its consequences., as well as into extremism. Furthermore, they discuss ways to tackle both issues, and what you and I can do to combat the rise of both extremism and misogyny.

Dr. Elizabeth Pearson is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for the MSc in Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, and co-director of the Conflict, Violence and Terrorism Research Centre (CVTRC). She is an Associate Fellow with the London-based think tank RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, and with the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) in the Hague. Her research interests are gender, extremism, and counter-extremism. Elizabeth’s 2023 book, Extreme Britain: Gender Masculinity and Radicalisation is published with Hurst and OUP and explores gender in UK Islamist and radical right networks. She is also a co-author of Countering Violent Extremism: Making Gender Matter (Palgrave, 2021). Before academia Elizabeth was a radio journalist at the BBC, mainly for Radio 4.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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The International Risk Podcast delves into an analysis of the recent Venezuelan election on the 28th of July 2024. Protesters took to the streets in Venezuela days following the election as opposition leaders criticized the results of the election that saw President Nicolas Maduro secure another 6-year term in power. The opposition’s Maria Corina Machado told reporters that a review of available voting records from the election showed that presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had achieved a “categorical and mathematically irreversible” victory over Maduro. Machado and Gonzalez appeared at protests in the capital. Machado stated, “What we are fighting here is fraud by the regime”. Thousands took to the streets to protest and were met with tear gas and rubber bullets by the police. With 187 protests across 20 states. at least 24 people were killed in incidents related to the election or the demonstrations. Shortly following, the leader of the opposition Gonzalez fled Venezuela to take refuge in Madrid. With political tensions rising between the two parties, Dominic sits down with Juan de Dios Cincunegui to investigate the impact that this election will have on international relations and how it will contribute to international risk. 

Juan de Dios Cincunegui is Director of Cideipp, the International Centre of Parliamentary Studies, Research and Foresight at the School of Politics, Government and International Relations of Universidad Austral in Argentina. As a university professor, he directs the International Program on Parliamentary Diplomacy. He has dictated classes at ISEN (the Diplomatic Training School for Argentina). He is an IVLP Fellow at the US Department of State. He has been working on plural diplomacy for decades. To add to this, Juan is an expert in Administrative Law, Strategic Planning, State Management, Diplomacy and Parliaments. He has extensive professional experience in the public sector and the private sector, diplomacy and international relations.  He has done interviews recently reviewing the foreign policy agenda of the Lower House (Israel-Palestine; Ukraine-Russian Federation; Venezuela; among many others).

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Joseph Daher and Dominic discuss Lebanese and Israeli relations, the case of Palestine, genocide in Gaza, recent Syrian history, and finally what a solution would be.

Joseph Daher, is a Swiss-Syrian academic and activist. He currently teaches at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), and at the University of Ghent (Belgium) and has been an affiliated professor at the European University Institute(EUI). He has worked with the EUI on the conflict in Syria and the aftermath of the war. Herewith Joseph has published multiple papers, which aimed to produce quality, strategic and accurate reports and analysis of wartime perspectives, challenges, trends and policy options in anticipation of post-conflict stabilisation in Syria.

Moreover, Joseph is an expert on Syria, Lebanon, and the Middle East, and has worked for various UN Agencies, NGO’s and research centers in consulting and expert mandates to conduct programs, trainings, and research for them. He is the author of three books: Hezbollah: The Political Economy of Lebanon’s Party of God, Syria After the Uprising: The Political Economy of State Resilience and Palestine and Marxism . Finally, he is the founder of the blog Syria Freedom Forever. He is also co-founder of the Alliance of Middle Eastern and North African Socialists.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode, Dominic Bowen engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Waqar Rizvi, a multilingual Canadian-Pakistani journalist and strategic policy analyst. Rizvi shares his expertise on the evolving multipolar world order, the complexities of Iranian politics and society, and the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the nuances of Iranian culture, the impact of AI on fact-checking, and the importance of diverse perspectives in global discourse. Rizvi offers valuable insights into the ethical considerations of AI deployment in journalism and emphasizes the need for critical examination of biases in data collection and analysis. This episode provides listeners with a deeper understanding of current geopolitical dynamics and the importance of nuanced, cross-cultural communication in addressing global challenges.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast - Reducing Risk by Increasing Knowledge.

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In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Nicholas and Dominic discuss the decision of the British government to make 'extreme' misogyny extremism. They dive into what misogyny is, what the consequences are, the impact on men's mental health, and whether this bill would be a solution. Moreover, they discuss masculinity and what men can do to help other men and women against misogyny.

Nicholas Martin is the CEO of Stay Safe Global and The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust, leading the way in combatting abuse, harassment, and violence through innovative safety programs, organisational consultancy and online resources. He has been internationally lauded for his expertise in creating informed and supportive workspaces on all aspects of personal safety.
Regularly invited as speaker at Google, Nick has discussed workplace inclusiveness, safety, and inclusive support for those affected by intimate partner violence. Through these efforts, he has also consulted specifically with Google Security globally to highlight the rise of online misogyny and its impact on workplace safety.
Beyond his contributions to Stay Safe Global, Nick has made significant strides in his philanthropic ventures, heading The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust which offers free resources to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Furthermore, the charity has created Abuse Awareness In Sport Training and Resources, providing trauma-informed training for coaches, clubs and teams. Ensuring that those impacted by domestic abuse or sexual violence can continue to participate in sport while also creating safe, inclusive spaces where misogyny and toxic behaviour are left with no place to thrive. His dedication to the cause also extends to his work with renowned support organisations like Hestia, No More, Survivors UK, and Mankind.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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In this episode, Dominic Bowen is joined by César Muñoz Acebes to examine the deepening crisis in the Amazon. They unpack the role of organized crime in environmental destruction, the links to drug trafficking and illegal economies, and the devastating consequences for local communities and global stability. A critical look at how crime, politics, and the environment intersect in one of the world’s most vital regions.

César Muñoz Acebes is the Brazil director at Human Rights Watch, where he supervises research, advocates for foreign and domestic policies that promote human rights, and leads fundraising efforts in Brazil. Before his current role, he served as America's senior researcher and later associate director. In those capacities, he researched and wrote reports and articles, produced videos, and conducted advocacy on human rights abuses linked to illegal deforestation, police abuses, inhumane prison conditions, political persecution, and unchecked domestic violence, among other issues, in several Latin American and Caribbean countries. César has appeared as a human rights expert on many different broadcasters, and he has published opinion articles in The New York Times, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, amongst others.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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The recent thriving in the copper industry is not a surprise. With the high demand in the green energy transition, EV boom production, and Al development which requires copper in its semiconductor production, copper has become one of the most strategically important metals of the century. Top producers of copper are developing world states with unstable domestic situations, such as Peru or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some of these producers pose a threat to U.S. national interests, such as China, leading to economic or trade wars and instability in the business sector. Additionally, countries like Russia, involved in open military conflict with its neighbour and heavily sanctioned by other states, complicate the landscape.

Colin Bennett is an experienced industry and market researcher, a senior and successful leader with many years of combined industry, consulting, communications and management practice. Colin has experience in building and leading teams, and creating highly professional and performing departments. Colin has a proven ability to inspire, build and manage, and with a unique mix of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Colin’s expert metal is Copper!

Krisztina Kalman is the Director of MM Markets an international management consultancy providing strategy, commercial and technical consulting services for the metals, mining and materials sectors. Krisztina has gathered over 20 years of expertise in strategy and management consulting. Her commodity focus has been copper, nickel, aluminium, chromium, steel, gold, PGMs and diamonds. She developed and led a number of relevant projects for clients including several mining majors, metal producers, junior mining companies, investors, and sector bodies. She has a Bachelor degree from the University of Cologne, Germany, and an MBA from NYU Stern Business School New York, USA. 

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk. 

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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Rosa Freedman is the inaugural Professor of Law, Conflict and Global Development at the University of Reading. She received her LLB, LLM and PhD from the University of London, and is a non-practising barrister and member of theHonourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Freedman’s research focuses on the UN and human rights. She has published extensively on UN human rights bodies and systems, and on UN peacekeeping and accountability for human rights abuses. Her published work includes three monographs, five co-edited collections, and articles in the leading international law journals, as well as policy reports commissioned by national and regional bodies and parliaments. She is a visiting fellow at the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism. Freedman has served as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Civil Society Advisory Board on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, a Specialist Adviser on safeguarding to the UK government International Development Committee, and currently sits on a UK FCDO Steering Committee.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk. 

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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The conflict between Israel and Lebanon is not new. Here, the recent developments between Israel and Lebanon are discussed with Rabbi Poupko. We delve into Hezbollah and its relation to Lebanon as well as how citizens and businesses can equip themselves regarding the escalation between Israel and Lebanon at their border.

Rabbi Elchanan Poupko is an eleventh-generation rabbi, the founding editor of The Lamdan (which is the Wilf Campus Torah Journal) and he is the  President of EITAN. Moreover, he is part of the American Israeli Jewish Network, and has been an outspoken supporter of bipartisanship and a strong supporter of the state of Israel. Rabbi Poupko has written dozens of publications on matters relating to politics, religion, and Israel. He holds Master’s degree in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University, and is also a member of the Rabbinical Council of America.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

Many of our recent guests have posited that we are witnessing the rise of a new ‘axis of evil’ in international relations, forming between Russia, China, and Iran. Whilst Russia and China are rarely out of the mainstream media, Iran’s role in this rising anti-west military and ideological front remains more nuanced. Whilst the death of President Raisi on May 19th, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have brought Iran into the news more, many questions still go unanswered, and more importantly, unasked. That is why we are thrilled to have been joined by Johnathan Panikoff today.

Jonathan Panikoff is the director of the Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Program. A former career US intelligence officer, who served as the deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council (NIC) from 2015 to 2020.

Jonathan Panikoff's Linked In and Atlantic Council pages.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Since the 1950s, there have been at least 106 coups in Africa, and even more unsuccessful attempts.

In recent years, Africa has been marked by a series of political upheavals, with coups emerging as a recurring theme across the continent. Coups in Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Mali, Sudan, and several other countries have shaken the continent and raised fears of inspiring and emboldening military groups in neighbouring states. These coups reflect a complex interplay of historical legacies, socio-economic challenges, political dynamics unique to each country, as well as a significant number of international risks. Frustrations over corruption, economic inequality, and governance failures have often fuelled popular discontent, providing fertile ground for military or civilian actors to seize power through force and to tell us more about this worrying trend, and the risks associated with it, we are thrilled to be joined by Professor Nic Cheeseman.

Nic is Professor of Democracy at the University of Birmingham, and the Director of the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR). He was formerly the Director of the African Studies Centre at the University of Oxford. Dr Cheeseman mainly works on democracy, elections and development, including a range of topics including election rigging, political campaigning, corruption, “fake news”, and presidential rule.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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Recently, we heard from Mireia Faro Sarrats, and we had a fascinating discussion about Europe's externalisation of its refugees, and the UK’s recently passed Rwanda Bill. Under this bill any asylum seeker entering the UK ‘illegally’, from a ‘safe’ country, such as France, could be sent to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there rather than in the UK. If these claims were successful, they could be granted refugee status and allowed to stay in Rwanda. If not, they could apply to settle in Rwanda on other grounds or seek asylum in another safe third country. Today, we are thrilled to be able to continue the discussions surrounding this controversial bill with Tarek Megerisi 

Tarek Megerisi is a senior policy fellow with the Middle East and North Africa programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. His work mainly addresses how European policymaking towards the Maghreb and Mediterranean regions can become more strategic, harmonious, and incisive – with a long-term focus on Libya.

Read some of Tarek's latest article on Rwanda here.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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Recent statistics show the UK’s migration is at a record high. In April 2022, the British government stated that any asylum seeker entering the UK ‘illegally’, from a ‘safe’ country, such as France, could be sent to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there rather than in the UK. If these claims were successful, they could be granted refugee status and allowed to stay in Rwanda. If not, they could apply to settle in Rwanda on other grounds or seek asylum in another safe third country. Despite being deemed unlawful by the UK Supreme Court in November 2023 as a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, the safety of Rwanda Bill was passed on April 22nd of this year, meaning the first deportation flight to Rwanda could take off as early as July 1st. Now this bill remains extremely contentious with many experts claiming the bill is doomed for failure. We are thrilled to be joined by one of these experts today, Mireia Faro Sarrats

Mireia Faro Sarrats is the communications officer at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Previously, she worked as a communications officer at the European Institute of the Mediterranean, a public affairs officer at the United States Consulate General in Barcelona, and in the communications department of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights in Vienna.

She holds a BA degree in journalism from the Universitat Ramon Llull – Blanquerna and an MA in human rights, democracy and globalisation, from the Open University of Catalunya.

Read her latest article about Rwanda.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen is Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

As we heard from Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, misinformation is a growing problem both in everyday life, and particularly in the political sphere. With more than 2 billion participating in democratic processes this year, it is indisputable that the risks of misinformation are higher than ever; and nowhere will this be more evident than in the upcoming US presidential elections. To discuss the risks of misinformation in the US elections, as well as its impacts on the United States more broadly, we are really pleased to welcome Professor Leticia Bode to the podcast today. 

Professor Bode is an associate professor in the Communication, Culture, and Technology master’s program at Georgetown University.  She received her PhD in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and her bachelor’s degree from Trinity University.  

Her work lies at the intersection of communication, technology, and political behaviour, emphasizing the role communication and information technologies may play in the acquisition and use of political information. This covers a wide area, including projects looking at incidental exposure to political information on social media, effects of exposure to political comedy, use of social media by political elites, selective exposure and political engagement in new media, and the changing nature of political socialization given the modern media environment. Work on these subjects has appeared in Journal of Communication, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, New Media and Society, Mass Communication and Society, Journal of Information Technology and Politics, and Information, Communication, and Society, and other journals. She also sits on the editorial boards of Journal of Information Technology and Politics, and Social Media + Society. 

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with risk management specialists from around the world. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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At the International Risk Podcast, we aim to highlight key risks and global issues from all over the world, particularly those that fall through the cracks of mainstream media; and today’s podcast is no different. Since 2010, earthquake, Haiti has been the site of an ongoing crisis. At various points, key moments have broken through into global media — such as the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the latest devastating earthquake, both of which took place within weeks of each other during the summer of 2021 — and more recent events about escalating gang violence in the capital of Port-au-Prince.

However, there is much more at stake beyond the headlines, and the burden of this protracted crisis is being felt by Haiti’s most vulnerable citizens, 5.5 million of whom require humanitarian assistance in 2024. Despite the increased needs, humanitarian funding has lagged for years, creating even more dire circumstances. To help us unpack this ongoing and enormously under reported crisis, we are privileged to be joined by Professor Rosa Freedman

Rosa Freedman is the inaugural Professor of Law, Conflict and Global Development at the University of Reading. She received her LLB, LLM and PhD from the University of London, and is a non-practising barrister and member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Her research focuses on the UN, human rights, and international law. She has published extensively on UN human rights bodies and systems, and on UN peacekeeping and accountability for human rights abuses.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with risk management specialists from around the world. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

We have spoken about Russia a lot so far on the international risk podcast, from its ongoing aggression in Ukraine, to the Presidential elections in March, to most recently discussing Russia’s current position within Europe, and the risks this poses to both state actors and businesses. Today, we will continue this discussion, extrapolating Russia's european positioning to a global one; and to join us in this discussion, it is a pleasure to welcome Oleg Ignatov onto the international risk podcast

As Crisis Group’s Senior Analyst for Russia, Oleg Ignatov focuses on the country’s domestic affairs as well as Moscow’s role in conflicts around the world. Oleg has previously worked as a leading expert at the Center for Current Policy in Moscow, as a political consultant, and in various roles at the United Russia party. He also holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Moscow State University. He specialises in Russia’s foreign and domestic policy, Russian elites, Russian policy and conflicts in the post-Soviet space, and Russian-Ukrainian relations.

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Today, Dominic Bowen hosts Dr. Michele Mosca on The International Risk Podcast to explore the global urgency surrounding post-quantum cryptography and the risks quantum computing poses to modern infrastructure. They discuss how the question is no longer if but when quantum computers will break today’s encryption, the implications for global finance and critical systems, and what governments, businesses, and institutions must do now to prepare. Together they examine the pace of quantum innovation, the widening gap between technological capability and policy readiness, and the geopolitical competition shaping quantum research and security standards.

Dominic and Dr. Mosca also delve into the technical, economic, and diplomatic stakes of the quantum transition, from the “harvest-now, decrypt-later” threat to the cost and complexity of retrofitting global encryption systems. They explore how coordinated international governance, investment in post-quantum standards, and stronger public-private partnerships can build digital resilience before vulnerabilities are exploited.

Dr. Michele Mosca is Co-Founder and CEO of evolutionQ, a company providing quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions, and Co-Founder of the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. He is also a founding member of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute and a leading authority on quantum-safe cryptography and risk management. His research and advisory work have helped shape international strategies for quantum readiness across finance, government, and global infrastructure sectors.

Drawing on decades of research and policy engagement, Dr. Mosca explains why societies must act now to secure their data and systems, how the transition to post-quantum cryptography can be managed effectively, and why this emerging field will define the resilience and trust of the digital age.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Over the last few months, we have spoken a great deal about Russia, both its current illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as the recent elections in Russia.

For a huge part of modern history, Russia’s actions, both domestic and internationally, have had a huge ripple effect over the rest of the world, particularly within Europe; and this is what we are going to be discussing today. We are thrilled to be joined by Mathieu Boulegue to help us explore Russia and the international risks and opportunities this presents to Europe.

Mathieu Boulegue is a freelance researcher and consultant in international conflict and security affairs, with a focus on the Former Soviet Union. He is a Consulting Fellow with the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House. His research focuses on Russian defense policy and military affairs, Ukraine, Russia-NATO relations, Transatlantic security, and military-security issues in the Arctic and the Antarctic.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Misinformation, often referred to as false or inaccurate information, has become a prevalent issue in the digital age. With the rapid growth of social media platforms and the easy access to information online, misinformation can spread quickly and widely, influencing public opinion, shaping beliefs, and even impacting important societal decisions. Misinformation can take various forms, including fabricated news stories, manipulated images or videos, misleading statistics, and deceptive narratives. It can originate from various sources, including individuals, organisations, or even state actors with specific agendas. The consequences of misinformation can be far-reaching, leading to confusion, mistrust, polarisation, and sometimes even harm to individuals or communities. As such, combating misinformation has become a significant challenge for governments, tech companies, media organisations, and individuals alike, requiring a multi-faceted approach that involves fact-checking, media literacy education, and responsible online behaviour.  

Misinformation is not just an issue for the here and now; in its current form, the actions taken as a result of trust in misinformation, or public disinformation campaigns can pose significant risks to society and the political landscape as we know it. To help us unpack these risks, we are privileged to be joined by Professor Stephan Lewandowsky. 

Professor Stephan Lewandowsky is a cognitive scientist at the University of Bristol whose main interest is in the pressure points between the architecture of online information technologies and human cognition, and the consequences for democracy that arise from those pressure points. 

His research examines the consequences of the clash between social media architectures and human cognition, for example by researching countermeasures to the persistence of misinformation and spread of “fake news” in society, including conspiracy theories, and how platform algorithms may contribute to the prevalence of misinformation.  

He is also interested in the variables that determine whether or not people accept scientific evidence, for example surrounding vaccinations or climate science.His research is currently funded by the European Research Council, the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, the UK research agency (UKRI, through Centre of Excellence REPHRAIN), the Volkswagen Foundation, the John Templeton Foundation (via Wake Forest University’s “Honesty Project”), Google’s Jigsaw, and by the Social Sciences Research Council (SSRC) Mercury Project. 

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

The UN estimated there to be around 110 million displaced people worldwide; among these are around 36.4 million refugees. We are currently in the midst of a refugee crisis, spurred on by a rising number of people fleeing persecution, violence, and human rights violations caused by the negative effects of climate change and disasters need international protection. In 2022, 84% of refugees and asylum seekers fled nations particularly vulnerable to climate change, compared to only 61% in 2010. According to the UNHCR, 76 per cent of the world's refugees and others in need of international protection are housed by low- and middle-income countries, particularly countries that neighbour those where the refugees are from. The risks facing refugees are vast, from being displaced in some cases for years at a time, to facing rampant discrimination when seeking safety in another country; and yet we do not get the full picture through the news. In order to help us unpack this vast topic, we are thrilled to be joined by Lori Wilkison. 

Lori Wilkinson is a professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Manitoba. Her research centres on the economic and social outcomes of immigrants and refugees, with a special focus on women and youth. Her current projects include a national study of the pandemic arrival experiences of Afghan refugees, gender-based violence and newcomer women in Canada, international students and their perceptions of university and life in Canada, and the pandemic outcomes of Indigenous peoples and newcomers in Canada, USA and Mexico. She currently holds a Canada Research Chair in Migration Futures. In 2023, she was awarded Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba. For over a decade, she has served as the director of Immigration Research West, a multidisciplinary group of over 100 members who work together to educate Canadians about the contributions of newcomers. She volunteers with several international, national and local community organisations who are working toward the successful resettlement of newcomers. 

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

At the International Risk Podcast we strive to uncover the different facets of the world of risk we find ourselves in. But these risks do not occur in a vacuum. Today we are in a permacrisis, and year after year we hear about how the climate crisis is tightening its grip on the earth’s natural resources, and threatens the balance of the natural world. Similarly, both new and long-existing conflicts all over the world negatively affect geopolitics, and all over the world, both governments and civilians find themselves more and more at risk of economic decline.

The interconnectedness of the modern world means that these crisis are again not isolated. Some of these factors have contributed to an increasing number of people seeking refuge in other countries. According to the UNHCR, More than 114 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. To discuss the international risks associated with the refugee crisis, we are thrilled to be joined by Petra Molnar.

Petra Molnar is a lawyer and anthropologist specialising in migration and human rights. Petra has worked all over the world including Jordan, Turkey, Philippines, Kenya, Colombia, US/Mexico, Canada, Palestine, and various parts of Europe. She is the co-creator of the Migration and Technology Monitor, a collective of civil society, journalists, academics, and filmmakers interrogating technological experiments on people crossing borders. She co-directs the Refugee Law Lab at York University and is a Faculty Associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. Petra’s first book, The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in The Age of Artificial Intelligence, is published with The New Press in 2024.

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

It has been nearly six months since Israel began its campaign to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, following the horrific terrorist attack on October 7th. Today, Ben Lawson, intern at the International Risk Podcast is joined by Dominic Bowen, the host of the podcast to discuss some of the new developments in the conflict, as well as some of the key risks coming out of the region. Join us for this special edition of the International Risk Podcast as we discuss a range of topics including Israel-US relations, the ongoing humanitarian crisis,  the threat of Iranian involvement in the conflict  and the recent call to ban Al-Jazeera from Israel. 

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

One of the key actions companies of all sizes have to take is to ensure that their cybersecurity is constantly up to date; but for many, the true scale of the risks surrounding poor cybersecurity remain largely unknown;

so to help us unpack the risks and opportunities associated with cybersecurity, we are thrilled to be joined by Steve Orrin.

Steve Orrin is Intel’s Federal CTO and a Senior Principal Engineer.Steve is a cybersecurity expert, and a leading authority on Public Sector/Federal mission and enterprise systems and solutions. He is the Intel representative to on security standards and guidance and has contributed to several NIST standards and guidance publications. He is a fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies and the chair of the Int Nat SseA alliance Cyber Committee. 

Links to some of the resources Steve mentions in this episode can be found here:

NIST SP 800-207 - Zero Trust Architecture

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-207.pdf

NIST Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture - Practice Guide (Vol A-E)

https://www.nccoe.nist.gov/projects/implementing-zero-trust-architecture

ESF: Securing the Software Supply Chain for Customers - Part 1

https://media.defense.gov/2022/Nov/17/2003116445/-1/-1/0/ESF_SECURING_THE_SOFTWARE_SUPPLY_CHAIN_CUSTOMER.PDF

ESF: Securing the Software Supply Chain: Recommended Practices for Software Bill of Materials Consumption - Part 2

https://media.defense.gov/2023/Nov/09/2003338086/-1/-1/0/SECURING%20THE%20SOFTWARE%20SUPPLY%20CHAIN%20RECOMMENDED%20PRACTICES%20FOR%20SOFTWARE%20BILL%20OF%20MATERIALS%20CONSUMPTION.PDF

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When most people think about organised crime, their minds will instantly turn towards mafia style organisations; and these days no-where do mafias hold more of a reputation than in Latin America. According to the UNCAC Coalition (a global network of over 350 civil society organizations (CSOs) in over 100 countries, committed to promoting the ratification, implementation and monitoring of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)) Latin America is considered the most violent region on the planet, and according to the latest UNODC report, organised crime is responsible for 30% of homicides in LA. The Global Corruption Barometer 2013 indicates that the police and judiciary are considered amongst the most corrupt institutions in the region. In some Central American nations, the costs of crime are twice the regional average, while in others (such as the “Southern Cone” of Uruguay, Argentina and Chile) these costs are less than half the regional average. The total regional cost reaches US $236 billion per year. The risks associated with criminal groups of this status are vast for both Latin America, and the rest of the world, making discussions about this facet of organised crime that much more important. So, to discuss the international risks of Latin American organised crime with us today, it is a pleasure to welcome Damian Gariglio onto the podcast.  

Damián Gariglio is a political scientist and researcher from Buenos Aires. He majored in International Relations and holds a Master's Degree in International Studies from Torcuato Di Tella University - during which he spent six months in Colombia on a student exchange program. He is a member of the network of experts of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime. He has experience conducting research in Colombia and in Argentina working for different international NGOs and the public sector. 

He has worked in Bogota for the Colombian campaign to ban landmines as a humanitarian disarmament adviser. He was also the coordinator of the Observatory of Defence and Security for the Centre for International Political Studies (CEPI). 

In the research arena, Damián is currently working as an Assistant Researcher for the University of Buenos Aires focused on new criminal structures in Latin America. 

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Achieving personal growth often requires experiencing discomfort. What if instead of tolerating discomfort (e.g., feeling awkward or uncomfortable), people actively sought it out? 
To explore this pressing question, we are joined by Kaitlin Woolley. Kaitlin is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, specializing in motivation science. Leveraging insights from marketing, psychology, behavioural economics, and organizational behaviour, her research delves into three key areas within motivation: 1) understanding predictors of motivation, 2) identifying cognitive biases in goal-related decisions, and 3) understanding the social dynamics of goal pursuit. Woolley’s research examines the psychological processes that influence goal pursuit, with the ultimate goal of developing interventions to enhance consumer motivation. 

Woolley’s research is published in top journals in marketing and psychology, including Psychological Review, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and Psychological Science. She also publishes popular press articles, including in the Harvard Business Review and The Conversation. Her research is regularly covered by outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and NPR. Woolley has won several awards and honours for her research, including the Rising Star award from the Association for Psychological Science, the Young Scholar Award from the Marketing Science Institute, and the Early Career Award from the Society for Consumer Psychology. 

At Johnson, Woolley connects with MBA students in teaching the core marketing course and an elective on customer insights. She earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in psychology from Cornell University. Her MBA and PhD are from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. 

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Last week, we heard from Ben Dubow, who gave us some fascinating insights into how he sees Putin’s next presidential term playing out and the implications of who comes second in the Russian presidential elections.  

This week, we thought it crucial to hear from someone who has real world experience in international diplomacy, Ambassador John E Herbst. 

Ambassador John Herbst is the senior director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center. Ambassador Herbst served for thirty-one years as a foreign service officer in the US Department of State.  

He was the US ambassador to Ukraine from 2003 to 2006. Prior to his ambassadorship, he was the ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2000 to 2003. 

Our conversation with Ambassador Herbst will provide crucial insight into how Putin's next term as president may play out for Russia and how Europe and the US could be impacted.  

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

As we step into 2024, a critical year for democracy worldwide, the stage is set for 64 national elections, marking an unprecedented turnout at the polls. The backdrop is a canvas of escalating international tensions, the daunting specter of climate change, and stretched thin inter-governmental organizations like the UN and NATO. In a year of potential transformative elections, with prospects of Kier Starmer as UK’s Prime Minister and scrutiny of Joe Biden’s presidency, Russia presents a contrasting narrative with its upcoming elections from March 15th to 17th. 

The recent demise of Alexei Navalny, Putin's chief rival, casts a foreboding shadow over these elections. As President Putin stands poised for a potential fifth term, the halted advance in Ukraine and the shifting global perception of Russia raise critical questions about what lies ahead. 

: To dissect these complexities, we're joined by Ben Dubow, a vanguard in AI and disinformation analysis with a lens on Russia. At the helm of Omelas, and fellow at the Center for European Policy and Analysis, Ben leverages AI to parse open-source intelligence, offering insights that have influenced global media and scholarly discourse. 

Our conversation with Ben will traverse the future of the war in Ukraine post-elections, the intricacies of Russian AI in disinformation, the influence of oligarchs on Putin's decisions, and the intricate web of Putin's global relationships. We'll explore the economic, political, and social trajectories under Putin's looming term, considering the international chessboard of elections, including the US’s, and the potential withdrawal from NATO. Join us as we delve into the implications of Putin's presidency on the global stage. 

Ben's Dashboard to follow the Russian Elections can be found below

https://www.omelas.io/elections-dashboard

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In this episode, Dominic Bowen and Dr. Moshe Lander discuss the recent spike in gold prices in $ per ounce, which is unprecedented. 

Find out more about what pushes gold trends, from uncertain geopolitical trends to Trump’s threats on tariffs, and an overall mistrust in governments and institutions worldwide. The conversation also addresses the psychological aspect of the trust in gold as a secure investment coming from humanity’s social and economic history, and central banks’ reserves, although Dominic and Moshe examine the risks of such high trust in limited goods whose value depends on demand and decision-makers. 

Dr. Moshe Lander is a Canadian economist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at Concordia University, where he has taught since 2013, and a sessional instructor at Dalhousie University. Before joining academia full-time, he served as Senior Economist with the Government of Alberta from 2003 to 2007. His fields of expertise include public economics, international trade and finance, economic policy, and the economics of sports, gaming, and gambling. Beyond academia, Dr. Lander is a well-known media commentator who frequently appears across Canadian television, radio, print, and online platforms to discuss economic, business, and policy developments. Renowned for his engaging and accessible style, he has been recognized multiple times as Concordia’s Newsmaker of the Month, most recently in March 2025, for his sharp analysis of issues such as anti-tariff campaigns and the fiscal impact of carbon tax reforms.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

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Today, we are joined by Ted McKenna. Ted is co-author of the bestselling book The JOLT Effect: How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision, and a founding partner of DCM Insights. He is an accomplished sales and customer experience researcher whose work has appeared in the pages of Harvard Business Review and a sought-after speaker and advisor to sales, business development, and customer experience teams around the world.  

Prior to co-founding DCMi, Ted held numerous executive leadership positions in product, strategy, research, advisory, and enablement for Tethr, Russell Reynolds Associates, and CEB (now, a part of Gartner).  

Ted is an expert in analyzing behaviours—of customers, doer-sellers, frontline sales & service agents, leaders, and board members—and applying analytics in various forms of content, products, and services. At Tethr, Ted worked on mining unstructured conversational data using advanced data science and leading AI/ML tools to build models, scores, and behavioural frameworks (the most well-known model is the Tethr Effort Index). Previous roles called for deploying syndicated research methods to mine more structured sources such as surveys, diagnostics, demographics, and jobs data (including research contained within the bestselling book, The Challenger Sale).  

Ted holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Iowa and resides with his family in the Chicago, Illinois area. 

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The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international risk. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Over the last few weeks we have talked about some of the facets of transnational organised crime, and today's episode will continue to explore these international risks. According to the UK Government, the illicit drugs market is big business, worth an estimated £9.4 billion a year in the UK alone.  Globally, over 236.1 million ransomware attacks occurred globally in the first half of 2022.  

The international drug trade and cybercrime are two independent but interconnected concerns that have emerged in response to the globalised aspect of the modern world. The international drug trade is the illegal trafficking of narcotics and psychoactive substances across borders, facilitated by sophisticated criminal organisations that operate on a global scale. In contrast, cybercrime refers to a wide range of unlawful crimes carried out using digital means, such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud.  

While these international risks may appear unconnected, they have some similarities, such as the employment of advanced technology, international networks, and the exploitation of vulnerabilities in global systems. Criminal organisations involved in the drug trade frequently use cyber tools to communicate, launder money, and evade law enforcement. Additionally, the dark web serves as a platform for both drug trafficking and various forms of cybercrime.  

The intertwining of these illicit activities poses complex challenges for international law enforcement and requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address these risks. In order to help us unpack these two vast networks of transnational organised crime, and their potential intersections, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr Christopher Allen.

Dr. Chris Allen is a researcher, lecturer, consultant and commentator specialising in organised crime and how it operates.  He has significant experience in lecturing on drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking and firearms trafficking, among other subjects. 

Chris is a Senior Lecturer and Consultant of the London Policing College. He is also the creator of the U BATTLE toolkit, an investigative strategy development tool that began under City of London Police in 2018 and since then has gained national and international recognition. U BATTLE uses the adapted versions of traditional business analysis techniques to improve the development of investigative strategies in order to dismantle organised crime groups. 

Furthermore, he is a member of the Society for Evidence Based Policing, the European Political Research Consortium Standing Group on Organised Crime and the International Association for the Study of Organised Crime. 

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In recent podcasts, we have talked a lot about ESG, and the corporate responsibilities companies must take into account in their day-to-day working. The ways in which consumers view companies has changed dramatically over the last two decades, and corporate reputation is more important than ever, and reputations and brands are scrutinized than ever before. To help us unpack the importance of corporate reputation, as well as the risks companies can incur by not upholding a positive reputation, we are honoured to be joined by Rupert Younger.

Rupert Younger is the founder and director of Oxford University’s Centre for Corporate Reputation and co-author of two books - The Reputation Game and The Activist Manifesto. He has published widely on matters related to legitimacy, status, stigma, celebrity, reputation, and trust. He chaired The University of Oxford’s Socially Responsible Investment Committee (2012-2017) and is a member of the Senior Common Rooms at Wooster College Oxford and St Antony’s College Oxford. His views are regularly featured in major news outlets including the BBC, CNN, the Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Outside of Oxford, he is an Ambassador for the international mine clearance charity The HALO Trust and was appointed by HM Queen Elizabeth II as her High Sheriff of Hampshire for 2013-14. Rupert also co-founded the strategic communications consulting firm FGS Global.

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