Explore every episode of the podcast The IR thinker
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romania & Black Sea Energy Security - Roxana Caliminte | 2024 Episode 24 | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:43:11 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines Romania’s energy security and its strategic role in the Black Sea region with Roxana Caliminte, focusing on how offshore resources, regional tensions and EU climate goals intersect. The discussion explores Romania’s Black Sea energy strategy, relations with neighbours such as Bulgaria and Turkey, investment and infrastructure challenges, and the trade-offs between economic gains, environmental protection and long-term sustainability. Roxana Caliminte served as Deputy Secretary General of Gas Infrastructure Europe from 2017 to 2024, having previously worked for Romania’s gas transmission operator Transgaz on relations with EU institutions and government bodies. She has also been an adviser on international relations and economic affairs in the Romanian Parliament, is a visiting lecturer at the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, and has been recognised by Consultancy Intelligence Publishing as one of the Top 30 Female Energy Market Analysts globally. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:52 - Romania’s Black Sea Energy Strategy: Current Vision and Goals 04:25 - Strengthening Romania’s Energy Security 06:50 - Impact of the Ukraine Conflict on Romania’s Energy Security 08:14 - Balancing Energy Opportunities and Russian Interests in the Black Sea 10:09 - Diplomatic Relations with Bulgaria and Turkey in the Context of Energy 11:19 - Joint Energy Initiatives with Bulgaria and Turkey 12:08 - Romania’s Role in the EU’s Energy Security and Diversification 15:09 - Attracting Foreign Investment: Regulatory and Policy Challenges 16:43 - Economic Gains vs Sustainability in Exploiting Black Sea Energy 18:40 - Public Opinion on Black Sea Energy Projects and the Energy Transition 20:57 - Consequences of Failing to Capitalise on Black Sea Energy Resources 22:21 - Key Theoretical Factors for Potential Failure in Romania’s Energy Projects 23:44 - Technological Innovations Required for Deepwater Extraction in the Black Sea 25:23 - Infrastructure Upgrades Needed for Monetising Black Sea Energy Resources 27:42 - International Interest in Developing Black Sea Energy Projects 28:41 - Skilled Labour Requirements for Romania’s Energy Sector 30:06 - Balancing Environmental Protection and Energy Exploitation 33:13 - Impact of Energy Projects on Romania’s Fisheries and Tourism Sectors 35:06 - Meeting EU Energy and Climate Goals Through Black Sea Resources 38:13 - Government and Opposition Perspectives on Romania’s Energy Transition 40:37 - Potential Research Areas in Romania’s Energy Strategy and Policy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Arms Control - Andrew Reddie | 2024 Episode 23 | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:58:44 | |
This episode of The IR thinker traces the evolution of arms control from its Cold War origins to today’s challenges of governing rapidly advancing weapons technologies, in conversation with Dr Andrew Reddie. The discussion examines what makes arms control treaties work in practice, how non state actors and rising powers shape regimes, the implications of cases such as New START and the INF Treaty, and emerging ideas for regulating new nuclear and high tech weapons. Dr Andrew Reddie is Associate Research Professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and Founder of the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab. His research sits at the intersection of technology, politics and security, focusing on how innovations in nuclear weapons, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are reshaping international order and the governance of strategic weapons. Publications: Economic Statecraft in the 21st Century: Implications for the Future of the Global Trade Regime Evidence of the unthinkable: Experimental wargaming at the nuclear threshold Arms Control Workshop: Summary 19 Sanctions in an Era of Strategic Competition Get access Arrow Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:16 - Evolution of Arms Control: From the Cold War to Technological Governance 05:32 - Weapons Under Current Arms Control Regimes 07:30 - Key Factors in Successful Treaty Implementation and Contemporary Challenges 11:09 - The Impact of Non-State Actors and Non-Superpowers on Arms Control 14:46 - Global Oversight and Supervision of Arms Control Regimes 17:23 - Verification Processes in Arms Control 19:52 - Identifying Loopholes in the Verification Processes 24:01 - The Implications of New START and INF Treaties on Modern Arms Control 27:44 - Contemporary Fears of a Renewed Arms Race 32:14 - The Unique Case of the USA as the Only User of Nuclear Weapons 33:05 - Enriched Uranium Weapons: A Closer Look 34:50 - China’s Approach to Arms Control 37:21 - Sino-Russian Consultations on Arms Control 38:38 - India and Pakistan: Approaches to Arms Control 39:13 - Iran and Israel: Divergent Approaches to Arms Control 41:07 - The United Kingdom and France’s Role in Arms Control 42:51 - Potential New Nuclear Weapon States: Candidates and Risks 47:39 - Innovative Approaches and Ideas for Strengthening Arms Control 50:03 - Incentives for States to Abandon Nuclear Weapons 51:15 - Governance of Nuclear Weapons: Current Frameworks and Future Directions 53:54 - Emerging Weapon Technologies and the Need for New Arms Control Regimes 56:31 - Prospective Areas for Future Research in Arms Control Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| US Energy Security and Transition - Paul Saunders | 2024 Episode 14 | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:52:49 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the United States’ dependence on fossil fuels and its contested path towards a green energy transition with Paul Saunders, focusing on the role of subsidies, regulatory frameworks and partisan politics in shaping policy choices. The discussion explores trends in renewable energy investment, the modernisation of the electricity grid, energy storage, and the continuing significance of nuclear power in balancing fossil fuels and renewables at home and abroad. Paul Saunders is President of the Center for the National Interest and a member of its board of directors, as well as Senior Advisor at the Energy Innovation Reform Project, where he previously served as President. His expertise spans United States foreign and security policy, energy security and climate change, and relations with Russia, Japan and South Korea; he served as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs in the George W. Bush administration, with responsibility for transnational issues including energy and climate, and has long experience in congressional and think tank policy advising. Publications: Russia’s Global Energy Role: War, Sanctions, and the Energy Transition Meet the CRANKs: How China, Russia, Iran and North Korea Align Against America Restoring America’s Nuclear Energy Leadership and Exports Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - Dependence on Fossil Fuels in the USA and Green Energy Transition Plans 07:52 - Energy Transition as a Topic in the US Presidential Election Campaign 10:38 - The Role of Subsidies for Fossil Fuel Industries in Energy Transition 13:26 - Trends in Subsidies for Fossil Fuel Industries 18:00 - Implications of Fossil Fuel Energy for Other Parts of the World 21:42 - Investments in Renewable Energy in the USA 26:50 - The Influence of State and Federal Governments on Energy Policies 30:39 - US Energy Regulations and Market Reliance 37:07 - US Energy Storage Facilities 43:40 - Modernisation of the US Electricity Grid for Integrating Fossil Fuels and Renewables 48:29 - The Role of Nuclear Energy in Balancing Fossil Fuels and Renewables Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| India-China Relations - Jagannath Panda | 2024 Episode 13 | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:34:17 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the shifting dynamics of India–China relations with Dr Jagannath Panda, focusing on historical border tensions such as the Galwan Valley clashes, China’s naval expansion in the Indian Ocean and India’s military and diplomatic responses. The conversation also considers India’s alternatives to the Belt and Road Initiative, energy security, diaspora politics, the impact of China–Pakistan ties and the limits of existing scholarship on this pivotal relationship. Dr Jagannath Panda is a Senior Fellow at The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies and Head of the Stockholm Centre for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs at the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Sweden, as well as a professor at the University of Warsaw. A leading specialist on Indo-Pacific affairs, his research focuses on India’s relations with major Indo-Pacific powers, EU–India relations and European connectivity and maritime initiatives in the region. He also holds research affiliations in Japan and Australia and serves as Series Editor for Routledge Studies on Think Asia and as a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Asian Public Policy. Publications: India-Japan-ASEAN Triangularity Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:08 - Historical Border Disputes of Galwan Valley 06:04 - Galwan Valley Negotiations 08:52 - Challenges in Concluding Galwan Valley Negotiations 11:43 - The Quad Alliance, China and India 15:16 - China’s Naval Expansion in the Indian Ocean: Strategic Implications for India 18:16 - India’s Naval Modernisation 21:46 - India’s Alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative 23:45 - Energy Security Challenges between India and China 25:49 - Diaspora Politics in India-China Relations 27:55 - Impact of Pakistan-China Relations on India 30:30 - Limitations of Western Scholars’ Understanding of India-China Relations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| US-China Energy Dynamics & Solar Industry - Quill Robinson | 2024 Episode 12 | 11 Jun 2024 | 01:03:12 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores United States–China energy relations through the lens of the solar industry, examining how Chinese energy exports, tariffs and technological advances intersect with United States energy security and the global energy transition. The discussion with Quill Robinson considers environmental concerns around imported technologies, the role of international institutions and energy diplomacy, and emerging research agendas in this evolving field. Quill Robinson is a senior programme manager and associate fellow with the Energy Security and Climate Change Programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, and a senior adviser with ConservAmerica. He previously served as vice president of government affairs at the American Conservation Coalition. Quill holds a BA in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Washington and an MA in Global Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Publications: The True Cost of Chinese Solar Panels Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:47 - Chinese Energy Exports and Shifting Energy Geography 06:41 - US Energy Security and Its Link to China 09:32 - US Tariffs on Solar vs Investment in Solar Industry 11:24 - Competitiveness of the US Solar Industry 14:36 - US Support for Domestic Solar Panel Production 16:59 - Environmental Concerns about Imported Solar Panels 19:35 - Positive Implications of Sino-US Solar Panel Tariff Clash 24:15 - Lifespan Data of Solar Panels 25:59 - Chinese Battery Exports and Domestic Market 26:51 - US Progress in Energy Storage Installation 28:25 - China’s Position in US Energy Transition 30:17 - Impact of a 50% Tariff Increase on US Solar Panels 34:35 - Differences in Energy Transition Markets: US vs Europe 40:56 - Chinese Technological Advancements 45:21 - Role of International Institutions in Great Power Competition 47:42 - Potential for a Global Authority Regulating Energy Transition 49:10 - US Energy Diplomacy 53:48 - EU Energy Dependence on US LNG 59:10 - Recommended Research Areas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Chinese Theories of International Relations - Ferran Pérez Mena | 2024 Episode 11 | 05 Jun 2024 | 01:03:57 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the main contemporary schools of Chinese international relations theory with Dr Ferran Pérez Mena, focusing in particular on the Shanghai and Tsinghua schools, their theoretical foundations, key concepts such as moral realism and Chinese exceptionalism, and the ways in which they draw on traditional Chinese philosophy. The discussion explores how these ideas shape Chinese debates on economic statecraft, soft power, security and civilisational identity, and considers what this means for the future direction of China’s foreign policy and IR scholarship. Dr Ferran Pérez Mena is Assistant Professor in International Relations of East Asia in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University in the United Kingdom. His research focuses on transnational connections between Chinese and Western non state actors, the formation of non Western transnational elite networks, and the relationship between Chinese IR scholars, the Chinese state and the development of Chinese ideas about world politics and international order. Publications: Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:41 - Major Contemporary Schools of Thought in Chinese International Relations 04:47 - Importance of Shanghai and Tsinghua Universities 05:45 - Acceptance of the Shanghai School of IR in China 07:43 - Theoretical Foundation of the Shanghai School of IR 11:10 - Key Actors in the Shanghai School of IR 12:14 - Key Figures and Contributions of the Shanghai School 14:49 - Overview of the Tsinghua School of IR 16:22 - Influence of Yan Xuetong 16:50 - Other IR Schools in China 18:03 - Integration of Traditional Chinese Philosophy in IR Theories 20:04 - Concept of Moral Realism 21:53 - Application of Chinese Moral Realism Internationally 23:38 - China’s Definition of Morality 25:22 - Chinese Exceptionalism 28:42 - Critique and Overlaps between Chinese and Western IR Theories 34:10 - Role of Economic Statecraft in IR 35:36 - Background of Economic Statecraft in China 37:39 - Tsinghua School of IR and Soft Power 39:21 - China’s Most Interesting Soft Power Instruments 41:41 - Security in Chinese IR Schools 44:14 - Publishing Security Issues in China 45:38 - Civilizational Identity 49:34 - Influence of Concepts and Theories on Chinese Foreign Policy 53:30 - Ferran’s Book on Chinese IR Schools 58:57 - Accessing Chinese Sources for the Book 01:00:23 - Future of Chinese IR Schools Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Geopolitics of the Pacific Islands and Fiji - Lorenz Gonschor | 2024 Episode 10 | 28 May 2024 | 01:02:20 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the geopolitics of the Pacific Islands with Dr Lorenz Gonschor, focusing on Australia’s security role, the strategic interests of major powers such as the United States, China and the European Union (especially France), and the growing presence of emerging actors including India and Indonesia. The conversation explores the history and challenges of the Pacific Islands Forum, Russia’s limited involvement, economic diplomacy and aid dependence, the politics of climate change and energy security, and Fiji’s leadership and constraints in regional and global affairs. Dr Lorenz Gonschor is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Affairs in the School of Law and Social Sciences at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. His research covers historical and contemporary governance and politics in Oceania, with a particular interest in the evolution of Pacific regionalism since the nineteenth century. He is also actively engaged in debates on decolonisation in territories such as French Polynesia, Rapa Nui and Norfolk Island. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:57 - Australia’s Role in Security Dynamics 04:37 - Geography of the Pacific Islands 07:49 - Perception of Australia as a Western Power 08:54 - Strategic Interests of Major Powers (Australia, USA, China) 12:34 - The Complex Position of the European Union (France) 16:53 - Influence of Emerging Powers (India, Middle East, Azerbaijan, Indonesia) 21:56 - The Pacific Islands Forum: Overview and Functions 25:20 - Historical Challenges Faced by the Pacific Islands Forum 29:21 - Russian Involvement in the Pacific Region 36:05 - Challenges in Economic Diplomacy 39:52 - Dependency on Foreign Aid in the Pacific Islands 42:28 - Climate Change Debate: Rising Sea Levels and Extreme Weather 46:06 - Climate Change Activism in the Pacific Islands 47:40 - Energy Security Concerns 49:51 - Fiji’s Leadership Role in the Pacific 54:03 - Fiji’s Challenges in International Relations 59:23 - Local Interest in Studying Political Science Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Circular Economy in International Relations - Patrick Schröder | 2024 Episode 9 | 21 May 2024 | 01:08:49 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the circular economy as a subject of international politics, examining how it is defined, what goals it pursues and how it fits within global economic and trade frameworks. In conversation with Dr Patrick Schröder, we discuss international standards, bilateral agreements, corporate incentives, implementation failures, links to the energy transition and the geopolitical and ethical implications of circular economy initiatives, including in the Global South. Dr Patrick Schröder is a Senior Research Fellow in the Environment and Society Centre at Chatham House in London. His work focuses on the global transition to an inclusive circular economy, with particular emphasis on international policy coordination, investment needs, the role of trade and the contribution of circular practices to the Sustainable Development Goals. Publications: The Relevance of Circular Economy Practices to the Sustainable Development Goals Promoting a just transition to an inclusive circular economy No, Recycling Won’t Solve Our Plastic Problem Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:03 - Defining Circular Economy 07:38 - Main Goals of Circular Economy 10:48 - Circular Economy in International Economic Frameworks 16:33 - Global Authority and International Standards for Circular Economy 23:20 - Incorporating Circular Economy into Bilateral Agreements 29:11 - International Consensus on Circular Economy 35:50 - Multinational Corporations and Circular Economy Incentives 41:36 - Case Studies: Failures in Circular Economy Implementation 43:58 - Impact of Circular Economy on Economic Growth 48:50 - Geopolitical Implications of Circular Economy 52:46 - Western Circular Economy Initiatives in Developing Countries 56:04 - Ethical Issues in Circular Economy 59:14 - Circular Economy and Energy Transition 01:04:39 - Recommended Research Areas in Circular Economy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Islamic State Khurasan - Giuliano Bifolchi | 2024 Episode 8 | 01 May 2024 | 01:00:52 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the emergence and evolution of Islamic State – Khurasan Province (IS-Khurasan), exploring its origins, territorial framing, strategic goals and relations with the Taliban and local communities. The discussion with Dr Giuliano Bifolchi looks at recruitment patterns, financing, cyber activities and the role of wider geopolitical tensions and great-power competition in shaping the group’s trajectory. Giuliano Bifolchi is an intelligence and geopolitics specialist with more than a decade of experience in strategic consulting, due diligence and open-source intelligence. He is Professor of Web Intelligence and Open Source Intelligence at the European Forensic Institute and serves as Senior Intelligence Analyst at SpecialEurasia. Publications: Analysis of The Voice of Khurasan First Issue in the Tajik Language Storia del Caucaso del Nord tra presenza russa, Islam e terrorismo Conflitto in Ucraina: rischio geopolitico, propaganda jihadista e minaccia per l’Europa Giuliano Bifolchi, GEOPOLITICA DEL CAUCASO RUSSO Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Differentiating Khurasan from the Islamic State Wilayat Khurasan (IS-Khurasan) 04:49 - Origins and Establishment of IS-Khurasan 06:45 - Significance of Incorporating Territory Names in Islamic State Titles 09:41 - Identifying Strategic Goals of IS-Khurasan 12:21 - Relationship Dynamics between the Taliban and IS-Khurasan 17:35 - Perceptions of IS-Khurasan within the Pashtun Community 20:34 - Potential Allies of IS-Khurasan 23:36 - Recruitment Strategies and Appeal to Followers 28:17 - Objectives of IS-Khurasan in Tajikistan 34:58 - Moscow’s Influence: Migration Patterns and Islamic Finance 40:03 - Primary Sources of Finance for IS-Khurasan 42:26 - IS-Khurasan’s Activities in the Cyber Domain 44:40 - Contrasting Innovative and Traditional Counterterrorism Approaches 48:16 - Roles of the EU, USA, Russia, and China in the Region 52:21 - Impact of Global Events on IS-Khurasan’s Strength 57:03 - Recommendations for Further Research Areas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Chemical and Biological Weapons - Brett Edwards | 2024 Episode 7 | 24 Apr 2024 | 01:01:10 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the history, present landscape and future risks of chemical and biological weapons with Dr Brett Edwards, tracing their evolution from early use to contemporary arsenals and dual-use technologies. The discussion examines verification and disarmament, how these weapons feature in national defence planning, the ethical and legal debates surrounding them, international control regimes and the specific concerns raised in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Dr Brett Edwards is a Senior Lecturer in Security and Public Policy at the University of Bath. His research sits at the intersection of security, non-proliferation and responsible innovation, with a particular focus on chemical and biological weapons disarmament and non-proliferation. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - Inventory of Global Chemical and Biological Weapons Capabilities 06:41 - Evolution of Chemical and Biological Weapons Through History 11:59 - Verification of Chemical and Biological Weapons Disarmament 13:51 - Integration of Chemical and Biological Weapons into National Military Strategies 16:31 - Preparedness Against Chemical and Biological Weapons Attacks 19:31 - Ethical Considerations in the Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons 24:25 - International Collaboration in Controlling Chemical and Biological Weapons 30:11 - Challenges in Prohibiting Chemical versus Biological Weapons 35:57 - Techniques for Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons 42:04 - Post-Deployment Detection and Impact Assessment of Chemical and Biological Weapons 44:34 - International Sanctions as a Response to Chemical and Biological Weapons Violations 48:58 - The Role of Chemical and Biological Weapons in the Ukrainian Conflict 56:23 - Anticipating Future Challenges in Chemical and Biological Weapons Proliferation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| European Union Counterterrorism Legal Framework - Christian Kaunert | 2024 Episode 6 | 27 Feb 2024 | 01:12:07 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the European Union’s counterterrorism legal framework with Professor Christian Kaunert, exploring how terrorism is defined, how key instruments are implemented across member states, and how financial tracking and international cooperation shape EU practice. The discussion also considers human rights safeguards, the challenge of online radicalisation, gaps in the existing framework and promising directions for future research on EU counterterrorism policy. Christian Kaunert is Professor of International Security at the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University and Professor of Policing and Security at the University of South Wales, where he directs the International Centre for Policing and Security and serves as a Jean Monnet Chair. His work focuses on European security, counterterrorism and justice and home affairs cooperation. The Sharing Economy for Tackling Cybercrime Securitization Outside the West: West African Security Reconceptualised Europol and EU Counterterrorism: International Security Actorness in the External Dimension The European Union as a Global Counter-Terrorism Actor Far-right foreign fighters and Ukraine: A blind spot for the European Union? Counter-terrorism cooperation and the European Neighbourhood Policy Preventing radicalisation and enhancing disengagement in the European Union Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:35 - The EU Definition of Terrorism and Its Implications 09:25 - General vs Specific Definitions of Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis 11:41 - Dissemination of Terrorism Definitions to National Member States’ Legal Codes 13:31 - Fundamental Legal Instruments in EU Counterterrorism Framework 28:27 - Tracking Financial Flows in Counterterrorism Operations 35:15 - Comparison between the Council of Europe and the European Council in Counterterrorism Efforts 40:43 - International Cooperation in Counterterrorism and the Role of the EU 48:05 - EU Initiatives towards Non-Western Countries and Reciprocal Engagement 52:29 - Human Rights Considerations within EU Counterterrorism Strategies 57:34 - EU Institutions Involved in Counterterrorism Efforts 01:00:19 - Gaps and Missing Elements in the EU’s Counterterrorism Legal Framework 01:04:53 - Addressing Radicalisation through Online Content Regulation 01:08:01 - Suggestions for Further Research in EU Counterterrorism Policies and Strategies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Qatari Soft Power - Ariel Admoni | 2024 Episode 5 | 07 Feb 2024 | 01:08:54 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores Qatar’s soft power with Ariel Admoni, examining its role as a mediator in the Middle East, the leverage derived from energy exports, and the use of culture, education, real estate and global media to project influence. The conversation also looks at Qatar’s foreign aid strategy, the legacy of hosting the World Cup, the significance of Al Jazeera, and under-researched aspects of Qatari soft power on the regional and global stage. Ariel Admoni is a PhD candidate at Bar-Ilan University in Israel whose research focuses on Qatari politics and Qatar’s role in international relations. He has published on these themes in journals such as Contemporary Review of the Middle East, Middle East Policy and the Asian Journal of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Publications: Same reasons, different outcomes: Qatar’s policy on Israel up to 1996 Peace Is Relative: Qatar and Agreements with Israel Political antisemitism: Qatar’s attitude towards Jews and Israel Order from Above: The Evolvement of Elections in Qatar Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - Qatari Regime Overview 03:35 - Qatar’s Mediation in the Middle East 07:58 - Sources of Qatari Negotiating Power 12:06 - Emir Family vs. Diplomatic Corps 13:48 - Qatar’s Foreign Aid Initiatives 16:37 - Evaluating Qatari Foreign Aid 18:40 - Influence of Qatari Energy Exports 22:40 - Energy Deals and Soft Power 25:20 - Long-Term Relevance of Qatar’s Energy Impact 27:09 - Qatar’s Renewable Energy Impact 28:35 - Real Estate Investment in Soft Power 33:09 - Culture and Education in Qatar’s Strategy 36:37 - Qatar’s Soft Power: Domestic and International 38:15 - Success of Qatar’s Educational City Project 40:49 - Impact of Hosting the World Football Championship 47:08 - Al Jazeera TV and Qatar’s Soft Power 51:59 - Analysing Al Jazeera’s Role 55:36 - Qatar’s Influence in International Institutions 01:01:16 - Qatar’s Mediation Between Israel and Hamas 01:06:50 - Under-Researched Areas of Qatari Soft Power Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EU Constitution - A Story of Unity and Division - Paul Craig | 2024 Episode 22 | 11 Sep 2024 | 01:09:34 | |
This episode of The IR thinker revisits the making and unmaking of the 2004 EU Constitutional Treaty with Professor Paul Craig, tracing the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe, the politics of drafting and ratification, and the reasons why the project ultimately failed. The discussion also addresses whether the European Union needs a constitution at all, what form such a document might take, and how the constitutional question continues to shape debates on European integration today. Paul Craig is a British legal scholar specialising in administrative and European Union law. He served as Professor of English Law at the University of Oxford from 1998 to 2019, is now Emeritus Professor, and was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1998. Publications: EU Membership: Formal and Substantive Dimensions The Evolution of EU Law (3rd edn) EU Law: Text, Cases, and Materials (8th edn) Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:32 - The Role of the Convention on the Future of Europe 13:46 - The Emergence of the 2004 Constitutional Treaty 27:34 - Reaching Consensus on the EU Constitution 30:41 - Influence of External Actors on the Convention 33:28 - Reasons Behind the Failure of the EU Constitutional Treaty 51:09 - Was the EU Constitution Intended to Supersede National Constitutions? 57:56 - Does the EU Need a Constitution? 01:04:22 - Areas for Further Research on the EU Constitutional Question Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| CSTO & Russia - Thomas Ambrosio | 2024 Episode 4 | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:57:11 | |
This episode of The IR thinker analyses the strategic role and evolving dynamics of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), examining its core objectives, how it compares with NATO, and the internal relations among member states. The discussion considers CSTO’s relevance for Russia’s security and economic interests, the organisation’s operational capabilities, the involvement of external actors such as China and Iran, and the possible futures of the bloc, from reform and expansion to decline. Dr Ambrosio is Professor of Political Science in the Criminal Justice and Political Science Department at North Dakota State University in the United States. His research focuses on international relations, Russian foreign policy and the stability of authoritarian regimes, with particular attention to how Russia constructs and uses regional organisations and alliances such as the CSTO in its broader geopolitical strategy. Publications: Authoritarian Backlash: Russian Resistance to Democratization in the Former Soviet Union Challenging America’s Global Preeminence: Russia’s Quest for Multipolarity Content 00:00 - Introduction to CSTO 03:18 - CSTO’s Strategic Goals and Objectives in 2024 06:02 - CSTO and NATO: A Comparative Analysis 08:23 - Internal Dynamics: Relations Among CSTO Member States 15:19 - CSTO’s Role in Supporting Russia’s Energy and Economic Policies 16:53 - CSTO’s Function in Safeguarding Russia’s Economic Interests 18:14 - Aligning CSTO Activities with Russia’s National Security Agenda 21:21 - International Backing for CSTO: The Role of China, Iran, and North Korea 22:36 - Future Trajectory of CSTO: Expansion or Dissolution Prospects 24:47 - Operational Capacity of CSTO: Forces and Military Capabilities 26:22 - Evaluating the Current Agenda of CSTO 31:00 - Future Outlook: Revising CSTO’s Strategic Agenda for Sustainability 34:13 - Assessing Russia’s Diplomatic Strategies within CSTO 35:52 - BRICS and CSTO: Potential for Adoption of Treaty Framework 38:30 - Western Perspectives on Russia’s Geopolitical Alliances and Blocs 42:27 - Highlighting CSTO’s Key Achievements and Positive Contributions 44:22 - Impact of CSTO on Russia’s Security Doctrine and Policy 46:34 - Analysing the Reasons Behind Countries’ Withdrawal from CSTO 48:37 - Operational Challenges: Understanding CSTO’s Unique Functioning 51:47 - CSTO’s Role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Dynamics 54:10 - Key Lessons from CSTO for Russia and Member States Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Afghans Leaving Pakistan - Ido Raz | 2024 Episode 3 | 23 Jan 2024 | 01:00:58 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan with Ido Gadi Raz, analysing the scale of Afghan displacement, associated security concerns and Islamabad’s evolving policy response. The conversation explores the Taliban’s role, the economic and geopolitical implications for both states, the colonial legacy of the border, and the risks of wider conflict in a nuclear-armed regional context. Ido Gadi Raz is a researcher specialising in the Afghanistan–Pakistan region, with a focus on terrorism, geopolitics and international relations. He is a fast-track PhD candidate in International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and previously worked as a financial intelligence analyst in the Israeli government sector. Holding a BA in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from Bar-Ilan University, he contributes to scholarly debate through journal articles and analytical pieces and is a regular commentator on Afghan–Pakistani affairs in the Israeli media. Publications: Pakistan-Israel Relations: A Chance of Normalization? Against all Expectations: Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations after the American Withdrawal The United States Withdrawal from Afghanistan after Two Decades of a Global War on Terrorism Far But Present: Israel’s Three Major Threats Coming From Afghanistan – Analysis Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:21 - Afghan Displacement: Scale and Impact 08:07 - Security Concerns for Returning Afghans 12:09 - Border Dynamics and International Response 16:49 - Revisiting Pakistan’s Afghan Visa Policy 18:23 - Pakistan’s Response: Strategy and Tactics 22:13 - Taliban’s Crisis Management 24:05 - Pakistan’s Political Crisis and Afghan Exodus 29:34 - Terrorist Groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan 34:56 - Pakistan-Afghanistan Economic Ties 40:18 - Afghan-Pak Border: Colonial Legacy 42:22 - Diplomacy in the Refugee Crisis 44:06 - Need for Mediation in Pakistan-Afghanistan 46:23 - Cultural Aspects of the Crisis 48:14 - Pashtuns’ Role in the Situation 49:41 - Long-Term Policies for Crisis Resolution 51:49 - Conflict Risks: Pakistan vs Afghanistan 54:25 - Nuclear Factors in the Crisis 56:41 - Research Challenges in Pakistan-Afghanistan 58:11 - Afghan-Pakistani Scholar Collaboration 59:14 - Suggested Research Areas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Geopolitics of Energy Transition - Daniel Scholten | 2024 Episode 2 | 16 Jan 2024 | 01:01:36 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the geopolitics of the energy transition with Dr Daniel Scholten, examining how shifting energy systems reshape power relations, security risks and opportunities for international cooperation. The conversation considers the prospects for fossil fuel exporters and global renewable energy companies, the scramble for critical materials, the role of international organisations and energy diplomacy, and emerging research agendas in this rapidly developing field. Dr Daniel Scholten is Visiting Assistant Professor at the Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. A specialist in the geopolitics of the energy transition and the governance of sustainability, he has previously served as strategic adviser on energy and sustainability at the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, taught at Delft University of Technology, and contributed to the IRENA Global Commission on the Geopolitics of Energy Transformation. Publications: Handbook on the Geopolitics of the Energy Transition The new oil? The geopolitics and international governance of hydrogen Renewable energy and geopolitics: A review The geopolitics of renewables: New board, new game Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - Significance of Geopolitics in Energy Transition 02:45 - Key Geopolitical Expectations in the Energy Transition 09:24 - Identifying the Most Critical Research Area 12:38 - Geopolitical Ramifications for Fossil Fuel Exporting Nations during Energy Transition 18:13 - Prospects for Global Renewable Energy Corporations 20:54 - Geopolitical Dynamics in the Arctic Region 26:39 - Securing Critical Rare Materials for Energy Transition 30:46 - International Organizations and Governance in Energy Transition 37:18 - Role of Energy Diplomacy 43:48 - Geopolitical Cooperation in Energy Transition 48:56 - Security Implications of Energy Transition 54:20 - Research Trends and Methodologies in Geopolitics of Energy Transition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Identity in International Relations - Richard Ned Lebow | 2024 Episode 1 | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:54:08 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the role of identity and identification in international relations with Professor Richard Ned Lebow, examining how memory, self perception and corporate identity shape state behaviour and political order. The discussion engages with constructivist theory and its critics, considers non Western perspectives on identity, and reflects on the implications for conflict management and institutions such as the United Nations. Professor Richard Ned Lebow is Emeritus Professor of International Political Theory in the War Studies Department at King’s College London, Honorary Fellow of Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of the British Academy. His work spans international relations, the causes of war, decision making, conflict management and both ancient and modern political theory, with a particular focus on the politics and ethics of identity. Publications: National Identities and International Relations A Cultural Theory of International Relations The Politics and Ethics of Identity Constructing Cause in International Relations Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:23 - Unravelling Identity and Identification in International Relations 15:37 - The Nexus of Identification and State Behaviour 19:56 - The Significance of Understanding Identity 21:40 - Methodologies for Investigating Identity and Identification Concepts 22:54 - Perspectives on Identity in Non-Western Scholarship 26:31 - Memory, Identity, and Self-Perception 34:30 - States’ Collective Memory and Identity 36:24 - Corporate Identity in International Context 39:46 - Political Order: Interplay with Identity and Identification 48:03 - Ned Lebow’s Constructivist Insights and Critiques 52:42 - The UN and Constructivism’s Role in Conflict Resolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Power Structure in Russia - Chris Monday | 2023 Episode 39 | 29 Dec 2023 | 01:05:15 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the structure and practice of power in contemporary Russia with Associate Professor Chris Monday, from the hierarchy between Moscow and the regions to the role of Putin’s family, organised crime networks and the energy sector. The discussion examines who actually makes foreign policy decisions, how much influence ordinary Russians wield, and how the war in Ukraine is reshaping the country’s internal power dynamics. Chris Monday is Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at Dongseo University in Busan, South Korea. His research focuses on Russia, North Korea and other post-communist societies, informed in part by eight years living in Russia and service in the Peace Corps in Kenya. He has published in journals such as Asian Survey, Russian History, the Journal of Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics and Society, Russian Review, Communist and Post-Communist Studies and Korean Slavic Review. Publications: What’s Hiding in Putin’s Family History? Privatization to putinization: The genesis of Russia’s hobbled oligarchy Family Rule as the Highest Stage of Communism Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:23 - Russian Power Structure Demystified 11:14 - Conceptualizing Power in the Russian Context 13:07 - Balancing Power: Moscow vs. the Regions 19:54 - Russian Regions’ Influence and Potential Separation 21:47 - Putin’s Family’s Role in Governance 27:25 - Putin’s Contemplation of Czarist Parallels 30:01 - Organized Crime Families and Their Grip on Power 34:09 - Power Dynamics in the Energy Sector 37:36 - Energy Titans vs. Government: Who Wields More Influence? 41:40 - Power and Notoriety: A Complex Relationship 45:11 - Foreign Policy Decision-Makers in Russia 48:44 - The Power of the Russian People: Influence and Politics 52:41 - Unravelling Russian Power: Research Methodologies 55:48 - U.S. Support for Ukraine: Geopolitical Impacts 1:00:01 - The Ukrainian War’s Ripple Effects on Russian Power Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Communication, Social Media & Radicalisation - Gordon Alley Young | 2023 Episode 38 | 19 Dec 2023 | 01:04:24 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines how social media shapes contemporary radicalisation, from recruitment strategies and message design to the spread of counternarratives, algorithmic amplification and the use of encrypted platforms. The discussion with Dr Gordon Alley-Young explores practical and ethical challenges in detecting and limiting extremist content, international cooperation between states and platforms, and the tools available to counter radical messages and online fundraising for extremism. Dr Gordon Alley-Young is Professor of Speech Communication and dean at Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York. His research focuses on intercultural communication and postcolonialism in popular culture, with particular attention to education, culture, identity, gender, class and sexuality. Publications: Army Recruitment of Ethnic Minorities Social Media and Terrorist Financing Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:04 - The Role of Social Media in the Radicalisation Recruitment Process 10:17 - Crafting Effective Messages on Social Media Platforms 12:05 - Counternarratives and Their Impact on Social Media 20:34 - Manipulating Algorithms: Influence on Social Media Content 26:51 - Detecting and Limiting Radical Content on Social Media 32:37 - International Cooperation: Combating Radical Content Across Borders 37:58 - Account Verification on Social Media 42:53 - Encrypted Messaging Apps and Their Connection to Radicalisation 53:17 - Fundraising for Terrorism and Extremism on Social Media 58:54 - Strategies for Addressing Radical Messages and Banners on Social Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| European Energy Politics - Marco Siddi | 2023 Episode 37 | 14 Dec 2023 | 00:43:26 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the intersection of international relations theory and energy policy with Dr Marco Siddi, addressing realist, liberal and constructivist approaches to energy, the idea of energy as a “weapon”, and the evolving geopolitics of the EU’s green transition. The conversation examines efforts to harmonise EU energy policies, instruments such as RePowerEU and joint purchasing platforms, the reconfiguration of EU–Russia energy relations after the war in Ukraine, and emerging research agendas in European energy politics. Marco Siddi is a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs specialising in EU–Russia relations and European energy policy. He holds adjunct professorships at the University of Helsinki and Tampere University and earned his PhD from the Universities of Edinburgh and Cologne. His work covers energy and climate politics, identity politics, European security and Italy’s role in the EU, and his publications include European Energy Politics: The Green Transition and EU–Russia Energy Relations (Edward Elgar, 2023) and European Identities and Foreign Policy Discourses on Russia (Routledge, 2020). Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:11 - Realist Perspective in Energy Policy 04:30 - Concept of ‘Energy Weapon’ 05:27 - Realists vs. Liberal Logic in Energy Policy 07:20 - Constructivist Scholarship 09:55 - Geopolitics of Energy 11:35 - Energy Transition 14:07 - Harmonizing EU Energy Policies 17:01 - Relevance of EU Ministry of Energy 18:34 - EU Regulations and Green Transition Progress 21:43 - EU Energy Bloc Purchasing Platforms 24:12 - RePowerEU Concept in Dr. Siddi’s Book 26:33 - EU-Gazprom Contracts 29:02 - EU-Russia Energy Relations 31:42 - EU Green Deal Post-Ukraine War 34:44 - Research Methods and Energy Policy Approach 36:57 - Gathering Information on Russia 39:55 - Dr. Siddi’s New Research Ideas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Radicalisation & Extremism in the USA - Jeff Schoep | 2023 Episode 36 | 12 Dec 2023 | 01:10:23 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines radicalisation in the United States through the story of Jeff Schoep, a former leader of the country’s largest neo-Nazi organisation. The conversation explores the personal, social and political factors that sustained his twenty five years in the movement, the process that led him to disengage, and broader lessons for countering hate and violent extremism in contemporary America. Jeff Schoep is the founder of Beyond Barriers, a non profit organisation that supports individuals leaving extremist groups and assists communities affected by extremism. Formerly the long standing leader of the National Socialist Movement in the United States, he left the organisation in 2019 and publicly renounced the ideology he had previously promoted. Drawing on first hand experience of far right extremism, he now works with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, educational institutions and community organisations in the United States and abroad, speaking on radicalisation, disengagement and prevention. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:46 - Jeff Schoep’s Neo-Nazi Leadership 04:45 - Becoming a Neo-Nazi Leader in the USA 07:50 - Jeff Schoep’s 25-Year Neo-Nazi Journey 12:13 - Neo-Nazi Group Membership 15:18 - Crafting Speeches for Followers 17:18 - Financing the Neo-Nazi Movement 18:36 - US Restrictions on Neo-Nazi Symbols 20:17 - Jeff’s Decision to Quit the Neo-Nazi Organization 29:01 - Jeff Schoep and The Simon Wiesenthal Center 34:15 - Online Landscape and Radicalisation 35:42 - Economic Disparities and Radicalisation 39:34 - US Military Interventions and Radicalisation 41:20 - Prisons and Radicalisation 43:40 - Spectrum of Radical Ideologies in the USA 48:32 - Exporting Ideologies from the USA 50:19 - US Strategies and Law Enforcement Against Radicalisation 53:44 - Local Community Efforts Against Radicalisation 55:47 - AI in Countering Radicalisation 57:55 - Vulnerable Age Groups and Radicalisation 01:01:36 - Republicans, Democrats, and Radicalisation 01:04:57 - Tackling Radicalisation in the USA & Scholarly Contributions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Terrorism: A Research Perspective - Tim Wilson | 2023 Episode 35 | 05 Dec 2023 | 01:02:15 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores contemporary terrorism and its study with Dr Tim Wilson, Director of the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St Andrews. The conversation examines the evolution of terrorist tactics since 9/11, the role of finance and recruitment, the challenges facing intelligence agencies and the media, as well as innovative research methods, non-Western perspectives and the implications of the Israel–Hamas conflict for terrorism research. Dr Tim Wilson is a historian of political violence and Director of the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St Andrews. He has written widely on terrorism by both states and their opponents, including the book Killing Strangers: How Political Violence Became Modern published by Oxford University Press in 2020. He is also co editor, with Diego Muro, of Contemporary Terrorism Studies published by Oxford University Press in 2022, a leading textbook in the field. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Evolution of Terrorism Tactics since 9/11 05:54 - Accessibility of Terrorism Tools 09:01 - Understanding the Financial Mechanisms in Terrorism 12:26 - The Critical Role of Money in Facilitating Terrorism 13:39 - Tactics and Trends in Terrorist Recruitment 18:07 - Intelligence Agencies’ Response to Terrorism 24:23 - Media’s Overuse of the Term ‘Terrorism’ 27:18 - Innovative Research Methods in Terrorism Studies 34:28 - Exploring Non-Western Perspectives in Terrorism Research 37:06 - Bridging Academia and Industry in Terrorism Research 40:43 - Spotlight on Handa Centre’s Terrorism Research Initiatives 47:28 - Crafting a Stellar Dissertation in Terrorism Studies 51:35 - Common Misconceptions Among Terrorism Studies Students 56:03 - The Impact of Israel-Hamas Conflict on Terrorism Research Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Norway Energy Security & Geopolitics - Ole Gunnar Austvik | 2023 Episode 34 | 01 Dec 2023 | 01:04:58 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores Norway’s energy security and geopolitics with Professor Ole Gunnar Austvik, tracing the evolution of Norwegian oil exports, the role of private companies and diversification strategies, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on gas supplies to the European Union. The discussion also addresses LNG expansion, pipeline infrastructure, electricity and hydrogen exports, Nordic energy cooperation, the Arctic as a new energy frontier and the future of nuclear power in Norway. Ole Gunnar Austvik is a Norwegian economist and political scientist specialising in political economy, oil and gas policy and European integration. He is Professor of Political Economy and Petroleum Economics at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, a Senior Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and has previously worked with the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, BI Norwegian Business School and Statistics Norway. Publications: Norway: Small State in the Great European Energy Game EU-Russian Gas Trade and the Shortcomings of International Law Turkey in the geopolitics of energy Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:32 - Evolution of Norway’s Oil Exports 08:21 - Role of Private Companies in the Norwegian Oil Market 09:53 - Diversifying Norway’s Oil Export Strategy 12:34 - Investment Trends in the Norwegian Oil Sector 14:50 - Ethical Considerations in Norway’s Oil Export Industry 18:50 - Impact of the Ukraine War on Norway’s Gas Exports to the EU 22:57 - Domestic Political Dynamics and Norway’s Gas Exports 26:48 - State of the Norwegian Natural Gas Pipeline Infrastructure 29:12 - Public Opinion on LNG Expansion in Norway 30:59 - Balancing Norwegian Reserves with EU Export Demands 33:04 - Norway’s National Energy Strategy 36:55 - Norway’s Electricity Export 40:19 - Hydrogen Export 45:10 - The Arctic: Norway’s New Energy Frontier 48:53 - Exploring New Energy Reserves Outside of Norway 51:11 - Energy Collaboration Among Nordic Countries 56:16 - The State of Nuclear Energy in Norway 59:21 - Future Directions in Norway’s Energy Policy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| European Diplomacy - Role & Impact - Iver B. Neumann | 2024 Episode 21 | 04 Sep 2024 | 01:00:48 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the evolving practice of European diplomacy with Professor Iver B. Neumann, focusing on how the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as internal EU divisions, reshape diplomatic resources, priorities and strategies. The conversation examines the role and competences of the European External Action Service, debates over strengthening EU diplomacy, the influence of public opinion and media, and how different theoretical traditions inform contemporary diplomatic practice and its perceived Eurocentrism. Professor Iver B. Neumann is a Norwegian political scientist and social anthropologist and Director of the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Oslo. A former Montague Burton Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics, he has also held senior positions at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and teaches International Relations at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. His research focuses on how polities relate to one another across time and space, drawing on continental social theory and empirical work on Russian and Norwegian foreign policy and, increasingly, archaeology. Publications: Diplomaten som helt: Fridtjof Nansen Returning Practice to the Linguistic Turn: The Case of Diplomacy At Home with the Diplomats: Inside a European Foreign Ministry Diplomatic tenses: A social evolutionary perspective on diplomacy Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:36 - Impact of the Israeli-Gaza Conflict and the War in Ukraine on European Diplomatic Resources 09:31 - Assessment of European Diplomatic Evolution 12:38 - Internal Divisions within European Diplomacy 18:04 - Competences of the European External Action Service (EEAS) 20:01 - Debate on Strengthening the EEAS 24:46 - Public Opinion and Its Influence on European Diplomacy 28:50 - Role of Media in Shaping Diplomatic Discourse 33:44 - European Diplomacy and Its Engagement with the Middle East 35:09 - EU Diplomacy and the Recognition of a Palestinian State 37:23 - Critiques of EU Diplomacy from Non-European Nations 39:32 - Diplomacy as Practice vs. Diplomacy as Foreign Policy 42:40 - Diplomacy and Theoretical Frameworks 50:28 - Influence of Realist, Liberal, and Constructivist Paradigms on Diplomacy 53:06 - Is Diplomacy a Eurocentric Notion? Myth or Reality? 57:08 - Prominent Schools of Diplomacy 58:36 - Distinctive Features of Norwegian Diplomacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Yemen - Geopolitics of Crisis - Tom Walsh | 2023 Episode 33 | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:55:44 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the war in Yemen with Dr Tom Walsh, tracing the conflict’s historical roots, the social mosaic of Yemeni society and the role of regional and international actors. The discussion considers Saudi Arabia’s intervention, the humanitarian crisis and blockades, the interplay of religion and politics, the use of propaganda and social media, and what a realistic pathway to peace might look like. Dr Tom Walsh is a Lecturer in International Relations and Politics and a Middle East researcher at Northumbria University, and an Associate Instructor at the LSE. An Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he studies narrative warfare and sectarian rhetoric on social media in the so called New Middle East Cold War between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with a particular focus on Yemen. He holds a PhD from Durham University, where his thesis examined the Iranian Saudi rivalry and its role in prolonging the war in Yemen through external intervention, securitisation, sectarianisation and digital media. Publications: Recommended Texts: Weathering the Storm: Legality and Legal Implications of the Saud-led Military Intervention in Yemen by Ruys, T. and Ferro, L. (2016) China’s Middle East Foreign Policy and the Yemen Crisis: Challenges and Implications by Chaziza, Mordechai. (2015) China and Yemen’s Forgotten War by Chang, I-wei Jennifer. (2018) China’s Balancing Strategy between Saudi Arabia and Iran: The View from Riyadh by Houghton, Benjamin. (2022) Russia is friendly with the Houthis in Yemen. But it’s Complicated by Katz, Mark N. (2021) Saudi-led naval blockade leaves 20m Yemenis facing humanitarian disaster by Borger, J. (2015) Sensible Politics: Visualizing International Relations by William A. Callahan (2020) Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:49 - The Roots of Conflict: Why is there war in Yemen? 06:04 - The Mosaic of Yemeni Society: Tribes and Ethnic Groups 08:10 - Foreign Players in the Yemeni Conflict 11:34 - Saudi Arabia’s Motivation for Military Intervention 13:23 - Pursuit of Peace vs. Perpetuation of Conflict 14:49 - Geopolitical Approaches: China and Russia in Yemen 17:37 - Yemen in 2023: A Glimpse of the Current Situation 19:20 - The Intersection of Religion and Politics in Yemen 21:48 - The Humanitarian Crisis Unveiled: Implications of War 25:34 - Blockades and Aid Delivery: The Struggle for Access 28:14 - International Law and the Quest for Humanitarian Corridors 34:20 - Tribal Reactions and Loyalties Amidst the Conflict 37:01 - Yemeni Refugees: Escaping the Ravages of War 39:02 - Yemen and the Shadow of Terrorism 42:21 - International Alliances and Yemen’s Diplomatic Relations 43:50 - Researching Yemen: An Academic Perspective 46:19 - Yemeni Scholars and Their Contributions 48:24 - Propaganda Wars: Visual Narratives by Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the Houthis 50:58 - The Power of Social Media in Yemen 52:00 - Recommendations for Policymakers: Tom’s Insights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Methodology & Foreign Policy Analysis - Eldad Ben-Aharon | 2023 Episode 32 | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:59:57 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the field of foreign policy analysis with Dr Eldad Ben-Aharon, from core concepts and theories to contemporary methodological debates, including questions of Western-centrism, the role of non-state actors and the impact of technology and climate change on research agendas. The conversation then turns to two detailed case studies that illuminate the practice of elite interviewing in international relations: oral history work with Israeli elites and the methodological and ethical challenges of interviewing senior intelligence officials, including a former Mossad director. Dr Eldad Ben-Aharon is an IRC Post-Doctoral Fellow in International Security at Dublin City University and a researcher at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt. He received his PhD in History from Royal Holloway, University of London, and his work focuses on the international history of the Middle East during the Cold War through archival research, foreign policy analysis and elite interviews. His research has been published in journals such as the European Journal of International Security, Intelligence and National Security, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, Oral History Review and Cold War History, and he has written for outlets including Newsweek, The Conversation, The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, The National Interest, Times of Israel and Globes. Publications: Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:14 - Defining Foreign Policy 04:30 - Diplomacy vs. Policy 06:09 - Evolution of Foreign Policy Analysis 08:55 - Theories and Frameworks 10:52 - Western Centrism in Policy Analysis 14:12 - Actors vs. Institutions 16:26 - Trends in Methodology 21:04 - Technology and Climate Change in Research 24:45 - Theoretical Stance Importance 26:32 - Case Study 1: Article Description 30:04 - Case Study 1: Methods 33:21 - Case Study 1: Challenges 36:58 - Case Study 1: Tech Tools 40:40 - Case Study 2: Intro & Methods 46:36 - Case Study 2: Interviewing Mossad Director 49:56 - Case Study 2: Handling Sensitivity 54:37 - Case Study 2: Post-Interview Protocol 57:25 - Eldad’s Research Motivation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Kremlin's Middle Eastern Chessboard - Daniel Rakov | 2023 Episode 31 | 26 Sep 2023 | 01:01:49 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines Russia’s evolving role in the Middle East with Daniel Rakov, focusing in particular on Moscow’s strategic objectives in Syria, its military partnership with the Assad regime and the significance of bases such as Latakia and Tartus. The discussion then turns to Russia’s relations with Iran and China, its energy and nuclear diplomacy in the region, and the ways in which the Russo-Ukrainian war has reshaped Russian ties with Israel and its broader media image. Daniel Rakov is a specialist on Russian policy in the Middle East and great power competition in the region. He is a senior researcher at Tel Aviv University’s Elrom Center for Air and Space Studies and at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, following more than twenty years of service in the Israel Defense Forces, primarily in military intelligence. From 2019 to 2021 he was a research fellow in the Russian Studies Programme at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Publications: Russia’s Power Image After Prigozhin’s Uprising The Netanyahu Government’s Approach to Russia and Ukraine The Reasoning Behind Israel’s Refusal to Supply Weapons to Ukraine Content 00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - Russia’s Strategic Aims in Syria 02:36 - Military Synergy: Russia and Syria 13:35 - Latakia and Tartus: Russia’s Operational Bases 16:26 - Implications of a Russia-Iran Arms Exchange 24:07 - The Basis of Russia-Iran Cooperation 27:03 - China in the Middle East: Boon or Bane for Russia? 31:37 - Ukraine’s Effect on Russian-Israeli Relations 41:39 - Moscow’s Take on the Abraham Accords 47:48 - Russian Energy and Nuclear Diplomacy 57:12 - Media Portrayals in the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Drones: The Heart of Russia-Iran Relations? - Scholars of Tomorrow | 2023 Episode 30 | 19 Sep 2023 | 01:14:48 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the evolving military relationship between Russia and Iran, from the strategic logic behind their partnership to the economics of Iranian drone exports and what Moscow may be offering in return. The discussion considers Russia’s surprising weakness in drone technology, prospects for joint production, scenario analyses of the war in Ukraine and its impact on bilateral ties, and the possibility of deeper Iranian military involvement in the conflict. Scholars of Tomorrow is a panel of emerging researchers who bring fresh perspectives to these questions.
Content 00:00 - Introduction 06:38 - Delving into Russia-Iran Military Dynamics 17:18 - Media’s Magnification: Russia & Iran’s Prominence 26:34 - Economic Motives: Are Cheap Iranian Drones the Catalyst? 38:47 - Russia’s Offerings to Iran: Beyond the Obvious 49:23 - The Absence of Russia’s Drone Programme & The Russo-Iranian Drone Venture 57:53 - Scenario Analysis: Ukraine War’s Endgame (5 months, 15 months) and its Impact on Russia-Iran Ties 01:07:14 - Could Iran Deploy Contractors or Troops in Ukraine? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why to Study International Relations (for Russian students) - Igor Suvorov | 2023 Episode 29 | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:56:24 | |
In the current geopolitical landscape, more than 50,000 Russian students are studying abroad, and many choose to hide their identity. Additionally, there are many Russian university lecturers; for those who have left Russia, finding suitable job opportunities can be particularly challenging. Inspired by Ekaterina Schulmann and her efforts to provide relevant information in Russian, I’ve decided to concentrate solely on delivering an educational message for Russian students. I aim to underline the importance of studying international relations and utilising the internet to access open educational resources. To serve this purpose, I have selected Igor, a Russian student who has been studying international relations and who has lived, studied, and worked in the European Union for the past decade. I hope this episode serves as inspiration for those who believe that education and critical thinking are the best safeguards against propaganda. Я прочитал две статьи о российских студентах в Европе, ссылки на которые вы найдёте ниже. Российские студенты в Европе представляют собой интересный сегмент международной студенческой аудитории и одновременно являются особенно острым вопросом для решения. После вторжения России на Украину встаёт сложный вопрос о том, как работать с этими студентами, большинство из которых прибыли в Европу до начала конфликта. Статья в газете Politico Russian students in Europe face discrimination — and pressure from Moscow Статья в газете Le Monde Russian students in France carry the stigma of their nationality В этом эпизоде мы общаемся с Игорем, российским студентом, специализирующимся в международных отношениях. Обсудим актуальные вопросы, такие как преимущества и недостатки формального образования в МО, влияние быстрого потока информации на изучение дисциплины, и демократизацию знаний благодаря цифровым ресурсам. Игорь поделится своим опытом практического изучения международных отношений в Африке и расскажет о том, как западно-центрические теории оспариваются на практике. Также затронем тему текущих геополитических тенденций и их влияния на российских студентов. Игорь Суворов живёт в Чехии с 2014 года и специализируется в международных отношениях. В настоящее время он учится в магистратуре Университета Градец Кралове по африканистике, с фокусом на устойчивые проекты в Замбии. С осени 2023 года планирует изучать экономику гуманитарной помощи в Лундском Университете, Швеция. Контент 00:00 - Введение 04:07 - Зачем Изучать МО? 04:12 - Формальное Образование против Цифровых Ресурсов 08:49 - Плюсы и Минусы в МО 13:02 - Информационный Поток и Стабильность МО 16:43 - Демократизация Знаний в МО 20:00 - Советы Новичкам в МО 21:12 - Практика МО в Африке 21:42 - Теория и Практика МО в Африке 28:03 - Уроки от Местных в Африке 32:14 - Академия против Реальности 34:28 - Вызов Западным Теориям МО 38:56 - Западные “Слепые Пятна” в Африке 44:52 - Быть Россиянином Сегодня 45:11 - Украинский Кризис и Российские Студенты 50:31 - Вызовы и Возможности для Россиян 53:07 - Преодоление Предвзятости к Российским Дипломам 55:00 - Советы Российским Студентам Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Russian Energy Update 2023 - Tatiana Mitrova | 2023 Episode 28 | 29 Aug 2023 | 01:12:30 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the changing landscape of Russian energy with Dr Tatiana Mitrova, from the evolution of the nuclear sector and Rosatom’s global ambitions to the structure of the Russian oil market and Moscow’s search for new gas export routes after losing Europe. The discussion addresses questions of energy security, price caps on Russian oil, the relationship between Gazprom and Novatek, and the limited but significant prospects for renewable energy in Russia. Dr Tatiana Mitrova is a Research Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and has more than twenty five years of experience analysing Russian and global energy markets. She previously served as Executive Director of the Energy Centre at the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO and as Head of Research in the Oil and Gas Department at the Energy Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dr Mitrova is the author of over two hundred publications in scientific and business journals and eight books on energy issues. Publications: Energy and the Economy in Russia Q&A | Understanding the Impact of Sanctions on the Russian Oil and Gas Sector with Limited Data Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - The State of Russian Nuclear Energy Prior to 2022 07:52 - Rosatom’s International Ambitions Before 2022 11:40 - Transition in Russian Nuclear Energy Post-2022 17:15 - Assessing Russian Nuclear Energy Security in 2023 18:43 - Delving into Concerns Regarding Russian Nuclear Energy Security 21:05 - A Comprehensive Look at Rosneft Oil Company’s Magnitude 23:45 - Envisioning the Global Landscape Without Russian Oil 26:26 - Tracing the Origin of Russian Oil: Is It Possible? 30:46 - Overseeing the Global Oil Market: Who Holds the Reins? 37:38 - Evaluating the Realistic Price of Russian Oil and Price Caps 43:12 - Exploring Russia’s Options for Natural Gas Export Pipelines After Losing Europe 49:18 - Analysing the Domestic Requirement of Natural Gas in Russia 50:08 - The Feasibility of Converting Russian Natural Gas Pipelines for Hydrogen Use 52:09 - Novatek’s Strategic Options if the EU Ceases to Buy Russian LNG 56:38 - Gazprom vs. Novatek: Understanding the Independence of Novatek 01:00:07 - Current Landscape of Renewable Energy in Russia 01:06:51 - Insights into Russian Domestic Energy Security Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Teaching Diplomatic Negotiation - Ida Manton | 2023 Episode 27 | 24 Aug 2023 | 01:06:34 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the practice and pedagogy of diplomatic negotiation with Ida Manton, examining how teaching methods have evolved, how technology intersects with human skills, and how sensitive topics such as climate change and human rights are incorporated into training. The conversation also considers the use of case studies, the role of theory, emerging specialisations such as cyber and vaccine diplomacy, and the core skills that effective negotiators need today. Ida Manton is a researcher and trainer with more than 18 years of experience teaching diplomats, government officials, businesspeople, military personnel and students across Europe and Central Asia in diplomacy, international negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution. She has worked with leading diplomatic academies and organisations including the OSCE, the European Union, NATO, and universities such as the College of Europe, the American University of Central Asia and the Prague University of Economics and Business, and is an active member of the Programme of International Negotiation Trainers. Program On International Negotiation Training (POINT) Ida’s Recommended Publications for everyone who wants to dive into diplomatic negotiations: Diplomatic Negotiation - Essence and Evolution Making Conflict Work: Harnessing the Power of Disagreement by Peter T. Coleman and Robert Ferguson Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:46 - Evolution of Diplomatic Negotiation Teaching 09:36 - Technology vs. Human Skills in Negotiations 16:23 - Challenges in Teaching International Negotiations 20:12 - Student vs. Diplomat: Learning Diplomatic Negotiation 23:59 - Utilising Case Studies in Negotiation Education 29:10 - Influence of Trends, Climate Change and Human Rights, on Teaching 34:08 - Handling Sensitive Topics in Teaching 39:46 - Theory’s Role in Negotiation Education 44:14 - Ethics and Morality in Negotiation 48:49 - Negotiation Specialities: Cyber, Sport, Vaccine Diplomacy 53:21 - Guest Experts in Negotiation Classes 57:27 - Essential Skills for Negotiators 01:02:06 - Importance of Language in Negotiation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| East Mediterranean Gas - Alexander Kislov | 2023 Episode 26 | 22 Aug 2023 | 01:02:20 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the geopolitics of East Mediterranean gas with Alexander Kislov, from the impact of the Abraham Accords on regional energy cooperation to the non-development of Cypriot reserves, Israeli–Turkish projects and Egypt’s balancing act between domestic needs and export commitments. The discussion also considers the role of major international energy companies, security challenges around offshore fields, and how the EU’s green transition and changing gas demand may reshape the future of Mediterranean pipelines. Alexander Kislov is a natural gas and LNG analyst with specialist expertise in East Mediterranean, Russian, European and Chinese gas markets. He publishes in outlets such as the Jerusalem Post and prepares analytical reports for high-profile clients in the energy sector. Publications: An LNG facility could make Israel a global gas player - opinion Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:40 - Overview of East Mediterranean Gas 14:41 - Abraham Accords: Impact on Energy Cooperation in the East Mediterranean 19:10 - Projected Gas Demand from the EU: A 5-Year Outlook on East Mediterranean Gas 26:36 - LNG Carriers: Are There Enough to Meet EU’s East Mediterranean Gas Needs? 28:47 - Cyprus’ Untapped Potential: Reasons Behind Its Non-development of Natural Gas Reserves 32:49 - The Process Unveiled: Duration to Develop an Offshore Gas Field from Extraction to Export Deliveries 34:45 - Turkey’s Significant Role in Mediterranean Gas Dynamics 38:56 - Israeli-Turkish Collaborative Gas Projects 39:53 - Egypt: Balancing Demographics with Gas Export Commitments 43:24 - Israel’s Crucial Role in Gas Extraction in the Mediterranean 49:44 - Security Measures for Israeli Gas Fields 52:01 - Controversies and Disputes: A Dive into Mediterranean Gas Tensions 53:20 - International Players: Their Role and Discoveries in Mediterranean Gas Exploration 56:30 - Russian Energy Titans: Their Involvement in Mediterranean Gas 58:06 - EU Green Deal: Implications for Future Mediterranean Gas Pipelines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Nikolai Patrushev's Influence in Kremlin - Mark Galeotti | 2023 Episode 25 | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:55:58 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the role of Nikolai Patrushev inside the Kremlin, focusing on his position within Russia’s Security Council, his long relationship with Vladimir Putin and his influence over the country’s security and foreign policy. The conversation explores Patrushev’s FSB legacy, his rivalry and cooperation with figures such as Sergey Naryshkin, his anti Western worldview and conspiracy narratives, and the vulnerabilities that accompany his power. Mark Galeotti is a British historian, lecturer and writer who specialises in transnational crime and Russian security affairs. He is director of the consultancy Mayak Intelligence, honorary professor at the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and an associate fellow in Euro Atlantic geopolitics at the Council on Geostrategy. His commentary has appeared in outlets such as The Spectator, The Moscow Times and Foreign Affairs. Publications: Nikolai Patrushev, the man dripping poison into Putin’s ear Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:11 - An Overview of Russia’s Security Council 05:01 - How Transparent is the Security Council? 06:19 - The Patrushev-Putin Connection 09:52 - Russia’s Triad of Power Sources 13:04 - Patrushev’s Sons 15:00 - Tracing Patrushev’s Legacy in the FSB 17:42 - Diving into Patrushev’s Security Acumen 19:45 - The Dynamics between Patrushev and Sergey Naryshkin 22:24 - Is There a Challenger to Patrushev’s Influence? 26:48 - Navigating Patrushev’s Role in Russian Foreign Policy 31:15 - Has Lavrov Stepped Back for Patrushev to Lead? 33:17 - Decoding Patrushev’s Anti-Western Stance 38:46 - Unravelling Patrushev’s Conspiracy Narratives 41:40 - Patrushev’s Counter-strategies against the West: A Look at Public Intelligence 47:21 - Exploring Patrushev’s Vulnerabilities 50:52 - Patrushev’s Diplomatic Outreach: Can He Forge Alliances for Russia? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Belt and Road Initiative - Ivo Ganchev | 2023 Episode 24 | 14 Aug 2023 | 01:20:00 | |
This episode of The IR thinker offers a comprehensive exploration of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Dr Ivo Ganchev, unpacking its core objectives, governance and funding, and engaging with debates around debt diplomacy and BRI’s adaptability to shifting geopolitical realities. The discussion also examines how BRI relates to BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and considers whether the EU’s Global Gateway constitutes a meaningful competitor on the global connectivity landscape. Dr Ivo Ganchev is a London and Beijing based consultant, executive and specialist in International Relations who has advised multinational firms on their strategic engagement with China. Educated at Newcastle University, the London School of Economics and Peking University, he has served as Vice Chairman of the Bulgaria China Chamber of Commerce, Global Partner at TopBrand Union, and has taught at institutions including Queen Mary University of London and Beijing Foreign Studies University. His work has appeared in journals such as Strategic Analysis and World Affairs, and he is currently involved in establishing the Centre for Regional Integration, a research hub dedicated to the study of regional integration and its global implications. Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:08 - Overview of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) 07:27 - Definition of BRI 14:34 - Nature of BRI: Is it a Document, Strategy or Framework? 16:20 - Beneficiaries of BRI 29:08 - Governance and Transparency in BRI 34:22 - Funding Sources of BRI 46:00 - BRI and Debt Diplomacy 51:32 - BRI Investment Studies in Chinese Universities 55:45 - BRI’s Resilience to Geopolitical Changes 01:01:11 - The EU’s Global Gateway: A BRI Competitor? 01:09:18 - Synergy of BRICS, SCO, and BRI 01:14:42 - Challenges and Shortcomings of BRI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| United Kingdom Cybersecurity Approach and Strategy - Gareth Mott | 2024 Episode 20 | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:59:38 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and its implications for the United Kingdom’s national security with Dr Gareth Mott. The conversation explores borders and sovereignty in cyberspace, key threats facing the UK, the role of public and private actors in defence, international cooperation, and the tension between effective security and the protection of citizens’ privacy. Dr Gareth Mott is a Research Fellow in the Cyber team at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI). His research focuses on the governance of cyberspace, the changing cyber risk environment and the strategic development of cybersecurity at both national and organisational levels, with particular interest in the challenges and opportunities posed by peer to peer technologies. Publications: Constructing the Cyberterrorist: Critical Reflections on the UK Case Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:52 - Exploring the Concept of Borders in Cyberspace 06:40 - Sovereignty and the Fragmentation of the Internet 13:06 - Cyber Threats Facing the United Kingdom 24:31 - Protecting the UK from Cyber Attacks: State and Private Sector Roles 26:56 - Key Institutions Managing UK Cybersecurity 30:33 - Overview of the UK Cyber Security Strategy 33:49 - Applying Traditional Deterrence Theory in Cyberspace 39:33 - The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Cybersecurity 40:34 - UK’s Capabilities in Detecting and Responding to Emerging Cyber Threats 44:35 - International Cooperation in Cyberspace Security 46:04 - The Existence and Role of Cyber Law Enforcement 47:47 - Cybersecurity Education in the UK: Quality and Focus 50:54 - Balancing Cybersecurity with Citizens’ Privacy 53:42 - Identifying Research Gaps in Cybersecurity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Iranian-Azeri-Israeli Geopolitics - Alexander Grinberg | 2023 Episode 23 | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:58:24 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the complex relationship between Iran and Azerbaijan, tracing its historical roots and examining how ethnicity, geography and regional rivalries shape contemporary relations. The discussion considers the position of the Azeri minority in Iran, the Huseyniyyun Brigade, the Zangezur corridor, the Caspian Sea, Iran’s security ties with Armenia and Israel’s evolving role in the South Caucasus. Alexander Grinberg is an Iran expert at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and a captain (res.) in the Israel Defense Forces Military Intelligence research department. He holds degrees in Middle East and Islamic studies, and in Arabic language and literature, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is a doctoral student in Iranian history at Tel Aviv University. Content 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Overview of Iran-Azeri Relations 10:08 The Azeri Minority in Iran 15:28 Reasons Behind Iran’s Avoidance of Direct Confrontation with Azerbaijan 22:52 The Huseyniyyun Brigade 27:57 The Zangezur Corridor 29:36 Georgia’s Role in Iran-Azeri Relations 32:18 Geopolitics of the Caspian Sea 34:28 Iranian Secret Service Operations in Azerbaijan 37:54 Ensuring Armenian Security for Iranian Interests 40:44 The Relationship between Israel and Armenia 42:59 The Significance of the Nakhchivan Region 48:07 Iran’s Military Base in Armenia 49:40 Major Global Powers and Their Influence in the Caucasus 52:55 Israeli Foreign Policy vis-à-vis Azerbaijan 56:12 Azeri Foreign Policy and Its Stance towards Israel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Saudi Arabia Geopolitics - Aziz Alghashian | 2023 Episode 22 | 01 Aug 2023 | 01:17:45 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines Saudi Arabia’s evolving national identity and foreign policy with Dr Aziz Alghashian, focusing on its self-perception as defender of the Muslim world, custodian of Mecca and an often misunderstood actor in Western diplomacy. The discussion explores Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s influence on Saudi identity, the implications of the Abraham Accords, relations with Israel, Syria and Iran, debates over regional security architectures, and the kingdom’s role in energy transition and counterterrorism. Dr Aziz Alghashian is a Saudi scholar of Middle Eastern politics who specialises in Saudi foreign policy, particularly Saudi policy towards Israel and wider Arab–Israeli relations. He obtained his PhD in International Relations from the University of Essex in 2019 and has taught International Relations, Politics and Middle Eastern Studies for several years. His research focuses on the often subtle and informal forms of Saudi–Israeli engagement, and he regularly provides expert commentary for media outlets such as France 24, Sky, the BBC, Forces TV and Russia Today. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:50 - Saudi Arabia’s Role as Muslim World’s Defender 05:31 - Custodianship of Mecca: Saudi Arabia’s Responsibility 10:15 - Western Diplomacy with Saudi Arabia: A Misunderstood Approach? 13:41 - Mohammed bin Salman: The Man Behind Saudi Identity 16:23 - National Support for Mohammed bin Salman 19:02 - Misconceptions about Saudi Identity in the West and Asia 20:56 - The Abraham Accords: Repercussions for the Middle East 26:16 - The Saudi-Israel Relationship 31:49 - Divisions in Israeli Society: Implications for Saudi Foreign Policy 37:07 - The Palestinian Dilemma: Why Isn’t Saudi Arabia Doing More? 41:34 - The Saudi-Syrian Relationship 46:38 - Saudi-Iranian Power Dynamics 50:28 - Impact of the Assad Regime on Saudi Politics 54:16 - Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Regime Change in Iran 57:12 - A Security Pact for the Middle East 01:00:51 - Belt and Road Initiative: Saudi Arabia’s Involvement 01:03:33 - Saudi Arabia and the BRICS Nations 01:06:46 - Saudi Arabia’s Journey Towards Sustainable Energy 01:11:14 - Saudi Arabia’s Role in Counterterrorism Efforts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Researching Rich Russians - Elisabeth Schimpfössl | 2023 Episode 21 | 27 Jul 2023 | 01:01:27 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the world of Russia’s high society, from philanthropy and the “genetic” dimensions of wealth to gender roles, generational divides and the everyday lives of the rich. The discussion follows Dr Elisabeth Schimpfössl’s research journey, examining how she gained access to affluent interviewees, why politics and business were set aside, how she handled accusations of being “pro Kremlin,” and what her findings reveal about oligarchs and the broader Russian elite. Dr Elisabeth Schimpfössl is the author of the acclaimed book Rich Russians: From Oligarchs to Bourgeoisie, published by Oxford University Press in 2018. The book received the 2019 Women’s Forum Book Prize from the British Association of Slavonic and East European Studies and has been reviewed in outlets such as The Guardian, The Financial Times, Foreign Affairs and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:36 - Research Inspiration: Russian High Society 05:27 - Engaging with Russia’s Affluent Individuals 08:41 - Unveiling the Reasons for Participating in Interviews 11:10 - Why Sidestep Politics and Business? 14:07 - The Duration of Interviews 14:17 - Interview Methodology: In-person or Online? 15:02 - Choice of Language: Russian or English? 15:42 - Crafting the Opening Question 17:55 - Any Encounters with the ‘Thieves in Law’? 18:41 - Surprising Responses and Reactions 24:00 - Emotional Response during Interviews 26:37 - Analysing the Collected Data 30:27 - Confronting ‘Pro-Kremlin’ Label Accusations 35:15 - The ‘Genetic’ Factor in Russian Wealth 36:53 - Philanthropy’s Role in Russian High Society 40:58 - Women in the Realm of Russian Wealth 42:01 - Offspring of Affluence and Society 46:56 - The Wealthy Russian Generation Divide 49:40 - Perception of Oligarchs: Before and After 53:25 - Western Academia and the Oligarch Understanding 56:25 - Elisabeth’s Gains: Research Insights and Russian Elite Understanding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Arctic Geopolitics - Klaus Dodds | 2023 Episode 20 | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:56:16 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the shifting geopolitics of the Arctic with Professor Klaus Dodds, examining how climate change, great-power rivalry and evolving governance arrangements are transforming the region’s strategic significance. The conversation considers the role and limits of the Arctic Council, rising tensions among Arctic and non-Arctic states, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the influence of non-state actors and the Arctic’s place in global energy security, before turning to key unanswered research questions in Arctic studies. Professor Klaus Dodds is Executive Dean for the School of Life Sciences and Environment and Professor of Geopolitics at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the Royal Geographical Society, the Regional Studies Association and an Honorary Fellow of the British Antarctic Survey. His public roles include serving as a specialist adviser to the UK Parliament and working with NATO’s Strategic Foresight Analysis and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on post-Covid futures. Publications: Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - Evolution of Arctic’s Strategic Importance 07:35 - Absence of Ex-Soviet States in Arctic Ownership 11:07 - Influence of Climate Change on Arctic Geopolitics 16:23 - Safeguarding Arctic Indigenous Communities 19:27 - Role of the Arctic Council 23:24 - Historical Trajectory of the Arctic Council 27:44 - Arctic Governance: Positive Outcomes of the Arctic Council 31:37 - Key Drivers of Tension in the Arctic 38:25 - China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the Arctic 43:40 - Influence of Non-State Actors in the Arctic 48:22 - The Arctic’s Role in States’ Energy Security 53:12 - Unanswered Research Questions in Arctic Studies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Israel and Cyberthreats - Chuck Freilich | 2023 Episode 19 | 20 Jul 2023 | 00:42:59 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores Israel’s evolving cyber threat landscape and the international implications of its rise as a leading cyber power. The discussion considers the balance between security and civil liberties, the impact of regional and global geopolitics on Israel’s cyber strategy, and insights from Professor Chuck Freilich’s 2023 book on the country’s cybersecurity evolution. Chuck Freilich is a former deputy national security adviser in Israel and a long-time senior fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He is the author of Zion’s Dilemmas: How Israel Makes National Security Policy, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change and Israel and the Cyber Threat: How the Startup Nation Became a Global Cyber Power. A senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv and the MirYam Institute, he has also served as a senior analyst at the Israel Ministry of Defense, policy adviser to a cabinet minister and delegate at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations, and is a frequent commentator in international media on Middle Eastern and security affairs. Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:13 - Overview of Israel’s Cyber Threat Landscape in 2023 03:14 - A Decade’s Evolution in Cybersecurity 05:54 - Significant Recent Cyberattacks on Israel 09:29 - Current Predominant Cyber Threats Faced by Israel 10:07 - Strengthening Israel’s Cybersecurity Framework 12:14 - The Private Sector’s Role in Bolstering Israel’s Cybersecurity 15:00 - Israel’s Stance on Foreign Technologies and Solutions 17:54 - Israel’s Global Cooperation in Cyber Threat Intelligence 19:49 - The Rising Interest and Shortage in Israel’s Cybersecurity Sector 21:03 - Economic Implications of Cybersecurity in Israel 23:05 - Geopolitics and Diplomacy: Their Impact on Israel’s Cybersecurity 25:11 - The Iranian Cyber Threat: An Analysis 26:52 - Unpacking Chinese Cyberattacks on Israel 28:05 - The Inspiration Behind a New Book on Israeli Cybersecurity 29:25 - The Utilisation of International Theory in Chuck’s Book 31:25 - Tackling the Most Challenging Chapter 32:42 - Embracing Academic Freedom in Israel 35:47 - Balancing Defensive and Offensive Cyber Policies 36:51 - Understanding Israel’s Civil and Military Cyber Strategies 39:28 - A Sneak Peek into Chuck’s Upcoming Book 40:20 - The State of the Academic Cybersecurity Community in Israel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Fukushima: It's Not Over Yet - Maxime Polleri | 2023 Episode 18 | 18 Jul 2023 | 01:03:31 | |
This episode of The IR thinker revisits the Fukushima disaster, examining its diplomatic repercussions, its impact on global energy policy, and the transformation of Japan’s nuclear research and governance. The discussion also addresses the controversy surrounding the release of treated radioactive water, the Japanese government’s crisis communication, the lived experience of those affected, and the wider lessons for managing radioactive sites worldwide. Maxime Polleri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Université Laval in Canada and a member of the Graduate School of International Studies. An anthropologist of science and technology, he studies the governance of disasters and waste with a particular focus on nuclear issues. Dr Polleri is a Network Affiliate at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University, where he previously held MacArthur Nuclear Security pre and postdoctoral fellowships, and is a member of MITATE Lab, an international research programme on Fukushima. Content 00:00 - Introduction to the Discussion 02:09 - Diplomatic Repercussions of the Fukushima Disaster 09:42 - Response of Expats in Japan to the Fukushima Disaster 11:28 - The Impact of Fukushima on Global Energy Policies 21:40 - Post-Fukushima Nuclear Research & Development in Japan 25:46 - Evaluating the State of Nuclear Knowledge in Japan 28:46 - Comparing Japanese Society Pre- and Post-Fukushima 37:15 - International Oversight of Japanese Nuclear Facilities 40:00 - The Controversy of Fukushima’s Radioactive Water Release 44:24 - Understanding the Process of Radioactive Water Release 45:25 - Real-Life Experiences with Radioactive Water Release 47:04 - Assessing the Quality of Japanese Government’s Crisis Communication 52:47 - Lessons for Humanity from the Fukushima Disaster 58:22 - Management of Radioactive Sites Worldwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kazakhstan: Education & International Relations - Alberto Frigerio | 2023 Episode 17 | 12 Jul 2023 | 01:02:44 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores the evolution of higher education in Kazakhstan, from the arrival of foreign universities and shifts in language policy to state support for innovation, digitalisation and the internationalisation of PhD programmes. The discussion examines the influence of Islam, the role of the Kazakh diaspora, education as a form of soft power, the state of academic freedom and the politicisation of academia, before outlining three key reforms needed for the sector’s future development. Dr Alberto Frigerio is an International Relations professor at Almaty Management University, with more than a decade of teaching experience in Kazakhstan. He is a recipient of the 2022 CEEMAN Responsible Management Educator award and is noted for consistently strong teaching evaluations. Dr Frigerio is the author of Dystopian World, Казахстан в мультивселенной 21 века: шесть дилемм для определения его будущего пути, International Cultural Heritage Conventions and the Central Asian Region: Current Framework and Future Perspectives, and a series of publications on global challenges and sustainability. Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:03 - Evolution of Higher Education in Kazakhstan: A Three-Phase View 07:21 - Local Response to Foreign Universities in Kazakhstan 09:27 - Predominant Languages of Study in Kazakhstan 11:37 - Government Support for Higher Education Innovations 13:32 - A Comparative Analysis: Private vs Public Universities 15:16 - Bolashak Scholarship: An Overview 20:21 - Global Interest in Kazakh Higher Education: A Perspective 23:08 - Influence of International Students in Kazakhstan 27:49 - PhD Programmes: The Influx of International Students 30:04 - Religion and Education: The Islamic Influence in Kazakhstan 33:00 - Challenges Encountered by International Students 36:42 - Engaging with the Kazakh Diaspora: An Exploration 40:21 - Knowledge Transfer Mechanisms to the Kazakh Government 43:12 - Education as a Tool for Soft Power 46:56 - Digitalisation Drive in Kazakhstan 50:05 - Intersection of Geography, Civil Society, and Sustainability 53:27 - Student Interest in International Relations 55:33 - Evaluating the State of Academic Freedom 57:52 - Politicisation of Academia in Kazakhstan: A Critical Insight 59:29 Three Essential Educational Reforms Needed in Kazakhstan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Wagner Group Unmasked - John Bruni | 2023 Episode 16 | 10 Jul 2023 | 01:09:43 | |
This episode of The IR thinker offers a detailed examination of the Wagner Group, tracing its emergence, leadership and overseas operations, and assessing its performance and limitations in the war in Ukraine. The conversation considers what Wagner’s methods reveal about Russian military strategy, explores the group’s mutiny and seizure of Rostov-on-Don, and discusses the wider implications for Russia’s armed forces, security services and political system. Dr John Bruni is a researcher, analyst and podcaster specialising in military and intelligence affairs, with regional expertise in the Middle East, North East Asia and the South Pacific. His work focuses on defence procurement, terrorism and counter terrorism, United States strategic policy, geospatial intelligence and the proliferation of ballistic missiles. A former lecturer at the University of Adelaide, he has contributed analysis to Jane’s and serves as a non-resident fellow at TRENDS Research and Advisory in Abu Dhabi. He is also the CEO and founder of SAGE International, an independent Australian think tank dedicated to defence, space, security and international relations. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:54 - Wagner Group’s Inception & Dmitry Utkin’s Role 04:47 - Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Story 06:24 - Dmitry Utkin’s Current Status 07:38 - Wagner Group’s Overseas Assignments 11:07 - Wagner Group’s Travelling & Membership Details 14:37 - Procurement & Profitability of Wagner Group 16:31 - Comparing Wagner Group with Western Military Contractors 19:02 - The Principle of ‘Plausible Deniability’ 21:44 - Putin’s Acknowledgement of Wagner Group’s Funding & Ownership 25:27 - Expectations from Wagner Group and Russian Army in Ukraine 28:05 - Coordination Between Wagner Group and Russian Army in Ukraine 29:37 - Perception of Wagner Group by High Ranking Russian Military Officers 34:14 - Strengths and Weaknesses of Wagner Group 36:59 - Lessons Learnt by the Collective West in Ukraine 45:25 - Potential Successors of Wagner Group in Ukraine 49:46 - Non-destruction of Western Supply Routes in Ukraine: Why? 53:01 - Russian Airspace Penetration: How and Why? 56:01 - Wagner Group’s Seizure of Rostov on Don Airbase 59:57 - Bizarre Tactics of Russian Airforce in Ukraine 01:00:35 - Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) 01:02:41 - Connection Between Wagner Group and FSB 01:04:51 - Future Impact & Scenarios: Wagner Group and Belarus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Israel: Haredim versus Datiim - Michael Freedman | 2023 Episode 15 | 06 Jul 2023 | 01:00:35 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines how two key religious communities in Israel, Haredim and Datiim, understand and relate to the State of Israel, its institutions and its policies. Haredim The term “Haredi” comes from the Hebrew word for “trembling” or “fearing”, and is often used to refer to “ultra-Orthodox” Jews. Haredim are characterised by their strict adherence to Jewish law (Halacha) and the segregation of their communities from mainstream society. Datiim The term “Dati” translates as “religious” and it is used to refer to “modern Orthodox” Jews or “religious Zionists”. This group also adheres to Jewish law, but they are generally more integrated into mainstream society than Haredim, and they have a positive outlook on the State of Israel, often viewing its establishment and continued existence as part of a divine plan. Michael Freedman is an assistant professor (lecturer) in political science at the University of Haifa, where he is affiliated with the Political Behaviour Lab and the Haifa Data Science Research Center. He received his PhD in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2019. Publications: No Longer Sacred: Religious Post-Zionist Beliefs about the State of Israel Vote with your rabbi: The electoral effects of religious institutions in Israel Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:23 - ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’: Divergent Approaches to the State of Israel 04:59 - Cohabitation of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ in Urban Areas 07:43 - What Drives the More Pragmatic Approach of ‘Haredim’ Towards the State of Israel? 09:23 - The Possibility of ‘Haredim’ Women Pursuing Political Careers 10:45 - Understanding Gender Roles and Labour Participation Among ‘Haredim’ Women 12:06 - What Influences the ‘Datiim’ Approach to the State of Israel and the Gaza Strip? 16:03 - To What Extent Can Israel be Defined as a Religious State? 20:08 - The Prospects for ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Serving in the Israeli Army 22:12 - Avoiding Mandatory Service in the Israeli Army? 24:18 - The Potential for Non-Jewish People to Serve in the Israeli Army 25:53 - The Religious Identity of the Israeli Government in 2023 29:13 - The Dynamics of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Political Support Among Religious Groups 32:43 - The Demand for a New Political Party in Israel 34:50 - International and Foreign Policy Perspectives on Tensions Between ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ 36:28 - The Feasibility of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Serving as Israeli Ambassadors Abroad 37:43 - Envisioning an Ideal Political Model for the State of Israel 39:23 - Evaluating the Degree of Democracy in Israel: The Impact of Judicial Reform 44:06 - The Motivation Behind Governmental Efforts to Strip Courts of Certain Competencies, and the Associated Protests 48:25 - Does the Judicial Reform Unite or Divide the ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’? 49:18 - Identifying Political Common Ground Between ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ 50:50 - The Response of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ to the Covid-19 Pandemic 52:49 - The Presence of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ at Universities 55:38 - Where to Find ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Scholars? 58:06 - Accessing ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Communities for Research Purposes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Syria & 12 Years of War - Christopher Phillips | 2023 Episode 14 | 04 Jul 2023 | 01:16:38 | |
This episode of The IR thinker returns to Syria more than a decade after the outbreak of war, asking what the country looks like today, who exercises control on the ground, and how regional and external powers shape its future. The discussion addresses the evolution of ISIS and other jihadist groups, President Bashar al-Assad’s position, the roles of Turkey, Russia and Iran, Syria’s readmission to the Arab League, and the wider idea of a “new Middle East”. Christopher Phillips is Professor of International Relations at Queen Mary University of London, specialising in the politics and international relations of the Middle East. Having lived in Syria for several years, he continues to engage closely with the region through regular research trips. Professor Phillips has published widely in leading academic journals and also writes for major international outlets such as The Guardian, The Washington Post and The Atlantic. Publications: What Next for Britain in the Middle East? From revolutions to rapprochement: The end of the ‘2011 era’ in the Middle East? Northern Syria has become Erdogan’s punchbag The international system and the Syrian civil war The Arabism Debate and the Arab Uprisings ‘What is in a Name?’: The Role of (Different) Identities in the Multiple Proxy Wars in Syria Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - Islamic State (ISIS) and Syria in 2023 06:46 - Al-Qaeda, ISIS in Syria and Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham 13:41 - President Bashar al-Assad and Terrorists 19:38 - President Bashar al-Assad Tactics and the Opposition 22:00 - Who is Fighting in Syria in 2023? 29:45 - Turkey’s Goals in Syria 37:13 - Russia, Iran & Syria 51:00 - The Concept of ‘2011 era’ / Syrian Reacceptance to the Arab League 58:47 - Western Reaction to the Arab League Decision to Reaccept Syria 01:01:40 - Western Sanctions on Syria 01:06:47 - The Concept of ‘New Middle East’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Long Peace of East Asia - Timo Kivimäki | 2024 Episode 19 | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:57:26 | |
This episode of The IR thinker explores Professor Timo Kivimäki’s notion of a “Long Peace” in East Asia, examining its historical roots, the role of non-interference, developmentalism and economic interdependence, and the distinct diplomatic practices that underpin regional stability. The conversation also addresses key criticisms, current security threats, and what Western policy-makers and scholars might learn from East Asian approaches to peacekeeping and order-building. Professor Timo Kivimäki is a leading scholar of International Relations, currently Professor at the University of Bath and Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Sejong Institute in Seoul. He has previously held professorships at the Universities of Helsinki, Lapland and Copenhagen, and directed both the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies and the Institute of Development Studies in Helsinki, contributing extensively to peace research and the study of East Asian international relations. Publications: Protecting the Global Civilian from Violence The Failure to Protect: The Path to and Consequences of Humanitarian Interventionism Power, contribution and dependence in NATO burden sharing Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - Inspiration for Studying Peace in the East Asia Region 03:42 - Challenges Faced in Researching East Asia 05:19 - Defining the Long Peace of East Asia 07:06 - Differentiating the Long Peace from Other Peace Periods in the Region 08:22 - The Principle of Non-Interference 11:15 - Origins of the Non-Interference Concept in East Asia 12:57 - Criticism: Non-Interference and the Perpetuation of Authoritarian Violence 17:44 - The Concept of Developmentalism 19:07 - China and ASEAN’s Role in East Asian Peace 21:25 - Face-Saving Strategies in Diplomacy 25:27 - Economic Interdependence in East Asia 27:42 - Exploring Other Forms of Interdependence 28:57 - Weaknesses in the Long Peace of East Asia Theory 31:36 - Balancing Non-Interference with Humanitarian Intervention in East Asia 34:22 - Diverse Regimes and the Notion of Democratisation in East Asia 39:36 - Lessons the West Can Learn from East Asian Peacekeeping 43:36 - Multipolarity vs. the Current West-Led International Order 46:51 - Explaining Current Security Threats in East Asia 52:33 - Potential Research Gaps in East Asian Peace Studies 54:43 - Diversity of Researchers in Peace Studies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| New Russian Constitution - Petr Safronov | 2023 Episode 13 | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:57:54 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines a proposed new Russian constitution developed under the leadership of Dr Petr Safronov and grounded in republican political philosophy. The discussion considers why a new constitutional framework is being advanced, the core values and institutional reforms it envisages, and what a republican reconfiguration of Russia’s legal order, separation of powers and federal structure might mean for the country’s future. Petr Safronov is a philosopher, education researcher and artist, currently a guest researcher at the University of Amsterdam. His work focuses on multidisciplinary projects at the intersection of scholarship, educational design and the arts, undertaken with partners such as the Oxford Russia Foundation, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, EdTech firms, private schools and social entrepreneurs. He publishes in both Russian and English on philosophy, education studies and history. You can preview a new draft of the constitution. Content 00:00 Introduction 02:13 Reasons and Driving Force Behind the Project 03:20 People Supporting the Project 04:36 Role of Republican Political Philosophy 05:56 Current Russian Constitution 07:20 Issue With ‘Federation’ 08:40 Position of the Current Russian Constitution Within the Legal System 10:28 Three Proposed Values and Principles 16:18 Why Should Russia be a Republic? 20:21 Can Russia Use Current State Infrastructure to Build a Republic? 22:42 Russia Needs Working Institutions 24:40 Why Should Be the Russian Constitutional Court Abolished? 27:30 Russian Orthodox Church and Secularity 30:31 Balanced Religious Perspective 32:00 Energy Security in Russia 35:32 Academic Freedom 39:34 Getting Russian Citizenship by ‘ius soli’ 41:25 Auditing Regional Budgets 42:50 Federative Treaty 46:29 Role of the President 48:07 Foreign Policy 50:51 Symbols of Russia 52:00 How to Implement All Provisions of the New Constitution? 53:20 Other Drafts of Russian Constitution 55:30 Is It Possible to Reform Russia Without New Constitution? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Serbia & Aleksandar Vucic - Vesko Garcevic | 2023 Episode 12 | 26 Jun 2023 | 01:07:11 | |
This episode of The IR thinker offers an in-depth examination of President Aleksandar Vučić’s foreign policy, focusing on his management of Serbia’s diplomatic relations, the four pillars of its external orientation and the implications for EU accession. The conversation also considers how Belgrade navigates mounting geopolitical tensions between East and West, including the questions of Kosovo, BRICS, security partnerships and the durability of Vučić’s hold on power. Vesko Garčević is a prominent Montenegrin diplomat who has served as Montenegro’s ambassador to NATO in Brussels, to the OSCE in Vienna, and to Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, playing an active role during the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Montenegro’s democratic transition. He has taken part in leading international security forums, including the German Marshall Fund’s Brussels Forum, the Munich Security Conference and the Halifax International Security Forum, and is Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies. Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:28 - Serbian Foreign Policy During Aleksandar Vučić Era 03:23 - Four Pillars of Serbian Foreign Policy 04:57 - Which Pillar is the Strongest One? 10:23 - What Does Kosovo Mean to Aleksandar Vučić? 19:39 - Aleksandar Vučić Vision 24:37 - Greater Serbia Concept 28:33 - Manipulation of Masses 31:38 - Does the European Union Understand Serbia? 36:14 - Is the BRICS an Alternative for Aleksandar Vučić? 39:49 - Latest Security Updates 45:28 - Chinese Military Base in Serbia, a Realistic Scenario? 49:06 - Turkey, Cuba and Venezuela 53:02 - Why is Aleksandar Vučić Still in Power? 56:59 - Weak Points of Aleksandar Vučić 1:02:17 - Being a Diplomat During Aleksandar Vučić Era Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dramatic Scottish Politics - Andrew Liddle | 2023 Episode 11 | 22 Jun 2023 | 01:14:20 | |
This episode of The IR thinker examines the evolving landscape of Scottish politics in the decade since the 2014 independence referendum, with particular attention to the Scottish National Party, the repercussions of Brexit and the enduring question of independence. The discussion explores the relationship between Holyrood and Westminster, and considers how debates over energy, investment, immigration and poverty shape Scotland’s future within, or potentially outside, the United Kingdom. Andrew Liddle is a writer, political analyst and historian whose work focuses on modern British and Scottish political history. His most recent book, Cheers, Mr Churchill!: Winston in Scotland, has been internationally recognised for its meticulous research and insightful examination of Churchill’s relationship with Scotland. Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - Scottish Political Landscape After 2014 03:58 - Who Initiated the Scottish Referendum? 06:28 - Scottish National Party 09:08 - Scottish National Party: Older vs. Younger Generations 10:53 - Other Political Parties in Scotland 14:47 - Scottish Green Party & Liberals 17:06 - Scottish Parliament 21:02 - Should the Scottish Parliament Have More Competencies? 23:46 - Scottish Parliament and British Parliament 26:53 - Brexit and Scottish Independence Movement 31:09 - Scottish Independence: Security Issues 33:49 - What Comes After the Referendum? 36:15 - Would the UK National Referendum be an Option for Scotland? 38:25 - Is There a Scottish Passport? 39:58 - Nicola Sturgeon 45:07 - Has Nicola Sturgeon Left Any Political Legacy? 48:16 - Was Nicola Sturgeon Focusing Too Much on Scottish Independence? 51:27 - Humza Yousaf 55:00 - Other Scottish Political Leaders 58:01 - Scottish Energy Security and New Projects 1:01:21 - International Investment to Scottish Energy Sector 1:02:46 - What Should be Improved to Attract More Investment to Scotland? 1:04:52 - Scottish Economic Diplomacy 1:06:32 - Immigration Issues in Scotland 1:10:22 - Poverty in Scotland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kosovo Crisis 2023 - Helena Ivanov | 2023 Episode 10 | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:50:42 | |
Recent tensions, in 2023, between Serbia and Kosovo have flared anew following a raid by Kosovo police on Serb-majority areas in the north of the region, including the seizure of local municipal buildings. The operation sparked violent clashes between Kosovo police and NATO-led peacekeepers on one side and local Serbs on the other, leaving dozens injured on both sides. In response, Serbia has raised the combat readiness of its troops stationed near the border. These developments prompt a troubling question: are we witnessing a return to the politics and atmosphere of war? Dr Helena Ivanov is an Associate Research Fellow at the London-based Henry Jackson Society. She completed her PhD in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Before undertaking her PhD, Helena earned a master’s degree in Political Theory from the University of Oxford, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics from the University of Belgrade. She has been the recipient of numerous international awards and is a regular contributor to global media and press outlets. Dr Ivanov’s research focuses on the relationship between propaganda and violence against civilians. Publications: Why Still Pro-Russia? Making Sense of Hungary’s and Serbia’s Pro-Russia Stance Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:42 - International Status of Kosovo 03:19 - Kosovo’s International Voice 07:41 - EU and Kosovo 10:35 - Negotiations with the EU 14:26 - Impact of Josep Borrell and Miroslav Lajcak 16:35 - Alternative Mediators for Kosovo 18:45 - President Vucic and the EU Negotiations 22:54 - Kosovo’s Crisis Development and Outlook 27:41 - Kosovo’s Demographics 29:22 - Principle of Ethnicity in Kosovo 33:57 - Tenets of the Latest Tensions in Kosovo in 2023 38:50 - Are the Serbs in Kosovo without Representation? 39:55 - Election Boycott by Serbs 41:36 - Impact of Russia and China 44:35 - Kosovo vs Crimea 47:56 - The Impact of the US Military Presence in Kosovo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||