Shows
The Western Bubble#087 US Elections, Israel & IranWe are back from our summer break and what a summer break that was. Joe Biden drops out of the US elections and Kamala Harris takes his place. In the meantime, Israel has been invading Lebanon while the Western Media is still waiting for Iran to throw the Middle East into a large-scale conflict. Time for us to analyse the world again, through the lens of the Western Bubble! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you...2024-10-1651 min
The Western BubbleSolutions to the Western Bubble #086After weeks of hyping it up we are finally delivering on our promise to deliver some broad solutions to the problems of the Western Bubble. Can you think of any others? Feel free to share them with us!This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at...2024-07-241h 33
The Western BubbleUkraine, Gaza, Iran, the UK & Biden #085Our 4th season is coming to an end, which provides us with an opportunity to look back at some of the topics we have discussed in the past months and see how they have developed. Is there still war in Ukraine and Gaza? How close is Iran this time to the nuclear bomb? How can Labour win two-thirds of the seats in the UK elections with only one-third of the voted? And finally, is Joe Biden too old to be US President? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia...2024-07-1046 min
The Western BubbleThe US Supreme Court #084The US Supreme Court has been the talk of the town this week. There are plenty of impactful cases to look at from the past weeks. Donald Trump basically reveiving imunity from his actions as President, bribery being legalised and the courts centralising power around itself. Plenty of actions that are in line with a further decay of institutions in the West, and plenty of matters to analyse for us! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario...2024-07-031h 00
The Western BubbleIndividual Responsibility #083Can we blame the average voters for their votes for destructive policies? To what extend are they victims or the establishment? To what extend should voters see through false promises? Today we are discussing a disagreement between us to what extend individuals in the West can be held accountable for their decisions. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If...2024-06-2644 min
The Western BubbleThe Fear of War #082This June, US President Biden said that “Russia will not stop at Ukraine, and “All of Europe will be threataned”. Where is this fear of war coming from? Why is the West so afraid of it? How does this influence our foreign policy thinking? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us wri...2024-06-1948 min
The Western BubbleEuropean Parliament Elections #081The European Parliament Elections just took place and they took us for a ride. But unlike the European establishment we do not call anyone who voted for the extreme right idiots, but actually analyse what elements of the Western Bubble have created an environment in which more and more Europeans vote for right wing populist parties.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law...2024-06-1241 min
The Western BubbleInstitutional Decline Part III: Who wants to come to the West? #080The third part of our three part episode series on institutional decline with today's focus of who still wants to come tonthe West? People who need money or flee violence, but is the West still the "shining light on a hill"? If not, why is this the case? Analyse this with us in this episode. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and...2024-06-0642 min
The Western BubbleInstitutional Decline Part II: Foreign Policy #079In our second part of our three parter on institutional decline in the West we focus on foreign policy. Continuity and the resulting accountability are key to any foreign policy! The West has been lacking that continuity since the end of the Cold War now ... with incredibly destructive consequences. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like...2024-05-2856 min
The Western BubbleInstitutional Decline Part I: University #078Universities all over the globe are experiencing encampments of students demanding action against Israel. This is representing an increasing trend of frustrations of the younger generations with institutions managing rather than leading society with its visions. This episode is the first part of a three part series on institutional decline. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would...2024-05-2242 min
The Western BubbleEurovision Israel Scandal #077Over the weekend all of Europe went crazy over the European Song Contest - Eurovision. As a weekend full of scandals comes to an end, the biggest of which is "obviously" France not winning, we analyse Eurovision as a case study for the Western Bubble and particularly the role of Israel. Oh, and as you can imagine, Balder is "furious" that the Netherlands were disqualified... This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This...2024-05-1544 min
The Western BubbleThe UK's Rwanda Policy #076Today we analyse the United Kingdom's agreement with Rwanda to fly asylum seekers and migrants to Rwanda to process them. We talk about how this is a perfect example of Western decay and also rant a little. Here is the video of Chris Philp https://youtu.be/Olk61SGPb-o?si=bmojFxSL_L0I0zYxThis podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law...2024-05-0948 min
The Western BubbleHaiti failed by the West #75Haiti is always in the news for negative reports, the country is governed by a failed state. Today we discuss failed states from the Western Bubble perspective and use Haiti as a case study of destructive Western behaviour. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at...2024-05-0145 min
The Western BubbleMultinational Corporations in the West #074Multinational corporations undermine and harm the West in various ways. But why does the West not do anything to control their power and influence? Because these MNCs are inherently Western and a Western product - find out how exactly in this episode!This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write...2024-04-2542 min
The Western BubbleThe Eastern-West #073To discuss the Easter-West or non-Nato Western Bubble we invited someone from the Eastern-West. In this episode, we are talking to Daniel Bloch from Australia about Australia and to what extend we can or cannot apply the concept of the Western Bubble to Australia. Oh, ... and we also discuss how big Australia actually is, very big. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law...2024-04-1757 min
The Western BubbleIs the Western Bubble a substitute religion? #072As a special Easter-Ramadan-Purim Episode, we had an informal talk about religion. What's the role of religion in the Western Bubble? How do we personally see and interpret religion? What is the role of religion in societies? And is the Western Bubble a substitute religion for people living in the West?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you...2024-03-271h 04
The Western BubbleIsrael's increasing Isolation #071Almost six months after the 7th of October Attacks, Israel is largely isolated on the world stage and in the West - driving it further into the arms of the West. We examine why this is the case and to what extend the West is to blame? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get...2024-03-2240 min
The Western BubbleThe Role of the Military #070What is the role of the military in the Western Bubble? Does it add to it? Does it intensify it? How come NATO has a military budget many times the ones of China or Russia? All questions we answer in this episode! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write...2024-03-1344 min
The Western BubbleNorth vs South Europe #069"Northern European arrogance vs Southern European ingratitude" ... Europeans have their stereotypes for each other. But what does this have to do with the Western Bubble and its origins? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via...2024-03-0639 min
The Western BubbleEXTRA: Macron sending troops to Ukraine? Two days after we recorded our episode on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine Denmark dropped its investigation into the Nordstream Bombing and Macron speculated sending troops to Ukraine. Oh, and Putin threatened to deploy nuclear weapons if NATO were to send troops.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in...2024-03-0118 min
The Western BubbleTwo years Ukraine #068Two years ago Russia invaded Ukraine, since then a lot has happened in the Western Bubble, but basically very little has changed on the battle fronts, except 500000 casualties. Is the West partially responsible for this suffering because it blocked negotiations in the summer of 2022? https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-24-2024 This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth...2024-02-2855 min
The Western BubbleDonald Trump's Foreign Policy #067Donald Trump has very good chances to become US President once again. Today we analyse what the Foreign Policy of a second Trump term would look like, based on the concept of the Western Bubble. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com o...2024-02-2158 min
The Western BubbleThe US Republican Party #066The Republican Party in the US is a great case study of Western behaviour in the past decades. Particularly recently, the Party has provided us with many things to analyse. DISCLAIMER: Dario’s audio is a little messed up in this episode, we apologise for this. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get...2024-02-0642 min
The Western BubbleThe ICJ's Ruling on Israel #65The International Court of Justice issued an emergency ruling on a case of South Africa brought forward against Israel over Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. Today we look at the relevance of international law for the Western Bubble and the world of international relations. Is it relevant at all? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you...2024-01-3145 min
The Western BubbleCancel Culture #064Today we discuss Cancel Culture! Where does it come from? And where is it going? Also, why is this unique to the Western World? Join us as we kick off our fourth season!This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect...2024-01-2448 min
The Western BubbleThe Bubble Awards #63It is the end of 2023 and we are awarding the bubble awards once again! Who will win the bubble blooper, bubble booster, bubble burster, bubble blower and the best bubble? - Biden, Putin, von der Leyen, many others or the fan favourite Liz Truss? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported with research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with...2023-12-221h 05
The Western BubbleEXTRA Why do young people vote for right-wing populists?During the recording of our last episode, right-wing populism, Dario went on a rant about society’s treatment of the youth during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was too long to keep in the original episode, but also too honest and important to fully cut it. So we decided to upload it as an EXTRA Episode, enjoy! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem. Still, it is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie La...2023-12-1718 min
The Western BubbleRight-Wing Populism #62Geert Wilders, Javier Milei, Donald Trump, Boris Johnson! Crazy hair populists are on our minds and we want to understand why the West is so vulnerable to these right-wing populists. What aspects of the Western Bubble led to larger and larger parts of society voting right-wing populists parties? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported with research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to...2023-12-1546 min
The Western BubbleThe Roman Empire #61How many times per week do we think about the Roman Empire? Balder thinks about it twice a week, Dario prefers the Egyptians… But what does this mean for the Western Bubble? Well, the Romans are an essential part of the Western identity as we like to idealise them. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported with research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to...2023-11-2946 min
The Western BubbleDavid Cameron is back! #60David Cameron is back in the politics of the United Kingdom and so is our need to talk about the UK. The last time we did so was one year ago and the name of the Prime Minister was Liz Truss. This week we talk about the reasons that have led British party politics to be focused around individuals rather than ideas and whether the UK should be an example of Western liberal democracy for the world…This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual pr...2023-11-2242 min
The Western BubbleGlobal Conflicts we forget about #59Contrary to popular belief or media attention, the Israel-Hamas and the Russia-Ukraine conflicts are not the only ones in the world. Lives are also lost and destroyed in many other places in this world, some of which we highlight in this episode. What are the reasons we care so much about some conflicts, and so little about others. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported with research from Yu...2023-11-1540 min
The Western BubbleIsrael vs. Hamas 3 #58After popular demand, we are back with this topic and the situation on the ground still has not improved. Since our last episode, the West has further isolated itself on this topic on the global stage after a vote in the UN General Assembly. And, we introduce a new category in our podcast: “International Relations Perspective” where we quickly analyse what Russia, Saudi Arabia and China are saying about this conflict.NOTE: We recorded this episode on November 5th, but due to technical issues we can only publish it today. Please bear this in mind when we ment...2023-11-131h 01
The Western BubbleReconnecting with Venezuela #57For years now the West has put Venezuela in the naughty corner, only to realise that in the meantime the country has moved closer to Russia and China. Join us for this episode to observe Western efforts to reconnect with the country. As a little extra we will make fun of Jordan Goudreau who tried to take the Maduro government down with a total of 40 mercenaries.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was...2023-11-0149 min
The Western BubbleGlobal Realignment #56What do the United States and China have in common with Adidas and Nike? According to Dario they are an analogy for global realignment, but you let us know if this works in light of the 10 year celebration of the Chinese Belt-Road-Initiative. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported with research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email...2023-10-2543 min
The Western BubbleIsrael vs Hamas 2 #55One week later and the tragic situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip is still on everybody's mind. Since last week a lot of things have happened and a lot more actors with their own Western Bubble bias have entered the discussions. We analyse the three main groups forming the current conversation and have a particular look at the Western left. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch...2023-10-181h 04
The Western BubbleIsrael vs Hamas #54The tragic situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip also needs to be analysed from the Western Bubble perspective. What lessons can be learned from our analysis of the past and applied here to de-escalate and decrease humanitarian suffering? IMPORTANT: We recorded this episode on October 8th at 10:30. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with...2023-10-1156 min
The Western BubbleSovereignty Trumps Self-determination #53The news of Azerbaijan taking over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh primarily inhabited by ethnic Armenians sparked a debate about self-determination. We weigh in on this debate from the Western Bubble perspective and explain the dynamics of the IR version of rock-paper-scissors: self-determination-sovereignty-global politics. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD...2023-10-0441 min
The Western BubbleInterview with Usama Ghanem #52This is our first interview episode of season three and we could not have started it with a better guest but our editor Usama Ghanem. We talk to him about his experiences in the West and with the Western. Listen to the episode to find out what obscure laws there are in the United Kingdom, the Arab Spring in Egypt and why Usama's name is spelled the way it is. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and...2023-09-2759 min
The Western BubbleBRICS and G20 Summits # 51With the BRICS and G20 summit taking place last week, Western countries and media are panicking over new members to the BRICS and interpreting China’s absence from the G20 summit as a difficult relationship with India. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats2023-09-2336 min
The Western BubbleTrailer Season 3We are Balder Hageraats and Dario Hasenstab, a professor and his former student of international relations. Together we examine how Western countries are increasingly lost in their own delusions on the world stage, and what can be done to bring them back to reality. In this introduction episode, we discuss the beginning of this podcast and the main theme, the Western bubble. For season 3 we are introducing a new segment in our episodes, guest interviews! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of...2023-09-1415 min
The Western BubbleSweden vs the UN #49Today we analyse the United Nations Human Rights Council issuing a report on Quran Burnings in Sweden and Denmark. This shows how the West has lost control over its own invention and how the United Nations no longer exclusively displays Western interpretations of morality. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via...2023-08-2319 min
The Western BubbleHope for the West? #48Today we analyse the coverage of a press team in Iraq that gives us hope that the Western Bubble is not impenetrable. As a basis of today's episodes serves a Foreign Affairs article written by John Walcott who wrote about his time at Knight Ridder, a former US media outlet, and their coverage of the build-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iraq/journalism-press-failed-iraq-walcottThis podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would...2023-08-1622 min
The Western BubbleThe Coup in Niger #47For the month of August, we decided to record four episodes that show signs of the Western Bubble bursting. And we are starting with the development surrounding the coup in Niger where it is becoming apparent how little influence the West still holds in this region. Here is the article we briefly discuss as an example of bubble thinking https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66364872This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like...2023-08-1123 min
The Western BubbleThe Art of Doing Nothing #46It is inherently human to act and to try anything in our power to stop bad things from happening. But is that always the best option? In this episode, we analyse the Art of Doing Nothing and how the Western Bubble could really benefit from it in its foreign policy choices. The article by Susanne Klatt on American vs German firefighters: https://www.fireengineering.com/health-safety/an-international-comparison-training-standards-and-fireground-safety-susanne-klatt/#gref The article Balder wrote during the pandemic on the art of doing nothing: https://raiagroup.org/the-art-of-doing-nothing This podcast is published with the help of...2023-08-0245 min
The Western BubblePeace in the West #45In this episode, we analyse the concept of peace, in particular how it influences Western Bubble mentality. Typically Europeans and North Americans think of their societies as peaceful. This perception is often backed up by misleading statistics. Today we analyse one of these, namely the Global Peace Index. You can find the report we talk about here: https://www.economicsandpeace.org/reports/ This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like...2023-07-2748 min
The Western BubbleEXTRA : Simon Tisdall Today we analyse a specific article from Guardian writer Simon Tisdall, whom we discussed in this week’s regular episode. The article in question is “The world still needs a policeman. Let’s hope the US doesn’t quit the job” and offers insights into Simon Tisdall’s fantasies about a Western global order. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbu...2023-07-2239 min
The Western BubbleSimon Tisdall #44In this episode we analyse the Western bubble mentality of Guardian writer Simon Tisdall. Tisdall has been writing about foreign policy for 40 years now. Much of his analysis serves as a good case study of the Western delusions we discuss in our episodes.Here are the articles we quote from: China, Myanmar and now Darfur ... the horror of genocide is here again (July 2nd 2023)Defeat for Ukraine would be a global disaster. Nato must finally step in to stop Russia (July 8th 2023)Nato faces an all-out fight with Putin. It must stop pulling its punches (March 5th 2023)The world...2023-07-1947 min
The Western BubbleTechnology and Politics #43In this episode we analyse the impact of technology on political accountability and policy making. While preparing for the planned episode, we noticed a different perspective between us and so we decided to record the conversation we usually have preparing for the episodes instead.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via...2023-07-1242 min
The Western BubbleJordan Peterson #42Today we analyse the phenomenon of Jordan Peterson in the Western Bubble and why his prominence in the public discourse is a symptom of Western decay. In this episode we are commenting on three audio bites from Jordan Peterson. You can find the full videos here:Clip 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUiG5_GcMyYClip 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZYQpge1W5s&t=1120sClip 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTk-69f64KU This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of...2023-07-0654 min
The Western BubbleSymptoms of Western Decay #41Today we analyse three developments in the West as a result of the Western Bubble. First, we look at Donald Trump on trial, second, we examine Boris Johnson stepping down as member of Parliament and, lastly, we are upset with the German police arresting a climate activist for wanting to protest. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail...2023-06-2842 min
The Western BubbleFree Speech #040Today we analyse the West’s obsession with free speech and the dangers of overestimating its importance as well as underestimating its importance. Should it be illegal to deny the holocaust but legal to deny the Armenian genocide? Difficult questions in grey areas that society must have conversations about. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect wi...2023-06-1543 min
The Western BubbleGeorg W. Bush #039Today we analyse how to understand the influence of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, on the Western Bubble. In our previous two episodes we talked about Huntington and Fukuyama whose ideas were turned into practice by the Bush administration. This led, for example, to the disastrous War on Terror. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email...2023-06-0721 min
The Western BubbleSamuel Huntington #038Today we analyse how to understand the influence of Samuel Huntington on the Western Bubble. Huntington, a political scientist, had a significant impact on US intellectual thinking during the Cold War and its end. In the 21st century his most quoted work is “The Clash of Civilisations” which was hugely influential in shaping post-9/11 foreign policy. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an emai...2023-05-3123 min
The Western BubbleFrancis Fukuyama #37Today we analyse how to understand the influence of Francis Fukuyama on the Western Bubble. Fukuyama, a political scientist, rose to fame in the 1990s with his seminal work The End of History. This book encapsulated the inherent delusion of a post Cold War Western world. The results were often highly destructive. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail...2023-05-2522 min
The Western BubbleThe Middle Class #36Today we analyse the rise and fall of the Middle Class in the Western Bubble. It has been a fundamental pillar in Western success over the past 400 years and has been the driving force behind core Western values. In the 21st century however, the Middle Class is threatened by an increasingly corrupt system that it created itself.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write...2023-05-1745 min
The Western BubbleSaudi Arabia #035Today we analyse how the West continuously turns a blind eye towards Saudi Arabia’s policies and how this plays into the Western Bubble. This episode is largely based on Dario’s Thesis on Saudi Arabia’s regional foreign policy. If you are interested in learning more about this topic we can recommend the book “Blood and Oil: Mohammed bin Salman's Ruthless Quest for Global Power” by Justin Scheck and Bradley Hope. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to ge...2023-05-1053 min
The Western BubbleEXTRA: Biden and CarlsonToday we analyse how this past week on one hand the continuation of the establishment through Joe Biden announcement to run again for President, while at the same time upheaval among populist media because of the sacking of Tucker Carlson from fox news. By many this was greeted as good news, however, it covers up dangerous dynamics below the surface. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with...2023-05-0217 min
The Western BubbleEXTRA: Macron China TripAnother extra episode in which we analyse the Western Bubble's reaction to the Macron trip to China. Rather than perceiving it as the French President talking to the Chinese President this was one where Macron was accused of ceding to authoritarianism.Macron’s interview: https://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-china-america-pressure-interview/2nd Politico Article: https://www.politico.eu/article/macrons-china-remarks-disaster-for-europe-eu-conservative-leader-says-us-manfred-weber-italian-daily-corriere-della-sera/Guardian Commentary: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/16/when-emmanuel-macron-met-xi-jinping-new-world-disorder This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If yo...2023-04-2635 min
The Western Bubble#EXTRA: Pentagon LeaksToday we analyse how the recent security leaks affect the Western Bubble. These moments tend to lead to tensions and accusations between allies, yet help us shine some light on a reality in which much of the formal narrative is empty and even delusional.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via...2023-04-1927 min
The Western BubbleConspiracy Theories & Externalising Responsibility #034Today we analyse how a major aspect of the Western Bubble is externalisation of responsibility. People live their lives insufficiently acknowledging their part in destructive behaviour of their society, instead choosing to project such failure onto "others", often supposedly wicked individuals out to do harm. Extreme versions of such irrational interpretations of reality are conspiracy theories.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us...2023-04-1244 min
The Western Bubble2003 Iraq War #033In almost every episode we are referencing the 2003 Iraq War as an example of the Western Bubble and we finally devoted an entire episode to it. The reasons for it go to the heart of the Western Bubble and the damages are beyond repair. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter...2023-04-0552 min
The Western BubbleFuture of Democracy? #032In this second of our two-part episode, we analyse the relationship between the Western Bubble and democracy. After last week's discussion on the facts and the bubble thinking. This week we analyse the serious problems democracy is facing in Western societies and whether it has a future?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with...2023-03-2943 min
The Western Bubble#Extra Putin and the ICCThe ICC arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin: another case study in Western Bubble thinking where international law and the ICC are mistaken for objective mechanisms whereas in reality they are anything but.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats.2023-03-2415 min
The Western BubbleDemocratic Bubble #031In the first of a two-part episode, we analyse the relationship between the Western Bubble and democracy. Democratic governance systems have many strengths and for many people are preferable to more authoritarian systems. However, Western societies have stopped critically assessing the reasons behind democracy, confusing the practical advantages of these systems with almost a sacred dogma about its supposed superiority. This is intellectually lazy and dangerous.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you...2023-03-2243 min
The Western Bubble#EXTRA Saudi-Iran Peace?This week Dario is sick so Balder is alone recording an EXTRA episode instead of a regular one. Here he analyses the Saudi-Iran agreement brokered by China from a Western Bubble perspective. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats.2023-03-1517 min
The Western BubbleNuclear (Non-)Proliferation #030 In this second out of two episodes on nuclear weapons (non-)proliferation, we analyse why Western countries push for non proliferation and how these efforts are undermined by foreign policy decisions from the past.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats.2023-03-0843 min
The Western BubbleNuclear Weapons #029 In this first out of two episodes on nuclear weapons (non-)proliferation, we cycle through those states that currently possess a nuclear arsenal and briefly discuss some of the main motivations behind these destructive capabilities. Next week we analyse this issue specifically from a Western Bubble perspective.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or...2023-03-0152 min
The Western BubbleEXTRA Putin leaves STARTIn this second of our EXTRA episodes, we do not dive into a topic as usual but provide our commentary and analysis on current events from the Western Bubble perspective. Here we look at the Western reaction to Russian President Putin announcing Russia will suspend controls of Russia’s nuclear arsenal under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch wi...2023-02-2715 min
The Western BubbleHero Worshipping #028 Today we analyse how unrealistic perspectives on historical individuals contribute to bubble thinking. We as a society take characters such as Mother Teresa, Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi and elevate them to levels of irrational purity. This leads to a type of hero worshipping that strengthens delusional narratives about ourselves and our environment.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an...2023-02-2240 min
The Western BubbleEXTRA Chinese BalloonsIn this first of our EXTRA episodes we do not dive into a topic as usual but provide our commentary and analysis on current events from the Western Bubble perspective. Here we look at the US overreaction to the Chinese Balloons and lay out different scenarios of what may have happened.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at...2023-02-1716 min
The Western BubbleNordstream Sabotage #027 Today we analyse the media and political reaction to the Seymour Hersh article alleging that the US was behind the Nordstream sabotage. In particular, we wonder what makes mainstream journalists so reluctant to delve into this important issue and so eager to cast doubt on Hersh's claims.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or...2023-02-1546 min
The Western BubbleThe Problem of Winning History #026 Today we analyse historical negationism and victor’s justice within the Western Bubble. Our misinterpretation of our own pasts makes us worse at understanding our present and the future. We discuss items such as the Nuremberg Trials, the war in Iraq and scientific discoveries.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on...2023-02-0951 min
The Western BubbleWhy the Western Bubble? #000.1 We are Balder Hageraats and Dario Hasenstab, a professor and his former student of international relations. Together we examine how Western countries are increasingly lost in their own delusions on the world stage, and what can be done to bring them back to reality. In this introduction episode, we discuss the beginning of this podcast and the main theme, the Western bubble.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get...2023-02-0118 min
The Western BubbleEnd of the Year #025 Today we look back at the year in international relations in the Western Bubble and hand out the Bubble awards for individuals, actors and states. We will be giving out awards in the categories “Almost Started World War III”, “Biggest Bubble Blooper”, “News Reporting”, “Label Terrorism” and “Bubble Burster”. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats, with the generous research and analysis assistance of Linda Steiner. If you would like to get in touch with us write...2022-12-2351 minThe Western BubbleHistorical Awareness #024 Today we analyse the importance of knowledge and awareness of one’s own national history, in particular when it comes to darker aspects. We contrast the way that Germany has thoroughly examined itself with respect to the second world war with the voluntary and selective amnesia that is typical for European nations. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats, with the generous research and analysis assistance of Linda Steiner. If you would like to...2022-12-141h 04
The Western BubbleSocial Media #23 Today we analyse the impact of social media on the Western Bubble with the specific focus on Twitter and Elon Musk as a case study. We answer how social media intensifies the Bubble and what problems this causes. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats, with the generous research and analysis assistance of Linda Steiner. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com...2022-12-0757 minThe Western BubbleUkraine: Murder, Sabotage and WWIII #022 There is a certain fatigue towards the war in Ukraine but there are a few items that have not been sufficiently covered and deserve attention. Especially, because they concern the Western Bubble. Today we will analyse the assassination of Darya Dugina, the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline and the missiles fired from Ukrainian territory into Poland killing two civilians. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats, with the generous research and analysis...2022-11-3056 minThe Western BubbleSick Leave #021 Balder is sick unfortunately, enjoy a quick outlook over the next few weeks of the Western Bubble and the introduction of Linda Steiner, our new research and analysis assistant. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats, with the generous research and analysis assistance of Linda Steiner. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab...2022-11-2304 minThe Western BubbleLast Month in Foreign Policy #020 In every fifth episode of this podcast, we will go through the news of the past month and relate to our analysis of our past recordings. In this week’s episode we will specifically talk about: Covid-19 measures and their damages, income inequality and trust in institutions, the protests in Iran, Neocolonialism and the COP27, and, finally, Türkiye resisting Western determinism.Lancet Report on Covid: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(22)00223-7/fulltextBalder’s article: https://raiagroup.org/the-art-of-doing-nothingThe ECB report: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/econo...2022-11-1649 minThe Western BubbleNeocolonialism #018Description: Today we analyse neo-colonial actions of Western countries. Specifically, we talk about the DRC, South Sudan and Libya as case studies of how the neo-colonial bubble negatively affects the West's own ambitions as well as how still- over sixty years after independence- it still causes havoc in its former colonies.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at...2022-11-151h 00The Western BubbleThe West and Covid-19 #019Today we analyse the Western reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically we talk about our personal experience and how the media, politicians and the middle class reacted to the pandemic. Overall, there has been an inadequate recognition of the costs attached to fighting Covid. These include the undermining of fundamental institutions as well as many direct- yet often unrecognised- victims of anti-Covid measures.https://raiagroup.org/the-road-to-totalitarianism here Balder’s article from June 2020.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between th...2022-11-091h 12
The Western BubbleNeocolonialism #018 Description: Today we analyse neo-colonial actions of Western countries. Specifically we talk about the DRC, South Sudan and Libya as case studies of how the neo-colonial bubble negatively affects the West's own ambitions as well as how still- over sixty years after independence- it still causes havoc in its former colonies.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at...2022-11-021h 01
The Western BubbleThe United Kingdom, again #017 Today we analyse the United Kingdom for a second time within the last month. This comes after the past two weeks of political turmoil resulting in Prime Minister Lis Truss resigning. When listening to this episode please bear in mind that we recorded this on Sunday the 23rd of October, right before Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister. We specifically look at systemic failures within the UK.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats...2022-10-2654 min
The Western BubbleThe Wealth Gap #016 #016 THE WESTERN BUBBLE: Economic Growth and Growing InequalityToday we analyse growing income and wealth inequality in the West. Exorbitant wealth accumulation by people is perceived as positive and capitalism is seen as an ideal rather than a tool by societies increasingly detached from the original Western ideals. Rather than a cause for celebration, however, having rich individuals in society is a cost that liberal democracies should only reluctantly accept.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of...2022-10-181h 01
The Western BubbleRecap #015In every fifth episode of this podcast, we will go through the news of the past month and relate to our analysis of our past recordings. In this week’s episode, we will specifically talk about: Liz Truss and the United Kingdom, attitudes towards immigration in the Netherlands, the protest in Iran and, finally, the newest developments in the Ukraine war. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to ge...2022-10-1157 min
The Western BubbleWestern Media Bias #014 Today we analyse the Western media more broadly after last week’s focus on Ukraine reporting. The Western Bubble is deeply ingrained in media behaviour: foreign policy reporting is skewed favourably towards pro-democratic and liberal movements while domestic reporting is insufficiently critical of flaws within democratic establishment.In this episode we are playing segments from the following three videos and quote from the following NY Times article:Video 1: 0:00-0:26; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8c8PsHSTPMVideo 2: 5:29-6:00; https://youtu.be/lDSu8wlQG6c?t=329Video 3: https://twitter.com/Ta...2022-10-051h 00
The Western BubbleWestern Media on Ukraine #013 Today we analyse how the Western Bubble is dangerous when it comes to reporting on the war in Ukraine. The narrative is too biased for what you would want from a free press; Western media pushes a specific narrative rather than reporting and analysing reality.In this episode we are playing segments from the following four videos:Video 1: 1:41-2:25; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT_8HXAHZXEVideo 2: 0:34-1:35; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkKzJkpdRT4Video 3: 1:35-1:58; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPvwzeOY0uMVideo 4: 2:20-3:34; https...2022-09-2756 min
The Western BubbleThe United Kingdom #012 Today we analyse the United Kingdom. With the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the election of Liz Truss as new prime minister, Great Britain seems to have definitively entered a new era. In order to salvage the situation left by Brexit and other missteps, it will need to revise its relation with its own imperial past and formulate a new vision for the 21st century.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If...2022-09-2159 min
The Western BubbleHuman Rights #011 Today we analyse Human Rights as Western device. Human Rights are typically considered a source of objective morality but in reality they can be a dangerous tool enabling geopolitical abuse. As always we do this through the lens of the Western Bubble in our continued endeavour to burst it.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between General Coordinator of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email to thewesternbubble@gmail...2022-09-1356 min
The Western BubbleMonthly Review #010 Every fifth episode of this podcast we will go through the news of the past month and relate to our analysis of our past recordings. This week’s episode we will specifically talk about: how domestic issues in the US relate to larger Western problems, the continued problem the west has in properly analysing the Russia-Ukraine war and, finally, Chinese geopolitical plays.Here is the link to article we discussed:https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/08/23/tuning-out-did-we-grow-tired-of-ukraine-war-on-tv-and-in-newspapersThis podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is...2022-09-0749 min
The Western BubbleDevelopment Aid from the West #009Today we analyse how the development aid sector is an important characteristic of the Western bubble and how it contributes to perpetuating destructive foreign policy.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats.2022-08-3057 min
The Western BubbleChina and Taiwan #008 Today we analyse the conflict between China and Taiwan. As always we do this through the lens of the Western Bubble in our continued endeavour to burst it.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats.2022-08-2458 min
The Western BubbleThe Fall of US FP #007 Today we analyse the fall of US foreign policy. This is the second half of the overall analysis on “The Rise and Fall of US Foreign Policy” through the lens of the Western Bubble. In this half we answer the questions: what is the personal bias, what is the damage and what is the future. We discuss individuals in US FP like Bush Senior, Bill Clinton, Bush Junior and Joe Bide. Furthermore we explain the negative implications of the bubble on US FP and finally we provide an outlook on the future.Correction, Iceland deployed two Explosive Ordn...2022-08-1656 min
The Western BubbleThe Rise of US FP #006 Today we analyse the rise of US foreign policy. This is the first half of the overall analysis on “The Rise and Fall of US Foreign Policy” through the lens of the Western Bubble. We will be answering the questions: What are the facts and What is the bubble while describing the rise of US foreign policy from its independence in 1776 to its peak after the first world war to its demise after the second world war.Next week we will discuss the fall of US foreign policy in the second half of the overall analysis on “The Ri...2022-08-091h 09
The Western BubbleMonthly Review #005 Every fifth episode of this podcast we go through the news of the past month and relate a selection of articles and events to our analysis of past recordings. Today we focus on the political situation in Ukraine and Zelensky’s liberal credential, Biden’s visit to the Middle East, the parallels between the UK Tories and Donald Trump, Mario Draghi’s resignation, as well as the (mis)use of the word terrorism.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between Director of RAIA D...2022-08-0349 min
The Western BubbleTerrorism and the West #004Today we analyse terrorism and the way it has been used as an external enemy and to justify destructive actions by Western states. As always we do this through the lens of the Western Bubble in our continued endeavour to burst it. The need to fight outsiders is a way of distracting our attention away from internal problems and further weakens the sustainability of the Western model.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats...2022-07-2754 min
The Western BubbleThe hollowing out of institutions #003 Today we analyse the internal weakness the West experiences and how that influences its external actions. As always we do this through the lens of the Western Bubble in our continued endeavour to burst it. The US Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade or Boris Johnson clinging on to power in the United Kingdom are both examples of the hollowing out of Western institutions. This has far-reaching conclusions for the sustainability of the model as well as its behaviour towards the rest of the world.Here is the link to Francis Fukuyama’s writing “The end of H...2022-07-2000 min
The Western BubbleThe Iran Nuclear Deal #002 Today we analyse the Iran Nuclear Deal through the lens of the Western bubble. Negotiations to reinstate the agreement between Iran and the permanent 5 UN security council members have stalled for quite some time now. As always we do this through the lens of the Western Bubble in our continued endeavour to burst it.During this episode we reference Kenneth Waltz’s article for Foreign Affairs “Why Iran should get the Bomb”, you can read it here https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iran/2012-06-15/why-iran-should-get-bombThis podcast is published with the help of RAIA and ed...2022-07-1355 min
The Western BubbleWhy the Western Bubble? #000We are Balder Hageraats and Dario Hasenstab, a professor and his former student of international relations. Together we examine how Western countries are increasingly lost in their own delusions on the world stage, and what can be done to bring them back to reality. In this introduction episode, we discuss the beginning of this podcast and the main theme, the Western bubble.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like...2022-07-1033 min
The Western BubbleThe War in Ukraine #001Today we analyse how the Western Bubble explains the West's attitudes and involvement regarding the war in Ukraine, and what we can expect further down the line. As always we do this through the lens of the Western Bubble in our continued endeavour to burst it.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA associate Usama Ghanem but is an individual project between Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with...2022-07-071h 01