Shows
The IR thinkerBulgaria's Energy Security - Martin Vladimirov | 2025 Episode 29In this episode, Martin Vladimirov unpacks Bulgaria’s evolving energy landscape in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine. We discuss shifts in the country’s energy mix, offshore wind prospects in the Black Sea, the strategic role of gas pipelines and interconnectors, and the future of key assets such as the Chiren gas storage facility, the Maritsa Iztok lignite complex, and potential new nuclear reactors.Martin VladimirovMartin Vladimirov is Director of the Energy and Climate Program at the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), where his work focuses on Euro...
2025-12-0145 min
The IR thinkerContemporary Meaning of Nuclear Weapons - Stephen Herzog | 2025 Episode 27This episode of The IR thinker offers a clear and structured tour of contemporary nuclear strategy with Dr Stephen Herzog, moving from the basic categories of nuclear weapons to the political struggles surrounding their control. We unpack the logic of existential and extended deterrence, alliance commitments and escalation management, and examine how arms control agreements and the Non-Proliferation Treaty sustain, yet also entrench, a great power nuclear monopoly. The conversation tackles aspirant nuclear states, debates over “how many is enough”, and the tension between confidence and overconfidence in crisis signalling, before turning to how emerging technologies are reshaping verification, comman...
2025-11-161h 11
The IR thinkerAustralia's Security - Risks & Realities - Peter Layton | 2025 Episode 22This episode of The IR thinker offers a sharp, policy-focused tour of how Australia is recalibrating its security posture in an era of intensifying regional competition, with strategist and defence analyst Dr Peter Layton. The conversation examines the evolving logic of alliances with the United States and Japan, the growing reliance on multilateral formats, and the strategic stakes of AUKUS and submarine procurement for Australia’s long-term force structure. We also explore the potential and limits of the Quad and security cooperation with ASEAN, the dilemmas created by deep economic ties with China alongside mounting security concerns, and the vuln...
2025-10-141h 14
The IR thinkerGeorgia's Energy Security - Murman Margvelashvili | 2025 Episode 21This episode of The IR thinker traces Georgia’s journey from Soviet-era infrastructure to today’s contested energy landscape with Professor Murman Margvelashvili. The conversation examines how Georgia’s energy mix has evolved up to 2025, the geopolitical risks attached to different sources, and the ownership and control of key hydropower assets. We explore prospects for hydrogen, the remaining headroom for renewables, and the political, technical and feasibility debates around nuclear power. The discussion also unpacks how conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia affect the grid, how Tbilisi balances Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Russia, the EU, China and the United States to preser...
2025-10-071h 06
The IR thinkerIreland's National Security Strategy - Kenneth McDonagh | 2025 Episode 20This episode of The IR thinker explores Ireland’s historic shift from a long-standing tradition of military neutrality towards a more structured national security strategy, with Dr Kenneth McDonagh. We discuss why a neutral state is now formalising its approach to security, the key domestic and external drivers behind this move, and whether neutrality will remain central or gradually erode. The conversation examines Ireland’s defence capabilities and investment choices, the protection of critical infrastructure, coordination between the Defence Forces, Gardaí and intelligence services, Ireland’s deeper integration into EU security structures, its relationship with the United States, cybersecurity posture...
2025-09-301h 04
The IR thinkerGeorgia's EU Accession Journey - David Bujiashvili | 2025 Episode 19This episode of The IR thinker asks what Georgia’s EU integration really means for democracy, regional security and great power competition, in conversation with David Bujiashvili. The discussion traces the historical and normative drivers behind Georgia’s European choice, the EU’s response to Tbilisi’s membership application, and how narratives around democracy, the rule of law and human rights are communicated – or distorted – at home, including via Russian disinformation. We look at early reform challenges, the current stage of the accession process and why it has stalled, as well as the practical impact of the Association Agreement, the DCFTA and...
2025-09-2357 min
The IR thinkerBrexit and EU Hegemony - Patrick Holden | 2025 Episode 18This episode of The IR thinker explores how the European Union exercised power throughout the Brexit process, in conversation with Dr Patrick Holden. Working from a neo-Gramscian perspective, the discussion examines how communication, institutional design and rhetorical strategy combined to generate structural power in the EU–UK negotiations. We unpack surprising findings about how EU institutions shaped the options available to London, how norms and “EU values” functioned as tools of influence, and who better understood the vulnerabilities of European integration. Particular attention is given to the negotiation and communication styles of Michel Barnier and Stefaan De Rynck, what their rh...
2025-09-141h 00
The IR thinkerRadicalisation in the Global North - Tahir Abbas | 2025 Episode 17This episode of The IR thinker examines how radicalisation is evolving across Western democracies, in conversation with Professor Tahir Abbas. Moving from the storming of the US Capitol and far-right online mobilisation in the United States, through post-Brexit identity politics and the Prevent strategy in the United Kingdom, to intergenerational tensions and social unrest in Western Europe, the discussion unpacks how online ecosystems, crises of capitalism, migration debates and gendered vulnerabilities interact to produce diverse pathways into extremism. The episode explores the blurred boundaries between extremism and terrorism, the rise of the incel subculture, transnational networks behind riots and pr...
2025-09-091h 00
The IR thinkerChina-Africa Engagement - Emmanuel Matambo | 2025 Episode 16This episode of The IR thinker looks beyond the clichés about “debt-trap diplomacy” to examine how Africa–China relations actually function in practice, in conversation with Dr Emmanuel Matambo. The discussion contrasts Western narratives with the pragmatism of African elites, explores China’s media portrayal of Africa, and examines persistent trade imbalances, industrialisation prospects and value addition on the continent. We consider whether African negotiation styles offer advantages, how technology transfer and the energy crisis shape Beijing’s role in Africa, and whether it matters if digital and energy infrastructure is sourced from Western or Chinese firms.The con...
2025-09-0257 min
The IR thinkerGlobal Maritime Security - Timothy Edmunds | 2025 Episode 15This episode of The IR thinker explores the changing landscape of maritime piracy and security with Professor Tim Edmunds, tracing how piracy has evolved from traditional coastal raiding to more organised, networked forms of criminality at sea. The conversation examines the structure and scale of pirate groups, the onshore political and economic conditions that sustain them, and the mixed record of international anti-piracy measures. It then turns to wider challenges for the global maritime order, including “grey-zone” tactics at sea, strategic competition around chokepoints and artificial islands, debates over updating UNCLOS, and growing vulnerabilities linked to critical undersea infrastructure, highli...
2025-08-261h 11
The IR thinkerUniversities as EU Diplomatic Actors - Marina Cino Pagliarello | 2025 Episode 14This episode of The IR thinker examines how universities and academics operate as informal diplomatic actors in the European Union’s foreign policy, in conversation with Dr Marina Cino Pagliarello. The discussion explores the growing role of “academic diplomacy” in contexts such as the war in Ukraine and EU–Africa relations, highlighting how higher education partnerships, mobility schemes and research collaborations can project EU norms on human rights, sustainability and rule of law, while also advancing strategic interests. We look at the tensions between academic autonomy and foreign policy objectives, the specific challenges of engagement in authoritarian or contested environmen...
2025-08-181h 06
The IR thinkerWhy Japan & the Philippines Are Closer Than Ever - Satoru Nagao | 2025 Episode 13This episode of The IR thinker explores the deepening strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines with Dr Satoru Nagao, tracing the evolution from post-war reparations to a mature security and economic relationship in today’s Indo-Pacific. The conversation examines how Tokyo’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision is understood in Manila, why the Philippines is not part of the Quad, and whether Japan is doing enough on defence cooperation in the face of shared challenges such as North Korean missiles and Chinese assertiveness. We unpack the significance of the Reciprocal Access Agreement, Japan’s economic role and “new capitalism...
2025-08-0655 min
The IR thinkerTrump's US Foreign Policy - Hussein Banai | 2025 Episode 12This episode of The IR thinker offers an in-depth tour of American foreign policy under Donald Trump’s second term with Associate Professor Hussein Banai, tracing the shift from disruption to a more confident, unilateral consolidation of “America First” abroad. Moving across key regions – from the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East to Europe, Russia, China and Latin America – the conversation unpacks how presidential style, US political culture, and the think-tank ecosystem shape decision-making inside institutions such as the National Security Council. The episode culminates in an extended discussion of the 2025 Israel–Iran conflict, including the recent US strikes on Iran’s nucl...
2025-06-242h 11
The IR thinkerThe Zones of Peace Concept - Arie M. Kacowicz | 2025 Episode 11This episode of The IR thinker asks why some regions become durable zones of peace while others remain mired in recurrent conflict, in conversation with Professor Arie M. Kacowicz. Drawing on his work on the Zone of Peace concept, the discussion traces its theoretical origins, engages with and moves beyond notions such as security communities, and asks how perspectives from the Global South can help to decolonise peace theory. Comparing cases such as South America, West Africa, ASEAN and the Middle East, the episode explores the conditions under which regional orders transition from conflict to stable peace, how norms of...
2025-06-171h 02
The IR thinkerRebuilding Syria - Joseph Daher | 2025 Episode 10This episode of The IR thinker looks ahead to the political and economic future of Syria in a post-Assad scenario, in conversation with Dr Joseph Daher. The discussion explores whether a new order would genuinely break with Syria’s entrenched war economy or merely reconfigure existing networks of power and patronage, and what might happen to Assad’s inner circle. It examines the current state of Syria’s economy, the role of technocrats, expatriates and the wider diaspora in any reconstruction process, and how religion may shape post-conflict politics and social life. The episode also considers potential income sources for reco...
2025-06-101h 03
The IR thinkerGood Governance in Africa - Gilbert A. Ang'ana | 2025 Episode 9This episode of The IR thinker explores the evolving landscape of governance in Africa with Dr Gilbert A. Ang’ana, focusing on how institutional weaknesses, intra-governmental collaboration and decentralisation shape political and developmental outcomes across the continent. The conversation examines how “good governance” is defined and received in different African contexts, the often-neglected importance of coordination within and between state institutions, and the role of the African Union in addressing structural constraints. It also considers responsible negotiation as an alternative to traditional conflict resolution, the influence of tribes, minorities, donors and corporations on policy choices, and how digitalisation, tech competit...
2025-06-031h 03
The IR thinkerKazakhstan's First Nuclear Plant - Eldaniz Gusseinov | 2025 Episode 8This episode of The IR thinker asks whether nuclear power is set to become a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s energy strategy, in conversation with political analyst Eldaniz Gusseinov. The discussion examines the country’s position as a major uranium producer, domestic debates over renewables versus traditional energy sources, and how decisions on nuclear power are actually made within Kazakhstan’s political system. It explores the legacy of Soviet-era nuclear plans and former test sites, the role of civil society and external consultants in shaping public consent, and the broader geopolitical stakes as Russia, China, France and South Korea compete for the...
2025-05-261h 00
The IR thinkerRussia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7This episode of The IR thinker examines why Russia is deepening its engagement with Africa and what it can realistically offer, in conversation with Steven Gruzd. The discussion traces how Soviet-era ties shape contemporary relations, unpacks Russia’s security footprint through actors such as the Wagner Group, and assesses the significance of arms sales, stalled energy projects and limited trade compared with China and other partners. We also explore the diplomatic symbolism and substance of the Russia–Africa summits, the interaction with BRICS diplomacy, Moscow’s use of soft power, media and foreign aid, and the under-researched dimensions of Russia’s...
2025-05-141h 02
The IR thinkerJapan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6This episode of The IR thinker examines Japan’s path to its 2050 net-zero target with Dr Walter James, focusing on how one of the world’s most energy-dependent economies is trying to reconcile climate ambition with structural constraints. The conversation explores the strategic coherence of Japan’s decarbonisation plans, domestic scepticism towards climate goals, and the role of institutions such as the Basic Energy Plan in steering policy. It looks in detail at the political economy of ownership in Japan’s energy sector, the strategic importance of LNG and “LNG diplomacy”, the promise and pitfalls of Japan’s hydrogen society vision...
2025-05-081h 05
The IR thinkerEU's Soft Balancing Governance - Andres Wivel | 2025 Episode 5This episode of The IR thinker explores how the European Union exerts influence in world politics without relying on traditional hard power, in conversation with Professor Anders Wivel. Drawing on his work on soft balancing, the discussion examines how the EU uses institutions, diplomacy and economic tools to shape outcomes while avoiding open confrontation, and how this differs from both hard balancing and soft power. The episode looks at inclusive and exclusive forms of institutional soft balancing, key historical successes and failures, the tension between national sovereignty and collective decision-making, the importance of “plasticity” in EU governance, and what EU pra...
2025-03-2459 min
The IR thinkerNorms and Autonomous Weapon Systems - Ingvild Bode | 2025 Episode 4This episode of The IR thinker examines how autonomous weapon systems are challenging and reshaping global norms, in conversation with Professor Ingvild Bode. Drawing on the AutoNorms project, the discussion explores how AI-driven military technologies blur established legal and ethical boundaries, how norms can emerge “from below” through everyday military and technological practices rather than only via treaties, and why traditional rationalist and institutionalist approaches struggle to capture these dynamics. The episode looks at divergent national perspectives in China, Japan, Russia and the United States, the limits of formal diplomatic and legal processes, the risks of normative fragmentation for the so...
2025-03-171h 03
The IR thinkerResearch Methods & Shifts - Christopher Lamont | 2025 Episode 3This episode of The IR thinker explores how research methods in politics and international relations are evolving in the digital age, in conversation with Professor Christopher Lamont. Drawing on the second edition of his widely used textbook Research Methods in Politics and International Relations, the discussion examines the rise of interdisciplinarity, the increasing sophistication of mixed-methods designs, and the implications of real-time and digitised data for empirical depth and rigour. It also addresses constructivist and postcolonial critiques of traditional methodologies, innovations in linking local case studies to broader generalisations, and the potential of tools such as multi-level network analysis for...
2025-02-251h 02
The IR thinkerGlobal Quest for Critical Minerals - Vlado Vivoda | 2025 Episode 2This episode of The IR thinker explores how critical minerals are reshaping global power relations, in conversation with Dr Vlado Vivoda. The discussion examines the role of lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements and other critical minerals in the energy transition, national security and supply chain resilience, with particular attention to the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. It considers the potential “weaponisation” of mineral dependencies, the balance between competition and cooperation among states, the aims of initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership, and the risks of conflict, neocolonial extraction practices and disinformation campaigns, especially in the global...
2025-02-171h 03
The IR thinkerIllusion of Hegemony - Christopher Mott | 2025 Episode 1This episode of The IR thinker asks whether global hegemony is truly fading or simply changing shape, in conversation with Dr Christopher Mott. The discussion traces the historical roots of hegemony, examines debates about a “post-hegemonic” age, and considers China’s ambitions alongside the gradual transformation of United States power. It explores the implications of emerging multipolarity for international order, the role of middle powers and non-state actors in reshaping strategic dynamics, and how shifting domestic politics feed back into grand strategy and foreign policy choices.Christopher MottDr Christopher Mott is a Washing...
2025-02-101h 07
The IR thinkerVirtue Eudaimonism: Ancient Wisdom for International Relations - Mark LeBar | 2024 Episode 37This episode of The IR thinker explores how eudaimonism, rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, can illuminate contemporary ethical and political dilemmas, in conversation with Professor Mark LeBar. The discussion considers how eudaimonism reframes what is good for human beings today, its relationship to rule based moral theories, and the distinction between rules and norms in guiding practical reason. It then turns to questions of virtue, universality and moral relativism, before examining how a eudaimonist framework might inform debates on leadership, responsibility, polarisation, artificial intelligence and global challenges such as environmental degradation and cultural diversity.
2025-01-031h 04
The IR thinkerJapan's Political Uncertainty & International Relations - Bill Emmott | 2024 Episode 36This episode of The IR thinker explores Japan’s current political uncertainty and its implications for international relations with Bill Emmott, former Editor-in-Chief of The Economist and long-standing analyst of Japanese politics and economics. The conversation examines the Liberal Democratic Party’s enduring dominance and the incomplete nature of societal consensus behind it, before turning to Japan’s pressing energy dilemmas, including nuclear restarts, the prospects for leading the energy transition despite lagging in renewables, and the broader economic and security stakes of energy policy. We also discuss debates around Article 9 and constitutional revision, the state of the US–Japan allian...
2024-12-2857 min
The IR thinkerBusiness Negotiations in International Relations - William W. Baber | 2024 Episode 35This episode of The IR thinker examines how corporations exercise economic power in foreign policy and trade negotiations with Professor Will Baber, focusing on the ways firms shape state preferences, exploit power asymmetries and act as de facto diplomatic actors. The conversation explores the role of state-owned enterprises, corporate engagement with international regulatory frameworks and forums such as the WTO, and how commercial interests influence the content and quality of free trade agreements and broader questions of sovereignty and “economic imperialism”. It also highlights practical research methodologies and the value of learning from negative or failed negotiation cases, offering a rich...
2024-12-2257 min
The IR thinkerGermany & Emerging Powers - Tomasz Morozowski | 2024 Episode 34This episode of The IR thinker examines how Germany is rethinking its foreign policy towards emerging powers, in conversation with Dr Tomasz Morozowski of the Institute for Western Affairs in Poznań. The discussion explores new analytical frameworks and methodologies, including the use and limits of neoclassical realism, and asks how Germany identifies and categorises states such as Brazil, India, South Africa and key actors in the Indo-Pacific and Africa. Particular attention is given to the interaction between Berlin and Brussels, the supranational influence of the European Union on German policy-making, and what official documents reveal about Germany’s attempts to ba...
2024-12-1059 min
The IR thinkerSpace Governance: Law and Power – Adam Bower | 2024 Ep. 33This episode of The IR thinker explores how outer space is becoming a key arena of international politics and law, in conversation with Dr Adam Bower. We discuss the difficulties of even defining where “outer space” begins, the limits and possibilities of existing treaties, and the growing challenge of regulating increasingly powerful private actors alongside states. The interview examines NATO’s arrangements for satellite coverage, the role of multilateral forums in setting norms, and how a more multipolar international order shapes competing visions of space governance. Particular attention is given to the contrasting approaches of the United States, Russia and Chin...
2024-12-051h 03
The IR thinkerRussian and Ukrainian Nationalism - Fabian Baumann | 2024 Episode 32This episode of The IR thinker explores the intertwined histories of Russian and Ukrainian nationalism through Dr Fabian Baumann’s book Dynasty Divided: A Family History of Russian and Ukrainian Nationalism, which traces how members of the Shul’gin/Shul’hyn family adopted divergent national identities. The conversation uses this family lens to examine generational divides, the role of private associations and intellectual networks, concepts such as “nation as a category of practice” and “national indifference”, and what these insights mean for understanding nationalism in Ukraine and Russia today.Fabian BaumannDr Fabian Baumann is...
2024-12-0256 min
The IR thinkerEnergy Governance & Global South - Narendra Taneja | 2024 Episode 31This episode of The IR thinker explores how energy functions as an instrument of geopolitical power with Narendra Taneja, examining the limitations of major organisations such as the IEA, OPEC and IRENA, and the growing divide between the Global North and Global South on energy and climate. The conversation considers energy poverty, competing visions for renewable energy, and what an effective new framework for global energy governance might require in terms of institutions, enforcement and expertise.Narendra TanejaNarendra Taneja is a global thought leader on energy policy, security, geopolitics and governance. He...
2024-11-251h 07
The IR thinkerEuropean Union Failures in Afghanistan - Oz Hassan | 2024 Episode 30This episode of The IR thinker examines the European Union’s role in Afghanistan with Dr Oz Hassan, focusing on the adoption and limitations of the Bonn Model, the tension between ambitious democratisation goals and basic security needs, and the EU’s assumptions about Afghanistan as a post conflict state. The conversation also considers corruption and aid management, engagement with Afghanistan’s neighbours, and what this experience reveals about the EU’s capacity to support political order and governance in fragile contexts.Oz HassanOz Hassan is Reader in National Security in the Politic...
2024-11-1259 min
The IR thinker North Korea Security & Geopolitics - Yangmo Ku | 2024 Episode 29This episode of The IR thinker explores the evolving dynamics of inter-Korean relations with Professor Yangmo Ku, focusing on North Korea’s designation of South Korea as its “primary foe”, the implications of Pyongyang’s nuclear and conventional build-up, and Seoul’s strategic options in response. The discussion situates the Korean Peninsula within a wider regional context, examining North Korea’s growing cooperation with Russia, China’s dilemmas, ASEAN’s stance, NATO’s role in the Indo-Pacific, and the deepening of Japan–South Korea security cooperation.Yangmo KuYangmo Ku is Chair of the History and Poli...
2024-11-051h 05
The IR thinkerIndia - Japan Relations - Srabani Roy Choundhury | 2024 Episode 28This episode of The IR thinker examines the evolving partnership between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific with Dr Srabani Roy Choudhury, focusing on how India’s SAGAR vision and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific concept complement one another in strategic and normative terms. The discussion explores defence cooperation, Taiwan’s growing salience, Japan’s changing defence posture, the role of the United States, and joint efforts on critical minerals, supply chains and energy cooperation as the two countries navigate an increasingly contested regional order.Srabani Roy ChoundhuryDr Srabani Roy Choudhury ...
2024-10-291h 02
The IR thinkerAustralia - China Relations - Philipp Ivanov | 2024 Episode 27This episode of The IR thinker explores the shifting contours of Australia–China relations with Philipp Ivanov, examining how Canberra navigates security concerns, economic interdependence and alliance commitments in an increasingly competitive Indo-Pacific. The conversation considers the impact of AUKUS and the Quad, China’s reaction to these partnerships, the role of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the evolving links in trade, higher education and energy between the two countries.Philipp IvanovPhilipp Ivanov is a public policy leader and China specialist with extensive executive experience across government, universities and think tanks i...
2024-10-2259 min
The IR thinkerMeritocratic Democracy: Confucian and Western Political Theory - Elena Ziliotti | 2024 Episode 26This episode of The IR thinker explores political meritocracy and meritocratic democracy with Assistant Professor Elena Ziliotti, examining how ideas drawn from Confucian and Western political theories can inform debates on leadership selection, voter competence and democratic equality. The conversation considers the claimed epistemic advantages of meritocratic arrangements, their vulnerabilities to manipulation and elitism, and the prospects for combining meritocratic insights with democratic institutions in diverse political contexts.Elena ZiliottiElena Ziliotti is a tenured Assistant Professor of Ethics and Political Philosophy at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Her research foc...
2024-10-1658 min
The IR thinkerKurdish Relations with the World - Marianna Charountaki | 2024 Episode 25This episode of The IR thinker examines the evolving politics of the Kurds with Dr Marianna Charountaki, from the impact of the 2003 US invasion on the Kurdistan Regional Government and the fallout of the 2017 independence referendum to relations with Türkiye, Baghdad and external powers such as Russia. The conversation explores global perceptions of the Kurds, their role in counter-terrorism and the Syrian conflict, and their continuing struggle for recognition, rights and a viable political future.Marianna CharountakiDr Marianna Charountaki is Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Lincoln in t...
2024-10-091h 11
The IR thinker Romania & Black Sea Energy Security - Roxana Caliminte | 2024 Episode 24 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 CaliminteRoxana 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 relat...
2024-10-0243 min
The IR thinkerArms Control - Andrew Reddie | 2024 Episode 23This 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.Andrew ReddieDr Andrew Reddie is Associate Research Professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy at th...
2024-09-1958 min
The IR thinkerEU Constitution - A Story of Unity and Division - Paul Craig | 2024 Episode 22This 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 CraigPaul Craig is a British legal scholar specialising in administrative and European Uni...
2024-09-111h 09
The IR thinker European Diplomacy - Role & Impact - Iver B. Neumann | 2024 Episode 21 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.Iver B. NeumannProfessor Iver B. Neumann is a Norwegian political scientist and social anthropologist and...
2024-09-041h 00
The IR thinkerUnited Kingdom Cybersecurity Approach and Strategy - Gareth Mott | 2024 Episode 20This 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.Gareth MottDr 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 governa...
2024-08-2859 min
The IR thinkerThe Long Peace of East Asia - Timo Kivimäki | 2024 Episode 19This 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.Timo KivimäkiProfessor Timo Kivimäki is a leading scholar of International Relations, currently Professor at the University of Bath and Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Sejong I...
2024-08-2157 min
The IR thinkerTheory of Diversity and Freedom - Chandran Kukathas | 2024 Episode 18This episode of The IR thinker explores Professor Chandran Kukathas’s Theory of Diversity and Freedom and its implications for state sovereignty, multiculturalism and democratic governance. The conversation examines how his liberal–pluralist approach reframes debates on citizenship, tolerance, migration and state intervention, offering an alternative vision of how diverse societies might be organised and governed.Chandran KukathasProfessor Chandran Kukathas is Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Political Science at Singapore Management University and a leading political theorist of liberalism, multiculturalism and freedom. Formerly Head of the Department of Government at the Lon...
2024-08-141h 02
The IR thinkerTerrorist Recruitment in Central Asia - Noah Tucker | 2024 Episode 17This episode of The IR thinker examines why some individuals in Central Asia become vulnerable to terrorist recruitment, as Noah Tucker unpacks the role of grievance, identity, social networks and opportunity structures in shaping susceptibility. The conversation explores recruiters’ tactics and communication channels, what happens after recruitment, and how effective awareness campaigns and local initiatives have been in countering violent extremism in the region.Noah TuckerNoah Tucker is a senior research consultant with the Oxus Society and a programme associate for the Central Asia Program at the Elliott School of International Affai...
2024-08-081h 05
The IR thinkerEU Foreign Policy and IR Theories - Knud Erik Jørgensen | 2024 Episode 16This episode of The IR thinker examines the European Union’s foreign policy through the lens of international relations theory with Professor Knud Erik Jørgensen, exploring the theoretical bases of EU multilateralism, the effects of reduced globalisation and how crises in multilateralism can be understood and managed conceptually. The conversation discusses the role of the European External Action Service, tensions between value based and interest based approaches, and current debates on strategic autonomy, negotiation practices and the ideological narratives that shape EU research.Knud Erik JørgensenKnud Erik Jørgensen is Profe...
2024-07-251h 09
The IR thinkerCritical Terrorism Studies - Lee Jarvis | 2024 Episode 15This episode of The IR thinker explores Critical Terrorism Studies with Professor Lee Jarvis, examining how the field interrogates power relations, knowledge production and ethical responsibility in research on political violence. The conversation contrasts CTS with more traditional approaches, looks at media representations, state practices and technological change, and highlights how CTS can be used to study radicalisation, non state actors and security policy.Lee JarvisLee Jarvis is Professor of International Politics at Loughborough University, England. His research focuses on how security challenges such as terrorism, radicalisation, cyber threats and pandemics are...
2024-07-181h 07
The IR thinkerUS Energy Security and Transition - Paul Saunders | 2024 Episode 14This 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 SaundersPaul Saunders is President of the Center for the National Interest and a member of its board...
2024-07-1552 min
The IR thinkerIndia-China Relations - Jagannath Panda | 2024 Episode 13This 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.Jagannath PandaDr Jagannath Panda is a Senior Fellow at The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies and H...
2024-06-2034 min
The IR thinkerUS-China Energy Dynamics & Solar Industry - Quill Robinson | 2024 Episode 12This 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 RobinsonQuill Robinson is a senior programme manager and associate fellow with the Energy Security and Climate Change Programme at the Center for Strategic and Inter...
2024-06-111h 03
The IR thinkerChinese Theories of International Relations - Ferran Pérez Mena | 2024 Episode 11This 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.Ferran Pérez MenaDr F...
2024-06-051h 03
The IR thinkerGeopolitics of the Pacific Islands and Fiji - Lorenz Gonschor | 2024 Episode 10This 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.Lorenz GonschorDr...
2024-05-281h 02
The IR thinkerCircular Economy in International Relations - Patrick Schröder | 2024 Episode 9This 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.Patrick SchröderDr Patrick Schröder is a Senior Research Fellow in the Environment and Society Centre at Chatham House...
2024-05-211h 08
The IR thinkerIslamic State Khurasan - Giuliano Bifolchi | 2024 Episode 8This 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 BifolchiGiuliano 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 O...
2024-05-011h 00
The IR thinkerChemical and Biological Weapons - Brett Edwards | 2024 Episode 7This 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.Brett EdwardsDr Brett Edwards is a Senior Lecturer in Security and Public Policy at the University of Bath. His res...
2024-04-241h 01
The IR thinkerEuropean Union Counterterrorism Legal Framework - Christian Kaunert | 2024 Episode 6This 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 KaunertChristian Kaunert is Professor of International Security at the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University and Professor of Policing and S...
2024-02-271h 12
The IR thinkerQatari Soft Power - Ariel Admoni | 2024 Episode 5This 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 AdmoniAriel Admoni is a PhD candidate at Bar-Ilan University in Israel whose r...
2024-02-071h 08
The IR thinkerCSTO & Russia - Thomas Ambrosio | 2024 Episode 4This 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.Thomas AmbrosioDr Ambrosio is Professor of Political Science in the Criminal Justice and Political Science D...
2024-01-3057 min
The IR thinkerAfghans Leaving Pakistan - Ido Raz | 2024 Episode 3This 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 RazIdo 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 cand...
2024-01-231h 00
The IR thinkerGeopolitics of Energy Transition - Daniel Scholten | 2024 Episode 2This 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.Daniel ScholtenDr Daniel Scholten is Visiting Assistant Professor at the Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy at the Humphrey School of Public Aff...
2024-01-161h 01
The IR thinkerIdentity in International Relations - Richard Ned Lebow | 2024 Episode 1This 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.Richard Ned LebowProfessor Richard Ned Lebow is Emeritus Professor of International Political Theory in the War Studies Department at King’s College London, Honorary Fellow of Pembr...
2024-01-1154 min
The IR thinkerPower Structure in Russia - Chris Monday | 2023 Episode 39This 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 MondayChris Monday is Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at Dongseo University in Busan, South Korea. His res...
2023-12-291h 05
The IR thinkerCommunication, Social Media & Radicalisation - Gordon Alley Young | 2023 Episode 38This 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.Gordon Alley YoungDr Gordon Alley-Young is Professor of Speech Communication and dean at Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York. His research foc...
2023-12-191h 04
The IR thinkerEuropean Energy Politics - Marco Siddi | 2023 Episode 37This 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 SiddiMarco Siddi is a researcher at the Finnish Institute o...
2023-12-1443 min
The IR thinkerRadicalisation & Extremism in the USA - Jeff Schoep | 2023 Episode 36This 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 SchoepJeff 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 l...
2023-12-121h 10
The IR thinkerTerrorism: A Research Perspective - Tim Wilson | 2023 Episode 35This 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.Tim WilsonDr Tim Wilson is a historian of political violence and Director of the Handa...
2023-12-051h 02
The IR thinkerNorway Energy Security & Geopolitics - Ole Gunnar Austvik | 2023 Episode 34This 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 AustvikOle Gunnar Austvik is a Norwegian economist and political scientist specialising in po...
2023-12-011h 04
The IR thinkerYemen - Geopolitics of Crisis - Tom Walsh | 2023 Episode 33This 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.Tom WalshDr Tom Walsh is a Lecturer in International Relations and Politics and a Middle East researcher at Northumbria University, and an Asso...
2023-11-0255 min
The IR thinkerMethodology & Foreign Policy Analysis - Eldad Ben-Aharon | 2023 Episode 32This 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.Eldad Ben-AharonDr Eldad Ben-Aharon is...
2023-10-1859 min
The IR thinkerThe Kremlin's Middle Eastern Chessboard - Daniel Rakov | 2023 Episode 31This 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 RakovDaniel Rakov is a specialist on Russian p...
2023-09-261h 01
The IR thinkerDrones: The Heart of Russia-Iran Relations? - Scholars of Tomorrow | 2023 Episode 30This 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 TomorrowScholars of Tomorrow is a panel of emerging researchers who bring fresh perspectives to these...
2023-09-191h 14
The IR thinkerWhy to Study International Relations (for Russian students) - Igor Suvorov | 2023 Episode 29In 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 be...
2023-09-0656 min
The IR thinkerRussian Energy Update 2023 - Tatiana Mitrova | 2023 Episode 28This 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.Tatiana MitrovaDr Tatiana Mitrova is a Research Fellow at the Center on Global Energy...
2023-08-291h 12
The IR thinkerTeaching Diplomatic Negotiation - Ida Manton | 2023 Episode 27This 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 MantonIda Manton is a researcher and trainer with more than 18 years of experience teaching diplomats, government off...
2023-08-241h 06
The IR thinkerEast Mediterranean Gas - Alexander Kislov | 2023 Episode 26This 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 KislovAlexander Kislov is a natural gas and LNG analyst with spe...
2023-08-221h 02
The IR thinkerNikolai Patrushev's Influence in Kremlin - Mark Galeotti | 2023 Episode 25This 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 GaleottiMark Galeotti is a British historian, lecturer and writer who specialises in transnational crime and Russian security affairs. He is dir...
2023-08-1755 min
The IR thinkerBelt and Road Initiative - Ivo Ganchev | 2023 Episode 24This 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.Ivo GanchevDr Ivo Ganchev is a London and Beijing based consultant, executive and specialist in International Relations who has a...
2023-08-141h 20
The IR thinkerIranian-Azeri-Israeli Geopolitics - Alexander Grinberg | 2023 Episode 23This 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 GrinbergAlexander 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 departm...
2023-08-0858 min
The IR thinkerSaudi Arabia Geopolitics - Aziz Alghashian | 2023 Episode 22This 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.Aziz AlghashianDr Aziz Alghashian is a Saudi scholar of Middle Eastern p...
2023-08-011h 17
The IR thinkerResearching Rich Russians - Elisabeth Schimpfössl | 2023 Episode 21This 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.Elisabeth SchimpfösslDr Elisabeth Schimpfössl is the author of the acclaimed book Rich Russians...
2023-07-271h 01
The IR thinkerArctic Geopolitics - Klaus Dodds | 2023 Episode 20This 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.Klaus DoddsProfessor Klaus Dodds is Executive Dean for the School of...
2023-07-2556 min
The IR thinkerIsrael and Cyberthreats - Chuck Freilich | 2023 Episode 19This 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 FreilichChuck 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...
2023-07-2042 min
The IR thinkerFukushima: It's Not Over Yet - Maxime Polleri | 2023 Episode 18This 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 PolleriMaxime 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 anthr...
2023-07-181h 03
The IR thinkerKazakhstan: Education & International Relations - Alberto Frigerio | 2023 Episode 17This 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.Alberto FrigerioDr Alberto Frigerio is an International Relations professor at Almaty Management Unive...
2023-07-121h 02
The IR thinkerWagner Group Unmasked - John Bruni | 2023 Episode 16This 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.John BruniDr John Bruni is a researcher, analyst and podcaster specialising in military and intelligence affairs, with regional expertise in the Middle East, North Eas...
2023-07-101h 09
The IR thinkerIsrael: Haredim versus Datiim - Michael Freedman | 2023 Episode 15This 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.HaredimThe 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.DatiimThe term “Dati” translates as “religious” and it is used to refer to “modern Orthodox” Jews or “religious Zionists”. Thi...
2023-07-061h 00
The IR thinkerSyria & 12 Years of War - Christopher Phillips | 2023 Episode 14This 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 PhillipsChristopher Phillips is Professor of International Relations at Queen Mary University of London...
2023-07-041h 16
The IR thinkerNew Russian Constitution - Petr Safronov | 2023 Episode 13This 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 SafronovPetr Safronov is a philosopher, education researcher and artist, currently a guest researcher at the University of Amsterdam. His work focuses on multidi...
2023-06-2957 min
The IR thinkerSerbia & Aleksandar Vucic - Vesko Garcevic | 2023 Episode 12 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 GarčevićVesko Garčević is a prominent Montenegrin diplomat who has served as Montenegro’s ambassador to NATO in Brussels, to the...
2023-06-261h 07
The IR thinkerDramatic Scottish Politics - Andrew Liddle | 2023 Episode 11This 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 LiddleAndrew Liddle is a writer, political analyst and historian whose work focuses on modern British and Scottish political history. His most recent book...
2023-06-221h 14
The IR thinkerKosovo Crisis 2023 - Helena Ivanov | 2023 Episode 10Recent 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?Helena Ivanov
2023-06-1550 min
The IR thinkerChinese Stratagem & Leadership - Hei Sing Tso | 2023 Episode 9This episode of The IR thinker explores whether Chinese political leadership can be better understood through the lens of the traditional Chinese stratagems, commonly known as the Thirty-Six Stratagems. The discussion examines how these historical and cultural concepts, expressed in proverbial form, continue to inform patterns of strategic thinking, decision-making and foreign policy in contemporary China, while also considering their limits as an interpretive framework.Hei Sing TsoHei Sing Tso is an independent scholar whose research focuses on traditional Chinese stratagems. Trained in law at the City University of Hong Kong and...
2023-06-1256 min
The IR thinkerDecoding Political Myths in Russia - Bo Petersson | 2023 Episode 8Academic research on political myth remains relatively sparse, and the literature that does exist is scattered across several disciplines, despite the influential work of Roland Barthes in Mythologies and earlier semiological insights by Ferdinand de Saussure. This episode of The IR thinker examines what political myth means in theory and how it operates in practice, focusing in particular on its role in legitimising power in contemporary Russia and shaping narratives around Vladimir Putin, Russian society and the war in Ukraine.Bo PeterssonBo Petersson is Professor of Political Science at Malmö University in t...
2023-05-0553 min
The IR thinkerStudents Shaping the World (Schwarzman Scholars) - Max Browning | 2023 Episode 7This episode of The IR thinker explores the role of students in international relations, focusing on their contribution to diplomacy and to problem-solving arenas such as international institutions and professional organisations. The discussion features Max Browning from Scotland, a recipient of the Schwarzman Scholars scholarship, which supports emerging global leaders.Max BrowningMax Browning is the Founder and Chairman of One Scotland, a charitable initiative bringing future leaders together through cultural exchange and collaboration at universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Aberdeen.He graduated from the University of Edin...
2023-02-2754 min
The IR thinkerTalking with Terrorists - Anne Speckhard | 2023 Episode 6A scholar who has interviewed more than 800 terrorists worldwide, helped to establish rehabilitation programmes in Iraq, and worked with leading international institutions to understand terrorism, extremism and hate crime, Dr Anne Speckhard brings a uniquely informed perspective to this discussion. This episode of The IR thinker features an in-depth conversation with Dr Speckhard on the drivers of terrorism and extremism, and the possibilities – and limits – of rehabilitation.Anne SpeckhardAnne Speckhard, PhD, is Director of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism (ICSVE), Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Georgeto...
2023-02-141h 01
The IR thinker Serbia - Russia: Energy & Politics - Vuk Vuksanovic | 2023 Episode 5In this episode of The IR thinker, the conversation turns to the complex relationship between Serbia and Russia, with a particular focus on energy, foreign policy and the limits of Russian influence in the Western Balkans. From gas and oil routes to soft power and security ties, the discussion unpacks how Belgrade navigates its position between Moscow and the West.Vuk VuksanovicDr Vuk Vuksanovic is a senior researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy and an associate at LSE IDEAS, the foreign policy think tank of the London School of Econ...
2023-02-041h 06
The IR thinker Expat's View on Japan - Maya Matsuoka | 2023 Episode 4 In this episode of The IR thinker, the discussion turns to Japan as seen through the eyes of long-term foreign residents, examining how expats perceive the country’s politics, society, demographics and place in global affairs.Maya MatsuokaI am joined by Maya Matsuoka, host of the talk show Japan Expert Insights, whose professional experience across education, travel and tourism, and IT in both Bulgaria and Japan offers a distinctive vantage point on contemporary Japan.Maya Matsuoka is a long-term resident of Japan. She has worked both in Bulgaria and J...
2023-01-3158 min
The IR thinker EU Between Law & Geopolitics - Luigi Lonardo | 2023 Episode 3 Recently, I came across an intriguing book title built around three keywords: “EU”, “Law” and “Geopolitics”. In 2022, the European Union’s foreign and security policy was subjected to a series of real-world tests at the intersection of these very themes. In this edition of The IR thinker, we explore what these developments reveal about the EU’s external action through the lenses of law and geopolitics: what can we learn about the Union’s foreign and security policies within these frameworks, and does the EU possess a sufficiently robust legal architecture to underpin its foreign policy in today’s shifting geopolitica...
2023-01-171h 01
The IR thinkerIndia's Role in BRICS - Junuguru Srinivas | 2023 Episode 2In this episode of The IR thinker, Prof. Srinivas analyses India’s role in BRICS, from its entry into the grouping to the evolution of its diplomacy under Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. The conversation explores the benefits and risks of BRICS for India, misconceptions about Indian diplomacy, and the ways in which domestic politics and the Indian diaspora shape New Delhi’s engagement with the bloc.Junuguru Srinivas is Assistant Professor at Woxsen University in Kamkole, India. He is also the Alina Mungiu Pippidi Professor of Public Policy and Co-Chairperson of the CoE–Public Policy Resear...
2023-01-101h 20
The IR thinkerRussian LNG in Europe - Andreas Schroeder | 2023 Episode 1By all accounts, 2023 will be a year of endless debates about energy relations between the European Union and Russia. On this edition of "The IR thinker", I am curious about Russian LNG in Europe, is it a sign of hypocrisy in the European Union or a smart Russian business move?I am joined by Andreas Schroeder, Head of Energy Analytics at ICIS – Independent Commodity Intelligence Services; a global company with 150 years of experience in delivering market intelligence. Andreas is a leading expert on LNG issues, and I highly recommend connecting with him on LinkedIn, where he po...
2023-01-0550 min