Thegeopoliticalpickle - Podcast Details

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The Geopolitical PickleEurope's Security Outlook. Keys from GLOBSEC 2025In June 2025 the city of Prague hosted GLOBSEC Forum 2025, one of the largest and most influencial security events in Europe. Our colleague Matt Heibel was there, and we will discuss with him the key takeaways from the event as well as the current security situation in Europe, the problems with a unified approach, and the perceptions shared by experts and politicians in the event. Mentioned past episodes: Sportswashing and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlevFjYfpIE https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bvbbHr1DcY0RVt...2025-07-0141 min

The Geopolitical PickleWhere is Global Trade Heading? with Antonia ColibasanuAntonia Colibasanu, author among other works of "Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Borderlands: A Study of a Changing Eurasia and Its Implications for Europe" comes to the podcast again to help us understand the current state of affairs in global trade. Tariffs, changes in alliances, uncertainty... These words are capital to understand today's state of global trade. In an era of apparent recession of liberalism for a kind of return to mercantilism and protectionism is important to undertand how did we get here, and what can we expect in the near future. Newsletter: https://substack.com...2025-06-051h 00

The Geopolitical PickleAustralia & Canada Electoral Shift - The Trump EffectAt the beginning of the year, polls were giving a strong victory to the conservative opposition in Canada and Australia ahead of their elections in May. Five months later, both states saw a sweeping majority for the incumbent center-left parties coming out of their elections in a historical 180-shift of the vote. And one name comes to the table, Donald Trump. Join us in the analysis of the impact of the first months of the new US administration in the electoral results of two of it's historically closest allies. Newsletter: https://substack.com/@the...2025-05-2740 min

The Geopolitical PickleAI Geopolitics - Unpacking the Game ChangerWe asked AI to help us understand how will Artificial Intelligence impact geopolitics! We explore how AI is reshaping global power structures, influencing international relations, redefining national security, and impacting democracy. From cybersecurity dilemmas to economic strategies and the impact on the battlefield, discover how different actors are navigating the AI revolution. Tune in for an episode that will challenge your perspectives and ignite thoughtful debate! #podcast #AI #Geopolitics #ChatGPT #DeepSeek #Economy 2025-04-1549 min

The Geopolitical PickleEU Defence Takes Off1 Trillion Euros. That's what the EU Comission is aiming to unlock in order to ramp-up it's defence industry. How did we get here? What is the current state of EU's collective defence? How does the future of NATO look like with the current Trump administration? Newsletter: https://substack.com/@thegeopoliticalpickle Disinformation Project: https://youtu.be/9TdDalo_XI0?si=pMOlJsPxu-CuW7rv All links: https://linktr.ee/thegeopoliticalpickle #Podcast #Geopolitics #EU #EUDefence #US #Russia #Military 2025-04-0243 min

The Geopolitical PickleTrump, Tariffs, and a lot of TroubleDonald Trump has taken the White House by storm from the first day, and bombarding national and international media with topics to cover. In today's episode we speak about Tariffs, what they are, and the possible reasons behind Trump's use of them against its own "allies". What do they represent for USA's relations with it's allies in the short and medium run? What geopolitical map is being drawn with them? Newsletter: https://substack.com/@thegeopoliticalpickle Disinformation Project: https://youtu.be/9TdDalo_XI0?si=pMOlJsPxu-CuW7rv All links: https://linktr.ee/thegeopoliticalpickle 2025-02-1234 min

The Geopolitical PickleCHRISTMAS SPECIAL - 2024 IN REVIEW: CLIMATE, SYRIA, TRUMP, GAZA, RUSSIA, AI, WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025...Christmas-End of the year-Whenever you watch it-Special Episode of The Geopolitical Pickle! This year was really eventful, and we wanted to have a more relaxed set up to comment it. In a unique episode, we talked about the year 2024 and some of the most important news that we received. From AI, to climate change, and obviosly Geopolitics with Syria, Russia, or USA. From The Geopolitical Pickle, we want to thank you all that have been with us in this 2024, and we wish you the best of luck on 2025. Cheers to you all! 2024-12-301h 55

The Geopolitical PickleBRICS and the WorldTGP is back! After Disinformation Project we are back with our normal format and today we discuss BRICS. What started as an acronym used by economists in the West to name the upcoming economic powers in the early 2000s has transformed into a series of summits where economy and geopolitics go hand in hand. Is it the beginning of a cohesive counterbalance to the US-led economic system? How have they developed and which countries are involved? Are these countries as close as some want to see? Newsletter: https://substack.com/@thegeopoliticalpickle Disinformation Project: ht...2024-12-1137 min

The Geopolitical PickleDISINFORMATION PROJECT 5. RUSSIAN INFLUENCE IN AFRICAIn this fourth episode we spoke with Dr. Susan Conrad from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung about the Russian influence in Africa in the last decade. From Central African Republic, to the disinformation campaigns in the Sahel, we explore the actions of Russia and its affiliated actors (Wagner Group) directed at gaining presence in Africa at the expense of the West's eroding presence and with the help of disinformation. The Disinformation Project is created by The Geopolitical Pickle in collaboration with Masters in Geopolitics at Charles University, Prague. This podcast series is within the wider project "A...2024-11-2423 min

The Geopolitical PickleDISINFORMATION PROJECT 4. THE SAHEL & EAST AFRICAIn this fourth episode we talked with Will Brown, a former journalist and current Senior Policy Fellow of the European Council of Foreign Relations, about the evolution of the socio-political landscape of the Sahel and East Africa. Starting with a background of the situation of both regions, we will explore the grievances against French position in the Sahel and how have disinformation campaigns shaped the perception of the public and military spheres to be positive towards Russia. The Disinformation Project is created by The Geopolitical Pickle in collaboration with Masters in Geopolitics at Charles University, P...2024-11-1735 min

The Geopolitical PickleDISINFORMATION PROJECT 3: UNDERSTANDING DISINFORMATION ON THE GROUND.This is the third episode looking at Disinformation in Africa. Today we talk with Nicolas Henin, a journalist who has extensively covered the Iraq War and the Syrian Civil War. He has now moved his focus onto Disinformation activities in Africa as part of the group (Mis)Translating Deceit. With this background he gives us a great understanding of the current situation on the ground in Africa and how disinformation has been used by some actors to undermine democracy. . . . . The Disinformation Project is created by The Geopolitical Pickle in...2024-10-2737 min

The Geopolitical PickleDISINFORMATION PROJECT 2: MEDIA LANDSCAPE IN AFRICAIn this second episode we interviewed Salem Solomon, Senior Editor at Voice of America (VOA) in its Africa Division. Salem will give us an overview of the media landscape in Africa. She explained us that Africa is a massive continent with different realities, and with a complicated record regarding press freedom. The introduction of social media has also impacted the landscape on the continent, making information more accessible to the population while introducing disinformation at a large scale. Join us for this amazing interview! . . . . Disinformation P...2024-10-2053 min

The Geopolitical PickleDISINFORMATION PROJECT 1: INTRODUCTION TO DISINFORMATION IN AFRICAIn this first episode we interviewed Mark Duerksen, from Africa Center for Strategic Studies. Mark has been part of the project "Mapping the Surge of Disinformation in Africa" from ACSS, where they analyzed the disinformation landscape of Africa, mapping where did disinformation campaigns take place and who run them. Link to the project: https://africacenter.org/spotlight/mapping-a-surge-of-disinformation-in-africa/ Join us for an insightful talk about how do disinformation campaigns work in Africa, where do they take place, and how to address them. . . . Disinformation Project is created by...2024-10-1333 min

The Jay Martin ShowChina vs USA: How China has been SILENTLY taking over Africa for 15 yearsWelcome to the Jay Martin Show. Today, Jay speaks with geopolitical expert Ronan Wordsworth about the intensifying competition for resources and influence in Africa. They discuss how China’s initial dominance in Africa through investments in infrastructure and natural resources has met challenges, as other nations now scramble for access to the continent's critical minerals. They also explore military dynamics in the South Pacific, with China ramping up assertiveness in response to economic struggles and regional shifts, and touch on U.S.-China tensions regarding Taiwan. Wordsworth offers insights into the strategic consequences of these geopolitical maneuvers and the po...2024-10-131h 01

The Geopolitical PickleKursk, China and ATACMS. Ukraine-Russia rages on30 months on, the battle continues as Ukraine resists Russia's invasion. Today we are joined by Ridvan Bari Urcosta to discuss the current situation in Ukraine and how it is likely to evolve. What is the reason behind Ukraine's Kursk counter-operation and how are Ukrainian frontlines in the Donbas holding up? What could be the implications of USA allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles like ATACMS in Russia? Is there a diplomatic way out of the conflict? Sign up for the upcoming Seminar "A Surge of Disinformation in Africa. Countering Authoritarian Narratives in Geopolitical Hotspots Across Africa" on 27/9 i...2024-09-2356 min

The Geopolitical PickleVenezuela: Elections, Sanctions, & ChaosRecent elections in Venezuela have brought back memories of 2018 when many countries recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó, and an opposing bloc recognised incumbent Nicolás Maduro. This time following disputed elections, supporters of the opposition and leader Edmundo González claim they won the election in a landslide and can prove it with a tally of the votes. Find out how the situation has developed, and the regional and global implications, as well as an introduction to the use of sanctions on Venezuela and evaluation of their effectiveness. Stay tuned for the next episode for a si...2024-08-1334 min

The Geopolitical PickleUnravelling the BRICS Elections: India & South AfricaTwo of the BRICS member democracies had elections over May and June this year. The two countries are regional and global powerhouses. South Africa for the first time since the end of apartheid did not have an ANC majority, while for India, the predictions of a Modi supermajority also failed to come to pass. What impact will these two elections have on their region, BRICS, and the global geopolitical picture? To help understand, Senior Director at the New Lines Institute Kamran Bokhari (@KamranBokhari) joins us to talk through the situation in India at the outlook for the f...2024-07-2346 min

The Geopolitical PickleJapan set to join AUKUS?Japan has recently shown an interest in joining AUKUS pillar two, the trilateral military-technological agreement between Australia, UK and USA. Although they are allies, Australia and UK seem hesitant, while the US, Japan's closest ally has been very supportive of the move. Is Japan joining AUKUS a real possibility, what can Tokyo bring to the table, and how would it affect regional security? #AUKUS #Japan #PacificSecurity #Geopolitics #SouthChinaSea 2024-07-0224 min

The Geopolitical PickleNuclear War in SpaceOn 21st May, the Pentagon said that Russia had launched an anti-satellite weapon into space. This followed the February announcement that US intelligence believed that Moscow was developing a weapon of mass destruction or nuclear weapon to be used in space against foreign satellites. Do these threats usher in a new space race and what could that mean for the future of warfare, security, and the access and usage of space? 2024-06-1825 min

The Geopolitical PickleNew Caledonia in the spotlightLast month, riots broke out in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia - a small island grouping in the Pacific Ocean. These riots were in response to a French law that would give more people the right to vote on any future independence referendums on the territory. How does New Caledonia fit into France, why is it geopolitically important, and who are the interesting actors that are said to be involved in supporting the rioters amidst their quest for independence? 2024-06-0530 min

The Geopolitical PickleWhat the US departure means for NigerIn July 2023, government troops stormed the capital Niamey in Niger, ousting the elected President and siezing power. Since then, the military regime in Niger has requested that the US troops pack up and leave their territory, leaving behind the US's largest drone base in the world in Agadez. Tune in as we explore how this will effect regional geopolitics and Washington's efforts to fight counter insurgencies and Islamic jihadist groups across the region. The Geopolitical Pickle is back and will be producing new content for you over the coming months. Stay tuned for more details on our...2024-05-2134 min

The Geopolitical PickleGaza - Israel Regional Impact and ForecastIsrael has launched an all-out-war against Hamas in Gaza in the aftermath of the Oct 7th attack, and there are many implications of it. In this episode our hosts talked about the current situation in the ground and the effects that it has in the Middle East and the world. How will it affect Israel's relation with its allies? What repercussions will the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have to global trade? What future there is for the Gaza Strip and its people? Let us know what you think. #Gaza #Israe...2023-12-2140 min

The Geopolitical PickleIs Captagon behind Syrian rapprochementSyria has been brought back from the cold in the Middle East, with some diplomatic relations restored and invitation back into the fold of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League. Is the surging Captagon trade behind this over decade long isolation coming to an end? Join us as we talk with Caroline Rose (@CarolineRose8), Director of the Strategic Blind Spots Portfolio at the New Lines Institute and leader of the Special Captagon Trade Project. 2023-11-1044 min

The Geopolitical PickleWhat’s driving coups in West Africa?Welcome back to The Geopolitical Pickle. In this episode, we venture into the heart of West Africa, where a series of military coups have sent shockwaves through the region. This summer witnessed coups in Niger and Gabon, adding to a growing list of military takeovers, particularly in former French colonies. But what's striking is the emergence of what experts are calling the new "Coup Belt." This belt not only carries a distinct anti-French sentiment but also features pro-Russian coup leaders and calls for the withdrawal of Western forces from the ground. To make sense of...2023-10-1246 min

The Geopolitical PickleUnrecognized States - What are they?What are the conditions for statehood? What determines whether a state will be internationally recognized? Is international recognition needed? What does it depend on? Join us on this debate as we explore the world of Unrecognized States and discuss their similarities and differences of entities such as The Holy See, Somaliland, Kosovo and Bougainville. Follow us on every platform for more content. 2023-06-2252 min

The Geopolitical PickleThe Japanese Ambassador on security in Japan and East AsiaHow is the security situation in East Asia evolving? How does Japan see its geopolitical position as part of this given the emerging threats of Russia and China? Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic, discusses the challenges and opportunities that Japan sees in its region and beyond. Follow us on social media! FB - The Geopolitical Pickle IG - @thegeopoliticalpickle TW - @thegeopickle 2023-06-0741 min

The Geopolitical PickleUkraine - May Update and Perspectives to the FutureBefore winter we released an episode analyzing the situation in the war in Ukraine and its geopolitical aspects. Now, in late spring 2023, we update again the current situation and assess the potential outcomes of the conflic. This time we are joined by Ridvan Bari Urcosta, expert in the Black Sea region, Russia, Ukraine and Middle East and analyst for Geopolitical Futures and Strategy & Future. The interview with Ridvan Bari Urcosta was recorded on 17th May. Follow us on every platform for more weekly content. 2023-05-2756 min

The Geopolitical PickleGeoeconomics and Europe’s energy securityIn this episode we are joined by Geopolitical Futures Chief Operating Officer and lecturer on international relations at the Romanian National University of Political Studies and Public Administration Antonia Colibasanu. Starting with an introduction to Geoeconomics, find out what the terms mean, how Europe is vulnerable, and the interplay between economics and geopolitics that shape all international relations. 2023-05-0452 min

The Geopolitical PickleIraq: 20 Years onOn March 20th 2003 the USA and the UK, alongside other allied countries invaded Iraq in order to remove Saddam Hussein and put an end to his program producing Weapons of Mass Destruction. Saddam was overthrown, but the weapons were never found. 20 years since the first troops landed in Iraq, the invasion and subsequent insurgency and political turmoil reshaped the entire Middle East and the foreign policy of the US. Recent developments in the beginning of 2023 however, may point at stabilization of relations between regional competitors. 2023-04-1350 min

The Geopolitical PickleSouth Africa’s Woes and SADCSouth Africa is undergoing a disastrous energy shortage crippling the economy and stirring unrest. Join us as we talk with ex-ANC spokesperson Isaac Mashaba about what is behind the current national disaster. With elections due in 2024, what are the future prospects for the party of Nelson Mandela and how could the impacts be felt across the SADC region. 2023-03-1445 min

The Geopolitical PickleAUKUS & Nuclear ProliferationHow could AUKUS and nuclear submarines jeopradise the future of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)? Listen to expert Sébastien Philippe (@seb6philippe) as he weighs in on this potential threat to the 1968 treaty and the serious implications for our future. 2023-02-2837 min

The Geopolitical PickleMake Královec Czech AgainKrálovec is a historic territory located where current day Kaliningrad stands - a strategically vital part of modern day Russia. What's the deal with the region and how does it relate to the current war in Ukraine? Find out about exclaves, how they are governed from their home territory, and more with special guest Bohumil Doboš (@BohumilDobos) of Charles University. 2023-02-1427 min

The Geopolitical Pickle2022 Year in Review - Part 2Welcome back to the second part of our 2022 year in review. If you haven't listened to the first part, we suggest that you do that first. In this two part series we aim to break down some of the major developments across the world including of course the war and its ramifications as well as some of the other big stories that may have been overshadowed due to the ongoing conflict. This episode covers Southern Africa and Asia, as well as looking at some of the effects of climate change and developments in the Cyber an...2022-12-2943 min

The Geopolitical Pickle2022 Year in Review - Part 12022 has been a crazy year with huge geopolitical developments around the globe in the midst of the first large scale war on the European continent since WW2. In this two part series we aim to break down some of the major developments across the world including of course the war and its ramifications as well as some of the other big stories that may have been overshadowed due to the ongoing conflict. This first episode covers Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and West Africa. I am sure there i...2022-12-2253 min

The Geopolitical PickleSportswashing and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in QatarThe Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup has put the focus on a phenomenom called "sportswashing". Today we will talk about how sports are used by actors as a form of soft-power to create an image to the world. Is the World Cup an example of sportswashing? How does it fit into the historical context which has played out through the 20th Century? Tune in to hear our discussion on sportswashing spanning a multitude of sports and different eras, how sport can play on people's emotions to create memories, and how how it's increasingly become an arena where geopolitical...2022-12-131h 10

The Geopolitical PickleCharles University’s Geopolitical Conference roundtableWe are back at the 11th Annual Geopolitical Conference in Charles University, Prague, and this time with three of the speakers of the event: Dr. Peter Eltsov, Mr. Eeben Barlow and Dr. Bohumil Dobos. In this panel-discussion, they each gave us their thoughts on the present and future of the international order in the wake of the war in Ukraine. Organized by the MA in Geopolitical Studies, this year's conference topics delved on the Power Shifts on the Contemporary World. If you want to know more about the conference and the MA in G...2022-12-0625 min

The Geopolitical PickleA crash course on the Brazilian electionsBrazil is a massive country of over 200 million people and 8.5 million km2, the 5th largest in the world. Because of it's massive size and richness, it is the major international player in South America by far, and has historically had an important position in the international arena. Today, we´re joined by Felipe Simoni from Espetinho Internacional. We dive into the latest electoral results in Brazil, where the leftist candidate and Former President Lula da Silva defeated by a narrow margin President Bolsonaro from the far-right. We discuss the current political situation, the reasons behind the...2022-11-291h 21

The Geopolitical PickleEvolution of the Arms Industry during the war in UkraineThe war in Ukraine has signified a massive shift in European defence thinking as well as the arms industry required to defend the EU and NATO in the eventuality of a war on the continent. In this episode we interview Tomáš Kopečný, Deputy Minister for Defence Industrial Cooperation, Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. He gives us insights on the military aid given to Ukraine from the West in the wake of the Russian invasion and how it has developed. We also touched upon the use of drones in modern warfare, the global position of the...2022-11-2245 min

The Geopolitical PickleIs there a far right populist wave sweeping across Europe?After the elections in Italy and Sweden, many media outlets and people in general have raised their concerns about the far-right gaining quotas of power in the EU. Some analysts are seeing these and other electoral results, as well as certain public speeches all over the EU, as a far-right wave that might threaten the current established system. Today we debate about this, and we pose several questions: What is Populism? What characterizes the far-right in the EU? Are these parties a homogenous force? And finally, is there actually a far-right wave in Europe? ...2022-11-1557 min

The Geopolitical PickleWhat role does Political Islam play in Middle East and Africa?We are back with Hussein Solomon, Head of the Department of Political Sciences of the University of the Free State and author of numerous books and articles on Political Islam and jihadist groups. This is part two of our conversation, so we recommend you listen to part one before this one. We move the focus onto the role Political Islam in the current power struggle for the Middle East, as well as the impact of this power struggle in Africa and beyond. The conversation isn't just about politics, as Prof. Solomon s...2022-11-0835 min

The Geopolitical PickleThe growing threat of Jihadist groups across AfricaWe are back with Hussein Solomon, Head of the Department of Political Sciences of the University of the Free State and author of numerous books on jihadism and Political Islam. Today, we look at different jihadi groups across West Africa in Mali, Chad and Burkina Faso, as well as other groups operating in Somalia and Mozambique. Recorded 19/09/2022 Follow as on every platform! Instagram: @thegeopoliticalpickle Twitter: @thegeopickle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGeoPickle The Geopolitical Pickle jar i...2022-11-0139 min

The Geopolitical PickleHow will winter look for Ukraine and Russia?Today we take a deep dive into Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine with geopolitical insights into the current situation. Winter is fast approaching in Ukraine which is traditionally characterised by freezing temperatures and plenty of snow. How will the war evolve through this period? We make some predictions which we can look back on early next year to see how accurate (or inaccurate!) we both were. Let us know how you see the conflict developing by getting in touch here. Recorded 24th October 2022 2022-10-2638 min

The Geopolitical PickleHow has Russias Invasion of Ukraine been felt across AfricaThis episode is the second part of our interview with International Crisis Group's Senior Southern African correspondent @PiersPigou so if you haven't listened to part 1, we recommend you do that first. Today we talk about the current political situation in Zimbabwe in the lead up to 2023 elections as well as the fallout from Russia's war in Ukraine across Africa. Some countries have shown an unwillingness to condemn Russia in UN resolutions - why? The interview was first recorded in July 2022. Let us know your thoughts! 2022-10-1822 min

The Geopolitical PickleISIS in Mozambique, PMCs, and the role of International Crisis GroupToday's episode is the first of two parts where we spoke with International Crisis Group's Senior Southern African correspondent Piers Pigou. We cover a range of topics including the organisation's mission, Private Military Contractors across Africa and the current security situation in Mozambique and more widely, the African continent. You can find Piers on Twitter @PiersPigou to follow the latest updates. Part 2 of the interview will be out next week 2022-10-1140 min

The Geopolitical PickleTurkey’s unique position in the worldIn today's episode, we discuss Turkey's position as a land bridge between Europe and the Middle East and its natural geographic advantages. Turkey plays a prominent role in the international arena as a geopolitical actor. We debate the countries motives, strengths and weaknesses and Erdogan's attempt at positioning the country under his leadership. We are joined by Milos Dangubic @mdang44 and Federico Capari @federicocaprari As always get in touch and let us know what you think about Turkey's actions at: https://linktr.ee/thegeopoliticalpickle 2022-10-0440 min

The Geopolitical PickleAfrica’s forgotten country - Western SaharaIn this episode, we talk to the Ambassador of Western Sahara (or Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic - SADR) to South Africa on the current geopolitical situation of the territory from their own perspective. Ambassador Mohamed Yeslem Beissat explains the views of the Saharawi people and their fight for international recognition and the ongoing disputes with neighboring Morocco. Join us for this fascinating discussion on a lesser known geopolitical topic. For more information on the Geopolitical Pickle and to get in touch, find us on all major social media platforms at: linktr.ee/thegeopoliticalpickle 2022-09-2827 min

The Geopolitical PickleSweden and Finland in NATO - A good thing?Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland, two historically neutral Scandinavian countries, both moved quickly to apply to join NATO. Listen in for a background on why, and join the debate as we list some pros and cons of the two countries accession bids. Let us know if you agree or disagree by getting in touch at: https://linktr.ee/thegeopoliticalpickle 2022-09-1333 min

The Geopolitical PickleWhat in the world is Geopolitics?Dive into the world of practical geopolitics with Dr Bohumil Dobos (https://twitter.com/BohumilDobos) of Charles University, including a background explanation of what geopolitics is and how it affects the world around us. For more information about a Masters in Geopolitics:(https://geopolitics.fsv.cuni.cz/GEO-4.html) For more information on the Geopolitical Pickle: https://linktr.ee/thegeopoliticalpickle 2022-09-0630 min