The IR thinker

This episode of The IR thinker explores Israel’s evolving cyber threat landscape and the international implications of its rise as a leading cyber power. The discussion considers the balance between security and civil liberties, the impact of regional and global geopolitics on Israel’s cyber strategy, and insights from Professor Chuck Freilich’s 2023 book on the country’s cybersecurity evolution.Chuck 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 Israel Makes National Security Policy, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change and Israel and the Cyber Threat: How the Startup Nation Became a Global Cyber Power. A senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv and the MirYam Institute, he has also served as a senior analyst at the Israel Ministry of Defense, policy adviser to a cabinet minister and delegate at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations, and is a frequent commentator in international media on Middle Eastern and security affairs.Content00:00 - Introduction02:13 - Overview of Israel’s Cyber Threat Landscape in 202303:14 - A Decade’s Evolution in Cybersecurity05:54 - Significant Recent Cyberattacks on Israel09:29 - Current Predominant Cyber Threats Faced by Israel10:07 - Strengthening Israel’s Cybersecurity Framework12:14 - The Private Sector’s Role in Bolstering Israel’s Cybersecurity15:00 - Israel’s Stance on Foreign Technologies and Solutions17:54 - Israel’s Global Cooperation in Cyber Threat Intelligence19:49 - The Rising Interest and Shortage in Israel’s Cybersecurity Sector21:03 - Economic Implications of Cybersecurity in Israel23:05 - Geopolitics and Diplomacy: Their Impact on Israel’s Cybersecurity25:11 - The Iranian Cyber Threat: An Analysis26:52 - Unpacking Chinese Cyberattacks on Israel28:05 - The Inspiration Behind a New Book on Israeli Cybersecurity29:25 - The Utilisation of International Theory in Chuck’s Book31:25 - Tackling the Most Challenging Chapter32:42 - Embracing Academic Freedom in Israel35:47 - Balancing Defensive and Offensive Cyber Policies36:51 - Understanding Israel’s Civil and Military Cyber Strategies39:28 - A Sneak Peek into Chuck’s Upcoming Book40:20 - The State of the Academic Cybersecurity Community in Israel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The IR thinker revisits the Fukushima disaster, examining its diplomatic repercussions, its impact on global energy policy, and the transformation of Japan’s nuclear research and governance. The discussion also addresses the controversy surrounding the release of treated radioactive water, the Japanese government’s crisis communication, the lived experience of those affected, and the wider lessons for managing radioactive sites worldwide.Maxime 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 anthropologist of science and technology, he studies the governance of disasters and waste with a particular focus on nuclear issues. Dr Polleri is a Network Affiliate at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University, where he previously held MacArthur Nuclear Security pre and postdoctoral fellowships, and is a member of MITATE Lab, an international research programme on Fukushima.Content00:00 - Introduction to the Discussion02:09 - Diplomatic Repercussions of the Fukushima Disaster09:42 - Response of Expats in Japan to the Fukushima Disaster11:28 - The Impact of Fukushima on Global Energy Policies21:40 - Post-Fukushima Nuclear Research & Development in Japan25:46 - Evaluating the State of Nuclear Knowledge in Japan28:46 - Comparing Japanese Society Pre- and Post-Fukushima37:15 - International Oversight of Japanese Nuclear Facilities40:00 - The Controversy of Fukushima’s Radioactive Water Release44:24 - Understanding the Process of Radioactive Water Release45:25 - Real-Life Experiences with Radioactive Water Release47:04 - Assessing the Quality of Japanese Government’s Crisis Communication52:47 - Lessons for Humanity from the Fukushima Disaster58:22 - Management of Radioactive Sites Worldwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The IR thinker explores the evolution of higher education in Kazakhstan, from the arrival of foreign universities and shifts in language policy to state support for innovation, digitalisation and the internationalisation of PhD programmes. The discussion examines the influence of Islam, the role of the Kazakh diaspora, education as a form of soft power, the state of academic freedom and the politicisation of academia, before outlining three key reforms needed for the sector’s future development.Alberto FrigerioDr Alberto Frigerio is an International Relations professor at Almaty Management University, with more than a decade of teaching experience in Kazakhstan. He is a recipient of the 2022 CEEMAN Responsible Management Educator award and is noted for consistently strong teaching evaluations. Dr Frigerio is the author of Dystopian World, Казахстан в мультивселенной 21 века: шесть дилемм для определения его будущего пути, International Cultural Heritage Conventions and the Central Asian Region: Current Framework and Future Perspectives, and a series of publications on global challenges and sustainability.Content00:00 - Introduction02:03 - Evolution of Higher Education in Kazakhstan: A Three-Phase View07:21 - Local Response to Foreign Universities in Kazakhstan09:27 - Predominant Languages of Study in Kazakhstan11:37 - Government Support for Higher Education Innovations13:32 - A Comparative Analysis: Private vs Public Universities15:16 - Bolashak Scholarship: An Overview20:21 - Global Interest in Kazakh Higher Education: A Perspective23:08 - Influence of International Students in Kazakhstan27:49 - PhD Programmes: The Influx of International Students30:04 - Religion and Education: The Islamic Influence in Kazakhstan33:00 - Challenges Encountered by International Students36:42 - Engaging with the Kazakh Diaspora: An Exploration40:21 - Knowledge Transfer Mechanisms to the Kazakh Government43:12 - Education as a Tool for Soft Power46:56 - Digitalisation Drive in Kazakhstan50:05 - Intersection of Geography, Civil Society, and Sustainability53:27 - Student Interest in International Relations55:33 - Evaluating the State of Academic Freedom57:52 - Politicisation of Academia in Kazakhstan: A Critical Insight59:29 Three Essential Educational Reforms Needed in Kazakhstan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The IR thinker offers a detailed examination of the Wagner Group, tracing its emergence, leadership and overseas operations, and assessing its performance and limitations in the war in Ukraine. The conversation considers what Wagner’s methods reveal about Russian military strategy, explores the group’s mutiny and seizure of Rostov-on-Don, and discusses the wider implications for Russia’s armed forces, security services and political system.John BruniDr John Bruni is a researcher, analyst and podcaster specialising in military and intelligence affairs, with regional expertise in the Middle East, North East Asia and the South Pacific. His work focuses on defence procurement, terrorism and counter terrorism, United States strategic policy, geospatial intelligence and the proliferation of ballistic missiles. A former lecturer at the University of Adelaide, he has contributed analysis to Jane’s and serves as a non-resident fellow at TRENDS Research and Advisory in Abu Dhabi. He is also the CEO and founder of SAGE International, an independent Australian think tank dedicated to defence, space, security and international relations.Content00:00 - Introduction01:54 - Wagner Group’s Inception & Dmitry Utkin’s Role04:47 - Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Story06:24 - Dmitry Utkin’s Current Status07:38 - Wagner Group’s Overseas Assignments11:07 - Wagner Group’s Travelling & Membership Details14:37 - Procurement & Profitability of Wagner Group16:31 - Comparing Wagner Group with Western Military Contractors19:02 - The Principle of ‘Plausible Deniability’21:44 - Putin’s Acknowledgement of Wagner Group’s Funding & Ownership25:27 - Expectations from Wagner Group and Russian Army in Ukraine28:05 - Coordination Between Wagner Group and Russian Army in Ukraine29:37 - Perception of Wagner Group by High Ranking Russian Military Officers34:14 - Strengths and Weaknesses of Wagner Group36:59 - Lessons Learnt by the Collective West in Ukraine45:25 - Potential Successors of Wagner Group in Ukraine49:46 - Non-destruction of Western Supply Routes in Ukraine: Why?53:01 - Russian Airspace Penetration: How and Why?56:01 - Wagner Group’s Seizure of Rostov on Don Airbase59:57 - Bizarre Tactics of Russian Airforce in Ukraine01:00:35 - Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD)01:02:41 - Connection Between Wagner Group and FSB01:04:51 - Future Impact & Scenarios: Wagner Group and Belarus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The IR thinker examines how two key religious communities in Israel, Haredim and Datiim, understand and relate to the State of Israel, its institutions and its policies.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”. This group also adheres to Jewish law, but they are generally more integrated into mainstream society than Haredim, and they have a positive outlook on the State of Israel, often viewing its establishment and continued existence as part of a divine plan.Michael FreedmanMichael Freedman is an assistant professor (lecturer) in political science at the University of Haifa, where he is affiliated with the Political Behaviour Lab and the Haifa Data Science Research Center. He received his PhD in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2019.Publications:No Longer Sacred: Religious Post-Zionist Beliefs about the State of IsraelVote with your rabbi: The electoral effects of religious institutions in IsraelContent00:00 - Introduction02:23 - ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’: Divergent Approaches to the State of Israel04:59 - Cohabitation of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ in Urban Areas07:43 - What Drives the More Pragmatic Approach of ‘Haredim’ Towards the State of Israel?09:23 - The Possibility of ‘Haredim’ Women Pursuing Political Careers10:45 - Understanding Gender Roles and Labour Participation Among ‘Haredim’ Women12:06 - What Influences the ‘Datiim’ Approach to the State of Israel and the Gaza Strip?16:03 - To What Extent Can Israel be Defined as a Religious State?20:08 - The Prospects for ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Serving in the Israeli Army22:12 - Avoiding Mandatory Service in the Israeli Army?24:18 - The Potential for Non-Jewish People to Serve in the Israeli Army25:53 - The Religious Identity of the Israeli Government in 202329:13 - The Dynamics of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Political Support Among Religious Groups32:43 - The Demand for a New Political Party in Israel34:50 - International and Foreign Policy Perspectives on Tensions Between ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’36:28 - The Feasibility of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Serving as Israeli Ambassadors Abroad37:43 - Envisioning an Ideal Political Model for the State of Israel39:23 - Evaluating the Degree of Democracy in Israel: The Impact of Judicial Reform44:06 - The Motivation Behind Governmental Efforts to Strip Courts of Certain Competencies, and the Associated Protests48:25 - Does the Judicial Reform Unite or Divide the ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’?49:18 - Identifying Political Common Ground Between ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’50:50 - The Response of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ to the Covid-19 Pandemic52:49 - The Presence of ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ at Universities55:38 - Where to Find ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Scholars?58:06 - Accessing ‘Haredim’ and ‘Datiim’ Communities for Research Purposes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The IR thinker returns to Syria more than a decade after the outbreak of war, asking what the country looks like today, who exercises control on the ground, and how regional and external powers shape its future. The discussion addresses the evolution of ISIS and other jihadist groups, President Bashar al-Assad’s position, the roles of Turkey, Russia and Iran, Syria’s readmission to the Arab League, and the wider idea of a “new Middle East”.Christopher PhillipsChristopher Phillips is Professor of International Relations at Queen Mary University of London, specialising in the politics and international relations of the Middle East. Having lived in Syria for several years, he continues to engage closely with the region through regular research trips. Professor Phillips has published widely in leading academic journals and also writes for major international outlets such as The Guardian, The Washington Post and The Atlantic.Publications:What Next for Britain in the Middle East?Everyday Arab IdentityThe Battle for SyriaBattlegroundFrom revolutions to rapprochement: The end of the ‘2011 era’ in the Middle East?Northern Syria has become Erdogan’s punchbagThe international system and the Syrian civil warThe Arabism Debate and the Arab Uprisings‘What is in a Name?’: The Role of (Different) Identities in the Multiple Proxy Wars in SyriaContent00:00 - Introduction02:06 - Islamic State (ISIS) and Syria in 202306:46 - Al-Qaeda, ISIS in Syria and Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham13:41 - President Bashar al-Assad and Terrorists19:38 - President Bashar al-Assad Tactics and the Opposition22:00 - Who is Fighting in Syria in 2023?29:45 - Turkey’s Goals in Syria37:13 - Russia, Iran & Syria51:00 - The Concept of ‘2011 era’ / Syrian Reacceptance to the Arab League58:47 - Western Reaction to the Arab League Decision to Reaccept Syria01:01:40 - Western Sanctions on Syria01:06:47 - The Concept of ‘New Middle East’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The IR thinker examines a proposed new Russian constitution developed under the leadership of Dr Petr Safronov and grounded in republican political philosophy. The discussion considers why a new constitutional framework is being advanced, the core values and institutional reforms it envisages, and what a republican reconfiguration of Russia’s legal order, separation of powers and federal structure might mean for the country’s future.Petr SafronovPetr Safronov is a philosopher, education researcher and artist, currently a guest researcher at the University of Amsterdam. His work focuses on multidisciplinary projects at the intersection of scholarship, educational design and the arts, undertaken with partners such as the Oxford Russia Foundation, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, EdTech firms, private schools and social entrepreneurs. He publishes in both Russian and English on philosophy, education studies and history.You can preview a new draft of the constitution.Content00:00 Introduction02:13 Reasons and Driving Force Behind the Project03:20 People Supporting the Project04:36 Role of Republican Political Philosophy05:56 Current Russian Constitution07:20 Issue With ‘Federation’08:40 Position of the Current Russian Constitution Within the Legal System10:28 Three Proposed Values and Principles16:18 Why Should Russia be a Republic?20:21 Can Russia Use Current State Infrastructure to Build a Republic?22:42 Russia Needs Working Institutions24:40 Why Should Be the Russian Constitutional Court Abolished?27:30 Russian Orthodox Church and Secularity30:31 Balanced Religious Perspective32:00 Energy Security in Russia35:32 Academic Freedom39:34 Getting Russian Citizenship by ‘ius soli’41:25 Auditing Regional Budgets42:50 Federative Treaty46:29 Role of the President48:07 Foreign Policy50:51 Symbols of Russia52:00 How to Implement All Provisions of the New Constitution?53:20 Other Drafts of Russian Constitution55:30 Is It Possible to Reform Russia Without New Constitution? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 OSCE in Vienna, and to Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, playing an active role during the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Montenegro’s democratic transition. He has taken part in leading international security forums, including the German Marshall Fund’s Brussels Forum, the Munich Security Conference and the Halifax International Security Forum, and is Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies.Content00:00 - Introduction02:28 - Serbian Foreign Policy During Aleksandar Vučić Era03:23 - Four Pillars of Serbian Foreign Policy04:57 - Which Pillar is the Strongest One?10:23 - What Does Kosovo Mean to Aleksandar Vučić?19:39 - Aleksandar Vučić Vision24:37 - Greater Serbia Concept28:33 - Manipulation of Masses31:38 - Does the European Union Understand Serbia?36:14 - Is the BRICS an Alternative for Aleksandar Vučić?39:49 - Latest Security Updates45:28 - Chinese Military Base in Serbia, a Realistic Scenario?49:06 - Turkey, Cuba and Venezuela53:02 - Why is Aleksandar Vučić Still in Power?56:59 - Weak Points of Aleksandar Vučić1:02:17 - Being a Diplomat During Aleksandar Vučić Era Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The IR thinker examines the evolving landscape of Scottish politics in the decade since the 2014 independence referendum, with particular attention to the Scottish National Party, the repercussions of Brexit and the enduring question of independence. The discussion explores the relationship between Holyrood and Westminster, and considers how debates over energy, investment, immigration and poverty shape Scotland’s future within, or potentially outside, the United Kingdom.Andrew LiddleAndrew Liddle is a writer, political analyst and historian whose work focuses on modern British and Scottish political history. His most recent book, Cheers, Mr Churchill!: Winston in Scotland, has been internationally recognised for its meticulous research and insightful examination of Churchill’s relationship with Scotland.Content00:00 - Introduction01:39 - Scottish Political Landscape After 201403:58 - Who Initiated the Scottish Referendum?06:28 - Scottish National Party09:08 - Scottish National Party: Older vs. Younger Generations10:53 - Other Political Parties in Scotland14:47 - Scottish Green Party & Liberals17:06 - Scottish Parliament21:02 - Should the Scottish Parliament Have More Competencies?23:46 - Scottish Parliament and British Parliament26:53 - Brexit and Scottish Independence Movement31:09 - Scottish Independence: Security Issues33:49 - What Comes After the Referendum?36:15 - Would the UK National Referendum be an Option for Scotland?38:25 - Is There a Scottish Passport?39:58 - Nicola Sturgeon45:07 - Has Nicola Sturgeon Left Any Political Legacy?48:16 - Was Nicola Sturgeon Focusing Too Much on Scottish Independence?51:27 - Humza Yousaf55:00 - Other Scottish Political Leaders58:01 - Scottish Energy Security and New Projects1:01:21 - International Investment to Scottish Energy Sector1:02:46 - What Should be Improved to Attract More Investment to Scotland?1:04:52 - Scottish Economic Diplomacy1:06:32 - Immigration Issues in Scotland1:10:22 - Poverty in Scotland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent tensions, in 2023, between Serbia and Kosovo have flared anew following a raid by Kosovo police on Serb-majority areas in the north of the region, including the seizure of local municipal buildings. The operation sparked violent clashes between Kosovo police and NATO-led peacekeepers on one side and local Serbs on the other, leaving dozens injured on both sides. In response, Serbia has raised the combat readiness of its troops stationed near the border. These developments prompt a troubling question: are we witnessing a return to the politics and atmosphere of war?Helena IvanovDr Helena Ivanov is an Associate Research Fellow at the London-based Henry Jackson Society. She completed her PhD in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Before undertaking her PhD, Helena earned a master’s degree in Political Theory from the University of Oxford, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics from the University of Belgrade. She has been the recipient of numerous international awards and is a regular contributor to global media and press outlets.Dr Ivanov’s research focuses on the relationship between propaganda and violence against civilians.Publications:Why Still Pro-Russia? Making Sense of Hungary’s and Serbia’s Pro-Russia StanceContent00:00 - Introduction01:42 - International Status of Kosovo03:19 - Kosovo’s International Voice07:41 - EU and Kosovo10:35 - Negotiations with the EU14:26 - Impact of Josep Borrell and Miroslav Lajcak16:35 - Alternative Mediators for Kosovo18:45 - President Vucic and the EU Negotiations22:54 - Kosovo’s Crisis Development and Outlook27:41 - Kosovo’s Demographics29:22 - Principle of Ethnicity in Kosovo33:57 - Tenets of the Latest Tensions in Kosovo in 202338:50 - Are the Serbs in Kosovo without Representation?39:55 - Election Boycott by Serbs41:36 - Impact of Russia and China44:35 - Kosovo vs Crimea47:56 - The Impact of the US Military Presence in Kosovo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 the University of Edinburgh, and holding a Master of Arts in theology from the University of Chester, he is also a practising lawyer and President of Guiguzi Stratagem Learning, a training firm that teaches Chinese stratagems to government and business clients.Publications:I Ching and 36 Tricks: Your Personal Wisdom ManualInteresting works mentioned during the interview:Thirty-Six StratagemsUnrestricted Warfare: China’s Master Plan to Destroy AmericaHan Feizi: Basic Writings (Translations from the Asian Classics)Content00:00 Introduction02:32 Chinese Stratagems vs. Strategy04:20 How Many People in China Research the Stratagems?05:57 Why Does Hei Sing Tso Research the Stratagems?10:11 The 36 Stratagems in the Present Context12:46 How to Interpret the 36 Stratagems15:52 Six Categories of the 36 Stratagems19:30 How Do Chinese People Learn About the Stratagems?23:20 The Stratagems and Chinese Foreign Policy25:46 Notable Publications About the Stratagems and Chinese Foreign Policy30:16 How to Research and Understand Chinese Political Leadership36:15 Most Common Misunderstandings About China in the West43:14 Key Challenges for Chinese Leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Academic 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 the Department of Global Political Studies. He is also Director of the Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus Regional Research Centre in Malmö, and his work focuses on political myth, legitimacy and leadership in Russia and its neighbourhood.Publications:The Putin Predicament: Problems of Legitimacy and Succession in RussiaRising from the Ashes: The role of Chechnya in contemporary Russian politicsNationalism and greatness: Russia under the Putin presidenciesContent00:00 - Introduction01:50 - Definition of the Political Myth07:15 - Shortcomings of the Concept of Political Myth08:13 - Popularity of the Political Myth09:02 - Political Myth and Legitimizing the Power in Russia (Putin, Medvedev)17:24 - Is Putin Aware of the Political Myth Concept?19:11 - Putin vs. Medvedev20:46 - People Around, Institutions, Ministries24:28 - How Leaders Take Control Over the Political Myth26:50 - Stability, Ups and Downs of Putin vs. the Political Myth30:10 - The Political Myth and Russian Society - Unity vs. Polarisation33:17 - Putin and the War in Ukraine35:08 - Russians Living Abroad39:05 - Russian Identity and the Political Myth41:32 - Social Media and the Political Myth46:26 - The Political Myth as a Research Framework49:16 - Prof. Petersson Research Methods - Sources of Data50:52 - RUSSIA, UKRAINE AND THE CAUCASUS REGIONAL RESEARCH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 Edinburgh with a Double First in Chinese & Russian in 2022 and am now pursuing and MSc in East Asian Relations.In 2021, he had the privilege of attending the COP26 Blue Zone on behalf of the University of Edinburgh and spoke about the importance of building a global network of young changemakers.His other commitments include managing the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on China; attending the China Scotland Business Forum; and advising the Scotland China Education Network.Content00:00 - Introduction02:00 - Why should students get engage in international relations?04:00 - The difference between bachelor’s degree and master’s degree students05:01 - How can students go international with their projects?08:05 - How should students contact experts and senior managers?09:26 - What about if students do not study international relations but they want to go international?11:57 - Posh universities vs regular universities14:17 - The most important skills for international students’ projects17:07 - How to develop leadership skills?20:08 - The most difficult barriers to international student collaboration24:31 - Should students involve lecturers and professors in their initiatives?26:26 - How should international student initiatives start?30:24 - The role of diaspora in international student projects32:37 - Digital identity of students’ projects34:39 - Schwarzman Scholars’ scholarship36:42 - Why to go to study in China?38:28 - Which courses will Max study? Who does teach in China?40:49 - Who is going to study with Max?42:07 - Challenges of studying and living in China45:47 - Where will Max live in China?46:50 - Do Chinese students develop international student initiatives?48:37 - Will Max share his experience in China on social media?49:28 - How to get an international scholarship?51:27 - Max’s future job Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 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 Georgetown University School of Medicine, and an Affiliate of Georgetown’s Center for Security Studies. She has interviewed more than 800 terrorists, violent extremists and their family members worldwide, and created ICSVE’s Breaking the ISIS Brand and Escape Hate counter-narrative projects that use first-hand testimonies to undermine extremist recruitment. An authority on the psychology of terrorism, as well as on rehabilitation and repatriation, she has advised governments, international organisations and security agencies including NATO, the OSCE, United Nations bodies and multiple national law-enforcement services. Dr Speckhard is the author of five books, including Homegrown Hate and Talking to Terrorists, and is a frequent media commentator on terrorism and extremism.Content00:00 - Introduction and Anne’s background04:55 - First interview with a terrorist07:22 - First interview questions and preparation10:27 - Being a woman while interviewing terrorists11:58 - Conditions for interviewing terrorists14:11 - Detainee Rehabilitation Program in Iraq19:59 - Breaking the ISIS Brand Counternarratives Project25:54 - Surprising ISIS propaganda elements28:29 - 4 things making a terrorist30:49 - Women as terrorists34:24 - Women’s motivation to join terrorist groups38:12 - Anne’s new book and a review of three chapters50:47 - The US and European extremism similarities and differences53:32 - Emerging trends in extremism55:53 - The US effort to tackle extremism at the present58:05 - International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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 Economics and Political Science, specialising in Serbian foreign policy, Russian influence and the geopolitics of the Western Balkans.Content00:00 - Introduction00:57 - Gazprom’s role in the Serbian energy security10:52 - Gazprom’s investment in Serbia12:14 - Diversification of Serbian gas supplies (Azerbaijan)23:21 - Russian reaction to Azeri gas25:02 - Serbian oil supplies, JANAF, DRUZHBA and Hungary31:39 - EU, Druzhba and Russian oil exceptions34:04 - Serbian, Hungarian and Russian energy union35:08 - Why Serbia has no nuclear power plant?38:43 - Does Russia control Serbia?44:30 - limits of Russian influence in Serbia48:52 - Russian “mutual consultations” on the Serbian foreign policy51:44 - Russian soft power and the Wagner Group in Serbia01:01:00 - Serbia’s role between Russia and the West Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Japan, her career including positions in the education, travel and tourism, and IT industries.Over the past two years, with the help of the Tim Sullivan, Maya has built Japan Expert Insights into a community hub for professionals who have substantial experience of working and doing businesses in Japan.Content00:00 - Introduction02:59 - Japanese international voice in the last 10 years05:22 - Japanese confidence in international relations07:50 - Young Japanese and global politics11:39 - Japanese elite universities13:22 - Japanese political thinking18:55 - Why changes in Japan take so long23:50 - Abe’s impact on Japan29:14 - Abe’s legacy30:40 - Japanese domestic politics32:40 - One political party in Japan35:38 - Intellectual property decline39:19 - Ageing and demographics41:40 - Raising a child in Japan46:15 - Ukraine and Japan53:19 - Japanese regional relations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 geopolitical landscape?Luigi LonardoDr Luigi Lonardo is a lecturer in EU law at University College Cork, Ireland, and visiting lecturer in European foreign, security and defence policy at Sciences Po in Paris, France.Publications:EU Common Foreign and Security Policy After Lisbon: Between Law and GeopoliticsRussia’s 2022 War Against Ukraine and the EU’s Foreign Policy Reaction: Context, Diplomacy, and LawContent00:00 - Introduction04:00 - Definition of geopolitics13:03 - Four concepts of EU foreign policy18:20 - Common security and foreign policy20:11 - Treaty of Lisbon22:52 - EU enlargement current stage28:54 - Geopolitics of Russian energy supplies31:04 - Geopolitics of water37:20 - EU enlargement geopolitics42:05 - Legal basis in the EU law43:35 - Sanctions and COREPER II46:00 - EU territory48:45 - EU constitution52:25 - Common geopolitical challenges56:30 - Recommendations for EU geopolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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 Research.His work focuses on the foreign economic policies of India, Russia and China, as well as the political economy of the Global South in international relations. He has received numerous research grants, delivered presentations and participated in international conferences worldwide. Professor Srinivas is the author of two books: Future of the BRICS and the Role of Russia and China (2022) and Russian Approach towards BRICS and G20, 2001–2012 (2017).Content00:00 - Introduction02:10 - Prof. Srinivas and BRICS06:30 - How India joined BRICS?15:58 - Manmohan Singh21:11 - Narendra Modi 25:15 - BRICS benefits to India34:34 - India's diplomacy38:55 - India's diaspora abroad47:30 - Misconception about India's diplomacy49:40 - India's and BRICS countries analysis1:09:49 - Threats to BRICS1:15:42 - India's politics and BRICS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By 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 posts tremendous sources of knowledge. Content00:00 - Introduction02:07 - Russian LNG in Europe04:45 - Novatek and LNG transport to Europe11:55 - LNG politics and the European Union18:14 - EU gas storage, LNG supplies and terminals23:33 - Russia sells LNG to third countries26:04 - LNG gas contracts29:45 - LNG price components38:43 - LNG market and reforms in Europe44:32 - Recommendation for the European Union Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.