Join Dr. Giuliano Bifolchi as he talks about the complexities of IS-Khurasan in this insightful interview. Explore the origins, strategic goals, and regional dynamics of this terrorist organisation as Dr. Bifolchi sheds some light on its recruitment tactics, financial sources, and cyber activities. Gain valuable insights into the role of major global players and the implications of current geopolitical tensions on IS-Khurasan’s growth. Giuliano is a professional with a passion for...

In this enlightening interview, Dr. Brett Edwards, an expert in chemical and biological weapons, describes the history, current capabilities, and future challenges associated with these formidable weapons systems. Dr. Edwards discusses the evolution of chemical and biological warfare, the verification processes for weapon destruction, and how these weapons integrate into national military strategies. He also addresses the ethical debates surrounding their use, international efforts to control...

Join us for an insightful interview with Professor Christian Kaunert as we delve into the multifaceted landscape of European Union (EU) counterterrorism legal framework. Explore key topics such as international cooperation, financial tracking, human rights considerations, and the evolving challenges posed by online radicalisation. Gain valuable perspectives on the gaps in the EU’s legal framework and discover potential avenues for further research in this vital field. Christian Kaunert, a...

Join us for a captivating interview with Ariel Admoni as we delve into the intricacies of Qatar’s soft power. Explore topics ranging from mediation in the Middle East to the impact of energy exports and Qatar’s role on the global stage. Gain valuable insights into underresearched areas of Qatari soft power in this engaging discussion. Ariel Admoni is a PhD candidate at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Predominantly, Ariel focuses on Qatari politics and the role in international relations. He...

Explore the strategic role and dynamics of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in our concise analysis. We delve into CSTO’s goals, its comparison with NATO, member state relations, and its impact on Russia’s economic and security policies. Understand CSTO’s international support, future prospects, and operational capabilities. This brief yet comprehensive video is essential for grasping CSTO’s influence in today’s geopolitical sphere. Dr. Ambrosio is a Professor of Political...

Explore the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan with Ido Raz, an expert in international relations. This interview covers key issues like the mass departure of Afghans, security risks, and Pakistan’s response. Raz discusses the geopolitical impact, Taliban’s role, and potential conflict escalation. Essential for understanding the complex dynamics of the Afghan-Pakistani relationship. Ido Gadi Raz is a distinguished researcher specialising in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, with a keen focus on...

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Scholten delves into the fascinating world of geopolitics in the context of the energy transition. Discover the key geopolitical expectations, security implications, and the role of energy diplomacy in shaping our global energy landscape. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Dr. Scholten, as we explore the critical research areas and emerging trends in the geopolitics of energy transition. Daniel Scholten is visiting assistant professor at the Center for...

In this insightful interview, renowned international relations scholar Ned Lebow delves into the intricate world of identity and identification in the realm of global politics. Explore the complexities of state behaviour, memory, corporate identity, and much more with timestamps provided for easy navigation. Professor Richard Ned Lebow holds the distinguished position of Emeritus Professor of International Political Theory within the War Studies Department at King’s College London....

Join us for a captivating interview with Associate Professor Chris Monday as we delve deep into the intricacies of Russian power dynamics. In this thought-provoking discussion, we cover topics ranging from the Russian power hierarchy to Putin's family's role in governance. Explore the influence of organized crime families, dissect power struggles in the energy sector, and gain insights into foreign policy decision-making in Russia. Discover the impact of the Ukraine conflict on Russian power...

Join us for an insightful interview with Dr. Gordon Alley-Young, a renowned university professor of communication, as we delve into the complex world of social media and radicalisation. In this interview, we explore topics such as the role of social media in recruitment, crafting effective messages, counternarratives, algorithm manipulation, detection of radical content, international cooperation, account verification, encrypted messaging apps, fundraising for extremism, and strategies for...

Explore the fascinating world of international relations and energy policies in this insightful interview with Dr. Marco Siddi. From the realist perspective to the geopolitics of energy, Dr. Siddi delves into crucial topics like the EU's green transition, harmonizing energy policies, and the implications of the Ukraine conflict on the EU Green Deal. Discover new research ideas and gain valuable insights into the complex realm of international energy relations. Marco Siddi is a researcher at...

Explore the dark world of radicalisation within the United States as we delve into the story of Jeff Schoep, a former leader of a Neo-Nazi group. Discover the reasons behind his 25-year involvement and the intricate web of extremist ideologies. Join us for insights on countering hate, and the impact of radicalisation on American society. Don’t miss this eye-opening exploration of a pressing issue in today’s world. Jeff Schoep is the Founder of Beyond Barriers, a non-profit organization...

In this insightful interview with Dr. Tim Wilson, Director of the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St Andrews, we explore various facets of contemporary terrorism and its research. He addresses the challenges in intelligence agencies' response to terrorism and the media's portrayal of the term. The conversation includes insights on innovative research methods and non-Western perspectives in terrorism studies. Dr. Tim Wilson, currently serving...

In our interview with Professor Ole Gunnar Austvik, a renowned expert in international economics and energy policy, we explore key aspects of Norway’s energy security and geopolitics. We discuss the evolution of Norway’s oil exports, the role of private companies in the oil market, and the diversification strategies of oil exports. The conversation also covers the impact of the Ukraine conflict on Norway’s gas exports to the EU, public opinion on LNG expansion, and the state of the country’s...

In this illuminating interview, we sit down with Dr. Tom Walsh, a distinguished university lecturer and researcher in international relations based in the United Kingdom. Dr. Walsh takes us on a comprehensive journey through the complex web of factors contributing to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The interview is divided into thought-provoking chapters, each exploring a crucial aspect of the Yemen crisis, including its historical origins, the diverse Yemeni society, foreign interventions,...

In this enlightening interview, we dive deep into the world of foreign policy analysis with Dr Eldad Ben-Aharon. Navigate through a range of critical topics from defining foreign policy to contemporary research methodologies. Learn about the role of individual actors versus institutional frameworks and how emerging global factors like technology and climate change are reshaping the landscape of international studies. This interview also features two compelling case studies. The first unpacks...

In this riveting episode of “IR Thinker,” I welcome Daniel Rakov, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy, to delve into Russia’s complex role in the Middle East. The conversation kicks off with an overview of Russia’s strategic objectives in Syria, followed by a discussion on the symbiotic military relationship between Russia and Syria. We then explore Russia’s continued presence in the key Syrian bases of Latakia and Tartus. The episode takes a fascinating turn as we examine the...

‘Scholars of Tomorrow’ is a special edition of the ‘IR Thinker’ talk show, dedicated to showcasing the brightest minds of the next generation. Dive into insightful discussions on international relations as we bring forward passionate students poised to redefine the field. In this episode of ‘IR Thinker’, we dive deep into the intricate web of Russia-Iran military relations. Starting with an exploration of their strategic ties, we probe the media’s heightened focus on these two nations. Delve...

[this episode is in Russian language] In the current geopolitical landscape, more than 50,000 Russian students are studying abroad, and many choose to hide their identity. Additionally, there are many Russian university lecturers; for those who have left Russia, finding suitable job opportunities can be particularly challenging. Inspired by Ekaterina Schulmann and her efforts to provide relevant information in Russian, I’ve decided to concentrate solely on delivering an educational message...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tatiana Mitrova, a renowned expert in Russian energy policies and economics. In this comprehensive discussion, we delve into the intricacies of Russian nuclear energy, Rosatom’s global ambitions, the dynamics of the Russian oil market, and the future prospects of renewable energy in Russia. From understanding the state of nuclear energy before and after 2022 to examining the realistic price of Russian oil and Gazprom’s relationship with...

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Ida Manton, a distinguished expert in the field of international relations and negotiations. In this in-depth interview, we explore various facets of diplomatic negotiations, from the evolution of teaching methods to the integration of technology and human skills. We also delve into specialised areas such as cyber, sport, and vaccine diplomacy, and examine how notions like climate change and human rights are influencing modern negotiation tactics....

Dive into the intricate world of East Mediterranean Gas in this comprehensive analysis with Alexander Kislov. From the Abraham Accords’ implications on energy collaboration to the intriguing non-development of Cyprus’s natural gas reserves, we unpack it all. Understand the geopolitics with Turkey’s role, Israeli-Turkish gas projects, and the overarching influence of international giants in the gas exploration space. As the EU marches towards a greener future, what does it mean for the...

Dive deep into the intricate world of Russian politics and security affairs as we explore the influential role of Nikolai Patrushev in the Kremlin. From his longstanding relationship with Putin to the dynamics with figures like Sergey Naryshkin, this comprehensive breakdown offers keen insights into Russia’s power structure. Discover how Patrushev’s legacy in the FSB has shaped his political influence, his stance on foreign policies, and the challenges and vulnerabilities he faces in his...

Join us in this comprehensive discussion with Dr. Ivo Ganchev as we delve deep into the intricacies of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). From understanding its primary objectives to addressing concerns surrounding debt diplomacy, Dr. Ganchev provides enlightening insights into BRI’s governance, funding, and its position on the global stage. Plus, we explore the relationship between BRI, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and consider the implications of competitors like...