Kianistan

In this episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Hooshang Amirahmadi — Professor at Rutgers University and former Director of the Center for Middle East Studies — for a deep and nuanced discussion on Iran’s political, economic, and strategic landscape. Dr. Amirahmadi unpacks the Iranian political economy, the implications of presidential elections, and the broader trajectory of governance in the cou...

In this Kianistan episode, we're joined by Dr. Ilhan Niaz, a history professor and author, for an in-depth conversation. We discuss the current situation in Iran, exploring the broader implications of the ongoing Iran war and the latest Iran news. Dr. Niaz also provides insights into Pakistan's strategic position in the Middle East war and the role of the Pakistan army. We begin with Pakis...

In this episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Kajsa Ekis Ekman — a Swedish journalist, author, and political commentator known for her work on human rights, women’s rights, and international politics. Drawing on her global travels and reporting, Kajsa offers a critical perspective on Western media narratives and contemporary geopolitics. The conversation begins with Kajsa’s background as a writer...

In this intellectually rigorous episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Zlatko Hadžidedić, Director of the Center for Nationalism Studies and author of Nations and Capital: The Missing Link in Global Expansion (Routledge, 2022) and Forced to be Free: The Paradoxes of Liberalism and Nationalism. Dr. Hadžidedić presents a bold and structurally grounded argument: that modern nationalism is not a primo...

In this deeply reflective episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Nicolai Petro, Professor of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island, for a profound discussion on the Ukraine war, identity, religion, and the tragedy of political conflict. Professor Petro begins by describing his daily reading habits — scanning news aggregators and sources such as Inosmi and Johnson’s Russia List — to i...

In this penetrating episode of Kianistan, we are Joined by Dr. Tim Anderson as he discusses US Strategy, Middle East Wars, and Global Politics. Learn about the complexities of Iran, Yemen, and the broader geopolitics of the region. We begin with Dr. Anderson’s background, including his long academic career and experiences confronting criticism for his outspoken positions — experiences that shaped...

In this compelling episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Jean-Daniel Ruch — former Swiss ambassador, UN diplomat, and seasoned expert on European and Middle Eastern affairs — to discuss the intricacies of global diplomacy, security, and shifting power dynamics. Ruch shares insights from his extensive career, including his work in the Middle East and Europe, and his experiences navigating internat...

In this intellectually rich episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Dr. Hans-Georg Moeller — philosopher, scholar of Chinese thought, and Professor at the University of Macau — for a deep exploration of Chinese philosophy and its relevance to modern society. Dr. Moeller reflects on his academic journey from Germany to China, offering insight into the rise and decline of Chinese studies in Europe. T...

In this thought-provoking episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Yakov M. Rabkin — Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Montreal and scholar at the Montreal Centre for International Studies (CERIUM) — for a deep, scholarly examination of Zionism, Judaism, and modern geopolitics. Expert Yakov M. Rabkin explains the difference between Judaism and Zionism in this insightful podcast. Lea...

In this video, we discuss the current state of Iran's reformists and whether they are on the verge of collapse. Dive into the geopolitics of Iran and the Middle East to understand the complex political landscape. We revisit the reformist era under President Mohammad Khatami, assess the promises and failures of reform — including the Green Movement and its suppression — and examine how Iran’s b...

In this hard-hitting episode of Kianistan, Jamal Wakim — Editor in Chief, Professor of Geopolitics at the Center of Research and Strategic Studies, and Professor of History and Politics at the Military School — delivers a comprehensive geopolitical breakdown of the Middle East’s most volatile fault lines. The discussion begins with Yemen, examining the deepening rivalry between Saudi Arabia and th...

In this deeply important episode of Kianistan, renowned British human rights attorney Clive Stafford Smith OBE joins us to examine one of the most disturbing and controversial cases of the so-called War on Terror — the case of Dr. Afia Siddiqui. As a lawyer who has spent decades fighting wrongful convictions and capital punishment in the United States, Clive offers rare legal insight into Dr. Sidd...

In this powerful episode of Kianistan, we speak with Harjeet Singh, a leading voice on South Asian politics and Sikh issues, to unpack the complex political, cultural, and strategic forces shaping the region today. From the roots and evolution of the Khalistan movement to India’s geopolitical maneuvering with Pakistan, China, Israel, and BRICS, this conversation brings clarity to some of the most...

In this compelling episode of Kianistan, Myriam Charabaty — Arab political analyst, journalist, and leading voice on Arab liberation, soft power, and the colonization of Christian identity — joins us from Beirut for an in-depth examination of identity, geopolitics, and resistance across the Arab world. Myriam unpacks the role of Christian Arabs within Lebanon and the broader region, explaining the...

In this gripping episode of Kianistan, veteran journalist and West Asia analyst Ali Rizk joins us to untangle the volatile political and military tensions shaping the Middle East today. With over 15 years of experience, including five years reporting from Iran, Ali brings rare on-the-ground insight into the forces driving conflict, alliances, and regional strategy. We explore the escalating situat...

In this incisive episode of Kianistan, historian and political analyst Vladimir N. Brovkin joins us to unpack the tangled roots and explosive realities of the Ukraine war, examining both its historical undercurrents and its rapidly shifting geopolitical stakes. We explore Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine — its feasibility, political messaging, and hidden assumptions — and dive into how Euro...

In this far-reaching episode of Kianistan, Alfred-Maurice de Zayas — Cuban-born American lawyer, writer, UN Independent Expert (2012–2018), and one of the most respected voices in human rights and international law — joins us for a deep and candid conversation on democracy, global politics, and the future of world order. From the strengths of Switzerland’s semi-direct democracy to his reflections...

In this powerful episode of Kianistan, researcher and policy analyst Hamid Khalafallah joins us to break down the complex and devastating conflict unfolding in Sudan. With years of academic and field experience studying grassroots movements and political transitions in Africa, Hamid provides clear, human-centered insight into the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Fo...

In this episode of Kianistan, we sit down with Samer Hakim, host of the IranTalks podcast, to unpack a turbulent moment in the Middle East and beyond. From the mysterious disappearance of journalist and activist Yvonne Ridley, allegedly detained by Israeli forces, to the fallout from the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran, this conversation navigates the human, political, and strategic dimensions...

What do the Saudi–Pakistan defense agreement and Trump’s 20-point peace proposal mean for the Middle East and beyond? In this episode, we sit down with Mouin Rabbani, a leading analyst on Palestinian and Middle Eastern affairs, to unpack the drivers, implications, and strategic realignments shaping the region. From shifting alliances across West Asia to the prospects of conflict between Iran and I...

In this episode of Kianistan, retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell — Col. Lawrence Wilkerson — joins us to dissect the latest tremors shaking global geopolitics. From the new Saudi–Pakistan defense agreement and its implications for regional power balance, to Trump’s controversial 20-point surrender initiative for Gaza, and the growing risks of an...

What does the new Saudi–Pakistan defense agreement mean for South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tauqeer Hussain Sargana , President & Chief Researcher of the Pakistan Academy of International Relations (PAIR), to unpack the historical context of Riyadh–Islamabad ties, the strategic depth both nations seek, and the broader impact on regional and global...

In this episode, Tafhim Kiani sits down with Professor Foad Izadi to unpack the complex realities of the Middle East. From U.S.–Iran relations and Israel’s regional posture to the role of Iran in supporting Palestine, we explore how global powers shape the conflicts and alliances of the region. Professor Izadi brings an academic yet accessible lens to understanding how strategy, ideology, and fore...

From Israel’s surprising strike on Qatar to the evolving Saudi–US partnership, this episode with geopolitical strategist Ali Borhani unpacks the shifting sands of West Asia. We dive into China’s growing influence at the 2025 SEO Conference, its rapid technological advancement, and the changing balance of power between Beijing and Washington. Ali brings his trademark foresight, connecting the dots...

What can near-death experiences teach us about the mystery of consciousness? In this profound conversation with neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander, we explore the boundaries between life, death, and what lies beyond. Drawing from both his own extraordinary personal experience and decades of medical practice, Dr. Alexander challenges the materialist view of the brain and opens the door to a deeper und...