Peace Matters - A Podcast on Contemporary Geopolitics and International Relations

In this episode of Peace Matters, we discuss the historic opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in 2026 and the dramatic shift in the European Union’s approach to enlargement. For years, the expansion of the Union was stalled by hesitation and "enlargement fatigue," but the geopolitical realities of 2026 have forced a breakthrough. Now, the EU faces the unprecedented challe...

In this episode of Peace Matters, we explore the Western Balkans' renewed bid for European Union membership following the Tivat Summit in June 2026 and examine how shifting geopolitical realities are reshaping the region's European future. For more than two decades, the Western Balkans have remained in Europe's "waiting room." Yet the Tivat Summit has injected new momentum into the enlargement pro...

In this episode of Peace Matters, we discuss Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections and the country’s changing geopolitical orientation at a time of regional uncertainty. For decades, Armenia was considered one of Russia’s closest allies in the post-Soviet space, relying heavily on Moscow for economic cooperation and security guarantees. But the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh war of 2020, g...

Has the U.S. actually achieved anything in its confrontation with Iran—or is Washington doubling down after failed negotiations and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz? In this episode, we take a hard look at Donald Trump’s foreign policy—not only as apparent chaos, but as a pattern shaped by rapidly shifting priorities. We unpack the growing rift between the U.S. and Europe, including unprece...

In this episode of Peace Matters, we take a closer look at Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections and what they could mean for the country and Europe. After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán faces a serious challenge from former ally Péter Magyar. But is the challenge that serious after all? We explore the possible election outcomes, the dominance of the right in Hungarian politics, and the weak...

This episode of Peace Matters explores the underlying causes of today’s crisis of political trust. Drawing on recent events, the discussion centers on the meaning of trust in democracy at a time when confidence in institutions is declining globally. The episode examines whether democracy can persist without widespread trust or if increasing skepticism toward political leaders may actually drive ne...

In this episode of Peace Matters, we examine the growing challenges facing European security. As defence budgets rise, U.S. priorities shift, and crises stretch from Ukraine to the Arctic and beyond, security decisions are increasingly made under pressure—and often at a distance from public debate. Drawing on perspectives from Europe’s Eastern Flank as well as EU governance and democratic accounta...

In this episode of Peace Matters, we explore Austria’s neutrality—its legal foundations, historical origins, and evolving role in today’s geopolitical landscape. What does neutrality entail, and how is it perceived by Austrian society and political elites? We discuss public support for neutrality and examine whether Austria’s stance is compatible with its EU membership—not just legally, but politi...

In this episode of Peace Matters, we examine Bosnia and Herzegovina thirty years after the Dayton Agreement - a moment marked by uncertainty and international attention. The recent elections in Republika Srpska have reopened debates about public sentiment in the entity, the resilience of ethno-political divisions, and whether new leadership signals real change or continued dominance by entrenched...

Nearly fifty years after the island of Cyprus was split between its Greek and Turkish communities, the conflict remains one of the most enduring in Europe. Once a British colony and now home to one of the UN’s longest-running peacekeeping missions, Cyprus stands as a symbol of both the possibilities and the limits of international diplomacy. In this episode of Peace Matters, we speak with Professo...

This episode takes a deep dive into Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa. We unpack the controversies surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the cycles of civil war in the country, and how these conflicts shape national identity, sovereignty, and political culture. The conversation also explores regional spillovers, humanitarian challenges, and the role of international and regional act...

Israel/Iran – Wie der Nahostkonflikt die internationale Politik herausfordert In dieser Folge des Podcasts Peace Matters werden die aktuellen Entwicklungen angesichts des 12-Tage dauernden Krieges zwischen Israel und dem Iran im Juni 2025 beleuchtet. Wie lassen sich die komplexen Dynamiken im Nahen Osten und deren globale Auswirkungen – von regionalen Machtverschiebungen zwischen Iran, Israel und...

Schutzschirm und Schattenseiten – Europas nukleares Dilemma beleuchtet die Rückkehr der Atomwaffen in die sicherheitspolitische Debatte Europas. Angesichts der katastrophalen humanitären Folgen eines Atomwaffeneinsatzes, wachsender Proliferationsgefahren, russischer Drohungen und eines möglichen Rückzugs der USA steht Europa vor einer politischen und moralischen Zerreißprobe: Braucht Europa mehr n...

This episode explores Turkey’s evolving foreign policy under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—from assertive moves in the Middle East to its complex ties with NATO and the EU. Is Ankara driven by neo-Ottoman ambition or pragmatic regional strategy? We also look at how domestic politics—like the protests over Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest and the recent dissolution of the Kurdisch Workers' Party (...

What is BRICS, really — a loose coalition of emerging economies, or a growing challenge to Western-led global governance? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the origins, goals, and internal dynamics of BRICS, the group that brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa — and now a new wave of members. Why do such diverse countries come together under one banner? What does BRICS...

In dieser Episode werfen wir einen Blick auf die geopolitischenEntwicklungen rund um China, sowohl aus westlicher als auch aus chinesischer Perspektive. Wie nimmt China seine Rolle in einer sich verändernden Weltordnung wahr? Wir beleuchten, wie China nicht nur militärische „Hardpower“ einsetzt,sondern auch mit „Softpower“ – durch wirtschaftliche Initiativen wie die „Belt and Road Initiative“ (1B1...

In this episode, we delve into the powerful movements that are reshaping Serbia's political landscape. "Voices of Dissent" explores the domestic protests that are challenging the status quo, giving a voice to those who are fighting for democratic reforms, environmental justice, and civil rights in the face of a difficult political climate. We also examine the broader regional and Eur...

In dieser Podcast Episode wird die aktuelle Situation in Syrien beleuchtet, die mit dem Sturz Bashar al Assads im Dezember 2024 nach über 50 Jahren Diktatur einen tiefgreifenden Wandel erfahren hat. Im Zentrum stehen verschiedene Rebellengruppen, allen voran Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) , eine islamistische Gruppe, die unter der Führung von Abu Muhammad al-Julani bzw. Ahmed al Sharaa steht. Diese G...

Poland has become an increasingly important actor within the European Union. After years of democratic backsliding, it`s democracy is consolidating again under Prime Minister Donald Tusk who took office in 2023. In 2025 Poland will face presidential elections and Poland will also be chairing the Council of the European Union. Poland is a stance supporter of Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia i...

The clear victory of Donald Trump, which had been predicted to be a tight race, caught many in the EU by surprise. The first to congratulate him was Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, while on the same day, the German government collapsed. Why, despite his harsh and aggressive rhetoric, was Donald Trump still successful? In times of increasing polarization not only in the US but also in Europe...

In this episode, we explore the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus, focusing on Georgia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan plays a crucial role as a key energy supplier and transit route, connecting Europe and Asia, and its relationship with Georgia is vital for both economic cooperation and security. The discussion highlights how Georgia’s pursuit of Western integration is perceived as...

How do the concepts we use to discuss the climate crisis shape our thinking? In this episode, we explore different approaches to framing climate change in policy debates, such as viewing it as a national security issue or a tool for achieving peace. We also examine the EU's record in reducing its CO2 emissions and the upcoming UN climate conference, COP 29. Additionally, we discuss the inequalitie...

What is PeaceTech? How can we use AI, virtual reality, open data, and other digital technologies in peacebuilding and mediation work? What can PeaceTech learn from CivicTech? Where is the EU’s place in the geopolitical competition in technological innovation and how can it capitalize on its strengths? We discuss these and other questions with Bernardo Venturi and Nathan Coyle. This episode is prod...

The horrific terror attack of Hamas on October 7th and the subsequent war of Israel against Gaza put the decades old conflict between Israel and Palestine back on the international stage. There is no doubt that the horrendous attack of Hamas against civilians (including the abduction of more than 250 Israelis) is a war crime and a crime against humanity. However, many – including the International...

In this episode, we discuss the EU’s global foreign policy. How has the EU been faring in its attempt to remain (or become?) a global power amid the declining liberal world order? Can the EU diminish its dependency on China’s market and rare materials? How should it position itself towards the United States after the presidential elections in November? Is it capable of avoiding being dragged into...