The IR thinker

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 Browning M...

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 th...

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 Vuksanovic Dr Vuk Vuk...

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 Matsuoka I am joined by  Maya Matsuoka , host of the talk show  Japan Expert Insights , whose professional experience across education, travel and tour...

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 geopoli...

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 b...

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 glob...