Diplomacy and International Relations by Bastian Friborg

In this episode of  Diplomacy and International Relations , we take a closer look into the  anthropology of documents  and the  affective life of the state : how passports, ID cards, forms, and borders become “phantasmatic” objects that provoke anxiety, dependence, and desire. Drawing on research from Turkey and Northern Cyprus, we explore how secularist and Islamist identities are crafted and con...

In this episode Diplomacy and International Relations focus on Denmark and the Middle East and North Africa. From Enlightenment-era expeditions and cultural curiosity to post-9/11 military interventions, alliance politics, and climate-driven “green” diplomacy, the show unpacks how a small state navigates a turbulent region at a geopolitical crossroads. If you like what you hear and want to support...

Listen to this episode on how small and medium states deal with the uncertainties of today's world. We focus on Denmark and what a small state can secure itself. We talk APECC and Arctic. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider subscribing via this link or on Apple Podcast. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe  

In a world where minds, not borders, have become the new battleground, national sovereignty begins with the sovereignty of thought. This episode of Diplomacy and International Relations explores how technology, data, and psychopolitics have colonized the human interior—and what it will take for leaders and citizens to reclaim autonomy. From Byung-Chul Han’s “digital camp” to Heidegger’s “They” and...

Europe’s space sector is rapidly evolving from a niche industry into a strategic pillar of economic stability, digital sovereignty, and geopolitical security. In this episode, we examine the growing recognition of space infrastructure as essential to the EU’s competitiveness and resilience — underpinning navigation systems, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and secure connectivity. Drawing fr...

Listen to this episode of “Diplomacy and International Relations” explores how cyber diplomacy has evolved from a marginal specialization into a central pillar of modern statecraft, beginning with the watershed 2007 attacks on Estonia and the rise of countries that now punch above their weight in cyber governance. The conversation unpacks how AI is transforming both cyber defense and offensive ope...

Listen to this episode to learn more about Aristotle and Machiavelli and how they have both been important for shaping diplomacy and negotiations. If you like what you hear, please consider subscribing on Spotify or Apple Podcast. It all helps keeping this podcast running as my hobby project. Link for subscription on Spotify here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe  

This episode builds on the last one and look more at the diplomatic relations between Denmark and the EU. Listeners might find some of the information repeated in this episode - hopefully it is not too bad. I hope you will enjoy and subscribe - next episode will be a subscribers only, where the topic is Robert Putnam and Bowling Alone. Subscribe here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqult...

Listen in here: Denmark’s rapid strategic shift after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine is the focus of this episode, as the country moves from EU opt-outs and fiscal caution to the front line of European security and defense integration. Centered on the historic 2022 referendum ending Denmark’s 30-year EU defense opt-out and the new pledge to spend over 3% of GDP on defense by 2025–26, the conver...

In this episode, we revisit the classics of geopolitical thought to understand today’s strategic rivalries. How do Halford Mackinder’s Heartland theory and Nicholas Spykman’s Rimland theory still shape global power politics? We explore the modern contest over Eurasia—where Russia, China, and the United States each seek to define the region’s future. From Russia’s use of the Heartland concept and t...

Algorithmic diplomacy is no longer science fiction; it is quietly reshaping how states compete, cooperate, and construct reality itself. In this episode, we unpack the emerging world of AI‑driven foreign policy: from Washington and Beijing’s clashing models of AI governance to Brussels’ ambitious AI Act and the UN’s Global Digital Compact agenda.​ Drawing on cutting‑edge research in multi‑agent ne...

Explore the challenges facing global democracy in today's interconnected world. This episode examines how civil society organizations, social movements, and human rights advocacy groups are responding to democratic backsliding and threats to political participation. We discuss the critical role of global governance in supporting democratic institutions and analyze how civil society can strengt...

Explore how Denmark is redefining the future of diplomacy in Asia, transforming traditional alliances into a cutting-edge network focused on green technology, economic innovation, and mutual prosperity. This episode reveals how Denmark leverages its global leadership in sustainability to meet Asia’s urgent demand for green transition solutions, unlocking vast market opportunities for Danish compan...

Discover why the security dilemma remains one of the most crucial concepts in international relations and political science. In this episode, we break down the origins and core theories behind the security dilemma—from classical realism to contemporary debates—and analyze how it drives arms races, mistrust, and unintended conflict between states. Our in-depth discussion covers famous case studies...

In this episode of  Diplomacy and International Relations by Bastian Friborg , we dive deep into the power structures shaping the global economy through Marxist and critical theory lenses. Explore provocative frameworks like dependency theory and world-systems analysis, which challenge mainstream economic narratives and reveal the underlying dynamics driving global inequality. We discuss key theor...

In this episode of Diplomacy and International Relations by Bastian Friborg , looks beyond the usual power politics and discover the hidden structures shaping our world. We explore how feminist international relations (FIR) and post-colonial theory reveal the often-invisible gendered and racial systems underlying global politics: from war and diplomacy to economic power. Learn how concepts like wa...

Look into this episode as we explore Liberal Institutionalism and its practical relevance in today's world of international diplomacy. Join Bastian Friborg and guests as they unpack the theories of Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye, delving into how countries achieve complex, sustained cooperation—even when there's no major global power enforcing order. We break down essential concepts like co...

In this episode, we unpack one of the most influential theoretical debates in modern International Relations: the rise of constructivism as a challenge to the materialist and individualist assumptions of neorealism and neoliberalism . The discussion begins by laying out the core tenets of constructivism , highlighting how it reframes our understanding of power, identity, and global order. From the...

Understanding Realism: The Power Struggle at the Heart of International Relations Dive into the enduring tradition of Realism—one of the most influential frameworks for interpreting world politics. In this episode, we break down the essential ideas at the core of Realist thinking, exploring how states navigate a global arena defined by competition, power, and insecurity under anarchy. Discover the...

Follow the show and together we will explore the dynamics of ASEAN navigating US-China rivalry in this comprehensive analysis of Southeast Asian geopolitics. This episode examines how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations balances regional diplomacy amid intensifying power competition between the United States and China. Discover ASEAN's strategic approach to international relations, the...

Press play and let us explore the relevance of Francis Fukuyama's groundbreaking essay 'The End of History' in this comprehensive historical analysis. This episode examines Fukuyama End of History theory and its implications for liberal democracy, modern political theory, and contemporary global trends. Together we look into international relations discourse as we assess whether Fukuya...

Celebrating the UN's 80th Birthday As the United Nations turns 80, we celebrate eight decades of global dialogue, peace-building, and humanitarian leadership. Since 1945, the UN has stood as the world's essential forum for international cooperation, tackling everything from poverty and conflict to human rights and climate action. Despite facing profound geopolitical paralysis, financial sh...

Listen now! Together we will explore the relationship between climate conflict and peacebuilding in this comprehensive episode on environmental security and global diplomacy. Discover how climate change acts as a threat multiplier, intensifying resource competition and challenging traditional conflict resolution approaches. This episode will look into: • Climate conflict dynamics and environmental...

Listen up folks! Let's explore Denmark's role in the European sustainability revolution. This episode examines how Denmark's green transition is setting the standard for renewable energy adoption across Europe, showcasing Nordic innovation in environmental policy and climate leadership. Discover how Danish green diplomacy is influencing EU climate strategies, from cutting-edge renewabl...

Listen now! Together we explore Denmark's comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking in this detailed examination of the country's sustained political commitment since 2002. This episode analyzes Denmark's fight against human trafficking through systematic policy development, international cooperation, and innovative enforcement strategies that have made it a European leader...