IR thinker
@irthinker.com
‘IR thinker’ is a compelling talk show exploring international relations and geopolitics through in-depth interviews with leading experts. Produced by @martinzubko.bsky.social
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IR thinker
@irthinker.com
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China's Institutional Genes - Chenggang Xu | 2025 Episode 26
YouTube video by IR thinker
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In this episode, Professor Chenggang Xu discusses the ideas behind Institutional Genes and how they explain the evolution of political systems from imperial China to modern authoritarian regimes. #chinapolitics #chinahistory
youtu.be/5wk2168WEUs
youtu.be/5wk2168WEUs
In this episode, Professor Chenggang Xu discusses the ideas behind Institutional Genes and how they explain the evolution of political systems from imperial China to modern authoritarian regimes. #chinapolitics #chinahistory
youtu.be/5wk2168WEUs
youtu.be/5wk2168WEUs
China's Institutional Genes - Chenggang Xu | 2025 Episode 26
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 1:59 PM
In this episode, Professor Chenggang Xu discusses the ideas behind Institutional Genes and how they explain the evolution of political systems from imperial China to modern authoritarian regimes. #chinapolitics #chinahistory
youtu.be/5wk2168WEUs
youtu.be/5wk2168WEUs
In this incisive interview, Dr Madalitso Zililo Phiri dismantles the epistemic hegemony of Eurocentric International Relations theory and maps an emergent African IR scholarship.
#AfricanIR #IRtheory
youtu.be/SUi1oBH2hVE
#AfricanIR #IRtheory
youtu.be/SUi1oBH2hVE
Does African IR Theory Exist? - Madalitso Zililo Phiri | 2025 Episode 25
YouTube video by IR thinker
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November 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
In this incisive interview, Dr Madalitso Zililo Phiri dismantles the epistemic hegemony of Eurocentric International Relations theory and maps an emergent African IR scholarship.
#AfricanIR #IRtheory
youtu.be/SUi1oBH2hVE
#AfricanIR #IRtheory
youtu.be/SUi1oBH2hVE
In this interview, Andreas Schroeder maps Germany’s gas security from short-term contracts to new gas-fired plants and LNG infrastructure. He weighs the nuclear phase-out, EU dependence on non-Russian suppliers, and the risks ahead.
100th episode
Thank you for your support!
youtu.be/4IQTNW8s-Ds
100th episode
Thank you for your support!
youtu.be/4IQTNW8s-Ds
Natural Gas in Germany: Security, Supply, Transition - Andreas Schroeder | 2025 Episode 24
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 10:36 AM
In this interview, Andreas Schroeder maps Germany’s gas security from short-term contracts to new gas-fired plants and LNG infrastructure. He weighs the nuclear phase-out, EU dependence on non-Russian suppliers, and the risks ahead.
100th episode
Thank you for your support!
youtu.be/4IQTNW8s-Ds
100th episode
Thank you for your support!
youtu.be/4IQTNW8s-Ds
In this episode, Telmen Altanshagai discusses Mongolia’s evolving energy landscape, from diversification strategies and regional connectivity to the governance challenges shaping the country’s path toward greater energy security.
#mongoliaenergysecurity #mongoliaenergy
youtu.be/ZdYRgmUAmE0
#mongoliaenergysecurity #mongoliaenergy
youtu.be/ZdYRgmUAmE0
Mongolia's Energy Security - Telmen Altanshagai | 2025 Episode 23
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 12:39 PM
In this episode, Telmen Altanshagai discusses Mongolia’s evolving energy landscape, from diversification strategies and regional connectivity to the governance challenges shaping the country’s path toward greater energy security.
#mongoliaenergysecurity #mongoliaenergy
youtu.be/ZdYRgmUAmE0
#mongoliaenergysecurity #mongoliaenergy
youtu.be/ZdYRgmUAmE0
In this interview, strategist and defence analyst Dr. Peter Layton offers a clear-sighted assessment of how Australia is recalibrating strategy, capability, and partnerships amid intensifying regional competition.
#Australianationalsecurity
youtu.be/114kJOFslKw
#Australianationalsecurity
youtu.be/114kJOFslKw
Australia's Security - Risks & Realities - Peter Layton | 2025 Episode 22
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
October 14, 2025 at 7:32 PM
In this interview, strategist and defence analyst Dr. Peter Layton offers a clear-sighted assessment of how Australia is recalibrating strategy, capability, and partnerships amid intensifying regional competition.
#Australianationalsecurity
youtu.be/114kJOFslKw
#Australianationalsecurity
youtu.be/114kJOFslKw
Professor Murman Margvelashvili charts Georgia’s path from Soviet-era systems to a contested contemporary energy landscape, where hydropower dependence, emerging technologies, and grid vulnerabilities intersect with strategic autonomy.
#georgiaenergysecurity #energysecurity
youtu.be/Saj2L3-DpwE
#georgiaenergysecurity #energysecurity
youtu.be/Saj2L3-DpwE
Georgia's Energy Security - Murman Margvelashvili | 2025 Episode 21
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
October 7, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Professor Murman Margvelashvili charts Georgia’s path from Soviet-era systems to a contested contemporary energy landscape, where hydropower dependence, emerging technologies, and grid vulnerabilities intersect with strategic autonomy.
#georgiaenergysecurity #energysecurity
youtu.be/Saj2L3-DpwE
#georgiaenergysecurity #energysecurity
youtu.be/Saj2L3-DpwE
In this interview, Dr. Kenneth McDonagh unpacks the drivers, dilemmas, and implications of Ireland’s evolving national security posture at home, in Europe, and on the global stage.
#IrelandSecurity #IrishNeutrality #NationalSecurityStrategy
youtu.be/HIyOpj0QinQ
#IrelandSecurity #IrishNeutrality #NationalSecurityStrategy
youtu.be/HIyOpj0QinQ
Ireland's National Security Strategy - Kenneth McDonagh | 2025 Episode 20
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
October 1, 2025 at 12:14 AM
In this interview, Dr. Kenneth McDonagh unpacks the drivers, dilemmas, and implications of Ireland’s evolving national security posture at home, in Europe, and on the global stage.
#IrelandSecurity #IrishNeutrality #NationalSecurityStrategy
youtu.be/HIyOpj0QinQ
#IrelandSecurity #IrishNeutrality #NationalSecurityStrategy
youtu.be/HIyOpj0QinQ
What does Georgia’s EU integration really mean for democracy, regional security, and great power competition?
David Bujiashvili unpacks the past, present, and future of this pivotal process.
#GeorgiaEU #EUintegration #Georgia
youtu.be/Xv4gPbJoZV4
David Bujiashvili unpacks the past, present, and future of this pivotal process.
#GeorgiaEU #EUintegration #Georgia
youtu.be/Xv4gPbJoZV4
Georgia's EU Accession Journey - David Bujiashvili | 2025 Episode 19
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
September 23, 2025 at 11:45 AM
What does Georgia’s EU integration really mean for democracy, regional security, and great power competition?
David Bujiashvili unpacks the past, present, and future of this pivotal process.
#GeorgiaEU #EUintegration #Georgia
youtu.be/Xv4gPbJoZV4
David Bujiashvili unpacks the past, present, and future of this pivotal process.
#GeorgiaEU #EUintegration #Georgia
youtu.be/Xv4gPbJoZV4
In this conversation with Professor Patrick Holden, we examine how the EU exercised power during Brexit, interrogating the interplay of communication, institutional structures and rhetorical strategy.
youtu.be/v7n3eUtwnO0
youtu.be/v7n3eUtwnO0
Brexit and EU Hegemony - Patrick Holden | 2025 Episode 18
YouTube video by IR thinker
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September 15, 2025 at 9:55 AM
In this conversation with Professor Patrick Holden, we examine how the EU exercised power during Brexit, interrogating the interplay of communication, institutional structures and rhetorical strategy.
youtu.be/v7n3eUtwnO0
youtu.be/v7n3eUtwnO0
Professor Tahir Abbas explores the multifaceted nature of modern radicalisation, examining the unique drivers, dynamics, and dilemmas facing Western societies (USA, UK, Western Europe) today as they confront a threat that is constantly evolving online and offline.
youtu.be/FI_2Fv3fGu4
youtu.be/FI_2Fv3fGu4
Radicalisation in the Global North - Tahir Abbas | 2025 Episode 17
YouTube video by IR thinker
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September 10, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Professor Tahir Abbas explores the multifaceted nature of modern radicalisation, examining the unique drivers, dynamics, and dilemmas facing Western societies (USA, UK, Western Europe) today as they confront a threat that is constantly evolving online and offline.
youtu.be/FI_2Fv3fGu4
youtu.be/FI_2Fv3fGu4
In this conversation, Dr Emmanuel Matambo unpacks how Africa–China relations really work beyond the headlines. We dive into debates on ‘debt-trap diplomacy’, technology, governance, and the cultural impact of China across Africa.
youtu.be/FLecugmsU08
youtu.be/FLecugmsU08
China-Africa Engagement - Emmanuel Matambo | 2025 Episode 16
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
September 2, 2025 at 11:39 AM
In this conversation, Dr Emmanuel Matambo unpacks how Africa–China relations really work beyond the headlines. We dive into debates on ‘debt-trap diplomacy’, technology, governance, and the cultural impact of China across Africa.
youtu.be/FLecugmsU08
youtu.be/FLecugmsU08
Dive into the complex world of maritime piracy and security in this insightful interview with Professor Timothy Edmunds, exploring the evolution, organization, and modern challenges of piracy at sea, grey-zone tactics and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
youtu.be/1Yqj9SMKAKA
youtu.be/1Yqj9SMKAKA
Global Maritime Security - Timothy Edmunds | 2025 Episode 15
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
August 26, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Dive into the complex world of maritime piracy and security in this insightful interview with Professor Timothy Edmunds, exploring the evolution, organization, and modern challenges of piracy at sea, grey-zone tactics and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
youtu.be/1Yqj9SMKAKA
youtu.be/1Yqj9SMKAKA
In this interview, Dr. Marina Cino Pagliarello explores how universities and academia shape the European Union’s foreign policy through soft power and informal diplomacy.
youtu.be/YTFWHc5LIM4
youtu.be/YTFWHc5LIM4
Universities as EU Diplomatic Actors - Marina Cino Pagliarello | 2025 Episode 14
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
August 19, 2025 at 8:35 AM
In this interview, Dr. Marina Cino Pagliarello explores how universities and academia shape the European Union’s foreign policy through soft power and informal diplomacy.
youtu.be/YTFWHc5LIM4
youtu.be/YTFWHc5LIM4
In this interview, Dr Satoru Nagao shares expert insights on the evolving strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines. From historical legacies to defence, diplomacy, and economic cooperation, we explore how both countries navigate today’s Indo-Pacific challenges.
youtu.be/GZtdb4_-DQg
youtu.be/GZtdb4_-DQg
Why Japan & the Philippines Are Closer Than Ever - Satoru Nagao | 2025 Episode 13
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
August 6, 2025 at 10:40 AM
In this interview, Dr Satoru Nagao shares expert insights on the evolving strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines. From historical legacies to defence, diplomacy, and economic cooperation, we explore how both countries navigate today’s Indo-Pacific challenges.
youtu.be/GZtdb4_-DQg
youtu.be/GZtdb4_-DQg
Hussein Banai joins us to explore Trump’s foreign policy, comparing his first and second terms across global hotspots, from America First to the 2025 Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. strikes. #Trump #ForeignPolicy #Iran #Israel #Geopolitics
youtu.be/lICHJNEE4kQ
youtu.be/lICHJNEE4kQ
Trump's US Foreign Policy - Hussein Banai | 2025 Episode 12
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
June 25, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Hussein Banai joins us to explore Trump’s foreign policy, comparing his first and second terms across global hotspots, from America First to the 2025 Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. strikes. #Trump #ForeignPolicy #Iran #Israel #Geopolitics
youtu.be/lICHJNEE4kQ
youtu.be/lICHJNEE4kQ
'IR thinker' is available on Amazon Music
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June 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM
'IR thinker' is available on Amazon Music
music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a88...
music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a88...
The Zones of Peace Concept – Arie M. Kacowicz | 2025 Ep. 11
Why do some regions achieve lasting peace while others remain trapped in cycles of conflict? Professor Arie M. Kacowicz, a leading expert on the Zone of Peace concept, elaborates in detail.
youtu.be/tViSPxS7IuE
Why do some regions achieve lasting peace while others remain trapped in cycles of conflict? Professor Arie M. Kacowicz, a leading expert on the Zone of Peace concept, elaborates in detail.
youtu.be/tViSPxS7IuE
The Zones of Peace Concept - Arie M. Kacowicz | 2025 Episode 11
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
June 17, 2025 at 8:34 AM
The Zones of Peace Concept – Arie M. Kacowicz | 2025 Ep. 11
Why do some regions achieve lasting peace while others remain trapped in cycles of conflict? Professor Arie M. Kacowicz, a leading expert on the Zone of Peace concept, elaborates in detail.
youtu.be/tViSPxS7IuE
Why do some regions achieve lasting peace while others remain trapped in cycles of conflict? Professor Arie M. Kacowicz, a leading expert on the Zone of Peace concept, elaborates in detail.
youtu.be/tViSPxS7IuE
Grateful to my growing network of IR scholars, practitioners & curious minds on Bluesky 🌍 Your insights on global affairs, thoughtful critiques and willingness to engage with complex geopolitical questions make this space invaluable for intellectual exchange. Thank you for elevating the discourse.
June 13, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Grateful to my growing network of IR scholars, practitioners & curious minds on Bluesky 🌍 Your insights on global affairs, thoughtful critiques and willingness to engage with complex geopolitical questions make this space invaluable for intellectual exchange. Thank you for elevating the discourse.
Rebuilding Syria - Joseph Daher | 2025 Episode 10
Tune in for an engaging discussion with Dr. Joseph Daher as we explore the future of post-Assad Syria. We’ll cover the war economy’s impact, the whereabouts of Assad’s inner circle, and the current state of Syria’s economy.
youtu.be/s-pvI2JWV8M
Tune in for an engaging discussion with Dr. Joseph Daher as we explore the future of post-Assad Syria. We’ll cover the war economy’s impact, the whereabouts of Assad’s inner circle, and the current state of Syria’s economy.
youtu.be/s-pvI2JWV8M
Rebuilding Syria - Joseph Daher | 2025 Episode 10
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
June 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Rebuilding Syria - Joseph Daher | 2025 Episode 10
Tune in for an engaging discussion with Dr. Joseph Daher as we explore the future of post-Assad Syria. We’ll cover the war economy’s impact, the whereabouts of Assad’s inner circle, and the current state of Syria’s economy.
youtu.be/s-pvI2JWV8M
Tune in for an engaging discussion with Dr. Joseph Daher as we explore the future of post-Assad Syria. We’ll cover the war economy’s impact, the whereabouts of Assad’s inner circle, and the current state of Syria’s economy.
youtu.be/s-pvI2JWV8M
Good Governance in Africa - Gilbert A. Ang'ana | 2025 Episode 9
Dr. Gilbert A. Ang’ana explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding governance in Africa, touching on everything from institutional weaknesses to the impact of digitalisation.
youtu.be/OxJsCH3Usps
Dr. Gilbert A. Ang’ana explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding governance in Africa, touching on everything from institutional weaknesses to the impact of digitalisation.
youtu.be/OxJsCH3Usps
Good Governance in Africa - Gilbert A. Ang'ana | 2025 Episode 9
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
June 3, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Good Governance in Africa - Gilbert A. Ang'ana | 2025 Episode 9
Dr. Gilbert A. Ang’ana explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding governance in Africa, touching on everything from institutional weaknesses to the impact of digitalisation.
youtu.be/OxJsCH3Usps
Dr. Gilbert A. Ang’ana explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding governance in Africa, touching on everything from institutional weaknesses to the impact of digitalisation.
youtu.be/OxJsCH3Usps
Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Plant – Eldaniz Gusseinov | 2025 Ep. 8
In this expert interview, Eldaniz Gusseinov explores public opinion, uranium production, civil society’s role, and the geopolitical stakes of potential contracts with Russia, China, France, and South Korea.
youtu.be/55Z_HRTxkVs
In this expert interview, Eldaniz Gusseinov explores public opinion, uranium production, civil society’s role, and the geopolitical stakes of potential contracts with Russia, China, France, and South Korea.
youtu.be/55Z_HRTxkVs
Kazakhstan's First Nuclear Plant - Eldaniz Gusseinov | 2025 Episode 8
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
May 27, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Plant – Eldaniz Gusseinov | 2025 Ep. 8
In this expert interview, Eldaniz Gusseinov explores public opinion, uranium production, civil society’s role, and the geopolitical stakes of potential contracts with Russia, China, France, and South Korea.
youtu.be/55Z_HRTxkVs
In this expert interview, Eldaniz Gusseinov explores public opinion, uranium production, civil society’s role, and the geopolitical stakes of potential contracts with Russia, China, France, and South Korea.
youtu.be/55Z_HRTxkVs
Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7
From Wagner Group and weapon deals to energy ventures and BRICS diplomacy, Steven Gruzd breaks down the symbols, strategies, and limits of Russia’s Africa playbook.
#RussiaAfrica #BRICS
youtu.be/i3HKs7OuyJE
From Wagner Group and weapon deals to energy ventures and BRICS diplomacy, Steven Gruzd breaks down the symbols, strategies, and limits of Russia’s Africa playbook.
#RussiaAfrica #BRICS
youtu.be/i3HKs7OuyJE
Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
May 15, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7
From Wagner Group and weapon deals to energy ventures and BRICS diplomacy, Steven Gruzd breaks down the symbols, strategies, and limits of Russia’s Africa playbook.
#RussiaAfrica #BRICS
youtu.be/i3HKs7OuyJE
From Wagner Group and weapon deals to energy ventures and BRICS diplomacy, Steven Gruzd breaks down the symbols, strategies, and limits of Russia’s Africa playbook.
#RussiaAfrica #BRICS
youtu.be/i3HKs7OuyJE
Japan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6
Can Japan really hit net-zero by 2050?
Dr. Walter James dissects Japan’s decarbonisation strategy — from LNG diplomacy & hydrogen ambitions to nuclear restarts & renewables gridlock.
#JapanEnergy #NetZero2050
youtu.be/sSBsT0p4ViA
Can Japan really hit net-zero by 2050?
Dr. Walter James dissects Japan’s decarbonisation strategy — from LNG diplomacy & hydrogen ambitions to nuclear restarts & renewables gridlock.
#JapanEnergy #NetZero2050
youtu.be/sSBsT0p4ViA
Japan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
May 15, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Japan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6
Can Japan really hit net-zero by 2050?
Dr. Walter James dissects Japan’s decarbonisation strategy — from LNG diplomacy & hydrogen ambitions to nuclear restarts & renewables gridlock.
#JapanEnergy #NetZero2050
youtu.be/sSBsT0p4ViA
Can Japan really hit net-zero by 2050?
Dr. Walter James dissects Japan’s decarbonisation strategy — from LNG diplomacy & hydrogen ambitions to nuclear restarts & renewables gridlock.
#JapanEnergy #NetZero2050
youtu.be/sSBsT0p4ViA
EU's Soft Balancing Governance - Anders Wivel | 2025 Episode 5
Prof. Anders Wivel @anderswivel.bsky.social explores the EU’s soft balancing model — showing how diplomacy, institutions, & adaptability allow influence without confrontation.
youtu.be/LYf74kOLjJg
Prof. Anders Wivel @anderswivel.bsky.social explores the EU’s soft balancing model — showing how diplomacy, institutions, & adaptability allow influence without confrontation.
youtu.be/LYf74kOLjJg
EU's Soft Balancing Governance - Anders Wivel | 2025 Episode 5
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
May 15, 2025 at 7:19 PM
EU's Soft Balancing Governance - Anders Wivel | 2025 Episode 5
Prof. Anders Wivel @anderswivel.bsky.social explores the EU’s soft balancing model — showing how diplomacy, institutions, & adaptability allow influence without confrontation.
youtu.be/LYf74kOLjJg
Prof. Anders Wivel @anderswivel.bsky.social explores the EU’s soft balancing model — showing how diplomacy, institutions, & adaptability allow influence without confrontation.
youtu.be/LYf74kOLjJg
Norms and Autonomous Weapons Systems - Ingvild Bode | 2025 Episode 4
How do autonomous weapons challenge global norms?
Prof. Ingvild Bode @profbode.bsky.social unpacks insights from the AutoNorms project, how AI & military tech reshape ethics & diplomacy.
#AutonomousWeapons
youtu.be/SUlwrQ-ZnCs
How do autonomous weapons challenge global norms?
Prof. Ingvild Bode @profbode.bsky.social unpacks insights from the AutoNorms project, how AI & military tech reshape ethics & diplomacy.
#AutonomousWeapons
youtu.be/SUlwrQ-ZnCs
Norms and Autonomous Weapons Systems - Ingvild Bode | 2025 Episode 4
YouTube video by IR thinker
youtu.be
May 15, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Norms and Autonomous Weapons Systems - Ingvild Bode | 2025 Episode 4
How do autonomous weapons challenge global norms?
Prof. Ingvild Bode @profbode.bsky.social unpacks insights from the AutoNorms project, how AI & military tech reshape ethics & diplomacy.
#AutonomousWeapons
youtu.be/SUlwrQ-ZnCs
How do autonomous weapons challenge global norms?
Prof. Ingvild Bode @profbode.bsky.social unpacks insights from the AutoNorms project, how AI & military tech reshape ethics & diplomacy.
#AutonomousWeapons
youtu.be/SUlwrQ-ZnCs