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In this episode, we’re joined by Associate Professor Hussein Banai, a leading scholar of international relations, for an in-depth journey through the shifting landscape of American foreign policy under Donald Trump.
Together, we travel across critical regions—from the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East to Europe, Russia, China, and Latin America—to scrutinise the core principles guiding U.S. actions on the global stage.
We discuss the most recent and dramatic development: the 2025 Israel-Iran conflict, during which the U.S. carried out major strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
👤 About the Guest
Dr Hussein Banai is an Associate Professor of International Studies at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, Indiana University, also a Research Affiliate at the Center for International Studies, MIT, and currently a visiting fellow at the Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania. In fall 2024, he was the Zahedi Family Fellow at the Program in Iranian Studies at Stanford University.
Dr Banai is widely recognised for his interdisciplinary approach, international relations and political theory, with particular focus on topics in political ideologies, conflict, diplomatic history and practice, and modern Iran.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
02:17 - From Disruption to Consolidation: Trump's Second Term Strategy
07:45 - Trump's Confident Unilateralism in Foreign Policy
10:54 - American Political Culture and the Think Tank Ecosystem
15:18 - America First Policy: Domestic Appeal and Implementation
22:16 - The Strategic Use of "America First" Despite International Concerns
24:29 - Inside the National Security Council: Roles and Functions
30:23 - Personnel Quality in US Foreign Policy Decision-Making
35:01 - Decoding US Foreign Policy Statements: Research Challenges
38:56 - North Korea Diplomacy: Prospects for a Second Trump-Kim Summit
41:38 - Middle East Triangulation: US-Israel-Iran Relations and Trump-Netanyahu Dynamics
50:11 - Steve Witkoff's Contrasting Negotiation Mandates
53:16 - Trump's Scepticism Toward Multilateral Institutions and Frameworks
57:27 - Neighbours First - Trump's Approach to Canada, Mexico, and Latin America
01:04:03 - Understanding Trump's Foreign Policy Through IR Theories
01:09:12 – EU vs. Member States: Trump’s Fragmented View of Europe
01:14:37 – Trump’s Geopolitical Take on the EU: Weakness, Irrelevance, or Rival?
01:20:28 – China Policy: Strategic Rivalry Meets Economic Interdependence
01:25:33 – Taiwan’s Role in Trump’s China Strategy
01:29:23 – Trump and Putin: Personal Chemistry and Strategic Ambiguity
01:37:20 – U.S. Sanctions on Russia: Tools of Pressure or Leverage for a Deal?
01:42:25 – Why Trump Believes Iran Must Never Go Nuclear
01:47:32 – Iran in Trump’s First Term: Maximum Pressure, Minimal Results?
01:57:58 – 2025 Israel-Iran Conflict - U.S Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure
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Welcome to today’s episode where we dive deep into one of the most compelling questions in international relations: Why do some regions achieve lasting peace while others remain trapped in cycles of conflict?
I’m joined by Professor Arie Kacowicz, a leading expert in Zone of Peace Concept and International Relations from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who will help us understand how entire regions can transform from conflict zones into peaceful communities.
Professor Kacowicz holds the distinguished Chaim Weizmann Chair in International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he has been a valued member of faculty since 1993. He previously served as Chair of the Department of International Relations from 2005 to 2008, and more recently as President of the Israeli Association of International Studies between 2017 and 2021.
As a distinguished peace scholar, Professor Kacowicz’s scholarly interests encompass alternative pathways for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the relevance of international society, the international relations of Latin America, globalisation, and International Relations Theory more broadly.
Content: (1) The Genesis of Zone of Peace Theory: From Regional Puzzles to Global Concepts; (2) Why Study Peace Over Conflict? A Scholar’s Perspective; (3) Theoretical Foundations: Which IR Schools Shaped Zone of Peace Theory?; (4) Beyond Security Communities: Distinguishing Zones of Peace from Deutsch’s Framework; (5) Decolonizing Peace Theory: Addressing Global South Perspectives in IR; (6) South America vs West Africa: Why Some Regions Achieve Lasting Peace; (7) ASEAN’s Peaceful Paradox: Non-Interference Despite Internal Tensions; (8) From Conflict to Peace: Can the Middle East Transform Its Security Dynamics?; (9) Practical Applications: Using Zone of Peace Theory in Today’s World; and (10) Authoritarian States and Peace: Navigating Democracy vs Stability.
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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.
Dr. Joseph Daher is a distinguished academic and expert on the Middle East, specialising in political economy, political Islam, and contemporary regional history, with a particular focus on Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Palestine.
He is an associate researcher at the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies.
Between November 2018 and August 2024, he was a visiting professor at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence. At the EUI, he first participated in the research project entitled “Wartime and Post-Conflict in Syria.” He was responsible for one of the four research axes of the project, focusing on political economy: “The war economy and its impact on (potential) future reconstruction efforts.”
Then he co-managed the “Syrian Trajectories: Challenges and Opportunities for Peacebuilding” project at the EUI. His extensive publications appear in academic journals, research centres, and outlets in English, French, and Arabic. Dr. Daher also founded and manages the blog Syria Freedom Forever, a platform dedicated to analysing Syrian politics and society.
Content: (1) Post-Assad Order: Continuity or Break from Syria’s War Economy?; (2) Fate of Assad’s Inner Circle: Where Are They Now?; (3) Current State of Syria’s Economy; (4) Technocrats and Expatriates in Syria’s Government: Redistribution of Resources; (5) Role of Syrian Diaspora and Leaders in Exile; (6) Religion’s Influence in Syria’s Reconstruction and Post-Assad Era; (7) Main Potential Income Sources for Syria in Reconstruction; (8) Approaches of Middle Eastern States vs. Western Economies towards Syria: Solidarity or Profit-Driven?; (9) Role of Russia and China in Syria’s Reconstruction; (10) Geopolitical Triangle: Turkey, Syria, and the Kurds; and (11) Strengthening Syria’s International Diplomacy.
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In this insightful interview with Dr. Gilbert A. Ang’ana, we explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding governance in Africa, touching on everything from institutional weaknesses to the impact of digitalisation. Ang’ana’s expertise sheds light on crucial topics such as intra-governmental collaboration, decentralisation, and the evolving role of technology in shaping the continent’s future.
Dr. Gilbert A. Ang’ana is a researcher and practitioner in leadership and governance, focusing on Africa. He is the CEO of Accent Leadership Group and the Executive Director of Accent Global Initiative, a think tank that advocates for good governance and policy innovation. He is a Policy Leader Fellow at the European University Institute in Florence.
Content: (1) Defining “Good Governance” in the African Context; (2) Reception of Good Governance Models Across African States; (3) Intra-Government Collaboration: An Overlooked Pillar of Governance; (4) Case Studies: Successes and Failures in Intra-Governmental Collaboration; (5) Institutional and Political Barriers to Effective Collaboration; (6) Roots of Institutional Weakness and the Role of the African Union; (7) Centralisation vs. Decentralisation of Power in Africa; (8) Challenges in Decentralising Key Governance Elements; (9) Intra-Governmental Collaboration as Mediator or Moderator of Governance Outcomes?; (10) Governance Education and Capacity-Building Initiatives in Africa; (11) “Responsible Negotiation” vs. Traditional Conflict Resolution Methods; (12) Role of Tribes and Minorities in Shaping Good Governance; (13) Navigating Donor Influence and Corporate Pressure: Striving for Epistemic Autonomy; (14) Digitalisation’s Role in Advancing Governance in Africa; (15) Competing Interests: International vs. Local Tech Enterprises; (16) The Power Challenge: Electricity Access as a Prerequisite for Digital Progress; and (17) Key Governance Reforms Needed for Africa’s Future.
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Is nuclear power the future of Kazakhstan’s energy strategy? 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.
Eldaniz Gusseinov is a Non-Resident Research Fellow at the Heydar Aliyev Centre for Eurasian Studies at Ibn Khaldun University (Istanbul), and co-founder of Nightingale Intelligence International, a political forecasting consultancy. He specialises in European and international studies, with a focus on the European Union’s foreign policy and its engagement with Central Asian countries, as well as the analysis of foreign policy processes within Central Asia.
Content:
(1) Is Nuclear Power Essential for Kazakhstan?; (2) Public Opinion on Renewable versus Traditional Energy in Kazakhstan; (3) Who Makes the Decisions on Nuclear Power Plants in Kazakhstan?; (4) The History of Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Plans: Why Wasn’t a Soviet Plant Built?; (5) The Current State of Kazakhstan’s Former Nuclear Test Sites; (6) The Role of Civil Society in Nuclear Power Decision-Making; (7) Will Kazakhstan Engage a Third-Party Consultant for Its Nuclear Plans?; (8) Kazakhstan’s Uranium Production and Its Role in Nuclear Strategy; (9) Implications if Russia Wins the Nuclear Power Contract; (10) Implications if China Wins the Nuclear Power Contract; (11) Implications if France Wins the Nuclear Power Contract; (12) Implications if South Korea Wins the Nuclear Power Contract; (13) Could a Multinational Consortium Build Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Plant?; (14) Timeline for Kazakhstan’s Final Decision on the Nuclear Plant; (15) Security Concerns Related to Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Project; (16) Public Perceptions of the Nuclear Power Development Process; and (17) Overlooked Dimensions of Kazakhstan’s Energy Security.
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In this insightful interview, Steven Gruzd, a leading expert on Russia-Africa relations, explores the multifaceted dimensions of Russia’s foreign policy towards Africa, from its Soviet legacy to contemporary geopolitical strategies. Delving into topics such as security, trade, energy partnerships, and soft power, this discussion offers a comprehensive analysis of Russia’s evolving role on the African continent.
Steven Gruzd is the Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme and the Africa-Russia Project at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Gruzd has authored influential analyses on Africa–Russia summits, BRICS cooperation, and the re-emergence of Russian influence in African foreign policy arenas. In addition to his policy work, Steven is also a contributing journalist to the South African Jewish Report, where he writes on international affairs, governance, and Jewish community issues, bringing a journalistic lens to complex geopolitical developments.
Content: (1) The Soviet Legacy: Shaping Russia’s Modern Foreign Policy Towards Africa; (2) Post-Soviet Space and Africa: How Africa Views Former Soviet Republics; (3) Russia’s Security Presence in Africa: The Role of the Wagner Group; (4) Arms Deals and Military Influence: Russia’s Weapon Sales to Africa; (5) Russia vs. China: Economic Influence in Africa; (6) Why is Russia’s Trade in Africa Still Lagging Behind?; (7) Russian Energy Companies in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges; (8) Do African Countries Seek Energy Partnerships with Russia?; (9) The Russia-Africa Summit: A Diplomatic Platform for Russia’s Interests; (10) Russia-Africa Summit vs. BRICS: Diverging Approaches to Russian Interests in Africa; (11) Russia’s Soft Power in Africa: Academic and Cultural Initiatives; (12) Peacekeeping and Counterterrorism: Russia’s Role in African Stability; (13) Russian Foreign Aid to Africa: Aid or Influence?; (14) Russian Media’s Influence in Africa: Shaping Public Opinion; and (15) Under-Explored Research Areas in Russia-Africa Relations.
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In this wide-ranging interview, energy analyst Dr Walter James offers an incisive assessment of Japan’s path to net-zero by 2050. From strategic coherence and institutional constraints to LNG diplomacy, hydrogen ambitions, and civil society’s role, James unpacks the dynamics shaping Japan’s energy transformation. This conversation provides valuable insights into the political economy of decarbonisation in one of the world’s most energy-dependent industrial economies.
Dr Walter James is a political scientist and energy policy consultant specialising in Japan’s decarbonisation strategy. Dr James holds a PhD in Political Science from Temple University, with research focusing on the political dynamics of financial regulatory reforms in the United States and Japan. His academic work included a research fellowship at Waseda University in Tokyo.
He is the principal at Power Japan Consulting and the author of the Power Japan Substack, where he provides detailed analyses of Japan’s energy transition.
He frequently contributes to platforms such as The Japan Times, Energy Tracker Asia, Climate Home News, and East Asia Forum.
His work critically explores the intersection of energy policy, governance, and geopolitics in East Asia.
Content: (1) Strategic Coherence: Can Japan Achieve Net-Zero by 2050?; (2) Understanding Domestic Scepticism Toward Climate Goals; (3) Institutions and Governance: The Role of the Basic Energy Plan; (4) Public vs. Private Ownership in Japan’s Energy Sector; (5) Who Owns Japan’s Major Energy Companies?; (6) The Strategic Role of LNG in Japan’s Energy Transition; (7) LNG Diplomacy and Japan’s Geopolitical Exposure; (8) Japan’s Hydrogen Society: Vision and Implementation; (9) Nuclear Power in Japan’s Future Energy Mix; (10) Barriers to Accelerating Renewable Energy Deployment; (11) Carbon Capture and Storage: Promise or Distraction?; (12) Corporate Collaboration in Decarbonisation Efforts; (13) Civil Society’s Role in Advancing Climate Action; (14) Start-Ups and Innovation in Japan’s Climate Ecosystem; (15) Households and Energy System Upgrades; and (16) Japan’s Greatest Untapped Opportunity in Decarbonisation.
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In this episode, we’ll examine how the EU uses its political, economic, and institutional resources to influence global affairs, often without resorting to direct confrontation. In particular, we’ll focus on soft balancing governance model, and its implications.
Anders Wivel is a Professor of International Relations at University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
His most fundamental research interest is how small states overcome power asymmetry and vulnerability in international relations.
Theoretically, his work begins from a critical and constructive engagement with the Realist tradition in International Relations, most importantly Neoclassical Realism.
Anders was Chief Investigator and Deputy Director of Research in the Independent Inquiry into Denmark’s military engagements in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq commissioned by the Danish Parliament (“Krigsudredningen“).
He is a chair (with Revecca Pedi) of the section “Small States in World Politics” at the European International Studies Association (EISA), and also an active member of the Global Research Network on Peaceful Change (GRENPEC).
Content: (1) Defining Soft Balancing vs Hard Balancing; (2) Soft Power vs Soft Balancing: Key Differences; (3) Relevance of Soft Balancing for EU Governance; (4) Inclusive vs Exclusive Institutional Soft Balancing; (5) Key Historical Milestones in EU Soft Balancing; (6) Lessons from Soft Balancing Failures; (7) Balancing National Sovereignty with Collective Decision-making; (8) The EU’s Institutional Structure: Too Many or Too Few?; (9) The Role of Plasticity in EU Governance Adaptation; (10) Successful and Unsuccessful Soft Balancing with Non-Members; (11) Causes of External Soft Balancing Failures; (12) Approaching Sanctions in Soft Balancing; (13) Official EU Resolutions on Soft Balancing; (14) Soft Balancing and International Relations Theories; (15) Challenges in Implementing Soft Balancing; (16) Soft Balancing in a More Centralized EU; (17) Regions Outside the EU and Soft Balancing Lessons; and (18) The Role of Non-State Actors in Soft Balancing.
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Join us for an insightful interview with Professor Bode as we dive into the AutoNorms project, exploring the evolution of international norms surrounding autonomous weapons systems (AWS). We discuss key findings, theoretical foundations, and the role of global security in shaping AWS governance.
Ingvild Bode is Professor of International Relations and Director of the Center for War Studies at the University of Southern Denmark.
She is principally interested in analysing processes of policy and normative change, especially in the areas of Artificial Intelligence in the military domain, the use of force, AI governance, United Nations peacekeeping, and more general dynamics of the UN Security Council.
Content: (1) The Motivation Behind the AutoNorms Project; (2) Bridging the Research Gap on Technology in International Relations; (3) Key Findings and Outcomes of AutoNorms; (4) Autonomous Weapons and the Evolution of International Norms; (5) Theoretical Foundations: War Theory in the Research; (6) Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Norm Development in Global Security; (7) Understanding Social Norms Through AutoNorms; (8) Investigating Practices That Shape AWS Norms; (9) Challenging Rationalist and Institutionalist Approaches to Security; (10) The Grand Theory Behind AutoNorms; (11) Data Collection Strategies in the Research; (12) Managing Confidentiality and Restricted Information; (13) Why China, Japan, Russia, and the U.S.? Case Selection Criteria; (14) Divergent National Perspectives on AWS and Security; (15) Engagement with Formal Diplomatic and Legal Processes; (16) Normative Fragmentation: A Challenge to the Rules-Based Order?; (17) Resistance to Emerging Norms and Key Actors; (18) The Role of Deterrence in AWS Governance; (19) Does the EU Have a Unified AWS Research Programme?; (20) Unexpected Findings in the Research Process; and (21) Underexplored Areas in AWS Norm Research.
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In this interview, Dr Christopher Lamont discusses key methodological developments in international relations research, reflecting on the evolution from the first to the second edition of his work.
He explores interdisciplinarity, mixed research methods, and the role of AI, offering insights into emerging trends and challenges in contemporary political analysis.
Christopher Lamont is Dean of E-Track’s International Relations program and Vice Dean of the Graduate School of International Relations at Tokyo International University in Japan.
Content: (1) Key Differences Between the First and Second Edition; (2) The Role of Interdisciplinarity in Research; (3) Interdisciplinarity: A Researcher’s Motivation or a Structural Pressure?; (4) Current Trends and Applications of Mixed Research Methods; (5) Dr Lamont’s Preferred Mixed Research Methods; (6) Causality and Complexity in Positivist Research Approaches; (7) Real-Time Data Analytics: Balancing Empirical Depth and Immediacy in Political Research; (8) Challenges of Accessibility: The Future of Electronic Sources in Research; (9) Constructivist and Postcolonial Critiques of Traditional Empirical Methodologies; (10) Bridging Local Case Studies and Global Generalisations: Methodological Innovations in IR; (11) The Potential of Multi-Level Network Analysis in Understanding Power Structures; (12) Methodological Challenges in Studying Informal Diplomatic Practices; (13) Research Methods That Need More Focus in the Second Edition; (14) The Role of AI in Research Methodology and Analysis; and (15) Which Research Methods Require Further Exploration for Better Understanding?
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The growing importance of critical minerals is reshaping global geopolitics, resource security, and international economic relations.
As the world accelerates its transition towards clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing, the demand for critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—has surged, raising new challenges for policymakers and industries alike.
In this discussion with Dr. Vlado Vivoda, we will explore the key issues surrounding critical minerals, focusing on supply chain vulnerabilities, the geopolitical implications of resource dependency, and the strategies needed to ensure secure and sustainable access.
Dr Vlado Vivoda is a renowned scholar and researcher affiliated with the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland, Australia.
His work addresses some of the most pressing global challenges, focusing on the geopolitics of critical minerals, sustainable energy policies, and the strategic impacts of global energy transitions.
He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Resources Policy, one of the world’s premier journals dedicated to the economics and policy dimensions of energy and mineral extraction, production and use.
Content: (1) Strategic Rivalries: Critical Minerals and the US-China Competition; (2) National Security Implications of Critical Minerals; (3) The Weaponisation of Critical Minerals; (4) Competition or Cooperation? State Dynamics in the Critical Minerals Race; (5) The Minerals Security Partnership: Objectives and Impact; (6) Can the Quest for Critical Minerals Spark Conflict?; (7) Neocolonialism in Mineral Extraction Practices; (8) Chinese vs Western Mining Strategies: A Comparative Perspective; (9) Non-State Actors and NGOs in the Critical Minerals Sector; (10) The Disinformation Campaign Against Rio Tinto in Serbia; and (11) Three Underexplored Areas in Critical Minerals Research.
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Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr Christopher Mott on the shifting landscape of global hegemony, with particular attention to East Asia’s strategic and economic dynamics. We also examine the roles of middle powers, non-state actors, and evolving US foreign policy in shaping the future of international relations.
Content: (1) Defining Hegemony: Historical Roots and Growth; (2) The Post-Hegemonic Age: Myth or Reality?; (3) China’s Hegemonic Ambitions: Emerging Strategies; (4) Hegemony in Decline: Systemic or Cyclical Shifts?; (5) US Hegemony: Erosion or Evolution Ahead?; (6) Global Multipolarity: Adapting to New Power Centres; (7) Middle Powers: Bridging Gaps in Global Governance; (8) Misplaced Fears: Unpacking US Foreign Policy; (9) Non-State Actors: Shaping the Future of Power; and (10) Realism and Dr. Mott: A Research Perspective.
Dr. Mott is a Washington Fellow at the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy and an international relations scholar specialising in geopolitics, strategy, and the intersection of defensive realism and sovereignty.
Selected Publications
The Rise of a Multipolar West Asia: Why the Middle East Resists Hegemony
Turkey: A Middle Power Pioneer
Middle Powers in the Multipolar World
The Formless Empire: A Short History of Diplomacy and Warfare in Central Asia
Polycentrism and the Eurasian Balance of Power
Christopher’s Blog
The Trickster’s Guide to Geopolitics https://geotrickster.com/
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In this insightful interview with Professor Mark LeBar, we explore how eudaimonism—a cornerstone of ancient ethics—continues to shape modern philosophical and practical discourse. Covering topics from virtue ethics and moral autonomy to AI ethics and global challenges, this conversation bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary issues, offering fresh perspectives on leadership, responsibility, and societal flourishing. Dive in to discover how eudaimonism remains relevant in navigating today’s ethical complexities.
Mark LeBar is an American philosopher and professor of philosophy at Florida State University. He is known for his works on moral philosophy and is the editor of Social Theory and Practice since 2015.
LeBar’s research interests encompass ethical theory, social and political philosophy, and ancient philosophy.
His notable publications include The Value of Living Well (2013), which integrates ancient Greek eudaimonism with contemporary ethical theory; Equality and Public Policy (2015), co-edited with Antony Davies, David Schmidtz and Fred D. Miller Jr.; and Justice (2018), an edited volume examining the virtue of justice from multidisciplinary perspectives.
Selected Publications:
LeBar, M. (Ed.). (2018). Justice. Oxford University Press.
LeBar, M. (2017). Eudaimonism (N. E. Snow, Ed.; Vol. 1). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199385195.013.27
LeBar, M., Davies, A., & Schmidtz, D. (Eds.). (2015). Equality and Public Policy. Cambridge University Press.
LeBar, M. (2013). The Value of Living Well. Oxford University Press.
LeBar, M. (2008). Aristotelian constructivism. Social Philosophy and Policy, 25(1), 182–213. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0265052508080072
LeBar, M. (1999). Kant on welfare. Canadian Journal of Philosophy, 29(2), 225–249. https://doi.org/10.1080/00455091.1999.10717512
Throughout his career, LeBar has been recognised for his contributions to philosophy, including receiving an Earhart Foundation Fellowship and serving as a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowship Panelist.
Content: (1) How Eudaimonism Redefines What Is Good for Us in Modern Ethics; (2) Eudaimonism Today: Has It Evolved into a Modern Equivalent?; (3) Practical Rationality vs Rule-Based Ethics: Insights from Eudaimonism; (4) Rules vs Norms: Understanding Their Ethical Distinction; (5) Virtue Ethics vs Moral Relativism: Using Ancient Ideas to Argue Universality; (6) Eudaimonism and Modern Moral Theories: A Cohesive View of Facts and Reasons; (7) Balancing Individual Flourishing with Social Responsibility Through Eudaimonism; (8) Moral Autonomy and Social Obligations: Finding Harmony Through Virtue; (9) Eudaimonism and Emerging Technologies: Addressing AI’s Ethical Challenges; (10) Bridging Polarisation: Virtue Eudaimonism in Political and Ethical Conflicts; (11) Global Environmental Issues: Eudaimonism and Collective Responsibility; (12) Cultural Diversity and Globalisation: Evolving Eudaimonism for Modern Challenges; and (13) Philosophy Meets International Relations: Interdisciplinary Opportunities.
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In this engaging interview with Bill Emmott, former Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, we explore Japan's political uncertainty and its ripple effects on international relations. From the dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party to Japan's energy security challenges, Article 9 debates, and its role in the Indo-Pacific region, this conversation dives into the critical issues shaping Japan's global position in 2024. Watch as we discuss the US-Japan alliance, relations with South Korea, and Japan’s response to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Don't miss this insightful discussion on Japan's evolving role in a rapidly changing world!
Bill Emmott is a renowned independent writer, consultant, and expert in international affairs with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. A former Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, he spent 26 years at the publication, which he joined in 1980. Over this time, he worked as a correspondent and editor in Brussels, Tokyo, and London, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, finance, economics, and global business. In 1993, he was appointed Editor-in-Chief, a role he held for 13 years, during which he shaped The Economist’s voice on some of the world’s most critical issues.
Bill is a prolific author, particularly noted for his expertise on Japan. His first major book, The Sun Also Sets: Why Japan Will Not Be Number One (1989), sparked global discussions about Japan’s economic future. His latest work, Japan’s Far More Female Future, highlights the potential for a gender-balanced transformation in Japanese society. Published in Japanese by Nikkei in 2019 and in English by Oxford University Press in 2020, it underscores his continued relevance in analysing Japan’s evolving role in the world.
Bill’s leadership and contributions extend far beyond writing. He serves as the Ushioda Fellow at Tokyo College, University of Tokyo; chairman of the board of Trinity College Dublin’s Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute; chairman of the Japan Society in the UK (until December 2024); and chairman of the trustees of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). His involvement in these institutions reflects his dedication to fostering academic, cultural, and strategic understanding on a global scale.
In recognition of his contributions to UK-Japan relations, the Japanese government awarded Bill the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun: Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2016.
Content: (1) International Impact of the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) Dominance; (2) LDP: A Conservative Party in Liberal Clothing?; (3) Energy Security Amid Domestic Political Uncertainty; (4) Public Opinion on Reopening Nuclear Plants; (5) Can Japan Lead the Energy Transition Despite Lagging in Renewables?; (6) Article 9 and Its Role in Japan’s Contemporary Security Strategy; (7) Prospects for Modifying Article 9; (8) The State of the US-Japan Alliance in 2024; (9) Opportunities for Japan-South Korea Relations Amid Indo-Pacific Tensions; (10) Prime Minister’s Vision of an Asian ‘NATO’; (11) Japan’s Role in Taiwan Strait Tensions; (12) China’s Economic Leverage Over Japan; (13) Japan’s Response to the Belt and Road Initiative; (14) Achievements and Challenges in Japanese Economic Diplomacy; and (15) The Role of Japan Society in the UK in International Relations
Note: At 5:09 min, the following sentence was said by Bill Emmott during the interview: ‘That a full consensus has not really successfully built up and become shared across the whole of society.’
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This interview with Professor Will Baber explores how corporations wield economic power in foreign policy and trade negotiations. Discover the role of state-owned enterprises and corporate diplomacy in shaping global governance. Gain insights into interdisciplinary research and practical methodologies for understanding negotiation dynamics.
William W. Baber is Professor at the Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University, Japan. He has combined education with business throughout his career. His professional experience has included economic development in the State of Maryland, language services in the Washington DC area, supporting business starters in Japan, and teaching business students in Japan, Europe, and Canada.
Content: (1) Corporate Economic Leverage in Foreign Policy; (2) Identifying and Originating Corporate Negotiation Power; (3) Corporate Influence on Trade Policies and State Sovereignty; (4) Trends and Quality in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs); (5) Power Asymmetries in Strategic Negotiations, (6) Corporate Actors as De Facto Diplomats, (7) State-Owned Enterprises in Negotiations, (8) Overseas Impact of State-Owned Enterprises, (9) Corporations and International Regulatory Frameworks, (10) Economic Imperialism in Negotiations, (11) Company-Government Conflicts in Negotiations, (12) Unveiling Corporate Influence in Forums like the WTO, (13) Tips for Research Methodologies, (14) Learning from Negative Case Studies in Negotiations, (15) Future Directions for Interdisciplinary Research in Negotiations.
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Join Dr Tomasz Morozowski, a renowned expert from the Institute for Western Affairs in Poznań, as he discusses Germany’s evolving foreign policy towards emerging powers. Explore new frameworks, case studies, and the impact of the EU on Germany’s global strategy. Discover the challenges and opportunities shaping Germany’s long-term objectives in a dynamic international landscape.
Dr Tomasz Morozowski holds a PhD in Political Science from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Institute for Western Affairs in Poznań, where he leads the research team ‘Germany – Europe – World’. His areas of expertise include German foreign policy, Germany’s role on the global stage, Germany-China-European Union relations, emerging powers, globalisation, digitalisation, innovations in the European and German economies, and the intersection of artificial intelligence with international relations.
Content: (1) New Frameworks and Methodologies for Understanding Germany’s Policy Towards Emerging Powers; (2) The EU’s Supranational Influence on Germany’s Foreign Policy Research; (3) Neoclassical Realism in Tomasz’s Research on Germany’s Foreign Policy; (4) Limitations of Neoclassical Realism in Analysing Germany’s Foreign Policy; (5) From Continuity to Adaptation: The Evolution of Germany’s Foreign Policy; (6) How Germany Identifies and Classifies Emerging Powers in Foreign Policy; (7) Case Studies of Emerging Powers: Brazil, India, and South Africa; (8) Case Studies of Emerging Powers: The Indo-Pacific Region; (9) Case Studies of Emerging Powers: The African Continent; (10) Which Country Surprised You Most During the Research?; (11) Quality of German Documents and the Role of the German Language in Research; (12) Germany’s Long-Term Foreign Policy Goals Regarding Emerging Powers; and (13) Navigating Different Regimes: Distinctive Elements of Germany’s Foreign Policy.
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Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr Adam Bower, as we delve into the complexities of space governance and its impact on international relations. In this interview, we explore the challenges of defining ‘outer space,’ the role of international treaties, and the governance of private actors in space exploration. Dr Bower sheds light on NATO’s satellite agreements, multilateral forums, and the implications of a multipolar world order on space policy. We also examine the contrasting approaches of the US, Russia, and China in shaping the future of space governance. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation!
Dr Bower is Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of St Andrews. He was the founding co-director of the Centre for Global Law and Governance and sits on the Steering Committee of the Institute for Legal and Constitutional Research. He is a member of the St Andrews Centre for Exoplanet Science, a Fellow of the Outer Space Institute (a global network of transdisciplinary space experts), and serves on the management team of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs. Dr Bower’s research explores the development of international norms and their impact in restraining forms of armed violence.
Content: (1) Defining ‘Outer Space’: Is There a Global Consensus?; (2) International Treaties and the Geopolitics of Space Governance; (3) Regulating Private Actors in Space Exploration; (4) NATO Satellites: Coverage Under Collective Agreements; (5) Multilateral Forums in Space Governance; (6) Multipolar World Order and Its Vision for Space Governance; (7) US Antipreneurship vs. Russia and China: Contrasting Approaches; and (8) Future Outlook: Voluntary Norms in Space Governance.
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In this interview, Dr. Fabian Baumann discusses his book Dynasty Divided: A Family History of Russian and Ukrainian Nationalism, exploring the Shul’gin/Shul’hyn family’s divergent national identities and their implications for understanding nationalism in Ukraine and Russia. He examines the historical evolution of nationalism, the role of family dynamics, generational divides, and the contributions of women within nationalist movements, offering insights into contemporary contexts.
Dr. Baumann is a historian specialising in Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on the history of nationalism and empire in Russia, Ukraine, and East Central Europe. His acclaimed book, Dynasty Divided: A Family History of Russian and Ukrainian Nationalism (NIU Press/Cornell University Press), received the 2024 W. Bruce Lincoln Book Prize, recognising its exceptional merit and enduring significance in advancing the understanding of Russia’s history. The work traces the story of a family divided between Russian and Ukrainian nationalist identities, arguing that 19th-century intellectuals consciously chose their political positions before adopting a sense of national belonging, challenging conventional views of nationalism as rooted in pre-existing ethnicity.
In addition to his exploration of nationalism, Dr. Baumann has conducted postdoctoral research on “banal” nationalism and the promotion of republican statehood in late Soviet Ukraine. His current project examines the prosecution of alleged traitors and enemies of the state in the First Czechoslovak Republic, shedding light on how trials against groups such as Sudeten German nationalists, Hungarian irredentists, and Czech fascists reflected the tensions between state-building, loyalty, and authoritarian trends in interwar Europe’s only stable democracy.
Content: (1) Motivation for Researching Nationalism in Ukraine and Russia; (2) Distinguishing Personal Convictions from Ideological Shifts under State Pressure or Exile; (3) Historical Perspectives on Nationalism: Did People Understand it as We Do Today?; (4) Sensitivity in Analysing Family Identities within Specific Geopolitical Contexts; (5) A Family Perspective on Nationalism: A Unique Lens on Ukraine and Russia; (6) Generational Divides in Nationalism within the Shul’gin/Shul’hyn Family; (7) Family-Driven versus State-Driven Nationalism; (8) Private Organisations and Societies of Ukrainian Nationalists; (9) Intellectual Sources of Nationalist Thought; (10) Role and Contribution of Women in the Nationalist Movement; (11) Regional Identity vs. Imperial Loyalty: Lessons from the Shul’gin/Shul’hyn Family for Contemporary Ukraine; (12) The Concept of “Nation as a Category of Practice”; (13) Understanding “National Indifference”; (14) Shifts in Personal Assumptions About Nationalism During Research; (15) Reception of the Book in Ukraine and Russia Amidst the Ongoing Conflict; and (16) Key Challenges in Researching Nationalism
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In this interview, Narendra Taneja discusses the shortcomings of major energy organisations like IEA, OPEC, and IRENA, and explores energy as a tool of geopolitical power. We also cover energy poverty in the Global South, renewable energy visions, and the foundations for a new energy governance framework. Learn about the skills needed for enhanced global energy governance.
Narendra Taneja is a noted global thought leader on the policy, security and geopolitics of energy.
Profile:
His expertise ranges from energy policy, transition, geopolitics and governance to energy security and associated climate issues. He is often cited as “a powerful voice” on the issue of energy and climate, especially in the context of the Global North and the Global South.
Mr Taneja serves as Chairman of the Independent Energy Policy Institute, a think tank based in New Delhi. He is also a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies in Oxford, UK. He presides over the World Energy Policy Summit, a reputed conferencing organization. He was President of the World Oil & Gas Assembly, a meeting place of top global Chief Executive Officers and policymakers, from 2001 to 2011.
He sits on several International Advisory Boards, including that of the ONS Foundation of Norway and the Energy Intelligence Group of the US. He is also a Visiting Professor at the NTPC School of Business in India.
Mr Taneja is a known conversationalist and moderator on live platforms like television channels, talk shows and conferences. He is a regular on Indian and international television channels in debates and conversation and has appeared in global iconic shows like the BBC HARD Talk and CNN’s Amanpour. Also, a known political thinker, Mr Taneja has served as the National Convener of Energy Cell and as a National Spokesperson of the BJP, India’s governing party, for several years until recently.
Mr Taneja has served as Co-Chairman of the Hydrocarbon Committee and Chairman of the Energy Security Group of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Energy and Green Economy Working Group (India) of the BRICS Business Council for several years. He has also served as the South Asia Bureau Chief for a number of European business newspapers for many years.
His books include The Far People – A Norwegian Journal, motivational My Thoughts, My Motherland – The Quest for a Golden India and Meethi Dhoop, a collection of short stories in Hindi. He is currently working on two books.
Mr Taneja read economics, business, commerce, policy, leadership, diplomacy and international affairs at St John’s College, Agra in India and at the University of Oslo and the University of Oxford. He holds two post-graduate university degrees and several short-term university course certificates. He lives in New Delhi.
Content: (1) Assessing the Failures of IEA, OPEC, and IRENA; (2) Energy as a Geopolitical Weapon; (3) Energy Poverty: Insights from the Global South; (5) Renewable Energy Perspectives: The Global South’s Vision; (6) Foundations for a New Energy Governance Framework; (7) Enforcing Global Energy Decisions: Mechanisms and Challenges; (8) Integrating New Energy Governance within the UN Framework; and (9) Building Expertise: Essential Skills for Enhanced Energy Governance.
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Join us as we explore the European Union’s role in Afghanistan with Dr Oz Hassan. This interview examines the challenges of implementing the ‘Bonn Model,’ balancing democratisation with security, and the EU’s engagement with Afghanistan’s neighbours. Discover the key lessons for the EU from its complex involvement in Afghan reconstruction and governance.
Oz Hassan is a Reader of National Security in the Politics and International Studies Department at the University of Warwick. His research focuses on Transatlantic relations with the Greater Middle East. He is the author of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) study entitled ‘Afghanistan: Lessons learnt from 20 years of supporting democracy, development and security’, which provides further guidance on how the EU can continue delivering support and assistance to Afghanistan. It is the only official lesson-learned study for the EU, and it makes 32 recommendations to inform parliamentary resolutions and the European Commission.
Content: (1) EU’s Misjudgement of Afghanistan’s Political and Social Complexities Through the ‘Bonn Model’; (2) Why the ‘Bonn Model’ Was Selected; (3) EU’s Focus on Democratisation Over Security in Afghanistan; (4) Afghanistan as a Post-Conflict Territory: A Flawed Assumption; (5) Unity Among EU Member States in Afghan Policy; (6) EU’s Strategic Interests in Afghanistan; (7) EU’s Historical Experience with Imposing Governance in Afghanistan; (8) EU’s Approach to Establishing Political Order in Afghanistan; (9) Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund vs Corruption Challenges; (10) EU’s Engagement with Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries; (11) Narcotics and Drug Trade in Afghanistan; (12) Complexities of Cross-Border Emigration from Afghanistan; (13) Reactions from Russia, China, and the Caucasus; and (14) Key Lessons for the EU from Afghanistan.
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