A nation must think before it acts.
Chain Reaction
A podcast from the Foreign Policy Research Institute examining America’s role on the world stage. Every two weeks we’ll talk to experts about policy relevant news from around the world and why it matters for U.S. foreign policy.
Please note this podcast was known as the Middle East Brief prior to 2021.
The School of Democracy in Interwar Estonia
How did Estonian democracy erode in the 1930s? How did liberal dissidents express their discontent under a more oppressive regime? Why is political rhetoric important, both now and then? Dr. Liisi Veski, fellow at the Skytte Institute, University...
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Ukraine and US National Security
US assistance has been a key factor in Ukraine’s ability to not only survive Russia’s invasion but turn the tide in some places. But could the US have done more, and done it sooner? Some in Ukraine and in...
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The Fast and the Pistorius: Germany’s Remilitarization Plans
Germany announced bold remilitarization plans after Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine. A year later, where do we stand? Minna Ålander returns to The Continent to discuss progress made, and the challenges ahead. The Continent explores how the war in Ukraine...
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Dark Sarcasm in the Classroom: Patriotic Education in Russia
Patriotic education in Russia: how does it work? Is this any different from in the West? And among Russia’s young people, are we seeing generational differences as far as political attitudes go? Allyson Edwards joins Aaron Schwartzbaum on the...
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Report in Short: The Wagner Group’s Expanding Global Footprint
What is Wagner Group, how does the Kremlin use it, and how has its role and regional footprint changed? Raphael Parens and Christopher Faulkner join Aaron Schwartzbaum to discuss their latest report “The Wagner Group’s Expanding Global Footprint.” Explore...
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The Continent: Turkey to Victory
As we return to The Continent, what is the latest on Turkey’s upcoming election? Who is running, what is driving Turks to vote, and what does the result mean for Ukraine and beyond? FPRI’s Director of Research Jim Ryan...
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Don’t Mention the War
How do you make sense of Russia’s seemingly contradictory narrative about its invasion of Ukraine? And how is support, or at least assent, for the war generated? Jade McGlynn joins to discuss. Learn more about Jade’s new book Russia’s War ...
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Torn in the USA: How Important is the War in Ukraine for the United States?
How important is the war in Ukraine for the United States? What should Washington do about it? Stephen Wertheim drops by to share some options for your consideration. Learn more about Stephen’s book Tomorrow, the World Explore more from...
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Ukraine, One Year In: The Helpers
What motivates people who, when Russia invaded, decided to run towards the fire and assist Ukrainians? British Expeditionary Aid and Rescue, an aid organization, joins to share its experience. Learn more about the British Expeditionary Aid and Rescue (BEAR)...
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Reflecting on a Year of War
On the anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Maria Romanenko shares her experience fleeing Ukraine and reflects on what the war means, both personally and broadly. Click here for information about Maria’s fundraiser. Explore more from the Bear Market Brief Podcast...
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