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. 

 

Will Russia Survive Until 2084?

  Faced with a possible defeat in Ukraine, will Russia survive until 2084? FPRI Senior Fellow Philip Wasielewski and Maia Otarashvili, the Deputy Director of FPRI’s Eurasia program discuss the future of Russia, from internal ethnic and leadership struggles...

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Mobilize This

 How is Russia’s economy doing as we start 2023? And how is mobilization going – if it is even possible? Explore more from the Bear Market Brief Podcast here Subscribe to the Bear Market Brief newsletter  ...

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War in Ukraine: A Firsthand Account

What has the war actually been like on the ground? How have communities, and the Ukrainian government reacted? Kirill, a Kyiv resident and open source conflict researcher, joins to share his experience. Support Vostok SOS Explore more from the...

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We Can France if We Want To: What Does Paris Want for Ukraine and Europe?

As we drop by Paris, what is President Macron’s angle, diplomatically or otherwise, in the Ukraine War? And how do populists on both the right and left play in? This conversation was recorded live on Twitter Spaces on November...

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Public Opinion in Russia: What Do We Know, What Can We Know?

What do Russians actually think about the war in Ukraine? How are sanctions being felt locally? And what can we learn – or not – from polls conducted in Russia’s current political climate. Explore more from the Bear Market...

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Giorgia on My Mind: Italy’s Rightward Turn and Its Implications

What spurred Italy’s right wing populist wave? And what does it mean for EU policy? Federico Santi joins Aaron Schwartzbaum to discuss.  This conversation was recorded live on Twitter Spaces on October 20, 2022.  The Continent explores how the war...

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Stuck in the Magyar: Why is Hungary the “Bad Boy” of Europe?

How did Hungary stray from the liberal democratic path? What does that mean in practice? And what explains its contrarian position on Russia within the EU? Andras Toth-Czifra and Marta Pardavi join Aaron to discuss all things Hungary. This...

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Russia’s War in Ukraine: The Strategic Picture

  In this Bear Market Brief crossover episode, FPRI Templeton Fellow Phil Wasielewski joins host Aaron Schwartzbaum to provide an update on the war and take a step back. What is the broader strategic picture and what does it...

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What does Erdogan Erdo-want?

  What exactly motivates Turkey’s mercurial leader? Sibel Oktay joins to discuss what’s on Erdogan’s mind these days and his angle on Ukraine, NATO, and more.  You can check out Sibel’s forthcoming book Governing Abroad here.  This conversation was recorded...

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Baltic Power Hour

Join us as we cover all three Baltic States in (about) one hour. Guests Dr. Indra Ekmanis and Martynas Smitas share their views and some nuances on the current political and security juncture, as well as where the local...

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