Thomas Nilsen talks about the current geopolitical dynamics in the High North, and counters the growing media narrative around the 'inevitable' conflict in the Arctic, clarifying realities on the ground. This video podcast also discusses whether Russia has a military advantage over NATO in the Arctic, and considers how any future peace in Ukraine could reshape Arctic geopolitics.
Thomas Nilsen is the Editor of the Barents Observer, a journalist-owned online newspaper covering the key trends and developments in the Euro-Arctic region and northern Russia, publishing in both English and Russian. Its news-desk is located in Kirkenes, a Norwegian Arctic town situated a few kilometres from the borders of Russia and Finland in Norway’s northernmost county – Finnmark.
Interviewers: Will Quilter and Marco Dordoni - Arctic Desk
In this episode, Dr. Julie Norman speaks about her recent co-authored book (with Maia Carter Hallward), Gaza: The Dream and the Nightmare, where they explore the Gaza Strip's history, current situation, and future, through local Gazans’ voices, experiences, and hopes. Dr. Julie Norman is an Associate Professor of Politics & International Relations at University College London, and a Senior Associate Fellow on the Middle East at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).Â
In the interview, Dr. Norman addresses the modern history of the Gaza Strip, the story of its population, the Strip’s vibrant life even during times of crises, which include entrepreneurship, solidarity, and militancy. Dr. Norman talks about the Hamas-Fatah rivalry and the 2006 elections – the first and last democratic elections to take place in the Gaza Strip – the role Hamas plays in the Gazans’ daily life, and how local Gazans view life under Hamas. And, of course, she discusses the October 7, 2023 attack and the Israel-Hamas war that has followed.
With a PhD from the European University Institute and extensive expertise in foreign policy analysis, EU-Russia relations, democratisation, and European security, Dr Giusti sheds light on how cultural heritage is being weaponised in the war in Ukraine. The discussion covers Russia’s policies before and after the invasion, deliberate targeting of heritage sites, the trafficking of stolen cultural items, their use in sanctions evasion, and strategies to counter these hybrid threats.
Interviewers: Julia Hodgins and Francesco Pagano - Culture, Society & Security Desk
Dr. Kenneth Schultz talks about Trump's transactional diplomacy approach to conflict resolution and its effectiveness in addressing complex international conflicts. He analyses how Trump's use of the "peace through strength" doctrine and deal-focused methodology impacts sustainable peacemaking efforts across multiple global conflicts. Dr. Kenneth Schultz is the distinguished William Bennett Munro Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and a leading expert on international conflict and conflict resolution.
Specifically in this session, Mr. Schultz examines the limitations of Trump's transactional approach to peacemaking, particularly how focusing on immediate deals without sustained follow-through may undermine long-term stability. He explores the challenges of Trump's alignment with stronger military actors in conflicts and the complications this creates for genuine compromise and lasting peace agreements.
In this espisode, Dr. Simona Grano discusses the geopolitical implications of Chinese and Taiwanese influence in Southeast Asia and Oceania, and how this influence is being perceived and addressed by regional actors.
This podcast analyses how China is applying its strategic initiatives to influence infrastructure development and economic integration in Southeast Asia and Oceania examining Taiwan's counterbalancing efforts. It also investigates how regional nations navigate their relations with both China and Taiwan, the function of regional organisations, and the security ramifications of China's growing military might and a potential AUKUS alliance during the Trump era.
Dr. Grano is a distinguished expert in China and Taiwan issues. Dr. Grano serves as the Senior Fellow on Taiwan at the Asia Society Policy Institute's (ASPI) Center for China Analysis (CCA). She is also currently a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Taiwan Studies Project at the University of Zurich.
Interviewer: Kristina Kovalenko - Southeast Asia & Oceania Desk
In this episode of the ITSS Verona Member Series, Dr. Arūnas Molis talks about the changing landscape of European energy security in the context of the current war in Ukraine, with special focus on strategic lessons for the Baltic region.
Specifically, Dr. Molis discusses how energy can be weaponised, used as a tool of political pressure, and financial power in the context of hybrid warfare. He explores Russia’s energy leverage, attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, and lessons from the Baltic states’ path to energy independence.Â
In this session, Michael L. Burgoyne provides insight into the nature and implications of this designation for structures of crime organisations in Mexico, notably the consequences of material support given to them. We also discuss the economic, social and political impacts on Mexico, noting the intertwined state of cartels and local governance. Lastly, we analyse the broader implications of the declaration on neighbouring countries and broader Latin America and the challenges posed to Mexican sovereignty.Â
Michael L. Burgoyne is an Assistant Professor of Practice within the International Security Studies M.A. Program at University of Arizona's School of Government and Public Policy and a retired US Army Colonel.
Interviewers:Â Joshua Yow and Olivia Tollis - Crime, Extremism, and Terrorism Team.
Professor Koen Vlassenroot talks about the origin and current state of the Eastern Congo conflict. Koen Vlassenoot is a professor of Political science at the University of Ghent where he directs the Centre On Armed groups.
In this session, he discusses the ethnic and historical origins of the Eastern Congo conflict and describes the role, or lack thereof, of natural resources in the current clashes between the DRC and M23.
Interviewers: Andrea Sau, Leonardo Pesci, and Massimiliano Dosmo - Africa Desk
Dr. Ofra Bengio talks about the complex interplay of local, regional and international factors shaping the future of Kurdish autonomy, providing valuable insights into the ongoing Kurdish struggle for self-determination. Ofra Bengio is a Senior Research Fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies and Head of Kurdish Studies Program at the same Institute.
In this session, Dr. Ofra Bengio explores the complex dynamics affecting Kurdish autonomy, including the influence of regional powers like Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Also she analyses the roles of the US, Russia and the European Union, and uncover the fascinating intersection of gender and territorial politics in Kurdish movements. An essential watch for anyone interested in Middle Eastern geopolitics and ethnic autonomy struggles
Interviewers: Pedro Rodriguez - Human Security Desk
Dr. Tim Stevens talks about the intersection of cybersecurity and human security, where he addresses some fundamental questions like how do cyber threats impact human security, from privacy risks to disruptions in essential services? Dr. Tim Stevens is Reader in International Security in the Department of War Studies at King's College London and head of the King's Cyber Security Research Group.
In this session, Dr. Tim Stevens joins us to discuss the intersection of cybersecurity and human security. We explore how digital threats shape societal resilience, the role of cybersecurity in protecting fundamental rights, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI. Tune in for expert insights on safeguarding privacy, democracy, and critical infrastructure in an increasingly digital world.
Interviewers: Kelly Mikelatou - Human Security Desk
