Video Podcast Archives

July 10, 2025 — No Comments

Dr. Kenneth Schultz on Trump’s approach to peacemaking

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.

Interviewers: Clémence Van Damme and Pedro Mendes - US Desk

June 4, 2025 — No Comments

China and Taiwan’s competition in Southeast Asia and Oceania

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

June 3, 2025 — No Comments

Dr. Arūnas Molis on Energy Security and the War in Ukraine

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.

Dr. Molis is a policy analyst in Lithuania and has previously held key positions at Klaipeda LNG and NATO Energy Security Center of Excellence.

Interviewers: Alexandra Tsarvulanova & Sara Pastorello - Russia and Post-Soviet Space Desk

May 14, 2025 — No Comments

Michael L. Burgoyne on the US designation of Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organisations

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.

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: Joshua Yow and Olivia Tollis - Crime, Extremism, and Terrorism Team.

April 18, 2025 — No Comments

Professor Koen Vlassenroot on the Eastern Congo conflict

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

April 12, 2025 — No Comments

Dr. Ofra Bengio on the Kurdish situation in the middle East

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

April 8, 2025 — No Comments

Dr. Tim Stevens on Intersection of Cyber and Human Security

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

February 27, 2025 — No Comments

Mat Youkee on US and Chinese influence in Panama

Mat Youkee speaks about the role of the US and China in shaping Panama’s current security situation. He is a freelance journalist and independent consultant based in Panama.

In this session, Mat Youkee discusses how Panama’s security situation has been affected by recent statements by US President Donald Trump. He looks at what is currently shaping Panama’s strategic decision making in the international arena, including US and Chinese political and business interests. He also considers what is next for the nation in light of these competing geopolitical interests.

Interviewers: Sarah Toubman & Dr. Rabiah Ryklief - Central & South America Desk

January 31, 2025 — No Comments

Loredana Teodorescu on Women’s Rights in International Conflict

In this session, Dr. Teodorescu delves into the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, exploring approaches to advancing women’s rights in international conflict and the critical role of women’s integration in achieving sustainable solutions. She highlights the importance of holding countries accountable through international frameworks like the WPS agenda and shares insights on how empowering women is essential for building long-term peace and security.

Dr. Teodorescu is a distinguished expert in European policies, migration, and gender issues. She serves as the Head of European and International Affairs at Istituto Luigi Sturzo in Rome and is the President of the Italian chapter of Women in International Security. She also leads the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, focusing on women's roles in peace and security.

Interviewers: Hanorah Hardy and Sofia Sutera - Human Rights Team

December 21, 2024 — No Comments

Should the U.S. Back Zelensky’s Victory Plan? | Elina Beketova Explains

Elina Beketova discusses if Washington D.C. should support Zelensky's 'Victory Plan,’ where Trump may support the plan, and what can be expected from Biden in these last few weeks of his administration.

Ms. Beketova is a democracy fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington D.C., where she researches temporarily Russian occupied territories in Ukraine. She also has extensive experience as a journalist where she reported in Crimea, Kharkiv, and Kyiv, which included prominent international high profile interviews.

Interviewers: Samuel Dempsey - USA Team