Dr. Sophie Schmalenberger is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. Her research focuses on the German New Right, with particular expertise in the communication and mobilization strategies of the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Drawing on qualitative and interdisciplinary approaches, her work examines how far-right actors engage in memory politics and…
In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Sophie Schmalenberger about the AfD’s historic result in the Saxony-Anhalt state election and what it means for Germany’s political future. The discussion examines what is driving the party’s rise, particularly in eastern Germany, and whether Germany’s postwar “firewall” against the far right can…
Sarah Logan is a lawyer and economist with over 15 years’ experience in mining and energy law, policy, investment, and private sector development in African countries and fragile contexts. Her work focuses on the economics and local capabilities of mining and mineral processing operations, the legal and policy frameworks governing mining, and the industrial policy…
In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Sarah Logan about the global race to secure Africa’s critical minerals. The discussion examines how China, the US, and Europe are positioning themselves in this race, and whether African countries can move beyond simply hosting the competition. It also explores why refining is…
Stephanie Wolters has been working in the Great Lakes region since 1998. She was based in Kinshasa for six years as a correspondent for the BBC, Reuters, and The Economist, and later as chief news editor of Radio Okapi. Since then, Stephanie has worked in over 30 African countries for the World Bank, the International…
In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Stephanie Wolters about security, governance, and stability across the Democratic Republic of Congo. Stephanie Wolters unpacks why the DRC cannot be ignored, and why the roots of the conflict stretch far beyond its own borders. The discussion examines the international intervention in DRC,…
Ibrahim Aboubacar HAMA is an Environmentalist and Communication Specialist working on climate change adaptation, community engagement, and knowledge management across West Africa. His work focuses on designing and managing climate change adaptation projects and promoting sustainable practices and resilience in vulnerable communities. His career has spanned agriculture extension and livestock management, gender equity, and stakeholder…
In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Ibrahim Aboubacar Hama about climate change and its impact on food security, livelihoods, and stability across West Africa. Ibrahim shares what climate change looks like on the ground, and why national strategies often don’t match lived reality. The discussion examines whether government frameworks like Senegal’s…
Duncan Depledge is a British researcher working on climate security, defence policy and the geopolitics of the Arctic. He is Senior Lecturer in Geopolitics and Security at Loughborough University. His research focuses on the implications of climate change for the changing and future character of war. It also examines the shifting geopolitics of the Arctic, and…
In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Dr Duncan Depledge about climate change and its growing impact on the world’s militaries. This conversation looks at the geopolitics of the Arctic, the role of energy and logistics in warfare, and the growing competition across the High North, exploring how environmental change…
