Germany’s recent federal election has ushered in a period of political upheaval, with significant implications for defense spending, fiscal policy, the risk environment, and international relations. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, secured a plurality with 28.5 percent of the vote, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic second…
Dr. Messmer discusses the deterioration of Russia’s relationship with the West, the importance of protecting NATO member’s critical infrastructure, arms control, nuclear risk reduction and the significance of continued international co-operation. Before joining Chatham House, Marion was the Co-Director of BASIC, where she led on the organisation’s nuclear risk reduction and disarmament work. She is…
Coordinated and Produced by Elisa Garbil Welcome back! Dominic has Ali Fowle on this week to discuss the ongoing civil war in Myanmar/Birma. Listen to the what happened in Myanmar on the 1st of February 2021, and why it happened. Moreover questions like ‘Who is fighting who?’ ‘Where are the ethnic armed groups getting their support,…
Written by Elisa Garbil – 27.01.2025 In 1948, Myanmar gained independence from the United Kingdom. It was then ruled by military regimes for five decades, where civilian dissent has been repeatedly met with violent crackdowns. In addition, the military has engaged in ongoing conflicts with ethnic minority groups fighting for self-determination. An example is the…
Dr. Leila Alieva is an Associate of Russian and East European Studies (REES) at the Oxford University School for Global and Area Studies. She also teaches a course on the Political Economy of Energy Transition at Oxford’s Department of Continued Education and is currently working with Friends of Europe. Originally from Azerbaijan, Dr. Alieva founded…
In this episode, we are joined by the acclaimed Doug Livermore, a man with extensive experience in active combat and within US intelligence services. Mr Livermore engages in an in-depth discussion regarding the evolution of the Ukraine war, the impact of increased drone warfare and the risks and solutions surrounding Russian aggression in the Baltic…
As the Middle East navigates a year marked by upheaval—Syria’s post-Assad transition and Israel’s escalated conflict with Lebanon—another critical narrative unfolds with quieter urgency. Iraq, a nation of immense geopolitical importance, approaches its 2025 elections amid complex challenges that mirror broader global threats to democracy. Iraq’s precarious experiment with democracy, its lessons for post-conflict governance,…
Dr. Abdulhaleem Mohammed is a distinguished election and legal specialist with extensive experience in advancing democratic governance and electoral integrity. Currently serving with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Iraq, he provides technical and legal advice to the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on electoral systems, legal frameworks, and the development of…
Our guest on this week’s episode – titled ‘How Russia Capitilises on Crises’ – is Dr. Stepan Stepanenko, a distinguished expert on Eastern European affairs, international relations, and defence policy. Dr. Stepanenko currently serves as the director of Forward Strategy Ltd., a UK-based political relations and media consultancy, and as Director of Research at the…
India’s geopolitical and diplomatic strategy has always been a delicate balancing act full of international risk, and its relationship with Russia exemplifies this complexity. In recent years, this relationship has come under increased scrutiny as global tensions have risen, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This article delves into the intricacies of India’s…
