In this interview, political scientist Marc Sanjaume‑Calvet examines the constitutional status of Catalonia, the distribution of powers within the Spanish state, and the evolving debates surrounding Catalan autonomy and identity. #catalonia #spanishpolitics youtu.be/DF_SaHQZG_k

In this episode, Professor David M. McCourt unpacks the foundations of New Constructivism: where it came from, what it demands of researchers, and where it's heading. #constructivism #newconstructivism #irtheory youtu.be/oozY4W8JoSA

Thank you to @reubensteff.bsky.social Reuben Steff for a fascinating conversation on New Zealand's geopolitical positioning. Highly recommend for anyone thinking about small states navigating a shifting international order. youtu.be/7woS06fgGqI

In this episode, Professor Charlotte Epstein reflects on how postcolonial perspectives reshape the study of norms in international relations, challenging conventional accounts of diffusion, compliance, and legitimacy. #norms #postcolonialism youtu.be/0tqSNgrH_n4

📢 Starting in 2026, guests can choose between traditional video interviews or audio-only conversations 👍

In 2026, The IR thinker is dedicating 7 episodes to invite research journal editors to speak about research, methodology, and how journals have evolved. Please write your recommendations for which journals I should invite.

In this episode, we sit down with political analyst Marc Saxer to explore his theory of Transformative Realism and why he believes we’re living through a profound systemic crisis. youtu.be/BXcDYTxmoQs?...

In this episode, Vineet Thakur unpacks the historical and intellectual foundations of Indian diplomacy. We discuss classical strategic traditions, civilisational and colonial legacies, caste and elite networks in diplomatic culture, non-alignment, etc. youtu.be/GfA8t4chTvQ

In this episode, Martin Vladimirov unpacks Bulgaria’s evolving energy landscape in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine. youtu.be/ONo-PVbRAJY?...

In this conversation, Professor Dimitry Kochenov unpacks the paradoxes at the heart of modern citizenship, from the lived reality of statelessness to the contested nature of “real” EU citizenship. #EUcitizenship #EUlaw youtu.be/HJDFk-U1ZJQ

What's @irthinker.com ? I'm answering this on Medium. medium.com/@martinzubko...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Stephen Herzog as we explore the intricate landscape of nuclear strategy, from the fundamentals of deterrence theory to the geopolitics of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. #NuclearStrategy #ArmsControl #GlobalSecurity youtu.be/g_dvcAN4d0Q

In this episode, Professor Chenggang Xu discusses the ideas behind Institutional Genes and how they explain the evolution of political systems from imperial China to modern authoritarian regimes. #chinapolitics #chinahistory youtu.be/5wk2168WEUs

In this incisive interview, Dr Madalitso Zililo Phiri dismantles the epistemic hegemony of Eurocentric International Relations theory and maps an emergent African IR scholarship. #AfricanIR #IRtheory youtu.be/SUi1oBH2hVE

In this interview, Andreas Schroeder maps Germany’s gas security from short-term contracts to new gas-fired plants and LNG infrastructure. He weighs the nuclear phase-out, EU dependence on non-Russian suppliers, and the risks ahead. 100th episode Thank you for your support! youtu.be/4IQTNW8s-Ds

In this episode, Telmen Altanshagai discusses Mongolia’s evolving energy landscape, from diversification strategies and regional connectivity to the governance challenges shaping the country’s path toward greater energy security. #mongoliaenergysecurity #mongoliaenergy youtu.be/ZdYRgmUAmE0

In this interview, strategist and defence analyst Dr. Peter Layton offers a clear-sighted assessment of how Australia is recalibrating strategy, capability, and partnerships amid intensifying regional competition. #Australianationalsecurity youtu.be/114kJOFslKw

Professor Murman Margvelashvili charts Georgia’s path from Soviet-era systems to a contested contemporary energy landscape, where hydropower dependence, emerging technologies, and grid vulnerabilities intersect with strategic autonomy. #georgiaenergysecurity #energysecurity youtu.be/Saj2L3-DpwE

In this interview, Dr. Kenneth McDonagh unpacks the drivers, dilemmas, and implications of Ireland’s evolving national security posture at home, in Europe, and on the global stage. #IrelandSecurity #IrishNeutrality #NationalSecurityStrategy youtu.be/HIyOpj0QinQ

What does Georgia’s EU integration really mean for democracy, regional security, and great power competition? David Bujiashvili unpacks the past, present, and future of this pivotal process. #GeorgiaEU #EUintegration #Georgia youtu.be/Xv4gPbJoZV4

In this conversation with Professor Patrick Holden, we examine how the EU exercised power during Brexit, interrogating the interplay of communication, institutional structures and rhetorical strategy. youtu.be/v7n3eUtwnO0

Professor Tahir Abbas explores the multifaceted nature of modern radicalisation, examining the unique drivers, dynamics, and dilemmas facing Western societies (USA, UK, Western Europe) today as they confront a threat that is constantly evolving online and offline. youtu.be/FI_2Fv3fGu4

In this conversation, Dr Emmanuel Matambo unpacks how Africa–China relations really work beyond the headlines. We dive into debates on ‘debt-trap diplomacy’, technology, governance, and the cultural impact of China across Africa. youtu.be/FLecugmsU08

Dive into the complex world of maritime piracy and security in this insightful interview with Professor Timothy Edmunds, exploring the evolution, organization, and modern challenges of piracy at sea, grey-zone tactics and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. youtu.be/1Yqj9SMKAKA

In this interview, Dr. Marina Cino Pagliarello explores how universities and academia shape the European Union’s foreign policy through soft power and informal diplomacy. youtu.be/YTFWHc5LIM4

In this interview, Dr Satoru Nagao shares expert insights on the evolving strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines. From historical legacies to defence, diplomacy, and economic cooperation, we explore how both countries navigate today’s Indo-Pacific challenges. youtu.be/GZtdb4_-DQg

Hussein Banai joins us to explore Trump’s foreign policy, comparing his first and second terms across global hotspots, from America First to the 2025 Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. strikes. #Trump #ForeignPolicy #Iran #Israel #Geopolitics youtu.be/lICHJNEE4kQ

'IR thinker' is available on Amazon Music music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a88...

The Zones of Peace Concept – Arie M. Kacowicz | 2025 Ep. 11 Why do some regions achieve lasting peace while others remain trapped in cycles of conflict? Professor Arie M. Kacowicz, a leading expert on the Zone of Peace concept, elaborates in detail. youtu.be/tViSPxS7IuE

Grateful to my growing network of IR scholars, practitioners & curious minds on Bluesky 🌍 Your insights on global affairs, thoughtful critiques and willingness to engage with complex geopolitical questions make this space invaluable for intellectual exchange. Thank you for elevating the discourse.

Rebuilding Syria - Joseph Daher | 2025 Episode 10 Tune in for an engaging discussion with Dr. Joseph Daher as we explore the future of post-Assad Syria. We’ll cover the war economy’s impact, the whereabouts of Assad’s inner circle, and the current state of Syria’s economy. youtu.be/s-pvI2JWV8M

Good Governance in Africa - Gilbert A. Ang'ana | 2025 Episode 9 Dr. Gilbert A. Ang’ana explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding governance in Africa, touching on everything from institutional weaknesses to the impact of digitalisation. youtu.be/OxJsCH3Usps

Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Plant – Eldaniz Gusseinov | 2025 Ep. 8 In this expert interview, Eldaniz Gusseinov explores public opinion, uranium production, civil society’s role, and the geopolitical stakes of potential contracts with Russia, China, France, and South Korea. youtu.be/55Z_HRTxkVs

Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7 From Wagner Group and weapon deals to energy ventures and BRICS diplomacy, Steven Gruzd breaks down the symbols, strategies, and limits of Russia’s Africa playbook. #RussiaAfrica #BRICS youtu.be/i3HKs7OuyJE

Japan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6 Can Japan really hit net-zero by 2050? Dr. Walter James dissects Japan’s decarbonisation strategy — from LNG diplomacy & hydrogen ambitions to nuclear restarts & renewables gridlock. #JapanEnergy #NetZero2050 youtu.be/sSBsT0p4ViA

EU's Soft Balancing Governance - Anders Wivel | 2025 Episode 5 Prof. Anders Wivel @anderswivel.bsky.social explores the EU’s soft balancing model — showing how diplomacy, institutions, & adaptability allow influence without confrontation. youtu.be/LYf74kOLjJg

Norms and Autonomous Weapons Systems - Ingvild Bode | 2025 Episode 4 How do autonomous weapons challenge global norms? Prof. Ingvild Bode @profbode.bsky.social unpacks insights from the AutoNorms project, how AI & military tech reshape ethics & diplomacy. #AutonomousWeapons youtu.be/SUlwrQ-ZnCs

Research Methods & Shifts - Christopher Lamont | 2025 Episode 3 How are research methods in IR evolving in the digital age? Prof. Christopher Lamont breaks down AI, interdisciplinarity, mixed methods & digital ethics. #ResearchMethods youtu.be/7wnXKsauBk4

Global Quest for Critical Minerals - Vlado Vivoda | 2025 Episode 2 Dr Vlado Vivoda unpacks the geopolitics of lithium, cobalt, rare earths & more. From US-China competition to ESG risks, supply chains, conflict, and the Global South. #CriticalMinerals youtu.be/A_K3S_giLXI

Illusion of Hegemony - Christopher Mott | 2025 Episode 1 Is global hegemony fading—or just changing shape? Dr. Christopher Mott explores the future of world order: US decline, China's rise, and the new power roles of middle states. #InternationalRelations #Hegemony youtu.be/EOeCzKF_KPQ

Virtue Eudaimonism: Ancient Wisdom for International Relations - Mark LeBar | 2024 Episode 37 Philosopher Mark LeBar explores how eudaimonism—the pursuit of flourishing—can illuminate today's toughest ethical and political challenges. #Ethics #VirtueEthics youtu.be/yuPbrzm4PG0

Japan's Political Uncertainty & International Relations - Bill Emmott | 2024 Episode 36 Bill Emmott @billemmott.bsky.social explains Japan's political uncertainty & global role—from the LDP's dominance to Article 9, nuclear policy, & the Indo-Pacific. #JapanPolitics youtu.be/CbRMNutEjVU

Business Negotiations in International Relations - William W. Baber | 2024 Episode 35 Can corporations act as diplomats? Prof. Will Baber (Kyoto University) breaks down how companies shape foreign policy, trade deals & global rules. #CorporatePower #TradeNegotiations youtu.be/nprRvdH2qtc

Germany & Emerging Powers - Tomasz Morozowski | 2024 Episode 34 Is Germany ready for a multipolar world? Dr Tomasz Morozowski decodes Berlin’s evolving foreign policy toward emerging powers 🌍 #GermanyForeignPolicy youtu.be/WnDvelJ2f7k

Space Governance: Law and Power - Adam Bower | 2024 Episode 33 Who governs the final frontier? Dr Adam Bower explains the geopolitics of space governance: 🌍 Defining ‘outer space’ 📜 Treaty gaps & private actors 🛰 NATO satellites & multipolar power plays #SpaceGovernance youtu.be/j2iGrhbCMYE

Russian and Ukrainian Nationalism - Fabian Baumann | 2024 Episode 32 In this episode, Dr. Fabian Baumann @fabianbaumann.bsky.social unpacks Dynasty Divided, tracing how one family split across Russian and Ukrainian nationalism. #Nationalism #Ukraine #Russia youtu.be/fj3cgLiTMcA

Energy Governance & Global South - Narendra Taneja | 2024 Episode 31 In this powerful episode, Narendra Taneja critiques IEA, OPEC & IRENA—and calls for a new framework to tackle energy poverty, climate justice & geopolitics. #EnergyPolitics #GlobalSouth youtu.be/mcwxu8oA32s

European Union Failures in Afghanistan - Oz Hassan | 2024 Episode 30 Dr Oz Hassan dissects the EU’s mission in post-9/11 Afghanistan—from the failures of the 'Bonn Agreement' to the pitfalls of democratisation without security. #Afghanistan #EuropeanUnion #SecurityStudies youtu.be/71CnhO5POBw

North Korea Security & Geopolitics - Yangmo Ku | 2024 Episode 29 Prof. Yangmo Ku unpacks inter-Korean tensions, arms build-ups, and global power dynamics. We explore Russia-DPRK ties, ASEAN, NATO’s Indo-Pacific role, and the China factor. #KoreanPeninsula #NorthKorea youtu.be/v-sCYr92jhg

India - Japan Relations - Srabani Roy Choundhury | 2024 Episode 28 From SAGAR to supply chains, Dr. Srabani Roy Choudhury unpacks the evolving strategic, defence, and economic ties shaping India-Japan relations. #IndoPacific #IndiaJapan #FOIP #SAGAR youtu.be/8gtqnhSj6Rc