The IR thinker

📢 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.

YouTube video by The IR thinker Transformative Realism - Marc Saxer | 2025 Episode 31

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?...

YouTube video by The IR thinker India's Diplomacy - Vineet Thakur | 2025 Episode 30

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

YouTube video by The IR thinker Bulgaria's Energy Security - Martin Vladimirov | 2025 Episode 29

In this episode, Martin Vladimirov unpacks Bulgaria’s evolving energy landscape in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine.

youtu.be/ONo-PVbRAJY?...

YouTube video by IR thinker EU Citizenship - Dimitry Kochenov | 2025 Episode 28

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

IR thinker: Conversations on International Relations In a media landscape increasingly dominated by soundbites and hot takes, finding space for substantive discussion about international…

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YouTube video by IR thinker Contemporary Meaning of Nuclear Weapons - Stephen Herzog | 2025 Episode 27

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

YouTube video by IR thinker China's Institutional Genes - Chenggang Xu | 2025 Episode 26

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Does African IR Theory Exist? - Madalitso Zililo Phiri | 2025 Episode 25

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Natural Gas in Germany: Security, Supply, Transition - Andreas Schroeder | 2025 Episode 24

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Mongolia's Energy Security - Telmen Altanshagai | 2025 Episode 23

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Australia's Security - Risks & Realities - Peter Layton | 2025 Episode 22

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Georgia's Energy Security - Murman Margvelashvili | 2025 Episode 21

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Ireland's National Security Strategy - Kenneth McDonagh | 2025 Episode 20

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Georgia's EU Accession Journey - David Bujiashvili | 2025 Episode 19

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Brexit and EU Hegemony - Patrick Holden | 2025 Episode 18

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Radicalisation in the Global North - Tahir Abbas | 2025 Episode 17

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

YouTube video by IR thinker China-Africa Engagement - Emmanuel Matambo | 2025 Episode 16

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Global Maritime Security - Timothy Edmunds | 2025 Episode 15

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Universities as EU Diplomatic Actors - Marina Cino Pagliarello | 2025 Episode 14

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Why Japan & the Philippines Are Closer Than Ever - Satoru Nagao | 2025 Episode 13

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Trump's US Foreign Policy - Hussein Banai | 2025 Episode 12

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

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YouTube video by IR thinker The Zones of Peace Concept - Arie M. Kacowicz | 2025 Episode 11

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.

YouTube video by IR thinker Rebuilding Syria - Joseph Daher | 2025 Episode 10

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Good Governance in Africa - Gilbert A. Ang'ana | 2025 Episode 9

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

YouTube video by IR thinker Kazakhstan's First Nuclear Plant - Eldaniz Gusseinov | 2025 Episode 8

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 IR thinker · Episode

open.spotify.com/episode/6ony...