Why is Europe losing influence—and who is shaping its future? In this conversation, host James Ker-Lindsay is joined by Dr Dimitar Bechev, lecturer at Oxford University and author of The Scramble for Europe: Russia, China, and Turkey Challenging Regional Order, to discuss the balance of power in Europe.

The conversation explores how financial crisis, weaknesses within the European Union, and shifting international relationships have eroded the Continent's ability to shape events. The two consider the objectives pursued by Moscow, Beijing, and Ankara, and what these mean for European security and the future of the European Union. Ultimately, the question remains: can Europe regain strategic autonomy in an increasingly contested world?

The Scramble for Europe: Russia, China, and Turkey Challenging Regional Order

https://www.amazon.com/Scramble-Europe-Russia-Challenging-Regional-ebook/dp/B0GZT2N8R2/ref=sr_1_1

Support the show

ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Thoughtful analysis of international relations, conflict, security and diplomacy, spanning explainers, expert interviews, and viewer Q&As.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS
If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:

JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A MEMBER
YouTube: / jameskerlindsay
Patreon: / jameskerlindsay

Can Armenia and Azerbaijan finally make peace after decades of conflict? In this video, host James Ker-Lindsay is joined by Dr Laurence Broers, a leading expert on the South Caucasus, to discuss the roots of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, and the prospects for a lasting peace agreement between the two countries.

The conversation spans the conflict’s origins in the final years of the Soviet Union, the First Karabakh War, and nearly three decades of unsuccessful international mediation. From there, Dr Broers considers the impact of Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 Second Karabakh War, its 2023 offensive, and the mass displacement of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population. He explains why the traditional peace process failed, the current Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations, and the wider geopolitical competition shaping the South Caucasus.

Armenia and Azerbaijan: Anatomy of a Rivalry

https://www.amazon.com/Armenia-Azerbaijan-Anatomy-Laurence-Broers/dp/1474450539

Support the show

ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Thoughtful analysis of international relations, conflict, security and diplomacy, spanning explainers, expert interviews, and viewer Q&As.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS
If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:

JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A MEMBER
YouTube: / jameskerlindsay
Patreon: / jameskerlindsay

Can Serbia ever move beyond its past? How important does Kosovo remain? And can it really hope to balance between the West, Russia, China and the Global South? Host James Ker-Lindsay is joined by Dr Vuk Vuksanović from King’s College London to discuss the historical forces shaping Serbian foreign policy -- from the 19th-century struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire to the creation of Yugoslavia, the upheavals of the 20th century, and the geopolitical high-wire act of the present day. The discussion weighs the reasons for Serbia's multi-vector foreign policy, balancing competing powers while seeking economic opportunities, diplomatic leverage, and strategic independence, as it navigates an increasingly polarised international order.

Serbia’s Balancing Act: Between Russia and the West
https://link.amazon/B000TT3Sx
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/serbias-balancing-act-9781350400627/

Support the show

ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Thoughtful analysis of international relations, conflict, security and diplomacy, spanning explainers, expert interviews, and viewer Q&As.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS
If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:

JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A MEMBER
YouTube: / jameskerlindsay
Patreon: / jameskerlindsay