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Talk Eastern Europe

Talk Eastern Europe

By: Talk Eastern Europe
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Talk Eastern Europe is your weekly deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. Hosted by Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi, and Nina Panikova, this podcast brings you expert analysis, thought-provoking commentary, and engaging interviews on the region's most pressing issues.

From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the rise of populism and the challenges of European integration, we explore the complexities of the region and the forces shaping its future. Join us as we delve into the latest news and trends, uncovering the stories that matter most to Central and Eastern Europe.

Support the podcast. Join our patreon page: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYjTalk Eastern Europe
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Episode 252: Mass protests and a new shift in Bulgaria?
    Jan 30 2026

    In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Nina, Alexandra and Adam catch up on some of the latest news, including the dire situation in Ukraine, the ongoing peace negotiations and President Zelenskyy’s meeting with Belarusian democratic leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. They also look at Montenegro’s progress towards EU accession and mention the resignation of Bulgaria’s president, setting up the main topic for the episode.

    After the news, Adam is joined by Svetoslav Todorov, a Bulgarian journalist and writer, to unpack the situation there. They look at last month’s wave of mass protests, the collapse of yet another government, and try to determine what’s driving public anger beyond the budget dispute. They also touch on the growing role of young people, the country’s turbulent election cycle, the smooth but controversial adoption of the euro, and how pro-Russian narratives continue to shape Bulgaria’s political landscape.

    Do you like this podcast? Please support it by becoming apatron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

    Help Ukrainians survive this winter.

    Here are some fundraisers you can support:

    Nova Ukraine’s “warmth for Ukraine” campaign: https://novaukraine.org/warmth-for-ukraine-a-humanitarian-appeal/

    United24 – Ukraine’s official fundraising portal: https://u24.gov.ua/

    Energize Ukraine – by the Ukrainian World Congress: https://energizeukraine.com/

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 251: Geopolitics and Eastern Europe in 2026. A wild ride?
    Jan 22 2026

    Talk Eastern Europe is back for 2026! Adam and Alex open theepisode with a discussion on the news from the region, including Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Kosovo. Later, Adam is joined by Mark Temnicky, contributor with Forbes, to assesshow US engagement across Eastern Europe and the region is reshaping regional security. Mark argues that while Ukraine has made real concessions in pursuit of peace, Russia has shown little interest in a sustainable settlement, raising serious doubts about the prospects for a lasting agreement in 2026. The discussion also looks beyond Ukraine to cover also Belarus, Georgia, the South Caucasus, and the wider global order.

    If you enjoy this podcast please become a patron! Join ushere: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

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    54 mins
  • Episode 250: Security and stability in the Western Balkans
    Dec 29 2025

    In this special final episode of Talk Eastern Europe in 2025, Alexandra and Adam sit down with Jasmin Mujanović on the margins of the Sarajevo Security Conference to discuss current security challenges faced in the region of the Western Balkans. The conversation looks at developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the ongoing protests in Serbia, and the broader geopolitical context shaping stability in the Western Balkans, including the roles of the EU, NATO, and key regional actors.

    Jasmin Mujanović is a senior non-resident fellow at the Washington, DC-based New Lines Institute's Western Balkans Center and an expert on the region, security and transatlantic relations.

    If you like the podcast, please consider supporting us: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

    Thank you to all of our patrons and listeners for being with us in 2025. We will be back after a short break to bring all new episodes in 2026!

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    34 mins
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