IR thinker

In this enlightening interview, Dr. Brett Edwards, an expert in chemical and biological weapons, describes the history, current capabilities, and future challenges associated with these formidable weapons systems.Dr. Edwards discusses the evolution of chemical and biological warfare, the verification processes for weapon destruction, and how these weapons integrate into national military strategies. He also addresses the ethical debates surrounding their use, international efforts to control such weapons, and the specific challenges posed by conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine.Brett EdwardsDr. Edwards is a senior lecturer in security and public policy at the University of Bath. He has a range of research interests falling at the intersection of security, non-proliferation and responsible innovation. Most of his work focuses on chemical and biological weapon disarmament and non-proliferation.Profile:https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/brett-edwardsContent: (1) Inventory of Global Chemical and Biological Weapons Capabilities; (2) Evolution of Chemical and Biological Weapons Through History; (3) Verification of Chemical and Biological Weapons Disarmament; (4) Integration of Chemical and Biological Weapons into National Military Strategies; (5) Preparedness Against Chemical and Biological Weapons Attacks; (6) Ethical Considerations in the Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons; (7) International Collaboration in Controlling Chemical and Biological Weapons; (8) Challenges in Prohibiting Chemical versus Biological Weapons; (9) Techniques for Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons; (10) Post-Deployment Detection and Impact Assessment of Chemical and Biological Weapons; (11) International Sanctions as a Response to Chemical and Biological Weapons Violations; (12) The Role of Chemical and Biological Weapons in the Ukrainian Conflict; and (13) Anticipating Future Challenges in Chemical and Biological Weapons Proliferation. https://irthinker.com/

Join us for an insightful interview with Professor Christian Kaunert as we delve into the multifaceted landscape of European Union (EU) counterterrorism legal framework. Explore key topics such as international cooperation, financial tracking, human rights considerations, and the evolving challenges posed by online radicalisation. Gain valuable perspectives on the gaps in the EU’s legal framework and discover potential avenues for further research in this vital field.Christian Kaunert, a Professor of International Security, School of Law and Government, Dublin City University; and Professor of Policing and Security at University of South Wales, a director of International Centre for Policing and Security, and Jean Monnet Director.Content: (1) The EU Definition of Terrorism and Its Implications; (2) General vs Specific Definitions of Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis; (3) Dissemination of Terrorism Definitions to National Member States’ Legal Codes; (4) Fundamental Legal Instruments in EU Counterterrorism Framework; (5) Tracking Financial Flows in Counterterrorism Operations; (6) Comparison between the Council of Europe and the European Council in Counterterrorism Efforts; (7) International Cooperation in Counterterrorism and the Role of the EU; (8) EU Initiatives towards Non-Western Countries and Reciprocal Engagement; (9) Human Rights Considerations within EU Counterterrorism Strategies; (10) EU Institutions Involved in Counterterrorism Efforts; (11) Gaps and Missing Elements in the EU’s Counterterrorism Legal Framework; (12) Addressing Radicalisation through Online Content Regulation; and (13) Suggestions for Further Research in EU Counterterrorism Policies and Strategies.Official website:https://irthinker.com/

Join us for a captivating interview with Ariel Admoni as we delve into the intricacies of Qatar’s soft power. Explore topics ranging from mediation in the Middle East to the impact of energy exports and Qatar’s role on the global stage. Gain valuable insights into underresearched areas of Qatari soft power in this engaging discussion.Ariel Admoni is a PhD candidate at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Predominantly, Ariel focuses on Qatari politics and the role in international relations. He published in the Contemporary Review of the Middle East, the Middle East Policy, and the Asian Journal of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.Content: (1) Qatari Regime Overview; (2) Qatar’s Mediation in the Middle East; (3) Sources of Qatari Negotiating Power; (4) Emir Family vs. Diplomatic Corps; (5) Qatar’s Foreign Aid Initiatives; (6) Evaluating Qatari Foreign Aid; (7) Influence of Qatari Energy Exports; (8) Energy Deals and Soft Power; (9) Long-Term Relevance of Qatar’s Energy Impact; (10) Qatar’s Renewable Energy Impact; (11) Real Estate Investment in Soft Power; (12) Culture and Education in Qatar’s Strategy; (13) Qatar’s Soft Power: Domestic and International; (14) Success of Qatar’s Educational City Project; (15) Impact of Hosting the World Football Championship; (16) Al Jazeera TV and Qatar’s Soft Power; (17) Analysing Al Jazeera’s Role; (18) Qatar’s Influence in International Institutions; (19) Qatar’s Mediation Between Israel and Hamas; and (20) Under-Researched Areas of Qatari Soft Power.https://irthinker.com/

Explore the strategic role and dynamics of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in our concise analysis. We delve into CSTO’s goals, its comparison with NATO, member state relations, and its impact on Russia’s economic and security policies. Understand CSTO’s international support, future prospects, and operational capabilities. This brief yet comprehensive video is essential for grasping CSTO’s influence in today’s geopolitical sphere.Dr. Ambrosio is a Professor of Political Science in the Criminal Justice and Political Science Department at North Dakota State University, USA. His research interests include international relations, Russian foreign policy, and the stability of authoritarian regimes.Content: (1) CSTO’s Strategic Goals and Objectives in 2024; (2) CSTO and NATO: A Comparative Analysis; (3) Internal Dynamics: Relations Among CSTO Member States; (4) CSTO’s Role in Supporting Russia’s Energy and Economic Policies; (5) CSTO’s Function in Safeguarding Russia’s Economic Interests; (6) Aligning CSTO Activities with Russia’s National Security Agenda; (7) International Backing for CSTO: The Role of China, Iran, and North Korea; (8) Future Trajectory of CSTO: Expansion or Dissolution Prospects; (9) Operational Capacity of CSTO: Forces and Military Capabilities; (10) Evaluating the Current Agenda of CSTO; (11) Future Outlook: Revising CSTO’s Strategic Agenda for Sustainability; (12) Assessing Russia’s Diplomatic Strategies within CSTO; (13) BRICS and CSTO: Potential for Adoption of Treaty Framework; (14) Western Perspectives on Russia’s Geopolitical Alliances and Blocs; (15) Highlighting CSTO’s Key Achievements and Positive Contributions; (16) Impact of CSTO on Russia’s Security Doctrine and Policy; (17) Analysing the Reasons Behind Countries’ Withdrawal from CSTO; (18) Operational Challenges: Understanding CSTO’s Unique Functioning; (19) CSTO’s Role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Dynamics; and (20) Key Lessons from CSTO for Russia and Member States.https://irthinker.com/

Explore the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan with Ido Raz, an expert in international relations. This interview covers key issues like the mass departure of Afghans, security risks, and Pakistan’s response. Raz discusses the geopolitical impact, Taliban’s role, and potential conflict escalation. Essential for understanding the complex dynamics of the Afghan-Pakistani relationship.Ido Gadi Raz is a distinguished researcher specialising in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, with a keen focus on terrorism, geopolitics, and international relations. Presently engaged in a fast-track Ph.D. programme in International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ido blends his academic pursuits with practical experience. His background includes a notable role as a financial intelligence analyst in the Israeli government sector, lending a unique perspective to his regional expertise.He holds a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from Bar Ilan University, demonstrating a deep engagement with the cultural and linguistic subtleties of the region. Ido is actively involved in contributing to scholarly discourse, primarily through journal papers and analytical articles. Moreover, he is a recognised voice in Israeli media, where he shares his insights and perspectives on contemporary issues shaping Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the broader Middle East.Content: (1) Afghan Displacement: Scale and Impact; (2) Security Concerns for Returning Afghans; (3) Border Dynamics and International Response; (4) Revisiting Pakistan’s Afghan Visa Policy; (5) Pakistan’s Response: Strategy and Tactics; (6) Taliban’s Crisis Management; (7) Pakistan’s Political Crisis and Afghan Exodus; (8) Terrorist Groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan; (9) Pakistan-Afghanistan Economic Ties; (10) Afghan-Pak Border: Colonial Legacy; (11) Diplomacy in the Refugee Crisis; (12) Need for Mediation in Pakistan-Afghanistan; (13) Cultural Aspects of the Crisis; (14) Pashtuns’ Role in the Situation; (15) Long-Term Policies for Crisis Resolution; (16) Conflict Risks: Pakistan vs Afghanistan; (17) Nuclear Factors in the Crisis; (18) Research Challenges in Pakistan-Afghanistan; (19) Afghan-Pakistani Scholar Collaboration; and (20) Suggested Research Areas.https://irthinker.com/

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Scholten delves into the fascinating world of geopolitics in the context of the energy transition. Discover the key geopolitical expectations, security implications, and the role of energy diplomacy in shaping our global energy landscape. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Dr. Scholten, as we explore the critical research areas and emerging trends in the geopolitics of energy transition.Daniel Scholten is visiting assistant professor at the Center for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. He specializes in the geopolitics of the energy transition whilst having a broader interest in the governance of sustainability.Dr Scholten aims to contribute to a smooth energy transition, both domestically and globally, through fundamental and actionable knowledge. In the past, he was strategic advisor energy and sustainability at the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (and energy regulator), assistant professor at Delft University of Technology, and member of the expert panel of the IRENA global commission on the geopolitics of energy transformation.Content: (1) Significance of Geopolitics in Energy Transition; (2) Key Geopolitical Expectations in the Energy Transition; (3) Identifying the Most Critical Research Area; (4) Geopolitical Ramifications for Fossil Fuel Exporting Nations during Energy Transition; (5) Prospects for Global Renewable Energy Corporations; (6) Geopolitical Dynamics in the Arctic Region; (7) Securing Critical Rare Materials for Energy Transition; (8) International Organizations and Governance in Energy Transition; (9) Role of Energy Diplomacy; (10) Geopolitical Cooperation in Energy Transition; (11) Security Implications of Energy Transition; and (12) Research Trends and Methodologies in Geopolitics of Energy Transition.https://irthinker.com/

In this insightful interview, renowned international relations scholar Ned Lebow delves into the intricate world of identity and identification in the realm of global politics. Explore the complexities of state behaviour, memory, corporate identity, and much more with timestamps provided for easy navigation.Professor Richard Ned Lebow holds the distinguished position of Emeritus Professor of International Political Theory within the War Studies Department at King’s College London. Additionally, he is an Honorary Fellow at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of the British Academy.Professor Richard Ned Lebow’s primary interests encompass a wide range of subjects within the field of international political theory. These include international relations, conflict management, the root causes of war, the psychology of decision-making and learning, as well as ancient and modern political theory. Additionally, his research extends to the intricate domains of politics and ethics of identity.Content: (1) Unravelling Identity and Identification in International Relations; (2) The Nexus of Identification and State Behaviour; (3) The Significance of Understanding Identity; (4) Methodologies for Investigating Identity and Identification Concepts; (5) Perspectives on Identity in Non-Western Scholarship; (6) Memory, Identity, and Self-Perception; (7) States’ Collective Memory and Identity; (8) Corporate Identity in International Context; (9) Political Order: Interplay with Identity and Identification; (10) Ned Lebow’s Constructivist Insights and Critiques; and (11) The UN and Constructivism’s Role in Conflict Resolution. https://irthinker.com/

Join us for a captivating interview with Associate Professor Chris Monday as we delve deep into the intricacies of Russian power dynamics. In this thought-provoking discussion, we cover topics ranging from the Russian power hierarchy to Putin's family's role in governance. Explore the influence of organized crime families, dissect power struggles in the energy sector, and gain insights into foreign policy decision-making in Russia. Discover the impact of the Ukraine conflict on Russian power dynamics.Associate Professor, Chris Monday, is a faculty member in the Department of International Relations at Dongseo University, Busan, South Korea. His research focuses on Russia, North Korea and other post-communist societies. Chris lived in Russia from 1996 to 2004. He also served in the Peace Corps in Turkana, Kenya.Content: (1) Russian Power Structure Demystified; (2) Conceptualizing Power in the Russian Context; (3) Balancing Power: Moscow vs. the Regions; (4) Russian Regions’ Influence and Potential Separation; (5) Putin’s Family’s Role in Governance; (6) Putin’s Contemplation of Czarist Parallels; (7) Organized Crime Families and Their Grip on Power; (8) Power Dynamics in the Energy Sector; (9) Energy Titans vs. Government: Who Wields More Influence?; (10) Power and Notoriety: A Complex Relationship; (11) Foreign Policy Decision-Makers in Russia; (12) The Power of the Russian People: Influence and Politics; (13) Unravelling Russian Power: Research Methodologies; (14) U.S. Support for Ukraine: Geopolitical Impacts; and (15) The Ukrainian War’s Ripple Effects on Russian Power.https://irthinker.com/