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IR thinker

@irthinker.com

180 followers 240 following 270 posts

‘IR thinker’ is a compelling talk show exploring international relations and geopolitics through in-depth interviews with leading experts. Produced by @martinzubko.bsky.social https://irthinker.com/

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · 1d

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

Georgia's Energy Security - Murman Margvelashvili | 2025 Episode 21

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · 1d

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

Georgia's Energy Security - Murman Margvelashvili | 2025 Episode 21

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · 8d

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

Ireland's National Security Strategy - Kenneth McDonagh | 2025 Episode 20

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · 15d

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

Georgia's EU Accession Journey - David Bujiashvili | 2025 Episode 19

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · 23d

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

Brexit and EU Hegemony - Patrick Holden | 2025 Episode 18

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · 28d

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

Radicalisation in the Global North - Tahir Abbas | 2025 Episode 17

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Sep 2

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

China-Africa Engagement - Emmanuel Matambo | 2025 Episode 16

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Aug 26

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

Global Maritime Security - Timothy Edmunds | 2025 Episode 15

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Aug 19

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

Universities as EU Diplomatic Actors - Marina Cino Pagliarello | 2025 Episode 14

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Aug 6

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

Why Japan & the Philippines Are Closer Than Ever - Satoru Nagao | 2025 Episode 13

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Jun 25

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

Trump's US Foreign Policy - Hussein Banai | 2025 Episode 12

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Jun 18

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

For the best experience accessing Amazon Music, we recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Edge.

music.amazon.co.uk

IR thinker @irthinker.com · Jun 17

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

The Zones of Peace Concept - Arie M. Kacowicz | 2025 Episode 11

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Jun 13

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.

IR thinker @irthinker.com · Jun 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

Rebuilding Syria - Joseph Daher | 2025 Episode 10

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · Jun 3

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

Good Governance in Africa - Gilbert A. Ang'ana | 2025 Episode 9

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 27

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

Kazakhstan's First Nuclear Plant - Eldaniz Gusseinov | 2025 Episode 8

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

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

Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7

IR thinker · Episode

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

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Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7

Podcast Episode · IR thinker · 05/14/2025 · 1h 2m

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

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

Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

open.spotify.com/episode/6SdN...

Japan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6

IR thinker · Episode

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

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Japan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6

Podcast Episode · IR thinker · 05/08/2025 · 1h 6m

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

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

Japan's Decarbonisation Strategy - Walter James | 2025 Episode 6

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

open.spotify.com/episode/3Xe1...

EU's Soft Balancing Governance - Andres Wivel | 2025 Episode 5

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

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EU's Soft Balancing Governance - Andres Wivel | 2025 Episode 5

Podcast Episode · IR thinker · 03/24/2025 · 59m

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IR thinker @irthinker.com · May 15

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

EU's Soft Balancing Governance - Anders Wivel | 2025 Episode 5

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