Almost Diplomatic

Join us as we discuss the International Criminal Court and their arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Follow us on the socials @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss for a history episode on the Persian Gulf War. Follow us on the socials @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us in this episode where we discuss Wagner Group, the Russian paramilitary organization causing chaos throughout the world. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss FIFA's World Cup and it's involvement in Geopolitics along with the controversies of Qatar hosting the event! Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we discuss what a major non-NATO ally is using the examples of Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, Pakistan, and Qatar. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss Irish elections and the Northern Ireland Protocol. Note: There is some weird tone for the first 8 mins, it goes away after that! Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we look at the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, discussing the ongoing situation, the Lend-Lease program, No-Fly Zones and potential entry of Sweden and Finland into NATO in response to the conflict. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In this episode we discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine which is under threat of a Russian invasion. Note: Pardon the audio, recorded via skype. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss the geopolitics of Dune! Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Listen in to hear us discuss the recent trilateral security pact between the U.S., U.K., and Australia along with talking about France and China's reaction to it. Using the solo mic so pardon the audio! Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss Belarus regarding the RyanAir "hijacking", defecting Olympic Athlete, weaponizing migrants and sanctions! Using the solo mic so pardon the audio! Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us for our first in-person episode in over a year! We discuss the recent situation in Israel and Palestine; looking at Sheikh Jarrah, communal violence and brief war between Israel and Hamas. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Soooo we've been uncanceled so yay! Listen to this episode as we discuss the issues that have arisen in Burma/Myanmar since the coup by the Myanmar Military in early February. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This is the final episode of Almost Diplomatic, it's been a fun run but everything has to come to an end so join us as we have some beers and discuss season 5 of The Expanse! Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss 2020 focusing on topics like COVID-19, Iran and Russia! Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss the geopolitics of Turkey! We talk about Turkey's interaction with the EU, Russia and how Turkey has changed the last ten years. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In this episode we discuss the recent terror attacks in France, Secularism and freedom of speech. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we talk about the 2020 Presidential Election's candidates on Foreign Policy. We discuss China, Russia, NATO and Climate Change! Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we discuss the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss the Permanent Five (P5) members of the UN Security Council. We focus on WHO if anyone would be granted a permanent seat on the Security Council if the decision was made to extend the membership. Bonus clip after the outro. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In this episode we discuss the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. We go on to discuss his legacy and the hurdles his successor will face.

In this episode we discuss the recent election scandal in Belarus that launched widespread protests which in turn provoked a harsh response from the government. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we talk about the rationale and implications of the US removing troops from Germany and discussed whether TikTok is a national security threat or not. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In this episode we use Star Wars to discuss authoritarianism. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we discuss the recent border clashes and diplomatic spat between India and China. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss the implications of a potential new National Security Law being implemented in Hong Kong that threatens its autonomy from the People's Republic of China. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we talk about the US withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty along with announcement that the US is considering a resumption of nuclear weapon testing. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we discuss the Soviet War in Afghanistan, from the multiple Afghan coups to the intervention/invasion to the eventual Soviet Withdrawal. Note: Still using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

May the 4th be with you! Join us in this episode as we discuss Season 7 of the Clone Wars where we focus on the Siege of Mandalore and Order 66. SPOILERS For more Star Wars check out EP50 - "New Republic, Old Problems" and EP47 - "Revenge of the Deep State." Note: Still social distancing and using Skype so please pardon the audio. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In this episode we discuss why trade and cultural exchange have been such a pivotal part of geopolitics and also how the silk road routes have been such a enduring historical importance to the development of civilization. BTS clip after the outro music. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

With social distancing in mind we use Skype to discuss COVID-19's implications on the world, looking at such topics as international cooperation, societal impacts and Hungary's authoritarian measures. Bonus clip at the end.

We finally talk about The Expanse's phenomenal Season 4! We discuss the the geopolitical impact and fallout caused by the ring gate being opened. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This week we talk about the schism between settled societies and nomadic peoples. Discussing such things as the freedom of movement, nomads becoming sedentary and why the nomadic population around the world has dropped significantly the last one hundred years. Bonus clip after the outro music! Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we talked about the global implications of the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19)in China. Bonus clip after the outro music. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us this episode as we discuss the Algerian War of Independence against France while also highlighting general themes of decolonization. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This week we discuss Starship Troopers, the book and the movie (yes there is a book). We talk about tactics, propaganda and the geopolitics of that universe. Added a blooper after the outro music. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

We decided to do a little recap of the 2010s by talking about various events and their policy implications. We decided on topics by literally drawing from a hat. Some things we talked about was the coup attempt in Turkey, the Paris Agreement, and the Killing of Usama Bin Laden. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In our last episode of 2019 we discuss the impact that Conspiracy Theories can have in geopolitics and on a society. Also, took some swipes at anti-vaxxers. Check out the behind the scenes clip after the outro music. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we talk about the upcoming new season of The Expanse, discussing the geopolitics and hurdles that may impact the future of the solar system! Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In a period of great chaos, notably the time that runs from before Thanksgiving until after New Years Eve, four members of ALMOST DIPLOMATIC embarked on recording a podcast about STAR WARS where they discussed the defeat of the GALACTIC EMPIRE and the emergence of the NEW REPUBLIC! Focusing on such issues as the Military Disarmament Act, Centrists vs. Populists and the ongoing question of how to balance freedom against the need for a strong security state. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss the situation surrounding Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei potentially installing it's 5G systems throughout Europe and the security risk that such a move could pose. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Join us as we discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the subsequent peace process. Covering some of the history, the one state solution, the two state solution and the current situation revolving the opposing sides.

We finally talk about Star Wars again! We focus on the final years of the Republic (32 - 19 BBY) with the prequels and The Clone Wars as source material. So join us as we discuss the legitimate grievances of the Separatists, failings of the Republic and the hubris of the Jedi. Behind the scenes clip after the outro music. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In celebration of the beginning of a Oktoberfest we talk about Germany and Berlin in particular during the Cold War along with discussing US and Soviet relations in regards to the divided country. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In this episode we discuss to the topic of what is an oligarch? Is corruption a prerequisite? Is it only a Russian or post-Soviet state phenomenon? Must it have a negative connotation? Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

Star Wars Jokes from EP32 - 1984 feat. Brexit by Almost Diplomatic

We talk about the ongoing situation in Kashmir and Jammu following the Modi led Indian Government's revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A. This has removed the autonomy of the Kashmir and Jammu areas which have since been under a communication blackout and is being subjected to marshal law. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

In this episode we discuss the implications of the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty along with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) set to expire in 2021. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we discuss the ongoing protests in Hong Kong over the most recent attempt by the People's Republic of China to weaken Hong Kong's autonomy. The proposed extradition bill could create the situation where Hong Kong citizens are tried by the PRC's kangaroo courts. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we talk about the recent anti-Russia demonstrations in the Republic of Georgia. We go further discussing the history of the two countries and how Russia continues to undermine Georgia's sovereignty. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon

This episode we discuss the Chernobyl disaster, the HBO series about it and the reaction from the Russian Government. Follow us on Twitter: @AlmostDiplo Disclaimer: The comments and views discussed in the podcast are our own and do not represent those of any entity we volunteer with or are employed by. Song: Jail Billz Arist: Weeping Icon