Almost Diplomatic

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Almost Diplomatic is a podcast discussing geopolitics, national security and nonsense over beers. 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.

Almost Diplomatic


    • Apr 4, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 73 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Almost Diplomatic

    EP89 - Putin and the ICC

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 46:33


    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

    EP88 - Persian Gulf War

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 48:16


    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

    EP87 - Russian Mercenaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 47:43


    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

    EP86 - The World Cup and Geopolitics

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2022 47:04


    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

    EP85 - What is a Major Non-NATO Ally?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2022 45:00


    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

    EP84 - The Northern Ireland Protocol

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2022 42:47


    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

    EP83 - Slava Ukraini

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2022 48:13


    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

    EP82 - Ukraine Under Threat

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2022 48:30


    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

    EP81 - Dune: Shields and Space Worms

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 46:44


    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

    EP80 - Aukus: Another Acronym

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 44:16


    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

    EP79 - Belarus is Russia Jr.?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2021 46:05


    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

    EP78 - Israel-Palestine: War Again

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 46:38


    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

    EP77 - Myanmar Coup (also we're back!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 49:18


    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

    EP76 - The Expanse: Holden Pushes Buttons (Also the Last AD Episode!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 49:49


    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

    EP75 - 2020: It's been 84 Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 49:01


    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

    EP74 - How about a Turkey Episode?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 47:10


    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

    EP73 - France: Secularism and Freedom of Speech

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 46:10


    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

    EP72 - Election 2020: Foreign Policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020 44:36


    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

    EP71 - Keeping up with the Caucasus: Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 46:55


    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

    EP70 - UN Reform or Not?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 48:47


    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

    EP69 - In Abe We Trust?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 46:38


    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.

    EP68 - From Belarus With Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 39:39


    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

    EP67 - Trump Removing Troops from Germany and We Talk TikTok

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 45:41


    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

    EP66 - The Empire Did Nothing Wrong?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 45:33


    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

    EP65 - India-China: Himalayan Hijinks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2020 44:28


    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

    EP64 - Goodbye Hong Kong?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 43:51


    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

    EP63 - Don't Nuke Nevada

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2020 42:20


    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

    EP62 - The Afghan War (The Soviet One)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 43:29


    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

    EP61 - Star Wars: A Farewell to Clones

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 47:26


    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

    EP60 - The Old Silk Road

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 45:28


    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

    EP59 - Don't Open, COVID Inside

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2020 46:31


    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.

    EP58 - The Expanse: Space Che Guevara

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 42:55


    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

    EP57 - Nomads: Steppe-ing Through History

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 48:49


    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

    EP56 - Coronavirus: Don't Drink Bleach

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2020 46:29


    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

    EP55 - Algeria: When Colonialism Goes Wrong

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2020 44:33


    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

    EP54 - Starship Troopers: Would you Like to Know More?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2020 40:53


    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

    EP53 - The 2010s

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2020 49:40


    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

    EP52 - Christmas Trees & Conspiracy Theories

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2019 53:10


    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

    EP51 - The Expanse: Holden Breaks the Universe (Again)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2019 40:43


    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

    EP50 - Star Wars: New Republic, Old Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2019 48:12


    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

    EP49 - It's my way or the Huawei

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2019 47:40


    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

    EP48 - Horseshoes & Peace Deals: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2019 54:04


    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.

    EP47 - Star Wars: Revenge of the Deep State

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2019 48:38


    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

    EP46 - Berlin: Cold War, Colder Bier

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2019 45:29


    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

    EP45 - What is an Oligarch?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2019 49:18


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2019 1:11


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

    EP44 - Kashmir if You Can

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2019 46:35


    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

    EP43 - Why Even Have a Nuke Treaty?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2019 48:53


    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

    EP42 - Hong Kong Protests

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 46:10


    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

    EP41 - Georgia on my Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 50:23


    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

    EP40 - Chernobyl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2019 49:22


    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

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