The Western Bubble

In this extra episode, we unpack the dramatic events of the early morning Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory. Around 3 AM CEST, hundreds of missiles struck multiple locations in a long-prepared operation involving cyberwarfare and ground operatives. As the attacks continue, we ask: Was this an act of war?We explore the immediate reactions—Western allies balancing carefully worded responses like “Israel has a right to defend itself,” while distancing themselves from involvement. Meanwhile, Trump ominously warns this is “just a warm-up.”As Benjamin Netanyahu calls it a decisive moment, we question the glaring imbalance in how military actions are perceived, depending on who launches them. Is the world's focus on Iran's possible response proof that some actions are simply more tolerated than others?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, please email us at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

As protests in Los Angeles against ICE turn violent, Trump responds by sending in the National Guard—only to be publicly rebuked by California's leadership. Is this an escalation of authoritarian tendencies or just another display of political incompetence? Meanwhile, a bizarre feud between Trump and Elon Musk unfolds, adding a layer of personal drama to an already volatile political landscape. Was the deployment of the National Guard just a smokescreen to distract from Trump's embarrassing fallout with Musk?We also briefly touch on the latest developments in the Netherlands, where domestic political chaos adds yet another data point to a growing transatlantic trend.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Elections have taken place in Canada, Australia and Romania; in each of these countries, the quasi-Trump candidate lost. However, the wins of centre parties can only slightly mask the need for each of these countries to redefine their identity on the world stage. What do these elections tell us about the Western world's evolving self-image, and what lessons, if any, can be drawn?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

From quiet UK streets under constant surveillance to the chaos of global power politics, this week we cover a whirlwind of developments.Dario shares his impressions from a tightly monitored Britain, where the comfort of order comes at the cost of privacy. Meanwhile, Trump continues dismantling democratic norms: using federal money to reward friends and punish critics, tightening control over universities like Harvard. His recent treatment of South Africa's leadership adds yet another layer to the humiliation tactics we've seen before. Is Trump a fascist by now?In this episode, Eurovision even makes an appearance, as a strange cultural mirror to our geopolitical moment.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

This week's episode is a little different from our usual format as Dario is travelling and therefore unable to record. Balder is still bringing you the most important foreign policy updates within the Western Bubble context. Next week, we will take a break from recording and return afterwards. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

What happens when the lights go out across an entire region?This week, we talk about the massive blackout that plunged the Iberian Peninsula into darkness and the strange psychological aftermath that followed. Balder shares his experience from the ground in Madrid, while we reflect on how quickly panic and rumors—especially of World War III and our last episode on the fear of war—spread through a society gripped by fear. From people raiding grocery stores to others flocking to parks, the reactions say as much about our modern mindset as they do about the incident itself.We also look at how the blackout is already being politicised, reigniting old debates about renewables, nuclear energy, and infrastructure security, despite the fact that, as of recording day, we still don't know what really happened.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

As global tensions continue to rise, the West appears to be entering a psychological phase of preparing for war. From escalating rhetoric in Europe to increased defense spending and political leaders openly calling for rearmament, we examine how the narrative is shifting—from deterrence to expectation. What does it mean when headlines across the continent begin to normalize the prospect of conflict?We start this episode with the latest flare-up between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, before turning to the growing militarization of Western thought and policy. Is this a justified response to external threats like Russia, or is the West also falling victim to its own fear-driven narratives?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Just hours after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, we take a step back to examine the enduring role of religion in shaping global politics. As crises multiply and chaos spreads, a growing number of people, especially young adults, are turning back to faith. But what does this resurgence mean for international relations?We explore how religious structures—from the hierarchy of the Catholic Church to the decentralised force of Evangelicals—shape policy differently. We dive into the influence of Orthodox Christianity in Russia, Sunni and Shia Islam in the Middle East, and the unique roles played by Confucianism in China and even Buddhism on the global stage.From legitimising war and empire to underpinning human rights discourse, religion has always had a seat at the table of power. The question is—how will that seat be used now?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Trump's 90-day tariff pause might sound like an opening for diplomacy—but the real reason behind it lies in bond markets, not international goodwill. And while most countries now have a temporary reprieve, China is very much not included. With tariff levels now skyrocketing to 145% on both sides, Washington and Beijing are locked in a dangerous game.So why is the EU still trying to play the part of the reasonable adult in the room? Ursula von der Leyen may believe that measured, moderate politics will prevail—but in a world of escalating economic warfare, is there still room for quiet diplomacy? Or is “being the reasonable one” a fast track to irrelevance?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA, Dario Hasenstab, and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Donald Trump's latest tariff plan is as bold as it is baffling. A 60% tax on Chinese imports, arbitrary surcharges on trade deficits, and even tariffs on… the Penguin Islands? With Vietnam already targeted and Europe bracing for impact, what exactly is the strategy here—if any?In this episode, we break down Trump's tariff logic (or lack thereof) and explore the possible scenarios: Is this just a negotiating tactic? A deliberate move to collapse the global trade system? Or simply economic incompetence on full display?More importantly, we examine the long-term consequences: Is the U.S. dismantling the very system that made it an economic superpower? And what happens if the world stops playing along?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA, Dario Hasenstab, and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

The Western Bubble has been added to the chatIn this episode, we delve into the recent security breach where U.S. national security leaders used the Signal app to discuss imminent military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. The situation escalated when National Security Advisor Mike Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the group chat, leading to public exposure of sensitive information.We examine the implications of conducting high-level military planning over unsecured channels like Signal, which lacks the stringent protections of traditional secure facilities. The casual approach to decisions involving civilian casualties, the apparent disregard for legal and moral considerations, and the overt disdain expressed by officials like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth toward European allies further highlight the growing rift in transatlantic relations, echoing themes from our earlier discussions in Episode 104.​Join us as we unpack the events from March 15 onward, exploring the broader consequences of this breach on international alliances and the trust between governments and their citizens.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA, Dario Hasenstab, and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

The transatlantic alliance is broken—so what happens next? In this episode, we strip away the hype and look at the deep trends shaping our world: the growing disconnect between leaders and citizens, the rise of a global oligarchy, and the breakdown of Western institutions. With liberal democracy fading, does the world shift toward multipolar power centres like China, India, and Brazil? And if the West is in decline, what happens to the systems built on it—NATO, the WHO, the global economy?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

History is full of moments when people misjudged the future—either by being too pessimistic or not pessimistic enough. In the 1930s, optimism blinded many to the rise of fascism. During the Cold War, existential fears clashed with hopes for progress. In the late 1980s, faith in a post-Soviet world fueled the Western Bubble, while 2010 saw coping mechanisms replace real solutions, paving the way for today's crises.Now, as we stand at another crossroads, what lessons can we draw from the past? And more importantly—what will the world look like in 2050? Join us as we attempt to predict the future with history as our guide.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

With the transatlantic relationship in crisis, Europe faces a choice: continue clinging to a U.S. that no longer sees it as a true partner, or chart its own course. In this episode, we break down what the EU must do now—from shedding its emotional dependence on Washington to building real military autonomy and forging new alliances with nations similarly impacted by Trump's policies.We also discuss how Europe can play a decisive role in Ukraine's path toward a ceasefire, and why strategic retaliation—not appeasement—may be the only way to respond to U.S. bullying. The West is being redefined; the question is whether Europe will shape its own future or let others dictate it.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

As promised, we're back this week to unpack the aftermath of the now-infamous Oval Office incident between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—with Vice President JD Vance awkwardly present in the background. This diplomatic mess goes far beyond the usual theatrics, shaking the very foundations of US Foreign Policy.In Europe (and Canada), leaders are scrambling to respond—some choosing appeasement, others facing the reality that this could be the final nail in the coffin of the transatlantic partnership. We highlight two key reactions: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who manages to strike a surprisingly decent tone, and German almost-chancellor Friedrich Merz, who performs a full 180 just ten days after his election.What does this tell us about the West's ability to adapt—or its tendency to cling to outdated assumptions? Join us as we break down the fallout and what comes next for Europe, the U.S., and the global order.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

In this episode, we return to the ever-escalating tensions in the Middle East. From the latest prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas—where each side's reactions reveal deep-rooted asymmetries—to repeated violations of agreements, the region is once again teetering on the edge.We also turn our attention to Hezbollah and a lingering question—can you truly defeat an organisation's ideas through military force alone? Meanwhile, Syria briefly steps back into the international spotlight, even earning a mention in Vatican News. That's more than enough reason for us to examine what the Western Bubble gets wrong about the country's latest developments. And, of course, no episode on Middle East would be complete without the familiar Western headlines: Iran is once again "on the brink" of building a nuclear weapon—just like it has been for the past two decades.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

In this episode, we focus on two key developments shaking the Western order. JD Vance at MSC says Europe's gravest threat isn't external—it's the continent's own retreat from the core values it once shared with the U.S. ... A retreat, it turns out, from the U.S. on those very values. Meanwhile, on the international stage, Trump's unorthodox manoeuvres—from secret talks with Putin about Ukraine to his startling proposal to resettle Gaza's population—signal a new era of unpredictable diplomacy. How do these internal and external shifts redefine the future of the West? Join us as we unpack these high-stakes moves and their far-reaching implications.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

As we celebrate our 100th episode, we take a reflective journey through our past discussions—from early debates on institutional decline and the evolving Western narrative to our deep dives into the turmoil in Ukraine, Israel, and beyond. We've dissected the insights of figures like Tucker Carlson, Fukuyama, Huntington, G. W. Bush, Jordan Peterson, and Simon Tisdall, and scrutinized issues from European political dysfunction to the shifting balance of global power. In this special milestone episode, we look back at the pivotal moments that have defined our dialogue, question what we've learned, and explore how these reflections shape the future of the Western Bubble.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

As we approach our 100th episode, we take a step back to examine the chaos of the past two months. From the latest developments in the U.S. to the growing influence of unchecked power—whether through Elon Musk's reckless decisions, presidential decrees, or a media landscape failing to offer real scrutiny—one thing is clear: the cracks in Western institutions are widening. We also discuss Europe's political dysfunction, by looking at the Netherlands and Germany. But as we lay out these challenges, the real question is—how does the West move forward? That's what we'll tackle in our milestone Episode 100.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Happy New Year! We're back, and so is the geopolitical madness we've come to expect. With President Trump now inaugurated, he has wasted no time making bold moves. But what's really behind his claims on Panama, Canada, and Greenland? What do these actions signal for U.S. foreign policy as a whole? And ultimately, is America now more or less likely to start a war? Tune in as we break it all down.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

As 2024 draws to a close, the cracks in the global order have become impossible to ignore. From Ukraine's waning prospects in its war against Russia and Western disengagement to the political chaos in the Middle East, the world is at a crossroads. On top of that, we discuss the unchecked power of billionaires, the growing dominance of the populist right, and the harsh realities of climate change.As we reflect on the changes and challenges of this year, we hope that the Western Bubble Podcast has helped shed light on some of the key events shaping our world. Your support means everything to us, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025. Wishing you a joyful New Year filled with insight, growth, and inspiration!This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Immigration is one of the most polarizing topics in Western politics today, consistently topping voter priorities and shaping political campaigns. But how much of what we believe about migration is actually true? In this episode, we unravel some of the most persistent myths about immigration, exposing how politicians and the media distort reality to serve their agendas.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

In today's episode, we delve into South Korea, where President Yoon's declaration of martial law raises critical questions about the Western Bubble. Are Western factions quietly observing what to avoid—or adopt—when consolidating control? We also examine the shocking murder of a healthcare CEO and what it reveals about the growing disconnect between economic and political elites and the public they claim to serve. Tune in to uncover the deeper implications of these events and how they resonate beyond South Korea.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.PS. We apologise for the audio of this episode, we experienced technical difficulties with this recording. Next week will be back to normal.

From Biden pardoning Hunter Biden to Trump's influence on global diplomacy, this episode dives into the intricate web of U.S. domestic politics and its global ripple effects. We explore Trump's role in Biden mediating a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, analyse the chaos in Georgia, and assess the resurging instability in Syria. How do these events connect, and what does it reveal about Western policymaking in an increasingly multipolar world?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.Let me know if you'd like any tweaks!

As the Arctic transforms into a region of strategic importance due to climate change, new opportunities and tensions emerge. Trade routes, resource access, and geopolitical ambitions converge in a competition that involves Russia, NATO, and other global players. In this episode, we unpack the power dynamics and the stakes shaping the future of the Arctic.This podcast is produced with the support of RAIA NOW gUG but remains an independent project by RAIA Director Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. To connect with us, email us at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Over the past year, the dynamics in Gaza have shifted significantly, yet Western policy towards Israel remains largely unchanged. This episode explores the reasons behind this disconnect, analyzing the factors that keep Western governments entrenched in their existing approaches. We dive into a recent incident in Amsterdam, where tensions flared between supporters of an Israeli football club and local residents, offering a microcosm of the larger geopolitical stalemate.We also start the episode with a brief look across the Atlantic, examining Donald Trump's latest cabinet picks and what they signal for the future of U.S. politics.This is the video we reference on the reporting in Amsterdam from SkyNews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wATqghw5IlsThis podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com

Donald Trump is President-elect of the United States of America and Dario does not want to talk about it. Why are people so afraid to seek discomfort in these times? We found out today why that is the case. Oh, and the German government imploded, so Dario's job in the political scene of Berlin has become a lot more intense...This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com

The US election results are coming out as we are publishing this episode. Still, we already spoke on Sunday discussing the crazy campaigning period and the foreign policy ideals of both candidates. Also, the Western Bubble is proud to announce that we are not endorsing either candidate, we believe you can make that endorsement personally. ;) We also look into the role of the media and their endorsements ... (looking at you Washington Post). Oh, the media in the UK and the new Tory leadership are also on our radar.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com

The 2024 BRICS Summit in Russia just ended and did we hear about it in Western Media? Mostly when Putin spoke (or didn't) about North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, but apart from that ... it was "controversial" ... nothing else? If we look outside the Western Bubble we find that this summit was a glimpse into a world without the West! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com

This time we talk about the death of Sinwar in Gaza and what this means for the conflict from a Western Bubble perspective. Then we swiftly think about Elon Musk and what trauma he must have been through to say what he is saying about Trump and the US. And lastly, we discuss migration in the EU and look into why Canada and India are disliking each other lately!This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com

We are back from our summer break and what a summer break that was. Joe Biden drops out of the US elections and Kamala Harris takes his place. In the meantime, Israel has been invading Lebanon while the Western Media is still waiting for Iran to throw the Middle East into a large-scale conflict. Time for us to analyse the world again, through the lens of the Western Bubble! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com

After weeks of hyping it up we are finally delivering on our promise to deliver some broad solutions to the problems of the Western Bubble. Can you think of any others? Feel free to share them with us!This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Our 4th season is coming to an end, which provides us with an opportunity to look back at some of the topics we have discussed in the past months and see how they have developed. Is there still war in Ukraine and Gaza? How close is Iran this time to the nuclear bomb? How can Labour win two-thirds of the seats in the UK elections with only one-third of the voted? And finally, is Joe Biden too old to be US President? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

The US Supreme Court has been the talk of the town this week. There are plenty of impactful cases to look at from the past weeks. Donald Trump basically reveiving imunity from his actions as President, bribery being legalised and the courts centralising power around itself. Plenty of actions that are in line with a further decay of institutions in the West, and plenty of matters to analyse for us! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Can we blame the average voters for their votes for destructive policies? To what extend are they victims or the establishment? To what extend should voters see through false promises? Today we are discussing a disagreement between us to what extend individuals in the West can be held accountable for their decisions. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

This June, US President Biden said that “Russia will not stop at Ukraine, and “All of Europe will be threataned”. Where is this fear of war coming from? Why is the West so afraid of it? How does this influence our foreign policy thinking? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

The European Parliament Elections just took place and they took us for a ride. But unlike the European establishment we do not call anyone who voted for the extreme right idiots, but actually analyse what elements of the Western Bubble have created an environment in which more and more Europeans vote for right wing populist parties.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

The third part of our three part episode series on institutional decline with today's focus of who still wants to come tonthe West? People who need money or flee violence, but is the West still the "shining light on a hill"? If not, why is this the case? Analyse this with us in this episode. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

In our second part of our three parter on institutional decline in the West we focus on foreign policy. Continuity and the resulting accountability are key to any foreign policy! The West has been lacking that continuity since the end of the Cold War now ... with incredibly destructive consequences. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Universities all over the globe are experiencing encampments of students demanding action against Israel. This is representing an increasing trend of frustrations of the younger generations with institutions managing rather than leading society with its visions. This episode is the first part of a three part series on institutional decline. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Over the weekend all of Europe went crazy over the European Song Contest - Eurovision. As a weekend full of scandals comes to an end, the biggest of which is "obviously" France not winning, we analyse Eurovision as a case study for the Western Bubble and particularly the role of Israel. Oh, and as you can imagine, Balder is "furious" that the Netherlands were disqualified... This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Today we analyse the United Kingdom's agreement with Rwanda to fly asylum seekers and migrants to Rwanda to process them. We talk about how this is a perfect example of Western decay and also rant a little. Here is the video of Chris Philp https://youtu.be/Olk61SGPb-o?si=bmojFxSL_L0I0zYxThis podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Haiti is always in the news for negative reports, the country is governed by a failed state. Today we discuss failed states from the Western Bubble perspective and use Haiti as a case study of destructive Western behaviour. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Multinational cooperations undermine and harm the West in various ways. But why does the West not do anything to control their power and influence? Because these MNCs are inherently Western and a Western product - find out how exactly in this episode! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

To discuss the Easter-West or non-Nato Western Bubble we invited someone from the Eastern-West. In this episode, we are talking to Daniel Bloch from Australia about Australia and to what extend we can or cannot apply the concept of the Western Bubble to Australia. Oh, ... and we also discuss how big Australia actually is, very big. This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

As a special Easter-Ramadan-Purim Episode, we had an informal talk about religion. What's the role of religion in the Western Bubble? How do we personally see and interpret religion? What is the role of religion in societies? And is the Western Bubble a substitute religion for people living in the West?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Almost six months after the 7th of October Attacks, Israel is largely isolated on the world stage and in the West - driving it further into the arms of the West. We examine why this is the case and to what extend the West is to blame? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

What is the role of the military in the Western Bubble? Does it add to it? Does it intensify it? How come NATO has a military budget many times the ones of China or Russia? All questions we answer in this episode! This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

"Northern European arrogance vs Southern European ingratitude" ... Europeans have their stereotypes for each other. But what does this have to do with the Western Bubble and its origins? This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Two days after we recorded our episode on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine Denmark dropped its investigation into the Nordstream Bombing and Macron speculated sending troops to Ukraine. Oh, and Putin threatened to deploy nuclear weapons if NATO were to send troops.This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats

Two years ago Russia invaded Ukraine, since then a lot has happened in the Western Bubble, but basically very little has changed on the battle fronts, except 500000 casualties. Is the West partially responsible for this suffering because it blocked negotiations in the summer of 2022? https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-24-2024 This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com or connect with us on Twitter via @JD_Hasenstab and @BHageraats