Women Leaders

The turmoil and changes of the past five years — from the coronavirus pandemic to the second Trump administration — make clear one basic fact: the post Cold War era is over. It could be that happened already in 2008, in the financial crisis, or it could be in 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine and took the Crimean peninsula from it. It could be any consequential date that marked a change, a clear change, from before and after. But whichever date or event is chosen, it is clear a change of times, of eras has happened — and that the cascade of events we are living through is an historic time.To explore the meaning of this term, as well as the reality of living through it, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Professor Marci Shore of Yale University — who is definitely someone who can help examine and explain these core issues. A cultural historian of Eastern Europe who also found and finds herself drawn to the current conflict in Ukraine and works to aid the Ukrainians. An American using her understanding of Europe to analyse events in the US. A writer and deep thinker who helps us all understand this period of time in another dimension.A strong sharp conversation about the past, the present, history and reality.This episode was recorded on 30 April 2025ChaptersWhat defines an historic time?The difference between historical eventsWhat does a real revolution feel like?Is Ukraine living in historic time?Reading the current US situation as an historianMentionsMarci Shore's articles and essaysHer essay “With Shestov in Ukraine”, Liberties Journal of Culture and PoliticsHer book “The Ukrainian Night”Jan KarskiDocumentary Shoah“In Kyiv, we discuss philosophy, poetry and air raid siren protocol,” co-authored with Amelia M. Glaser, CNN (29 March 2024);Nataliya Gumenyuk, Angelina Kariakina, Janice SteinPoem “A song on the End of the World”, Czeslaw MiloszCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a politician faces an audience of people, of citizens? This episode of Women Leaders brings you that reality, in full.Full Circle, a Brussels based organization connecting ideas with the power to act, organised a great Ideas to Action Day in which over 80 people came together to discuss the state of the world and how to find ways to making it better. Issues were raised, problems discussed, and true angst revealed — often about the digital space, social media, isolation, alienation and the failures of both politicians and national institutions. So far so good for an opportunity to sound off, but then came the surprise: a real live politician came to answer all the questions raised, in front of the audience, and we hosted the exchange for this episode of Women Leaders.Viviane Teitelbaum, Member of the Belgian Senate, is the politician in question, and she gave a remarkably candid account of political life in democracies in the modern age. And let us be clear: she is a Belgian but her audience, as well as her answers, were true to all modern working politicians. From violence in life reflected in cyberspace to identity politics, from the complexity of reality to the complexity of explaining it, and from citizens assemblies to ways of voting, this is a conversation that really challenges a politician while also revealing modern political life as it really happens.This episode was recorded on 5 April 2025MentionsThe Digital Services Act (DSA)FollowViviane Teitelbaum X/Twitter, Instagram, Senate profile page, Women Political Leaders websiteFull Circle website, LinkedIn, Instagram, X/TwitterIlana Bet-ElInstagram @women_leaders_podcast European Leadership Network Twitter, LinkedIn & websiteCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 April 2025 will go down in history, of that there is no doubt. US President Trump and his team insist this is because it was, as they termed it, “Liberation Day” from the global intertwined trade system, in which the US imposed shockingly high tariffs on all its trading partners, excluding Russia and Belarus. Nearly every other state appear to be appalled by this move — because it will harm each of them and their people and they find it incredible that the US, the leader of the free world and the global trading system for the past eight decades, appears to be the one destroying it.The immediate effects of the tariff decision have quickly become obvious: global markets plunged, but especially those in the US; all states and regions are contemplating reactions, and retaliations. And above all, the credibility of the US has taken a big hit. Indeed, if there is a title to the Trump playbook it seems to be "How to Disrupt the World While Undermining Yourself, Potentially Strengthening Your Opponents and Alienating Your Allies."To discuss the tariffs, the playbook, the effects and the state of the global economy, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow at Bruegel and Lauren Gloudeman, Director of the China programme at Eurasia Group. In a searching conversation, they clarify much about the tariff shock, the options open to the EU and China, the effects in the US, and potentials for the future.Recorded on 3 April 2025ChaptersA new global trade world launched by Trump?How US tarrifs impact China, EU and global markets?Are Trump' tariffs a strategy or a gamble?China's and Europe's responses to TrumpWhat next for global trade?MentionsEurasia & BruegelThe Sound of Economics - last episode“Tariffs and trade wars”“Did tariffs contribute to the Great Depression?"NPR , 1930s tariff war Trump calculationsFollowLauren Gloudeman Eurasia group pageRebecca Christie X/Twitter, BlueskyInstagramELNCreditsFlorence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democracy and freedom, die in ignorance. There is wilful ignorance, as in not wanting to know; there is collateral ignorance, as in watching silly videos and media feeds rather than seeking information; and there is imposed ignorance, when sources of information are cut off and denied. The Trump administration is blatantly indulging in the latter, both internally and externally. Within the US, the administration is hand picking the media outlets it will deal with, while also dismantling the Department of Education. Outside the US, it has chosen to defund and potentially close both Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America — two amazing organisations that have brought facts and news across the globe, notably those in non-democratic regimes.It seems that for the Trump administration journalism is a threat. In a world where the boundaries between media, politics and business continue to erode, the likes of Trump, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos have become central figures in shaping public discourse. Moreover, the rise of entertainment news, change of habits, explosive volumes of news pose significant challenges for journalism today.To explore these issues, Ilana Bet-El is joined by veteran BBC journalist Kate Adie. In a conversation rich with anecdotes from her storied career, she reflects on the evolution of media, the structural crises of today's news industry and the fundamental role of journalism in society. Amid the explosion of information and the struggle to filter truth from noise, she argues that people basically seek real news and information, not propaganda. Because in the end, the truth still matters.This episode was recorded on 20 March 2025 and is part of the third edition of the Podcasthon, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness on various charities worldwide, thanks to (great!) podcasters. For this episode, we put the spotlight on the Committee to Protect Journalists: an independent, nonprofit organisation that promotes press freedom worldwide and defends the right of journalists to report the news safely.ChaptersWhat is journalism in an age of billionaires and power struggles?The decline of traditional media and the rise of digital chaosThe battle between real news and entertainment-driven coverageThe structural crisis of the media industryWhy people still want real journalism—and why it mattersMentionsCommittee to Protect Journalists Instagram X/Twitter Youtubewww.podcasthon.orgKate Adie reporting on Tiananmen SquareFollow Kate's BBC websiteInstagramELN Twitter LinkedIn websiteCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The car crash of the Zelensky-Trump-Vance meeting in the White House on 28 February is still reverberating around the world. The specific realities have already been analysed, dramatised, satirised, and AI re-engineered with alternative outcomes. But the true implications are being assimilated more slowly, enhanced by the bizarre claims regarding Ukraine, Europe, Russia and the world made by President Trump in his address to Congress on 4 March. The bottom line appears to be, remarkably, that the US under this administration has abandoned not only Ukraine, but also the free democratic world, the multilateral system put in place by US leadership after the Second World War, and above all its allies. Moreover, it appears to be actively backing Russia under President Putin.If this were a pitch for a Netflix series it would probably be rejected as too farfetched. But reality has long since left farfetched behind, lining up with the alternative world of billionaires, tech bros, oligarchs, and a failed real-estate magnate cum second time US President, who apparently aspires to be king. Moreover, he seems to hold sway as such on the Republican Party, whose members of Congress have recently proposed resolutions such as adding Trump's likeness to Mount Rushmore to reflect his “towering legacy”. For a guided tour of this new bizarre world of the US and its role in the world Ilana Bet-El is joined by the storied US journalist Trudy Rubin, Worldview columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer. In a fierce and sometimes funny discussion she demolishes whatever is left of the veneer of US political respectability to expose a group of thuggish bullies and cowards who now seem to be running the US — and the world. At least for now.This episode was recorded on 6 March 2025.ChaptersWhat happened at the Zelensky-Trump-Vance meeting?Is the U.S. backing Russia and abandoning allies?Is Trump replacing diplomacy with personal deals?Where are the Democrats? How are Americans reacting to all this?Is Europe on the verge of a big change?MentionsTrudy Rubin “Trump seems a 'Putin peace' for Ukraine"Philip Roth The Plot Against AmericaFinancial Times editorial "The US Congress is missing in action"New York Times “People Are Going Silent”FollowTrudy Rubin X/Twitter, Philadelphia Inquirer@women_leaders_podcastELN Twitter LinkedIn websiteCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Politicians tend to aspire to a status quo: a clarity of positions and possibilities that deliver a semblance of stability. In a period of change, not to mention when things go wrong, there is a yearning for a status quo ante — a return to such clarity and stability, regardless of whether it is actually possible. It is significant that in the current world of radical change no leader or decision-maker is talking about the status quo ante: all the cards are up in the air.To get a feel for the decision-maker's dilemmas within this new reality, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Foreign Minister of Latvia, Baiba Braže. In a special short and sharp episode demanded by events, they focus upon the situation in Ukraine and the need to support it, the significance of upping European defence, the reality of life under Russian and Soviet occupation.This episode was recorded on 27 February 2025.ChaptersIs NATO still a solid pillar for European security?What are the discussions in the decision-making rooms?The horrific realities of Soviet and Russian occupationsMentionsPutin's Ukraine: The End of War and the Price of Russian OccupationUN “Human rights 3 years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine”UN “Ukraine: Torture by Russian authorities amounts to crimes against humanity”Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Russia is using torture as a coordinated state policy against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war”Our previous episode with Olena Tregub & Inna PidluskaFollow our guest:Baiba Braže X/TwitterFollow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historians will spend eternity trying to explain why Donald Trump and his administration turned against Ukraine and Europe but one fact is clear: on 12 February 2025 the post Cold War era ended, and the post WWII international system came to a grinding halt. President Trump spoke at length to President Putin and they agreed to start negotiations immediately without Ukraine or the EU. Subsequent events were no less surprising: an anti-European tirade by US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, a US demand of Ukraine to sign away most of its rare earth resources, a first US-Russia meeting in Riyadh and President Trump accusing Ukraine of starting the Russian war of aggression against it, and calling President Zelensky a dictator. Europe, and many other parts of the world, is still reeling from these developments but it is undoubtedly Ukraine that is in the eye of the storm: from trying to deny it a say over its own destiny to attempting to impose elections upon it, and from cutting defence assistance to undermining funding to its civil society, the Ukrainian reality has changed rapidly, and for the worse. To understand this reality better Ilana Bet-El is joined by two leaders of civil society in Ukraine: Olena Tregub Secretary General of NAKO - the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission in Ukraine, and Inna Pidluska Deputy Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation. In a brave no-holds-bar discussion they reflect on the sense of betrayal by the US and the opposing sense of Ukrainian dignity, and the deep-felt sense that might is not right.This episode was recorded on 20 February 2025.ChaptersHow is Ukraine reacting to Trump administration's shift?What does Ukraine expect from Europe now?Is Ukraine's civil society at risk?What kind of deal would be acceptable for Ukraine?MentionsJames Joll, Unspoken assumptionsUkraine civil societyBBC, Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with RussiaFact-checking Trump claims about war in UkraineFollow our guestsOlena Tregub LinkedIn, X/TwitterInna Pidluska LinkedInFollow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network Twitter LinkedIn websiteCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trade is the backbone of the global economy, but its workings are a mystery to many. What is a tariff? What is a trade war? Why is trade so complicated? The chaos wrought by Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico – despite a thirty-day reprieve negotiated for the latter two - makes these and many other questions imperative to answer.Ilana Bet-El is joined by Sylvia Chen, International Trade Policy and Compliance Consultant, and Sara Nordin, Partner in the Global Trade Practice of international law firm White & Case, to gain some understanding of how international trade works. Together, they outline the basics of trade law, how tariffs connect to policy measures, and how they influence modern trade and global supply chains. This episode is a necessary exploration of the actual trade underpinning any potential trade war on the horizon.This episode was recorded on 5 February 2025.ChaptersWhat does a trade lawyer do?Why are trade rules and laws necessary?What is a tariff?Why did Trump put tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China?MentionsTrade Experettes websiteWorld Trade statisticsOffice of the US Trade representative statisticsGATTWTOFollow our guestSylvia Chen LinkedIn, Trade Policy Expert AdvisorySara Nordin LinkedIn, White & Case websiteFollow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There can be no doubt the world changed on 20th of January 2025. As a matter of fact, a new US President was inaugurated — a second time for President Trump — whose return to power has spooked global friends and enemies alike since his election last November. The flurry of Executive Orders issued from day one says much about the determination of this US Administration to not only dismantle the work and legacy of the Biden Administration but potentially also many elements of the postwar multilateral order.Indeed, amongst the first measures taken by President Trump upon his return to the White House was the withdrawal of the US from both the Paris Climate Agreement, and the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, beyond the acts the bluster, the rhetoric on tariffs and bold promises to end both wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the vast majority of actions and orders have concerned domestic matters, focused upon issues such as immigration and equality. This begs the question: is the Trump Administration more concerned with bombastic rhetoric than bombastic action when it comes to global and geostrategic affairs?Dr Kathleen McInnis is definitely someone who can speak to this and many other related issues. Director and senior fellow of the Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and a former official at the US Department of Defence (DOD), she joins Ilana Bet-El in a wide-ranging conversation. From women and "dudes" in defence and foreign affairs to modern strategic challenges, and the future of NATO and EU-US relations, this is a strong and surprising discussion concerning rhetoric, reality and continuity in America's foreign policy under President Trump 2.0.This episode was recorded on 23 January 2025.MentionsThe Heart of War: Misadventures in the PentagonSmart Women, Smart Power podcast and resourcesThe NCI Global Trends 2035 ReportFollow our guest:Kathleen McInnis X/Twitter & LinkedInHer bioYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Women Leaders entered its fifth year (!!), it is apt to reflect on our turbulent world and the challenges that lie ahead. From wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan to the shifting power dynamics of global politics, there is a need to unpack the complexities of our current situation -- and look into the coming months with a strong dose of realism. Joined by Jessica Cox, Director of Defence Plans and Policy at the U.S. Mission to NATO, Ilana unpacks these and other pressing global issues. Together, they delve into the NATO and US perceptions and expectations in the coming months for Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, China, the Middle East ... and much more! A sharp, insightful conversation on our interconnected world at a time when many forces are trying to disconnect it.This episode was recorded on 8 January 2025.ChaptersNATO versus multilateral institutionsUkraine: NATO and US expected achievements for UkraineIs NATO at war with Russia?Collaboration between Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea against the international orderNATO and its relations with China, and the Indo-Pacific regionChina's unique stance on the international orderMiddle Eastern events as a NATO concernA bad year for Russia, Iran and ChinaMentionsThe Nuclear Nexus, previous Women Leaders episode with JessicaVolodymyr Zelenskyy in Lex Fridman PodcastFollow our guest:Jessica Cox X/Twitter & LinkedInYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“How did you go bankrupt?" “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” Novelist Earnest Hemingway put these words in the mouth of one of his characters in his 1926 breakthrough novel, The Sun Also Rises, and it seems they are as true to dictators as they are to a fictional gambler and drunk. Last weekend, President Bashar al Assad of Syria, the cruel and brutal head of a corrupt dynasty that had ruled Syria for over half a century, fled with his family to Moscow — just two weeks after a rebel group started upon an offensive from north to south. In retrospect, it became clear that the regime had been creaking gradually for some time, before it collapsed suddenly, leaving Iran and Russia, his two external supporters, bereft and the people of Syria free - or at least free from the regime. The freedom to decide their future is yet to be tested or understood.Hind Kabawat, a former member of the High Negotiations Committee at the Syrian peace talks in Geneva and a prominent leader of Syrian civil society, is one of the best-placed people to reflect on the past and especially the future of Syria. A native of Damascus who attended school with Bashar al Assad but has been standing in staunch opposition to him ever since she passionately believes in multi-faith collaboration as well as the importance of women. While applauding the fall of Assad, Professor Kabawat knows the future is yet to be decided - but that equality of different peoples of all faiths, genders, and political tribes must be at its centre.This episode was recorded on 12 December 2024Mentions and further resourcesIIIM – International, Impartial and Independent MechanismHayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS)Timeline of Arab Spring in SyriaFollow our guestHind Kabawat X/Twitter, LinkedIn and webpage (George Mason University)Tastakel, the non-profit Syrian women-led organisation working on building a democratic society on the basis of respect, justice & the rule of law.Follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastEuropean Leadership Network Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The political landscape in Germany seems anything but stable. From unresolved disputes and coalitions failing to the publication of Angela Merkel's memoirs - a timely reminder of a past ideal era - the nation faced mounting challenges. Economic struggles, extremism on the edge and upcoming early elections: a worrying mix for one key European player.Tanit Koch Schneider, journalist, co-host of the Focus Briefing and former editor-in-chief of the popular BILD, joins Ilana Bet-El to explain how and why the cherished German model went wrong, from the national situation following the elections three years ago, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, weaknesses to the multiple challenges and issues - and more!This episode was recorded on 28 November 2024Mentions and further resourcesTanit's article on Merkel's memoirs release (The New European)“Freedom: Memoirs 1954 - 2021” from Angela MerkelFollow our guestTanit Koch X/Twitter & [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAABenGA4BaEm2wOlqXbdvN8g7wLzGF2HV6tQ&keywords=tanit koch&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=85357a78-82ef-46e1-b5e0-3120cc0a07f9&sid=%3A(2&spellCorrectionEnabled=false)All her publicationsNewsletter Focus BriefingYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2024 US elections were unique. From the last minute candidacy of Kamala Harris through the assassination attempt of Donald Trump to the sheer amount of money involved -- over US$ 15 billion -- events moved at an amazing speed, resulting in an unexpected definitive win for Trump and the Republican Party.Understanding what truly happened and capturing the real atmosphere across the U.S. may still be challenging, but necessary. To do this, Ilana Bet-El welcomes Elena Schneider, National Political Reporter at Politico U.S. Elena shares insights drawn from her extensive experience covering this and previous U.S. elections, touching on the current political landscape, media fragmentation, and how perceptions of power and strength remain deeply embedded in the electorate.This episode was recorded on 14 November 2024Mentions and further resourcesOur episode on Georgia electionsThe show All in the Family centers on a working-class White American family living in Queens, New York. Its patriarch, Archie Bunker is an outspoken, narrow-minded man, seemingly prejudiced against everyone not like him or his ideas of how people should be.Proportion of women in Congress Cost of 2024 US electionsFollow our guestElena Schneider X/Twitter & LinkedInAll her recent stories on PoliticoYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Election results should never be a foregone conclusion, and democratic upsets are a healthy feature of the system. Nonetheless, when the incumbent pro-Russian governing party in Georgia declared itself the winner of national elections on 26 October, with some 54% of the vote, there was a massive outcry: polls had predicted a win for the opposition. This is a huge setback for the cause of democracy in the state — and the region, given that just a week earlier, a referendum on European integration in Moldova had ended with a tiny margin of victory for the pro-EU camp when a near landslide had been predicted.The tentacles of autocracy are clearly reaching far and wide, tightening their grip upon the states surrounding Ukraine and bordering Europe — threatening both. To delve into these issues, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Salome Samadashvili, opposition Member of Parliament in Georgia, and Tinatin Japaridze, member of the Younger Generation Leaders Network (YGLN) and Eurasia Analyst at the Eurasia Group. This is a hard-hitting discussion on Georgia, the region, autocracy and democracy, covered with clarity, intellect and empathy.This episode was recorded on 31 October 2024Mentions and further resourcesSalome's previous episode Georgia on the edgeTinatin's book Stalin's Millennials: Nostalgia, Trauma and NationalismFollow our guestsTinatin Japaridze LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Eurasie websiteSalome Samadashvil LinkedIn; X/TwitterYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction**:** Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The speed of events in the disaster zone that is currently the Middle East is unrelenting. Just as attention was focused on Lebanon and refocused on Gaza, Israel announced the death of Yahiya Sinwar, head of Hamas and architect of the attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. Across the West, and possibly beyond, this development was viewed with relief - if only because it may allow for a hostage deal to finally occur. But in Iran, the death called for the mourning of a Martyr. This is not by chance: Iran is a major protagonist in the region.From two missile attacks on Israel, to supporting Hizbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — Iran is perceived to be a malign presence across the Middle East, especially from the Western perspective. This is undoubtedly underpinned by its broken relations with the US, which dates back to the 1979-81 hostage crisis, coupled with its current closer relationship with China while also supplying armaments to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.These are difficult positions for the Western mind, but they stem from the Iranian interest and perspective. To better understand both interest and perspective, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian of Cambridge University in a strong and enlightening discussion that touches on the history of Iran and its international position since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, through the Iran-Iraq war of the 1990s, all the way to understanding its regional and global interests today.This episode was recorded on 14 October 2024MentionsThe Iran hostage crisis“A Brief History of Israeli-Iranian Cooperation and Confrontation” and “How Iran and Israel became archenemies”Roxane's inspiration: An American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal by Neil King JrFollow:Roxane Farmanfarmaian LinkedIn, book “Blood & Oil: A Prince's Memoir of Iran"Instagram @women_leaders_podcastEuropean Leadership Network Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The constant escalation in the Middle East shows no signs of abating. October 7 marks a year since Hamas viciously invaded southern Israel, while October 8 is a year since Hezbollah started firing rockets into the north of Israel in support of Hamas. A year of unspeakable violence in Israel, Gaza and now Lebanon, rounded off by Iran firing some 200 ballistic missiles into Israel this week. A year of deaths and destruction for Palestinians, Israelis and Lebanese people.In this unique episode Women Leaders is building a bridge: Fania Oz-Salzberger, Professor of history at Haifa University and renowned public intellectual, and Roula from Beirut — her name for security purposes — join Ilana Bet-El In a fascinating, passionate and hard hitting episode. From explanations about Lebanese and Israeli politics to calls for women in decision making, and from the depths of despair to a future day in a new Middle East, this is the discussion necessary to understand the problems and the people of the region.This episode was recorded on 2 October 2024Mentions and further resourcesPeace NowFania's article on Israeli perceptions on U.S ElectionWe asked after the recording our guests' recommendations, just below:Fania's recommendation “We will dance again” (trailer of the movie)Roula's recommendation: “Glass Cedars” (book)Follow our guests:Fania Oz-Salzberger X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and academic publications (Academia.eu)For security reasons, we cannot follow Roula from BeirutFollow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine is in its third year, with no end in sight. The Russian offensive in the East of Ukraine grinds on, consuming a mass of men and materiel on both sides while its conquest proceeds in tiny paces. The only surprise of the past few months was the Ukrainian incursion into Russia, taking a small square of the Kursk region. It is no minor achievement, not least given that Russia has not been invaded since WWII, and that the Kursk region is where the biggest tank battle — and one of the biggest battles ever — took place in the summer of 1943 between the then Soviet Union and Germany. But ultimately, the war grinds on, with Russia intensifying its drone attacks as well as ground assaults, ably supplied by Iranian drones and materiel, shored up by offerings from North Korea, and aided in a circuitous way by purchases of raw materials and weapons made through third countries, so circumventing western sanctions.Ukraine is fighting back, using its own drones and weaponry in Russia and trying to fend off the invading Russian forces with the aid of Western weapons in Ukraine. But it is not enough. Between the fighting and the massive Russian drone and missile strikes at its energy grid now happening nearly daily, reality is difficult. And worse. To get a deep insight into this reality and what is both happening and should be happening to change the situation, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Lisa Yasko, Member of the Ukrainian Rada (parliament) and Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. In a frank and revealing conversation, Lisa reflects on the war from its start, the daily reality in Ukraine, and the shortcomings of the international community.This episode was recorded on 18 September 2024Follow our guests:Lisa Yasko X/Twitter & InstagramYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer used to be a period of quiet. The sun shone — or not — and holidays were taken, events slowed to a nearly non-existent pace, and newsrooms had to deal with what was known as the “silly season”. No longer. Whether because events really have become more dramatic or whether because we know about them immediately due to the constant digital connections, this past summer was an example of constant and rapid events: From the assassination attempt on Donald Trump to the sudden rise of Kamala Harris, both now presidential candidates in the US; and from the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza/Israel to the hardening of the China-Russia partnership in the face of the west — the world carried on spinning unabated, and at speed.To get a closer insight into events in the US and the Middle East, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Jodi Rudoren, Editor in Chief of the Forward and former New York Times Bureau Chief in Jerusalem. In a strong and flowing conversation they move through the rapidly changing realities of US politics and the changing gender roles within them; the prospects of both presidential candidates policies on wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the appalling lack of women in the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians — and elsewhere too.This episode was recorded 5 September 2024Mentions and further resourcesJodi and Roxanne's previous conversationFollow our guests:Jodi Rudoren LinkedIn & X/TwitterThe Forward websiteYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-rollLicense code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJTSupported by a grant from the Foundation Open Society Institute in cooperation with the Open Society Foundations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We know some of you have been wondering where we've been. Rest assured, Women Leaders will be back very soon. Get ready for more extraordinary conversations with inspiring women experts this September. Stay tuned! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 2024 may end up being remembered for various reasons, such as wars in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza or the launch of the Arianne 6 rocket by the European Space Agency or the floods in Western Europe and the extreme heat in the eastern Mediterranean, all caused by climate change. At this point however, these are the backdrop to another set of events: elections and summits. In this year of elections around the globe it is perhaps unsurprising that two polls happened suddenly: in both the UK and France the heads of government called unexpected elections. In the UK this resulted in a massive won for the Labour Party, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. In contrast in France the outcome was stalemate: no-one won outright. While many in France and outside it are trying to define what this means, NATO members are meeting in Washington to mark the 75th anniversary of the alliance. To navigate these elections and summits, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Jane Kinninmont, Director of Policy and Impact at The European Leadership Network, and Florence Ferrando, producer of this podcast and Senior Consultant in Cyber and Strategic Intelligence at Forward Global.This episode was recorded on July 11 2024.MentionsJane's inspiration: Gareth SouthgateFlorence's inspiration: Swann Périsssé show on French elections - YoutubeFirst past the post elections vs Two round systemUK election results /France election resultsNATO Washington summit declarationJane's SWP paper on NATO and its southern neighbourhoodFollow our guestsJane Kinninmont: LinkedIn, Twitter/XFlorence Ferrando: LinkedinYou can also followOur InstagramOur partner European Leadership Network Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction:Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll (ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT)Supported by the Foundation Open Society Institute in cooperation with the Open Society Foundations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The focus on the defence aspects of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine often draws attention from the economic war taking place in parallel. Every few weeks the US or the EU drop another packet of sanctions on Russia, in attempts to hinder its capacity to pursue the war — and in absolute lockstep a wave of analyses, data and disinformation will appear, largely rubbishing the sanctions and their effects. In this way the EU this week dropped its 14th round of sanctions, and Russia put out another series of messages about the EU harming itself more than Russia. It is a vicious cycle that largely obfuscates not only the success of sanctions but also the broader economic picture of the war — and beyond.To wade through the data, and make sense of them, Ilana Bet-El welcomes back Agathe Demarais, Senior Policy Fellow for Geoeconomics at the ECFR and the woman who literally wrote the book on sanctions! Moving along economic measures and countermeasures, they tease out in the clearest terms the broader economic context of the war against and Ukraine, as well as the realities of the global economic situation and its future, from demography to corporate interests.As they say in Cabaret: That clinking, clanking sound / Can make the world go ‘round!This episode was recorded on June 18 2024.Mentions and further resourcesAgathe's inspiration: “La Horde du Contrevent” Alain DamasioAgathe's book on sanctionsOur previous episode with Agathe “Sanctions all around”Our previous episode on Latin AmericaFollow us & our guestAgathe Demarais: Linkedin Twitter/XIlana Bet-ElInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and websiteCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times RollSupported by a grant from the Foundation Open Society Institute in cooperation with the Open Society Foundations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between June 6th and 9th, 27 member states held elections for the European Union's parliament with over 300 million eligible voters. However only 51% voted, an unsurprising figure as democratic participation declines across the West. Equally unsurprising were the results of the vote, which, as always, resulted in the two major centrist blocs, the European People's Party and the Socialists and Democrats, maintaining their majority, with some support from the Green and Liberal groups.However, far-right and nationalist parties performed very well, with the two major groupings gaining seats and nearly 20% of all MEPs. This outcome was predicted in the pre-election polls and hasn't shocked many pundits, but thereality of an increased normalisation of nationalist politics in the European Parliament may be sobering for some.For 20 years now, nationalist and far/extreme right parties have slowly but surely gained electoral and political legitimacy. In recent years, such parties have won elections in the Netherlands, Italy, and Slovakia, and they sit in government in Finland, Sweden, and a few other countries as well. In all member states, nationalist parties sit in parliament, and their rhetoric has entered mainstream political discourses.In France, this outcome has had especially profound repercussions, as President Macron has now called for snap elections in response to the major losses experienced by his Renaissance party to Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella's National Rally party.How did Europe, and indeed many other countries in the democratic world, come to this? Are mainstream politicians getting it wrong, or are they just of poor quality? Is there a better way forward? To answer these and many other such questions, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Catherine Fieschi, an expert on populism and European politics, in a lively and deeply probing conversation.This episode was recorded on June 13 2024.NotesCatherine's inspiration: “Homage to Catalonia” George OrwellCatherine's book “Populocracy"Global social media users (April 2024): 5.07 billion, equating to 62.6% of global population. Meta had by far the most users (Facebook 3 billion, WhatsApp and Instagram 2 billion each) with Youtube, owned by Google, next at 2.5 billion.Catherine Fieschi Linkedin & Twitter/XOur InstagramOur partner ELN Twitter, LinkedIn & websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times RollSupported by a grant from the Foundation Open Society Institute in cooperation with the Open Society Foundations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The third year of a war often suggests two harsh realities: that the war is, by definition, long; and that it is not over — or rather, that it is in the middle. Think 1917 in World War I or 1942 in World War II. Ukraine is in year three of defending itself against the full-scale Russian invasion that started in February 2022. It fended off the Russian forces at the start, but since then the war has been quite static with each side achieving small victories at huge expense.For Russia, this is a war of choice; for Ukraine it is a war of survival. And while soldiers are fighting on the front line, the rest of society is passionately fighting in every other way for a free, democratic and independent Ukraine — as host Ilana Bet-El found on a visit to Kyiv in May 2024. Every conversation is about the war, and the fight to join the democratic world. To get a sense of this spirit she is joined in this episode by Inna Pidluska, Deputy Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation in Ukraine, and Anna Kovalenko, former member of the Ukrainian Parliament and a prominent civic activist.To find out what Ukraine means to Ukrainians, what the West means to them, and what Russia means to them — hint: they are fed up of sharing their history with Russia — listen to this lively and passionate conversation.This episode was recorded on May 26 2024.Mentions and further resourcesInna's inspiration: “The Rise of Ukraine's Sun” by Kateryna ZaremboAnna's inspiration: Ukrainians and her daughterFollow our guests:Inna Pidluska Linkedin & Twitter/XAnna Kovalenko Wikipedia & Twitter/XInternational Renaissance Foundation websiteYou can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-rollLicense code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a year of big elections, in which approximately half the global population is going to the polls at one time or another, the EU elections stand out: upwards of 300 million eligible voters out of a population of nearly 450 million people across 27 states. A transnational bonanza of democracy that will take place between 6-9 June. 720 seats are up for grabs in the European Parliament, and once the results and balance of power in that institution are decided, the composition of the European Commission and the leadership of the European Council will be negotiated, or wrangled over. Confused?Anna Davreux, a ten-year veteran of the European Parliament and now Senior Vice President and Partner at Fleishman-Hillard Brussels, guides Ilana across the realities and complexities of the Parliament and all EU institutions. In a fun and fascinating discussion, the basics of the European Union, and democracy, are exposed, explained, and extolled. The European Parliament, as the EU in general, may seem opaque and difficult to understand, but it does work — for everyone!Mentions and further resourcesEU elections: how many MEPs will each EU country get in 2024?Facts and figures on life in the European UnionEuropean elections 2024: people eligible to voteElections and appointments for EU institutionsEU Transparency RegisterAnna's recommendation “Empireland" by Sathnam SangheraRecorded on 15 May 2024Follow our guest and us:Anna Davreux LinkedInIlana Bet-ElFleishman Hillard Brussels websiteInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn Facebook & websiteCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our world of disruption, Georgia has suddenly emerged as another centre of protest and imbalance: on Wednesday, 1 May, the Georgian parliament voted positively on controversial new legislation that would brand Western-funded NGOs as foreign agents. In response, the streets of Georgia, notably the capital Tbilisi, erupted into protest: not only is the legislation deemed objectionable, it is also a clear threat to Georgia's EU aspirations.In December last year the European Union announced Georgia, a pearl of the Caucasus, would become a candidate for membership. But in response to this new legislation, the EU this week called on Georgia to stay the course and stop the legislative process. The government is perceived to be pro-Russian, and it is unclear whether it will pay heed, but the many protesters appear adamant to maintain their dream of EU membership — in line with every poll conducted in the state over decades, that reflect a vast majority of the population seek to be firmly embedded in the EU and the West.To understand these rapidly unfolding events, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Salome Samadashvili, a prominent opposition member of the Georgian parliament and former ambassador of Georgia to the EU. Is this a repetition of events in Ukraine 2014, when citizens objected to attempts by their Russian controlled President to hamper relations with the EU — attempts that led to the Maidan Revolution, the ouster of the President and the annexation of Crimea by Russia — or is this a blind political ploy of a weak government? In this volatile region, all developments are crucial.Recorded on 2 May 2024Mentions and further resourcesInt'l hacking group "Anonymous” threatens Georgian police and gov't officials Georgia Today articleThe Guardian live on Georgia eventsFollow us and our guest:Salome Samadashvili LinkedInSalomé Samadashvili X/TwitterInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 7 October attack changed the Middle East and world. The brutality of Hamas attack and the overwhelming response of Israel made nonsense of many assumptions about the Israel-Palestine conflict, and about relations between Israel and the Arab worlds, relations within the Arab and Muslim worlds, between Israel and many other parts of the world.Six months into the war, escalation has become the key word, with each event of destruction assumed to be the worst until the next one comes along. A new pinnacle of escalation was reached on Saturday 13 April, when Iran directly attacked Israel: a new reality in both warfare and global politics was born. The intertwined elements of the war, the region, the world, the personal, the political and the consequences are difficult to discuss. However, Ilana Bet-El is joined by two amazing women who do just that: Jodi Rudoren, Editor-in-Chief of the Forward and former New York Times Bureau Chief in Israel, and Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian of Cambridge University and an expert on Iran and the Middle East. In a fascinating exchange they highlight their own experiences of 7 October, reactions to the war in Gaza, implications to media, geopolitics, and their sense of why everyone cares so much about this conflict above all others. Take a deep breath; dive into their knowledge, insights and powerful exchanges.Recorded on 18 April 2024Mentions “Blood & Oil”The Full ProjectSamar Abu EloufOur guests' recommendations “Wartime Diaries” (podcast) and “The Parisian” by Isabella Hammad (book)Follow our guests and us Jodi: page on The ForwardRoxane: articles on ELNThe Forward website@women_leaders_podcastOur partner Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & websiteCreditsProduction: Florence Ferrando ; Music: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 31 March local elections in Turkey were a great surprise. Pre election polling suggested the AKP party of President Erdogan was on course to win, but instead the main opposition CHP party swept up an impressive number of cities and towns, notably the ten major cities of the country, which collectively represent over 74% of the National GDP. This is a massive shift in the country's political landscape, signalling a potential call for deep change. Put another way: has Turkey reached a critical juncture after two decades under the Erdogan regime?Zeynep Atikkan, senior Turkish journalist, joins Ilana Bet-El in a discussion of this and many other questions about the Turkish electoral and political landscape. From economic concerns, the Kurdish issue and generational shifts to civil society engagement, women's roles, protests, media influence, and evolving political dynamics — the underpinning realities of Turkish politics are revealed and discussed, not least the weakened position of President Erdogan and his AKP party.Mentions and further resourcesZeynep's three booksSinem Dedetaş, the new elected mayor of Üsküdar in Istanbul Twitter“Turkiye has has elected youngest Major in its history” Middle East Monitor“Turkey gains new wave of female mayors after opposition's poll success” ReutersZeynep TwitterZeynep Atikkan LinkedInRecorded on 4 April 2024You can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-rollLicense code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024 has already been defined as the year of elections: from Russia through the EU to the US, autocracies, dictatorships and democracies, billions of people are going to the polls. And one of the biggest upcoming elections is due in India: with 968 million registered voters, 15 million elections officials and 1.2 million polling booths, it will be the largest exercise in logistics and democracy the world has ever seen.But there are problems — in India, and many other democracies. Dr. Radha Kumar, renowned Indian policy analyst, public intellectual and writer specialised in ethnic conflicts and peace processes, who recently convened the Delhi Democracy Convention, joins Ilana Bet-El in an exploration of India's democratic crossroads. From inter-ethnic tensions to political power plays and media freedom, the flowing conversation explains much about the sub-continent, and the state of democracies far beyond.Mentions toDelhi Declaration (Democracy Convention 2024) & articles in Frontline ; The Wire and The HinduRadha's inspiration: Dhruv Rathee's Youtube channel (Hindi with English subtitles)Radha's book recommendation: Waves Across the South by Sujit SivasundaramRadha's books and follow her on Twitter for the next one published in May!Recorded on 18 March 2024You can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookOur partner European Leadership Network websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-rollLicense code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders is back! The podcast that showcases women experts is with you again, in a new home at ELN, European Leaders Network.To mark the move, and International Women's Day (IWD), we welcome back Rose Gottemoeller, former Deputy Secretary General of NATO, to discuss the state of the world. From Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine to the disrupted Middle East, from Russian autocracy to US politics, this is the grand sweep of global geopolitics.The (dire) state of democracy, competitiveness of defence industries, difficulties in creating economic packages — these and many other issues come to light in discussion with host Ilana Bet-El. And as a bonus for IWD, find out who are Women of Mass Destruction — and what may be too pink!Mentions toRose's Women Leaders episode on 8 March 2022Report of the US Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United StatesWomen Leaders - Latin America on the Global StageFinancial Times “General Mark Milley ‘Americans have kind of had it wars'”You can also follow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network social media Twitter, LinkedIn & FacebookIlana Bet-ElRose GottemoellerRecorded on 4 March 2024CreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for us on IDW 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.