Podcasts about european affairs

One of the clearest, most necessary voices on Ukraine, democracy, and what the West keeps getting wrong. In this ICYMI episode, Corey revisits his most recent conversation with Dr. Alexander Vindman — retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council, and author of The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine. From the thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty to why U.S. administrations repeatedly misread Russia, Vindman explains how we arrived at this moment — and what a values-based foreign policy (“neo-idealism”) could mean for America's future. He also opens up about family history, his brother Eugene's first term in Congress, and what gives him both concern and hope in a destabilized world.

Ireland's birth rate has fallen by 20% in just 11 years according a new report from the HSE which shows 53,185 babies were born last year compared to 67,263 in 2014.Dr Carmel Hannan, associate professor in the Department of Sociology at University of Limerick, and Dan O'Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, join The Last Word to discuss why birth rates continue to fall and what economic and social challenges are created by this.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

France is to bring back a form of military service. That comes weeks after Germany announced plans to assess young people's suitability for military duty. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced European states to examine their readiness. So could conscription return? In this episode: Jacques Reland - Senior Research Fellow in European Affairs, focusing on French politics, European defence and wider EU institutions. Paul Beaver - former soldier and defence analyst with experience assessing trends in European armed forces and recruitment. Peter Nielsen - former Commander of NATO’s Force Integration Unit in Lithuania Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The fourth podcast in the 2025 F.E. podcast series was an interview with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Minister of State for Defence, by Barry Colfer, Director of Research at the IIEA in Dublin. The podcast is part of the Future-proofing Europe Project which is kindly funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The theme of the podcast was Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. Minister Byrne commenced the interview by describing his long-standing experience and interest in European Affairs and explained the roles and responsibilities of the Presidency which include chairing a wide range of meetings at every level in Dublin, Brussels and Luxembourg and representing the EU and the Member States at various international summits during the term of the Presidency. At domestic level, several government departments are already working on the administrative arrangements and preparations needed to run an efficient and impactful Presidency and to find consensus on policies of major import. As to the public visibility of the Presidency, he said it would mainly be capture by the arrival of EU leaders for an informal European Council and for a meeting of the European Political Community, (EPC) in Ireland during its Presidency with leaders from up to 47 European countries. A further 22 informal Ministerial meetings, a quarter of which would be held outside Dublin, and 250 other working group meetings would be hosted around Ireland led by civil servants and Ministers. They would complement the work of the Committee of Ambassadors to the EU, (COREPER) in meetings in Brussels and Luxembourg. The Minister said that he had opened a consultation portal to elicit citizens' views on what Ireland's priorities should be, and to invite them to suggest a theme for Ireland's Presidency. He expressed a strong interest in engaging the public interest in the Presidency. In terms of Presidency priorities, he said that some are already part of the ongoing legislative agenda in the EU and will need to be advanced. Others will derive from the agreed Presidency trio programme which involves the Irish, Lithuanian and Greek Presidencies over an 18month period, the purpose of which is to maintain continuity and consistency across the three Presidencies. As to likely priorities, which will be formally announced in June 2026, the Minister mentioned values, such as democracy and rule of law, competitiveness, the Single Market and simplification agenda, security and defence, the MFF and Enlargement. As well as capturing the imagination of citizens the main objective then would be move forward as an honest broker representing the voices of all Member States and to see where Ireland can have an impact on shaping the agenda and achieve consensus on major portfolios, all of which would enhance the reputation of the country, both from an administrative and diplomatic point of view.

What are Denmark's vision and priorities in the Arctic? And how is the country addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the region?Joining the conversation is Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark. His remarks are followed by an open Q&A with Jonas Bering Liisberg, State Secretary for European Affairs and the Arctic of Denmark, and moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Mark Schaefer returns to our show, bringing with him a wealth of insights from his latest book about the sweeping changes AI is bringing to sales and marketing. As part of a global research initiative with 300 futurists, Mark shares his predictions for AI's impact by 2035, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges businesses face, especially those small to medium-sized. We explore how tech giants are seamlessly weaving AI into their strategies and why it's crucial for smaller enterprises to comprehend and act on AI's transformative power to stay relevant and competitive.  Our conversation takes a closer look at AI's role in reshaping marketing strategies and customer engagement. Traditional metrics are giving way to data-driven insights, marking a shift in how businesses connect with consumers. While AI-generated content is becoming more prevalent, we emphasize the irreplaceable value of authentic, human-centric content. The discussion touches on the enduring importance of human creativity and expression, even as AI attempts to replicate empathy and innovation. Personal preferences, it seems, still hold weight against AI's recommendations, underscoring a unique space for human intuition and creativity.  We also investigate the profound implications AI bears on human relationships and business operations. As AI continues to streamline processes, the human element remains vital in building meaningful connections and trust. Through exploring personal branding, community building, and the essence of vulnerability, we highlight the irreplaceable human touch in a world increasingly intertwined with AI technologies. Mark's insights serve as a reminder that while AI may reshape certain aspects of our interactions, the authentic essence of human experience and empathy remains at the core of genuine relationships and successful business endeavors.  Mark W. Schaefer is a globally recognized author, keynote speaker, futurist, and business consultant who blogs at {grow} — one of the top five marketing blogs in the world. He teaches graduate marketing classes at Rutgers University and has written 12 best-selling books. Mark's new book Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World describes an essential framework for businesses to stand out and be seen in a noisy world. His many global clients include Pfizer, Cisco, P&G, Dell, Adidas, and the US Air Force. He has been a keynote speaker at prestigious events worldwide, including South by Southwest, Marketing Summit Tokyo, and the Institute for International and European Affairs. Mark has appeared as a guest on various media channels, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CBS News.   Quotes:  "AI is not just about technological advancements; it's about how it rewires our brains and influences consumer behavior."   "In a world dominated by AI-generated content, the irreplaceable value of authentic, human-centric content remains."   "The human element is vital in building meaningful connections and trust, even as AI continues to streamline processes."  "While AI can mimic empathy and creativity, genuine human expression holds enduring value."    Links:  Mark's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/ How AI Changes Your Customers - https://businessesgrow.com/how-ai-changes-your-customers/ Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/ 

In her speech, Minister Raouna acknowledges that enlargement has long been one of the EU's most powerful transformative tools, and a driving force for reforms, progress, security, and prosperity. She discusses how the EU is navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. She also argues that it is clear that enlargement is a geopolitical investment and necessity for stability, peace, and security for the European Union. It is widely accepted today that Enlargement has gained new impetus, and that this is a clear statement that Europe's response to aggression lies in greater European unification, and deeper integration. According to Minister Raouna, Enlargement also re-emerges as a key policy for strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy and global influence. She calls for the current momentum for enlargement to be seized, pointing out that by integrating new partners, the EU will reinforce its collective security and capacity to respond to emerging challenges. She concludes by underscoring that the incoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU is committed to driving forward the EU's enlargement agenda with ambition and a results-oriented approach based on merit. About the Speaker: Marilena Raouna is the Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs, in charge of the preparations and political oversight of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026. She studied Jurisprudence (Law) at Oxford University, holds an LLM in Public International and European Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (Chevening Scholar) and a Diploma in French language and civilization from Sorbonne University.

Alison O'Connor, broadcaster and Sunday Times columnist and Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, discuss Paschal Donohoe's political and economic legacy.

Paschal Donohoe has stepped down from his role as Minister for Finance to take up a senior position at the World Bank, prompting a Cabinet reshuffle.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, Dan O'Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Sarah Carey, columnist with the Irish Independent, and Professor Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to discuss Donohoe's surprise move and where it leaves Fine Gael and the coalition going forward.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/28y74qub Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Paschal Donohoe resigns from Government, takes up new position. Paschal Donohoe éirithe as an Rialtas, post nua aige. Fine Gael Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is to step down from his political duties in Ireland after being appointed Managing Director and Chief Information Officer at the World Bank, the second most senior position in that organisation. Tá an tAire Airgeadais Paschal Donohoe ó Fhine Gael le héirí as a chúraimí polaitíochta in Éirinn tar éis dó a bheith ceaptha ina Stiúrthóir Bainistíochta agus ina Phríomhoifigeach Eolais sa Bhanc Domhanda, an dara post is sinsearaí san eagraíocht sin. He has already resigned from his role as Minister for Finance and will step down as a Dáil member later this week. Tá sé éirithe as a chúram mar Aire Airgeadais cheana féin agus éireoidh sé as mar Theachta Dála níos deireanaí an tseachtain seo. It is understood that the Government will appoint a new Minister for Finance this evening. Tuigtear go gceapfaidh an Rialtas Aire Airgeadais nua tráthnóna. Paschal Donohoe is 51 years old and has been an MLA for Dublin Central since 2011. 51 bliain d'aois atá Paschal Donohoe agus tá sé ina Theachta Dála i mBaile Átha Cliath Láir ó 2011. He was appointed Minister of State for European Affairs in 2013 and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the following year. Ceapadh é ina Aire Stáit um Ghnóthaí Eorpacha in 2013 agus ina Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt an bhliain dar gcionn. He was appointed Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in 2016 and Minister for Finance in 2017. Ceapadh é ina Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe in 2016 agus ina Aire Airgeadais in 2017. As with its new position, the World Bank's primary responsibility is to provide low-interest loans to developing countries. Mar lena phost nua, is é príomhchúram an Bhainc Dhomhanda iasachtaí ar rátaí ísle úis a chur ar fáil do thíortha atá i mbéal forbartha. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

Denmark's rotating presidency of the EU has been juggling a lot of difficult political balls: the climate negotiations ahead of the COP30 in Brazil, the "simplification" omnibuses that have run into political battles in the European Parliament, and much else. We travel to Copenhagen to talk to Denmark's Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, about how the presidency is going, and how the small country is dealing with the big geopolitical headwinds blowing into Denmark.

For more than 30 years Nick Kass was guiding intelligence at the highest levels of U.S. government -- from the Department of State to the CIA, and the White House.  Nick's mantra is simple: question everything. Based in Bucharest, this Chicago native is now Senior Fellow for European Affairs at the Center for the National Interest.  Thanks to Nick's life's journey full of questions -- he's in our chat room with a lifetime full of answers for Lissa & Thom.   Nick Kass is an award-winning analyst, reporter, and intelligence expert, and policy manager. Join this fascinating ride through diplomacy,  from the global warnings inside President Eisenhower's farewell address to present-day Ukraine. This episode was originally released in October 2023.

At a jam-packed EU summit in Brussels on 23 October, dominated by the thorny issue of using frozen Russian assets, we caught up with the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna. Although Belgium was at the centre of haggling over how to turn the Russian assets into a “reparation loan” to help Ukraine, it is not the only country concerned by the issue. Cyprus has frozen €1.2 billion in Russian assets. Raouna emphasises that Cyprus has “completely turned the page” on Russian money flowing through the country and that supporting Ukraine will be a “top priority” when Cyprus assumes the rotating EU presidency in January 2026.

In this IIEA webinar, the panel takes a deep dive into Finland's Futures Ecosystem — a unique network of public institutions, research bodies, civil society, and private sector actors working together to shape long-term thinking and strategic foresight. This panel provides an overview of the key components, actors, and processes that drive futures work in Finland, offering insights into how collaboration, policy, and innovation come together to anticipate and navigate change. This panel event follows on from an address entitled Finland's Futures Ecosystem in a European Context by Joakim Strand, the Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering. This webinar will also be followed by a further panel event that focuses on the Irish approach to foresight and what can be learnt from the Finnish experience. This event was organised in conjunction with the UCD Centre for Innovation, Technology and Organisation. Panelists include: Elina Kiiski-Kataja, Senior Lead of Foresight & Insight at Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund that helps Finland anticipate the future; Maria Höyssä, Senior Advisor to the Committee for the Future at the Parliament of Finland & Senior Research Fellow at the Finland's Futures Research Centre; Vera Djakonoff, Senior Expert, Anticipatory Governance at Demos Helsinki, an independent think tank that helps build capacities to instigate and sustain essential transitions; Dr Kevin Deegan, Vice President for Innovation & Insight at Valio, Finland's biggest food exporter

Under the deal, Ukraine would only repay the loan once Russia makes war reparations. It comes as EU countries have formally adopted the 19th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Minister of State for European Affairs & Defence Thomas Byrne, and Chris Weafer, Chief Executive of Macro-Advisory, discuss.

"From the Frontlines" is an ADL podcast which brings listeners to the frontline in the battle against antisemitism and hate through conversations with ADL staff who are living that battle every day. Today, that frontline extends far beyond American borders to university campuses around the world, where Jewish students are being forced to conceal fundamental aspects of their identity just to navigate campus life. According to a groundbreaking new global survey by ADL and the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS), more than three-quarters of Jewish university students worldwide are concealing their religious identity. This is the devastating reality revealed by the first comprehensive global study of its kind examining Jewish student experiences worldwide. Dalia Grinfeld joined this podcast to discuss the survey's findings. She is ADL's Associate Director for European Affairs and has been instrumental in developing ADL's international response to campus antisemitism. Dalia has worked closely with WUJS on this unprecedented research engaging Jewish students from over 60 countries across six continents. To read the full survey results, visit: https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/2025-09/ADL-WUJS-Survey-Slide%3DDeck.pdf. You can also view the press release at this link: https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/78-jewish-students-hide-their-religious-identity-campuses-worldwide-adl This conversation was recorded in September 2025.

The European energy system is undergoing profound change, driven by the urgent need to combat climate change and secure a sustainable energy future. Underneath initiatives such as the European Green Deal this transition, opens up enormous opportunities but also brings with it considerable complexities. One Key to Smart grids is central to effectively managing this change, and smart grids - modernised electricity infrastructures that integrate digital technologies. So what is the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) in the context of European smart grids? What can AI achieve? How AI also improve collaboration with humans in this area? And where are the dangers? We talk about this with Luís Vale Cunha. About Luís Vale Cunha He chairs the European Technology & Innovation Platforms (ETIPs) for Smart Networks for Energy Transition (SNET). Additionally, he is the Head of DSO Portugal and heads European Affairs. He is also a Member of the Board representing DSOs at the European level. In addition, he is the author of the interesting book "The Neo-Synthesis Age: Redefining Human Potential Through AI Collaboration".

Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist, Institute of International and European Affairs

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, speaks about the Presidential election and the upcoming budget.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the Sunday papers are: Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at Mediahuis Ireland; Lucinda Creighton, Founder and CEO of Vulcan Consulting and former Minister of state for European Affairs; Dr. Barra Roantree, Economist at Trinity College Dublin and Bobby MacDonagh, Former Irish Ambassador to the UK, the EU and Italy.

The Rod and Greg Show Rundown – Tuesday, September 23, 20254:20 pm: Senator Dan McCay joins the show to discuss his push to create a memorial for Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University and the pushback the idea is receiving from some of the school's students.4:38 pm: George Fishman, Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, joins the show to discuss a largely ignored 1996 law that prevents migrants from receiving welfare.6:05 pm: Senator Brady Brammer joins Rod and Greg to discuss his proposal to create new congressional maps for the state using “partisan symmetry,” a plan that has frustrated the state's Democrats.6:38 pm: Paul McCarthy, Senior Research fellow for European Affairs at the Heritage Foundation's Center for Freedom, joins the program to discuss his piece for RealClearWorld on how Europe's recognition of Palestine is a slap to the face of the United States.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are: Siobhán Fenton, writer and former deputy head of press for Sinn Féin; Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and columnist with The Currency; Louise Burne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, Prof Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at DCU

Amid the doom and gloom about France's political crisis and the public deficit, our guest maintains that the country is still economically attractive and still the second power in the European Union. Clément Beaune is France's High Commissioner for Strategy and Planning, a former secretary of state for European Affairs and a former minister-delegate for Europe in French governments. He supposes that the current political fragmentation will not disappear with elections in the years to come, and urges French political forces to find the kind of compromises that have enabled coalition governments to function in other European countries.

Joining Pat this morning for our Friday Forum were Thomas Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for European Affairs and at the Department of Defence and TD for Meath East, Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South and also Jack Horgan-Jones, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times.

Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East, and Minister of State for European Affairs, Trade and Defence and Professor Ray Murphy, Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs and curb exports to countries with digital taxes or regulations that affect American tech companies. With the EU Digital Services Act in affect, this puts Ireland and its tech companies firmly in the firing line, but how can we react? For more on this we heard from Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency.

Former NSC official Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alexander Vindman joins The Burn Bag to break down the fallout from the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, the Monday meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders at the White House, and the dangerous trajectory of U.S. diplomacy on Ukraine. A former NSC Director for European Affairs and key Trump impeachment witness, Lt. Col. Vindman argues that Trump's ad hoc engagement with Putin diminished U.S. credibility, granted Putin international legitimacy, and undermined Ukraine's sovereignty. He discusses Putin's proposed land-for-peace deal, Zelenskyy's constrained agency, and the risk that Washington's approach trades away strategic leverage for short-term optics. Lt. Col. Vindman and A'ndre discuss discuss whether Monday's White House Summit of Trump, Zelenskyy, and European allies actually showcased unity, in addition to the current state of the war. The former NSC official offers a candid assessment of what's at stake—for Ukraine, for Europe, and for American credibility on the global stage.Read Lt. Col. Vindman's new book, The Folly of Realism, here.

After Ukrainian President Zelensky visited the White House with European leaders, it's still not clear if Moscow's war in Ukraine is any closer to ending. Now European and world leaders are assessing the aftermath of the high-stakes meeting. Benjamin Haddad is France's Minister for European Affairs and he joins the show to discuss his nation's support for a strong and autonomous Ukraine.   Also on today's show: Former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev; Jimmy Lai's lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher and son Sebastien Lai  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can the U.S. pursue a realist foreign policy without abandoning its core values? Alexander Vindman, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and former director for European Affairs on the White House's National Security Council, joins the "Values & Interests" podcast for a discussion on the critical interplay between morality and power in the practice of geopolitics. Together with host Kevin Maloney, Vindman discusses the shifting U.S. foreign policy landscape, President Trump's increasingly transactional approach to international relations, and what a just end to the war in Ukraine might look like. Alexander Vindman's latest book is "The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine." For more, please go to: https://carnegiecouncil.co/values-interests-vindman

The ‘Zeitenwende', announced by Olaf Scholz days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, meant a profound shift in Germany's self-image. With writer Philipp Oehmke and political analyst Caroline de Gruyter we explore the implications of this new cultural reality.After its defeat in the Second World War, Germany transformed from a militaristic regime into a soft power house. Self-conscious pacifism became a core part of the German identity. Is Germany now ready to become a military player of geopolitical significance? And how would that affect the German sense of self? We discuss this with German author Philipp Oehmke, who dissected post-war Germany in his family novel The Schönwalds, and Caroline de Gruyter, journalist and political commentator for outlets including Dutch newspaper NRC.Philipp Oehmke (1974) grew up in Bonn and studied journalism at Columbia University. After four years working for the magazine of the renowned Süddeutsche Zeitung, he switched to Der Spiegel. In 2015 he moved to New York, returning to Berlin in 2020. Oehmke is widely regarded as one of the best journalists of his generation. He is currently heading the culture section of Der Spiegel. His biography of the German punk band Die Toten Hosen spent several weeks on the bestseller list, as did his debut novel Schönwald. Oehmke is currently working on a sequel to Schönwald.Caroline de Gruyter is a journalist and political analyst. She is a European Affairs correspondent and columnist for the leading Dutch newspaper NRC and a regular contributor to Foreign Policy, EUobserver and De Standaard. She spent more than twenty years covering Europe, from different corners of the continent.This programme is a part of the Forum on European Culture 2025 and took place on June 29 2025.Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 434 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with Bruno Maçães, a geopolitical strategist and the former Minister of European Affairs for Portugal, whose latest book titled "World Builders" explores the intersection of technology and geopolitics. In the first hour, Bruno puts forward a radical new theory of geopolitics and technology that no longer views the world as a neutral battlefield between great powers to control territory and resources, but rather as a contest in world building that will afford the most powerful states back-doors into all aspects of our lives that they can use to alter the state of the world at any time or place of their choosing. In the second hour, Kofinas and Maçães explore why the United States has ceased building the global order it once championed, paving the way for China to construct a new world according to its own technological standards and ideological blueprints. We discuss what this means for the nature of the international order, individual freedom, the form that governance is likely to take in an increasingly virtualized world, and what is in store for all of us if things remain on their current trajectory and the United States recedes from its world building project, or perhaps, even worse, decides to destroy it entirely. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 08/04/2025

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for European Affairs, discusses the concerns Ireland has around proposed changes to CAP.

Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Pat Leahy Irish Times Political Editor

June 24 marked International Women in Diplomacy Day. To mark the occasion, a public discussion was held at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Bratislava. In this follow-up, we bring you some highlights from that event and speak with both the host and guests about the importance of women's representation in diplomacy and high-ranking positions. Joining the conversation are former Slovak ambassador, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and twice Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the OECD in Paris – Ingrid Brocková; former ambassador, head of protocol, and director of the press department at the Office of President Michal Kováč in the 1990s – Anna Tureničová; researcher at the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences at Comenius University – Zuzana Maďarová; and the event's organizers. They share personal stories from diplomatic missions, reflect on how the field has changed, and speak candidly about challenges and progress toward gender equality in society. The new episode of the Slovak Sound Check introducse the conjugation of the verb mať – to have.

The next EU-China Summit will take place in Beijing at the end of this month. In this episode of our podcast, Abigaël Vasselier, Director of Policy and European Affairs and Head of Program for Foreign Relations at MERICS, joins Claudia Wessling, Director Communications and Publications, to talk about her expectations for the summit, the state of EU-China relations and outcomes of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to Europe.

The calls for significantly increased taxes on the ultra-wealthy are only getting louder. Is it possible to be an ethical billionaire? Jonathan Healy is joined by Oxfam Ireland CEO Jim Clarken and Dan O'Brien, the Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs. to discuss. Listen here.

Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, and Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the irish Congress of Trade Unions, discuss the warning by the Central Bank Governor about the vulnerability of VAT as a source of revenue as plans are being made to cut the tax rate for hospitality and retail sectors.

After a summit tailor made for President Donald Trump, NATO members (except for Spain) agreed to an historic ramping up of their defence spending. Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and columnist with The Currency joins us on the programme.

According to Eurostat figures, in 2024, the price level for alcohol and tobacco was 3 times higher in Ireland than in the likes of Bulgaria.And the price is actually over 200% above the EU average.So, we want to talk about Minimum Unit Pricing – something that was brought into Ireland three and a half years ago.Joining guest host Seán Defoe to discuss whether or not MUP should be scrapped is Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist with the Institute of International and European Affairs and Chris Luke, retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast.

Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East, and Minister of State for European Affairs, Trade and Defence

In this podcast, Reuben Slife interviews Rocco Buttiglione about his life and work. Buttiglione was promised by Luigi Guissani, the founder of Communion and Liberation, that a Christian life will never be boring; taking this wager, he discusses his studies with Augusto Del Noce, his early encounters in Poland with Karol Wojtyła, his appointment to the European Union and time as Italian Minister of European Affairs, and the beginning of his friendship with Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina.

Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East, and Minister of State for European Affairs, Trade and Defence // Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin-Rathdown // Mary Regan, Political Editor with the Irish Independent // Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Alexander Vindman—retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and former Director for European Affairs on the White House National Security Council. Known for his key role in the first Trump impeachment and his deep expertise in Eastern European affairs, Vindman returns to discuss his latest book, The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine. The conversation dives into the geopolitical stakes of the ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. foreign policy across administrations, and the importance of civic responsibility in the face of authoritarianism. What We Discuss: Why U.S. administrations consistently misunderstood Russia and Ukraine. The concept of “Neo-Idealism” and its value in foreign policy. How family history and personal experience shaped Vindman's worldview. The political realities facing Ukraine and the U.S. in a post-Trump world. The role of values in sustaining democratic institutions. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Introduction to Alexander Vindman and his background. [00:04:30] Alex's twin brother Eugene Vindman's transition to Congress and bipartisan cooperation. [00:17:00] Reconnecting with family in Ukraine and the impact of history. [00:25:00] The thousand-year struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty. [00:38:00] Why equating Russia with Cold War power is misguided. [00:44:30] Vindman defines “Neo-Idealism” and its global implications. [01:00:00] The danger of Trumpism and dismantling of democratic norms. [01:07:00] How we can engage across political and cultural divides. Featured Quotes: “Russia, absent Ukraine, ceases to be an empire. With Ukraine, it becomes one.” – Alexander Vindman “Neo-Idealism is about tethering our interests to our values and committing to them over the long term.” – Alexander Vindman “We succumbed to misplaced hopes and fears. We thought if we treated Russia as a partner, it would behave like one.” – Alexander Vindman “You can find common ground by talking about family. That's where our shared concerns lie.” – Alexander Vindman Resources Mentioned: The Folly of Realism – www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alexander-vindman/the-folly-of-realism/9781541705043 Alexander Vindman's Substack – www.avindman.com Alexander Vindman on Bluesky - @avindman.bsky.social

Alexander Vindman is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and was the director for European Affairs on the National Security Council. Before that, he served as the Political-Military Affairs Officer for Russia for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as an attaché at the US Embassies in Moscow and Kyiv. While on the Joint Staff, he authored the National Military Strategy for Russia. He earned an MA from Harvard University, where he served as a Hauser Leader, and an MA and PhD from Johns Hopkins, where he is a senior fellow. Dr. Vindman leads the national security think tank Institute for Informed American Leadership, is the president of the non-profit Here Right Matters Foundation, an executive board member for the Renew Democracy Initiative, a senior fellow at the Kettering Foundation, and a senior advisor to VoteVets. And he's the author of the Why It Matters Substack and the New York Times bestselling books Here, Right Matters and The Folly of Realism. My chats with Alex are always quite insightful and compelling given his distinguished career in both the military and the government and the vast experience he's amassed over the last three decades. Join us as he discusses his new book and shares his thoughts on Trump 2.0 foreign policy, Ukraine/Russia, SignalGate, Iran negotiations, the tension with Israel/Netanyahu, Tulsi Gabbard's NIC firings, the Qatar plane fiasco, the SCOTUS hearing on Birthright Citizenship and jurisdiction, and the threats to habeas corpus and due process. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday papers are Fr. Iggy O'Donovan, Augustinian Priest, Ellen Coyne, Special Correspondent, Irish Independent, Dan O' Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency, Lisa Chambers, Former Fianna Fáil Seanad Leader and Head of Public Affairs at Consello.

Donald Trump's America First policy has reignited a debate that has shaped U.S. history for centuries: Should America lead on the world stage, or should it pull back and focus on problems at home? In this episode, Hillari Lombard sits down with Charles Kupchan—senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, professor at Georgetown, and author of Isolationism: A History of America's Efforts to Shield Itself from the World—to unpack the past, present, and future of American isolationism.This episode is a good-faith attempt to understand what America First really means—not just as a campaign slogan, but as a governing philosophy. Whether you support it, fear it, or are just trying to make sense of it, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Resources that informed this episode:Isolationism: A History of America's Efforts to Shield Itself From the World | Council on Foreign RelationsSupporting Ukraine Is in Trump's Interest by Michael Froman & Charles A. Kupchan - Project SyndicateTrump Is Right That Pax Americana Is Over - The AtlanticThe Past and Future of American Isolationism | Council on Foreign Relations---Charles A. Kupchan is Professor of International Affairs in the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University, and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. From 2014 to 2017, Kupchan served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council in the Obama White House. He was also Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council during the first Clinton administration. His most recent books are Anchoring the World: International Order in the Twenty-First Century (2021), Isolationism: A History of America's Efforts to Shield Itself from the World (2020), No One's World: The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Turn (2012), and How Enemies Become Friends: The Sources of Stable Peace (2010). His forthcoming book is Bringing Order to Anarchy: Governing the World To Come.

Everything, everywhere, all at once — but not the movie. This is how cybersecurity experts describe a scenario where a foreign adversary shuts off critical infrastructure, like oil pipelines, water networks, ports, and electric grids, all over the country. The terrifying truth is that China has already hacked into our critical infrastructure. They're “living off the land” and could conceivably attack whenever is most convenient. What's worse? Our political leaders are defunding America's cybersecurity efforts. In order to dig in deeper, Kara talks to Nicole Perlorth, Michael Schmidt, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, (Ret.)   Nicole Perlroth spent a decade as the lead cybersecurity reporter at The New York Times, before going inside the tent and joining the advisory board of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Council on Foreign Relations' Cyber Task Force. She is a founding partner at Silverbuckshot Ventures and the host and producer  of To Catch a Thief, a new podcast on China's rise to cyber dominance. Michael Schmidt is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times and the author of the best-selling book Donald Trump v. The United States. He's also the executive producer and co-creator of the Netflix series Zero Day, a political thriller about a devastating cyberattack on the U.S. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman is the former director of European Affairs for the National Security Council. Vindman was a key witness during President Trump's first impeachment and testified about Trump's infamous phone call with President Zelensky of Ukraine. He is a senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins Foreign Policy Institute and the author of The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine. Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on Instagram, TikTok and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump delays some tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. NBC Senior National Security Correspondent Courtney Kube and former Director of European Affairs at the National Security Council Alexander Vindman dissect the impacts of changes in U.S. support to Ukraine following an emergency EU summit. NBC Homeland Security Correspondent Julia Ainsley speaks with families and local officials about the possibility of ICE raids at sensitive locations.

President Trump has directed Secretary of State Marc Rubio to negotiate a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine without Ukraine at the table. U.S. Army Lt. Col. (retired) Alexander Vindman was the director for European Affairs on the White House's National Security Council, former Political-Military Affairs Officer for Russia and diplomat at the American Embassies in Moscow and Kyiv. He is also a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute and leads the Here Right Matters Foundation organization, which focuses on helping Ukraine win the war against Russia. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why he believes U.S. policy towards Russia has only emboldened Vladimir Putin and how tenants of liberal democracy might right the ship moving forward. His book is “The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The United States has reached a preliminary deal with Ukraine to share in revenue from the country's mineral assets, but so far it is not offering security guarantees against Russia in return. It's a reflection of the Trump Administration's Russia-first policy, according to retired army lieutenant colonel and Trump impeachment whistleblower Alexander Vindman. We talk to Vindman about his new book “The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine.” Guests: Alexander Vindman, author, His new book is "The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine"; lieutenant colonel, United States Army (Retired); former director for European Affairs; U.S. National Security Council