Podcasts about european affairs

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.

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 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.

Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC 4. July 2025 - COSAC-formandsmøde 1) Welcome address by Lars-Christian Brask - Velkomst v. Lars-Christian BraskWelcome address by Mr. Lars-Christian Brask, Deputy Speaker of the Danish Parliament. Velkomst ved Lars-Christian Brask, Folketingets næstformand.2) Opening session by Ms. Brigitte Klintskov Jerkel - Åbning v. Brigitte Klintskov JerkelOpening session by Ms. Brigitte Klintskov Jerkel, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament. Åbningstale ved Brigitte Klintskov Jerkel, formand for Europaudvalget.3) Adoption of the Agenda - Vedtagelse af dagsordenProcedural issues and miscellaneous matters. Briefing on the meeting of the Presidential Troika of COSAC. Adoption of the agenda of the meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC. Draft agenda of the LXXIV COSAC Plenary. Outline of the 44th Bi-Annual Report of COSAC. Appointment of the Permanent Member of the COSAC Secretariat for the period 2026-27. Letters received by the Presidency. Proceduremæssige spørgsmål og meddelelser fra trojkamødet. Orientering om drøftelserne på trojkamødet. Vedtagelse af dagsorden for COSAC-formandsmødet. Udkast til dagsorden for LXXIV COSAC-plenarmøde. Præsentation af skitsen til COSAC's 44. halvårsrapport. Udpegning af det permanente medlem af COSAC-sekretariatet for perioden 2026-27. Henvendelser modtaget af formandskabet.4) Session I: Priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union - Danske EU-formandskabsprioriteterPriorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Address by Ms. Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs. Danske EU-formandskabsprioriteter. Tale ved Marie Bjerre, europaminister.5) Session II: Ukraine and European Security and Defence - Ukraine og europæisk sikkerhed og forsvarUkraine and European Security and Defence. Address by Mr. Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Ms. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the Committee of Security and Defence of the European Parliament. Ms. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Ukraine. Ukraine og europæisk sikkerhed og forsvar. Taler ved Troels Lund Poulsen, vicestatsminister og forsvarsminister. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, formand for Europa-Parlamentets Udvalg om Sikkerhed og Forsvar. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, formand for europaudvalget i det ukrainske parlament.6) Closing remarks - Afsluttende bemærkningerClosing remarks - Afsluttende bemærkninger.

Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC 4. July 2025 - COSAC-formandsmøde 1) Welcome address by Lars-Christian Brask - Velkomst v. Lars-Christian BraskWelcome address by Mr. Lars-Christian Brask, Deputy Speaker of the Danish Parliament. Velkomst ved Lars-Christian Brask, Folketingets næstformand.2) Opening session by Ms. Brigitte Klintskov Jerkel - Åbning v. Brigitte Klintskov JerkelOpening session by Ms. Brigitte Klintskov Jerkel, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament. Åbningstale ved Brigitte Klintskov Jerkel, formand for Europaudvalget.3) Adoption of the Agenda - Vedtagelse af dagsordenProcedural issues and miscellaneous matters. Briefing on the meeting of the Presidential Troika of COSAC. Adoption of the agenda of the meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC. Draft agenda of the LXXIV COSAC Plenary. Outline of the 44th Bi-Annual Report of COSAC. Appointment of the Permanent Member of the COSAC Secretariat for the period 2026-27. Letters received by the Presidency. Proceduremæssige spørgsmål og meddelelser fra trojkamødet. Orientering om drøftelserne på trojkamødet. Vedtagelse af dagsorden for COSAC-formandsmødet. Udkast til dagsorden for LXXIV COSAC-plenarmøde. Præsentation af skitsen til COSAC's 44. halvårsrapport. Udpegning af det permanente medlem af COSAC-sekretariatet for perioden 2026-27. Henvendelser modtaget af formandskabet.4) Session I: Priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union - Danske EU-formandskabsprioriteterPriorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Address by Ms. Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs. Danske EU-formandskabsprioriteter. Tale ved Marie Bjerre, europaminister.5) Session II: Ukraine and European Security and Defence - Ukraine og europæisk sikkerhed og forsvarUkraine and European Security and Defence. Address by Mr. Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Ms. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the Committee of Security and Defence of the European Parliament. Ms. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Ukraine. Ukraine og europæisk sikkerhed og forsvar. Taler ved Troels Lund Poulsen, vicestatsminister og forsvarsminister. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, formand for Europa-Parlamentets Udvalg om Sikkerhed og Forsvar. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, formand for europaudvalget i det ukrainske parlament.6) Closing remarks - Afsluttende bemærkningerClosing remarks - Afsluttende bemærkninger.

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

'The Economic Outlook at Mid-Year' Despite intense uncertainty in the international trading system and heightened geopolitical tensions, both the Irish and global economies proved resilient in the first half of 2025. As we move into the second half of the year, Dan O'Brien, the IIEA's Chief Economist, will present his economic outlook during the next event in the Institute's Insights series. He will examine issues such as growth-positive technological changes and Europe's under-discussed strengths. Dan O'Brien is Chief Economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs. He is also Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at University College Dublin's Geary Institute and a Columnist with The Currency. He has previously worked for Economist Intelligence Unit, the Irish Times, the European Commission and as a consultant for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and Forfas.

Europe faces an acute and growing threat. The EU Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 outlines how Europe will need to do more to ensure to protect European citizens. This IIEA panel discusses how Europe can develop its capabilities. Moreover, it explores how European Member States can collaborate effectively to replenish diminished stocks of equipment to not only provide for their own security, but also to meaningfully support partners such as Ukraine in their defence against Russia's war of aggression. This event has been organised in association with the European Commission Representation in Ireland. Speakers include: Minister Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Guillaume de la Brosse, Head of Unit for Defence Policy and Innovation at DG DEFIS Brigadier General (Retired) Tony Cudmore, Former Brigadier General in the Irish Defence Forces and Adjunct Lecturer at Maynooth University Dr Alice Ekman, Research Director at the EU Institute for Strategic Studies (EUISS) Professor Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute. This event was moderated by Catherine Day, Former Secretary-General of the European Commission and IIEA Board member

Joining Anton to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency & Brenda Power, columnist with the Sunday Times and the Irish Daily Mail.

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.

On Friday Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on the European Union to take effect on 1st June. However, yesterday Trump u-turned and said the tariffs would not come into effect until 9th July. Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne joined Pat to discuss further.

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

The latest update from the Department of Housing has said that the number of homes being completed will have to rise substantially for the remainder of the year if the Government is to have any hope of meeting its annual target of 41,000 units.This comes as growth estimates have shown that population growth slowed in Ireland during 2024, but is still growing.Are housing issues possible to solve in this context?Dan O'Brien is Chief Economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs, and joins Kieran to discuss.

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

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.

The US President Donald Trump has questioned whether Russia's leader Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war in Ukraine. We get analysis from Iulia Joja, Professor of European Security at Georgetown University and Thomas Byrne, Minister for European Affairs.

US President Donald Trump is set to announce tariffs tomorrow Europe is staring down the barrel of a recession according to Lucinda Creighton, CEO of Vulcan Consulting, Former Minister for European Affairs and columnist for the Business Post.

Joining Brendan to digest the Sunday papers are; Gerard Howlin, former government advisor and Irish Times columnist, Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst Social Justice Ireland, Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs & columnist at The Currency and Natasha Maimba, Legal Executive & Youth Activist

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.

Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East, Minister of State for European Affairs, at the Departments of the Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence // Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein TD for Cavan Monaghan, Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Defence

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

Joining Dearbhail to digest the Sunday papers are; Lucinda Creighton, CEO Vulcan Consulting and Former Minister of State for European Affairs, Daniel Murray, Policy Editor at the Business Post, Siobhán Fenton, Former Deputy Head of Press for Sinn Féin and Scott Lucas, Professor of U.S. and International Politics at the Clinton Institute, UCD.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, six US presidential administrations of both parties pursued policies for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia that emboldened Russia, playing into its imperialist, centuries-long mythos of regional hegemony. The result: military aggression and full-scale invasion. It was all too foreseeable.In The Folly of Realism, leading national security expert and bestselling author Alexander Vindman argues that America's mistakes in Eastern Europe result from policymakers' fixation on immediate, short-term problem-solving and misplaced hopes and fears. He proposes a new long-term, values-based approach that insists on the fundamentals of liberal democracy and a rules-based world order.Alexander Vindman, lieutenant colonel US Army (retired), 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 a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, the author of the New York Times–bestselling memoir Here, Right Matters, and leads the Here Right Matters Foundation organization which focuses on helping Ukraine win the war against Russia.Michael previously spoke with Col. Vindman about his book "Here, Right Matters" in 2022, listen in Episode 162.

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.

Sandro Gozi MEP, co-chair of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (and former Under-Secretary for European Affairs in Italy), talks to Paul Adamson about Europe's new defence challenges and the particular role of the UK.

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

Ukraine and the United States are working productively on an economic deal at the centre of an effort to end Russia's war on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said. To discuss this Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Tomas Byrne and the British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, discusses whether Ireland could provide peacekeepers to Ukraine.

Rory Hearne, Social Democrats TD Dublin North-West and Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency.

An unscheduled meeting will take place tomorrow among EU Trade Ministers in response to tariffs from the United States. Tánaiste Simon Harris will be among those in the meeting. We speak to Lucinda Creighton, CEO of Vulcan Consulting, Former Minister for European Affairs and columnist for the Business Post.

About the Speakers: Congressman John Moolenaar represents Michigan's Second Congressional District, and currently serves as Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. Please visit the committee's official website for Chairman Moolenaar's full biography. Dr. John Lenczowski is Founder, President Emeritus, and Chancellor of The Institute of World Politics. From 1981 to 1983, Dr. Lenczowski served in the State Department in the Bureau of European Affairs and as Special Advisor to Under Secretary for Political Affairs Lawrence Eagleburger. From 1983 to 1987, he was Director of European and Soviet Affairs at the National Security Council. In that capacity, he was principal Soviet affairs adviser to President Reagan. About the Lecture: This event will delve into the critical importance of political warfare and public diplomacy as tools to counter the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) influence and aggression at home and abroad . The discussion will explore how the United States can go on the political warfare offensive to win without war—the most neglected area in U.S.-PRC relations—and the potential for fostering hope among the Chinese people to demand political change.

Thomas Byrne, Minister for European Affairs

Dan O'Brien, Chief economist, Institute of International and European Affairs & Columnist with the Currency and Oliver Jones, Global Geostrategic Business Group Leader at EY-Parthenon

Abigaël Vasselier, Director Policy & European Affairs at MERICS, just returned from a trip to Washington DC where she discussed transatlantic China policies with US counterparts. In this conversation with Claudia Wessling, MERICS Director of Communications & Publications, Abigael talks about the challenges that lie ahead for the EU in the coming months in managing its relations with China and the United States under President Donald Trump.This podcast is part of the project “Dealing with a Resurgent China” (DWARC) which has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061700.Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Regional Independents and the Healy Raes have reached deal for government. Fianna Fáil are expected to have eight full ministers at Cabinet to Fine Gael's seven ministers, with the Regional Independents gaining two minister positions Jennifer Carroll McNeill, Fine Gael TD and outgoing Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence spoke to Newstalk Breakfast on this government formation.

With the general election campaign in full swing, political parties are making a range of spending promises as they attempt to sway voters. But all that could be in jeopardy following Donald Trump's US presidential win.John Deasy, former TD and former Irish government envoy to US Congress, and Dan O'Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, join The Last Word to discuss what a Trump presidency will mean for Ireland's economy and diplomacy.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'play' button on this page.

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories of the week were Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor with The Irish Examiner, Scott Luas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute UCD, Aisling Meehan, Solicitor, Farmer and Tax Consultant, Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist, Institute of International and European Affairs.

This is my third recent episode using a 1943 US Government reference, "National Socialism" which was the playbook for Nazi Germany. In today's episode, I go over the Nazi Pledge of Allegiance and the Nazi's "Duties of the Party Comrade." I highlight the dangers of being exclusively "group think" while also highlighting the shortcomings of being too focused on YOU the individual while ignoring any responsibilities to the larger group as in your country. What we need is both--rugged individuals who can and will come together for the betterment of the country at large. Here's another warning in my quoted reading about what happened when a proper balance was NOT maintained. Blind party loyalty in the US to Democrats or Republicans without regard to "your individual opinion" is fatally flawed in my opinion. Look back. Learn. Move forward.Source: "NATIONAL SOCIALISM: BASIC PRINCIPLES, THEIR APPLICATION BY THE NAZI PARTY'S FOREIGN ORGANIZATION, AND THE USE OF GERMANS ABROAD FOR NAZI AIMS" by Raymond E. Murphy, Francis B. Stevens, Howard Trivers, Joseph M. Roland, Prepared in the Special Unit of the Division of European Affairs, Department of State, United States Government (1943)*Photo by Ron Jones

"National Socialism has no aggressive intentions against any European nation." -Adolf Hitler, Proclamation opening the party congress at Nuremberg on September 11, 1935.More from my WWII government resource which is essentially the playbook for how Hitler and his Third Reich took control. So much of this story revolves around carefully constructed propaganda--and some of it coming out of America with Edward Bernays. Today's episode examines how the masses were controlled by slogans, certain repeated messages, and BIG LIES.Source: "NATIONAL SOCIALISM: BASIC PRINCIPLES, THEIR APPLICATION BY THE NAZI PARTY'S FOREIGN ORGANIZATION, AND THE USE OF GERMANS ABROAD FOR NAZI AIMS" by Raymond E. Murphy, Francis B. Stevens, Howard Trivers, Joseph M. Roland, Prepared in the Special Unit of the Division of European Affairs, Department of State, United States Government (1943)*Photo by Ron Jones

Reaching back into my rare WWII archives, today's episode cites "National Socialism" published in 1943. This US Government source exposes actual Nazi propaganda methodology and how the personal property rights of individuals were removed for the "good" of the state under the cloaks of "protection" of the people to "remove distress." Sound familiar?*I referenced one of my favorite used book stores Counter Point Records & Books in Los Angeles. If you enjoy vintage books, consider stopping here. Source: "NATIONAL SOCIALISM: BASIC PRINCIPLES, THEIR APPLICATION BY THE NAZI PARTY'S FOREIGN ORGANIZATION, AND THE USE OF GERMANS ABROAD FOR NAZI AIMS" by Raymond E. Murphy, Francis B. Stevens, Howard Trivers, Joseph M. Roland, Prepared in the Special Unit of the Division of European Affairs, Department of State, United States Government (1943)*Photo by Ron Jones

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for European Affairs & Defence, discusses the EU leaders summit in Brussels and continuing issues for Sinn Féin.

#ANTISEMITISM: Much worse:   Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, the Managing Director of AJC Europe. Prior to to AJC, she served as an adviser to the Ambassador for Human Rights in the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. She was the founding General Secretary of the Brussels- and Paris-based Medbridge Strategy Center, an organization that seeks to strengthen ties between leaders of political and civil society in Europe and democratic voices in the Middle East. She is fluent in four languages. https://www.msn.com/he-il/news/other/there-is-no-future-for-jews-in-france-after-le-pen-s-defeat-fears-of-far-left-antisemitism-rise/ar-BB1pKHYi 1920 FRANCE