Gilbert Achcar, author of 'The New Cold War: The World After Kosovo', discusses the roots of the current cold war, dating back to events in the 1990s. Topics include the collapse of the Russian economy, failure to create new security architecture in Europe, US-China tensions, and the invasion of Ukraine. They also explore the rise of authoritarian nationalism, NATO enlargement, and the Russia-China relationship. The podcast emphasizes the need for international cooperation and a rules-based international order.

Gilbert Achcar, a Professor at SOAS University and an expert on Middle Eastern politics, dissects the recent upheaval in Syria and the origins of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. He connects the dots between Israel's conflicts and the collapse of Assad's regime while critiquing the global rise of far-right movements. Achcar warns about the implications of another Trump administration for the Middle East and highlights the precarious balance of power in France amidst discontent with neoliberalism, showcasing the interconnectedness of these global crises.

Discussing the long-term revolutionary process in MENA post-Arab Spring, the challenges of counter-revolution and civil war, the root causes of political upheaval like youth unemployment, and the impact of the Gaza war. Examining state types and economic impact in the region, along with ongoing social struggles in Morocco and reasons for hope amidst turmoil.