Ivan Krastev, a prominent political scientist and author, shares insights on the implications of Trump’s potential reelection for global politics. He discusses the shift in American foreign policy, moving away from traditional paradigms, and its impact on Europe. Krastev reflects on the evolution of liberalism post-Cold War and the rise of nationalism, emphasizing how identity politics are reshaping political landscapes. The conversation also explores leadership dynamics amidst rising authoritarianism and the crucial understanding of voter motivations in modern resistance.

The podcast discusses how NATO accession could strengthen Ukraine's position against Russia, drawing parallels to West Germany's history. The importance of setting clear red lines for Moscow and European efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region are highlighted. The episode explores perspectives on negotiations with Russia and the potential de-escalation impact of Ukraine's NATO membership.

Observed from afar, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine might appear to be a replay of the Cold War stand-off between Russia and the West. But according to political scientist Ivan Krastev a closer look complicates the picture. In a recent op-ed in the Financial Times Krastev argued that while America’s allies in Europe came together in support of Ukraine, other states, especially Turkey, India and Saudi Arabia have offered a different response. Turkey’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war is a classic example of middle power activism. President Tayyip Erdoğan has downplayed the country’s identity as a NATO member at the same time as he has positioned his country as a potential mediator between Moscow and Kyiv. India has used the war to capitalise on Western sanctions and import cheap Russian gas. And the Saudis have cosied up to Beijing and Moscow as a reminder to the United States that the US/Saudi security alliance is not unconditional. Middle powers have different goals and agendas but they all share one fundamental feature: they are determined to sit at the table of global politics and have a say in shaping their own regions. On this episode, Krastev, with journalist and academic Philippa Thomas, explores the rising activism of middle powers and how it is reshaping the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is one of the biggest and most confusing political events of our lifetimes. We aim to bring some clarity in this special four-part series from Vox Conversations and host Zack Beauchamp, The War in Ukraine, Explained.In part four, Zack speaks with author, political scientist, and scholar of European politics Ivan Krastev. They discuss the reverberations of Russia's invasion of Ukraine across Europe, from a sudden change of course in Germany and elections in France to the threatened intellectual foundations of the European Union nations' shared postwar identity, and how the war in Ukraine will shape the EU's future relations with the U.S. and China — and the future of Europe itself.Host: Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), Senior Correspondent, VoxGuest: Ivan Krastev, political scientist; chairman, Centre for Liberal Strategies; permanent fellow, Institute for Human Sciences, IWM ViennaReferences:  The Light That Failed: Why the West is Losing the Fight for Democracy by Stephen Holmes and Ivan Krastev (Pegasus; 2020) "We Are All Living in Vladimir Putin's World Now" by Ivan Krastev (New York Times; Feb. 27) "How the Weak Win Wars: A Theory of Asymmetric Conflict" by Ivan Arreguín-Toft (International Security, vol. 26 (1); 2001) Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 by Tony Judt (Penguin; 2006) The Idea of India by Sunil Khilnani (FSG; 1997) Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sign up for Intelligence Squared Premium here: https://iq2premium.supercast.com/ for ad-free listening, bonus content, early access and much more. See below for details.Following the death of former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev this week, we dip into the archive for a discussion from 2019 when we invited three leading scholars to reflect on the fall of Communism under the watch of Gorbachev, a giant of 20th-century politics. Hosting the discussion is Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us. Brian is joined by Ivan Krastev, opinion writer for the New York Times, chair of the Centre for Liberal Strategies in Sofia, and author of the acclaimed book After Europe. Timothy Garton Ash is Professor of European Studies at the University of Oxford and author of numerous books including Free Speech: Ten Principles for a Connected World.…We are incredibly grateful for your support. To become an Intelligence Squared Premium subscriber, follow the link: https://iq2premium.supercast.com/ Here’s a reminder of the benefits you’ll receive as a subscriber: Ad-free listening, because we know some of you would prefer to listen without interruption  One early episode per week Two bonus episodes per month A 25% discount on IQ2+, our exciting streaming service, where you can watch and take part in events live at home and enjoy watching past events on demand and without ads  A 15% discount and priority access to live, in-person events in London, so you won’t miss out on tickets Our premium monthly newsletter  Intelligence Squared Merch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices