The International Risk Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Leila Alieva, a distinguished expert in Russia-West relations and the political economy of energy transition. Dr. Alieva focuses on the influence of soft power, sharing her insights on the evolving dynamics of international politics, energy security, and democratisation in resource-rich states. Dr. Leila Alieva is an Associate of Russian and East European Studies (REES) at the Oxford University School for Global and Area Studies. She also teaches a course on the Political Economy of Energy Transition at Oxford’s Department of Continued Education and is currently working with Friends of Europe. Originally from Azerbaijan, Dr. Alieva founded the Center for National and International Studies, a think tank in Baku, but was forced to leave her home country during the 2014 government crackdown on activists, journalists, and scholars. Dr. Alieva’s extensive academic experience includes fellowships at Harvard University, UC Berkeley, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute. She has also held roles at the NATO Defense College in Rome, the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin, and the Institute Fur Kulturwissenschaften in Vienna. Dr. Alieva has advised major international organizations such as EBRD, BP, and NATO’s Partnership for Peace Consortium. Her research, published in prestigious outlets including Oxford University Press and the Journal of Democracy, spans Russia, the Caucasus, and energy politics, with a focus on democratization in oil-rich states.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast explores current affairs, international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

Tune in now to hear everything about El Salvador and its current crime management!This week Dominic has Juan David Rojas on The International Risk Podcast. They discuss Bukele's crime mitigation in El Salvador, and dive into authoritarianism, Bukele's popularity, gangs and violence, how international gangs operate, amongst others. Juan David Rojas is a Columnist at Compact and a Consultant. He is a subject matter expert on Latin America, where he provides advice and analysis on political, economic, foreign policy, energy and security topics. Juan is a columnist at Compact Magazine and has his work featured in American Affairs, Americas Quarterly the Journal of Latin American Geography, NACLA, the American Conservative, and Southern Command's Dialogo-Americas.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

In this episode, we are joined by the acclaimed Doug Livermore, a man with extensive experience in active combat and within US intelligence services. Mr Livermore engages in an in-depth discussion regarding the evolution of the Ukraine war, the impact of increased drone warfare and the risks and solutions surrounding Russian aggression in the Baltic Sea and Africa. Doug Livermore is currently the Senior Vice President of Solution Engineering at CenCore and Deputy Commander in The United States Army. Prior to this, he served as a Special Forces officer and Special Operations Detachment Deputy Commander with the Maryland Army National Guard's Special Operations Detachment, aligned to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) area of operations. He has served two tours in Iraq (2005-07) as a U.S. Army infantry platoon leader, battalion assistant operations officer, and heavy weapons company executive officer in the 10th Mountain Division. Mr Livermore also led elements during combat and other sensitive operations across Africa, Afghanistan, Congo, Mali and Libya. He left active duty in 2014 and joined the National Guard in 2017, initially serving as a Plans Officer. He recently returned from a third deployment to Iraq (2022), this time serving as the Deputy Commander of Special Operations Advisory Group advising the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service and Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency at the ministerial level. The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

In this compelling episode of The International Risk Podcast, we are joined by Professor S. Michael Lynk, renowned legal scholar and former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory. Together, we dive deep into the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) landmark ruling in the South Africa v. Israel case, which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and highlighted violations of international law, including apartheid.Professor Lynk unpacks the legal, humanitarian, and geopolitical implications of this decision, its impact on Palestinian rights, and its broader significance for global accountability mechanisms. We also explore the role of the Global South, the challenges of enforcing international rulings, and the evolving power of international law in addressing state conduct and systemic inequality.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

This week's mid-week episode is between Dominic and Dr Abdulhaleem. They discuss the intricacies and difficulties of the electoral system in Iraq, including the significant corruption and voter apathy that has been ever present in its post-2003 electoral system, the numerous reforms that have been introduced and an assessment of the international risks posed by the continued shortcomings of electoral systems in the Middle East. Tune in to hear all about Iraq and how its own electoral experience could impact a new Syrian government!Dr. Abdulhaleem Mohammed is a distinguished election and legal specialist with extensive experience in advancing democratic governance and electoral integrity. Currently serving with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Iraq, he provides technical and legal advice to the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on electoral systems, legal frameworks, and the development of inclusive and transparent elections.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

Happy New Year from all of us at The International Risk Podcast! We’re excited to kick off 2025 with the launch of Season 5, and what better way to start than by answering your questions?Join Elisa, Rima, and Dominic as they dive into listener-submitted topics, tackling some of the most pressing international risks shaping our world. From geopolitical tensions to organizational resilience, we explore the challenges ahead and offer insights into navigating an increasingly complex global landscape.Thank you for your continued support and thoughtful questions—Season 5 promises to be our best yet!The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

This week on The International Risk Podcast we discuss Chemical and Biological Warfare with Doctor Brett Edwards. We discuss the history of chemical and biological warfare, explaining that it has been around for longer than we thought! Then we move onto the current risks, the ongoing wars, and, discuss whether there are any risks for us. Tune in now to find out. Dr. Brett Edwards is currently a Senior Lecturer in Security and Public Policy at the University of Bath. He holds a wide range of interest from technology to governance and security. At the moment he is involved in a number of projects examining the security implications of cutting-edge biotechnology, the governance of biological and chemical weapons as well as humanitarian intervention. He has also published on international responses to chemical weapon use in Syria. Generally speaking, Dr Edwards adopts a qualitative and constructivist approach to his research. He is particularly interested in the processes through which norms, values and authority are reproduced and contested, especially in the definition of 'technical' problems. His research focuses on both the history and contemporary threat posed by chemical and biological weapons. Moreover, his work focuses primarily on the education in the areas of non-proliferation, preparedness, and response- as well as a range of policy related issues. Dr Edwards also runs the Poisons and Pestilence Podcast (available on all major players) - which deals with everything chemical and biological weapons, primarily from a historical perspective.Brett has held a number of teaching positions, including work on an ESRC funded project examining technology assessment in the context of the global prohibition regime directed at biological and chemical weapons. He also completed a Welcome funded research fellowship at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology in 2013. He has an interdisciplinary academic background in the natural and social sciences. His PhD involved a comparative case study of national approaches to addressing security challenges raised by 'synthetic biology'. Finally, Brett also holds a MA in biotechnological law and ethics.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.Tell us what you liked!

Merry Christmas from The International Risk Podcast Team!Today we discuss the increase of violence and the reasons behind it, in Papua New Guinea. A few questions you'll get answered: What is Papua New Guinea's history with sorcery? Why has there been an increase in violence? And, what are the opportunities for businesses? Tune in to hear them answered!Andrew Molen is the editor of Wantok Niuspepa, which is Papua New Guinea's only Tok Pisin newspaper. He is a longtime journalist and photographer in Papua New Guinea and has extensive experience covering major news and events around Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.Tell us what you liked!

In this compelling episode of The International Risk Podcast, we are honored to welcome Ms. Sahar Al-Jobury, Chief of the UNRWA Representative Office in Cairo. With over 30 years of humanitarian experience across multiple United Nations agencies, Ms. Al-Jobury brings unparalleled insights into the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).Together, we explore the agency's history, its evolving mission, and its indispensable contributions amidst the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Ms. Al-Jobury sheds light on UNRWA’s immediate responses to the escalation of violence post-October 7th, the operational challenges it faces, and its ongoing efforts to address the urgent needs of displaced communities.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.Tell us what you liked!

In this week's midweek episode, we explore the institutional and socioeconomic risks and opportunities facing Syria in the aftermath of the Assad regime. Joined by Zaki Mehchy, we delve into the critical steps that both the international community and Syria's next government must prioritize in the coming years. From resilience-building and community engagement to targeted investments in non-rent-seeking industries, we discuss how Syria can lay the foundation for sustainable recovery and inclusive growth.Zaki Mehchy is a policy fellow at London School of Economics and Political Science Conflict and Civicness Research Group (CCRG), a researcher at the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep) and a co-founder of the Syrian Center for Policy Research. Zaki has dedicated his career to advancing development policies and addressing the complex socio-economic challenges facing Syria. His extensive research spans topics such as the socio-economic impacts of the Syrian crisis, poverty and multidimensional deprivation, labor dynamics, local governance, and community empowerment. Zaki holds an MSc. in International Economics from the University of Essex, UK, bringing a robust academic foundation to his impactful work.The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe’s leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world’s highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.Tell us what you liked!