Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes

Across Europe, immigration and integration have become pressing political issues. The far right is surging in national polls, and debates over borders and national identity are reshaping party systems and public life.This week, Mark Leonard is joined by Sunder Katwala, director of the think-tank British Future and author of How to Be a Patriot, and Lawen Redar, spokesperson for integration for the Swedish Social Democratic party and a member of Sweden’s parliament. Together, they discuss how Sweden shifted from the EU’s most liberal migration country to tighter border controls, how parallel societies are emerging, and how both Sweden and Britain are struggling to define who “we” are in increasingly diverse societies.How can European societies combine stricter border policies with fair and effective integration? Can social democrats rebuild a shared narrative of national belonging without slipping into ethno-nationalism? And how can Europe avoid importing the most negative elements of America’s culture war?Bookshelf:How to Be a Patriot: Why love of country can end our very British culture war by Sunder KatwalaWhy Immigration Policy Is Hard: And How to Make It Better by Alan ManningHead, Hand, Heart: Why Intelligence Is Over-Rewarded, Manual Workers Matter, and Caregivers Deserve More Respect by David GoodhartThis episode was recorded on November 14th 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, military juntas have replaced democratically elected governments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. These have expelled European forces and welcomed Russian mercenaries—yet stability in these countries remains elusive.This week, Mark is joined by Will Brown, senior policy fellow in ECFR’s Africa programme and author of the recent policy brief “The Bear and the Bot Farm: Countering Russian Hybrid Warfare in Africa”, and Beverly Ochieng, senior analyst at global risk consultancy Control Risks. Together, they unpack Russia’s ambitions in Africa and the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Sahel.How does Moscow’s vast propaganda machine continue to shape public opinion in the region? How is the Kremlin using disinformation to expand its influence? And what options remain for Europe in a region where its power is fast fading?Bookshelf:The Bear and the Bot Farm: Countering Russian Hybrid Warfare in Africa by Will BrownThe Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination by Stuart A. ReidAttack on Titan (TV Series 2013–2023)Beyond the Door of No Return by David DiopThe Strong Brown God: The Story of the Niger River by Sanche de GramontThis episode was recorded on November 5th 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion with Jeremy Shapiro, the Research Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, intriguing insights unfold about the US military buildup near Venezuela. Shapiro debates whether the initiative addresses drug cartels or aims at regime change, emphasizing the complex motives of the Trump administration. He highlights the role of Florida politics and influential figures like Marco Rubio. Additionally, they analyze the weak legal justifications for military actions and ponder Europe's response to this unpredictable foreign policy shift.

Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine have largely taken a backseat to events in Gaza. But a recent call with Vladimir Putin, followed by a tense meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, has reignited America’s engagement. Washington has announced new sanctions against two Russian oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil, just as European leaders advance plans to tap frozen Russian assets.This week, Jeremy Shapiro, ECFR research director and head of its Washington office, is joined by Jana Kobzova, co-director of ECFR’s European Security programme and former foreign policy adviser to Slovak president Zuzana Čaputová, and Jim O’Brien, former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs in the Biden administration and an ECFR distinguished visiting fellow. Together, they unpack Trump’s sanctions gamble, Europe’s shifting strategy on Russian energy—and whether these moves could alter the course of the war.Bookshelf section: The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley by Marietje SchaakeThis episode was recorded on October 23rd 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eran Etzion, former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council, and Jamal Nusseibeh, a Palestinian legal scholar and political analyst, delve into the aftermath of a landmark ceasefire in Gaza. They discuss the complexities of Trump's 20-point plan, highlighting challenges in disarmament and the need for international stabilization forces. The duo explores whether this moment might signal a genuine push for a two-state solution or merely another fleeting pause in violence, emphasizing the necessity for sustained pressure to achieve lasting peace.

In this discussion, Lykke Friis, co-chair of ECFR’s council and former Danish minister, dives into the pressing topic of EU enlargement amid geopolitical shifts. She highlights Denmark's evolving stance toward enlargement, particularly regarding Ukraine and Moldova, and the tension between merit-based accession and security needs. The conversation touches on public opinion changes in Denmark post-Brexit, the role of external pressures, and innovative ideas like gradual integration to enhance membership benefits without full accession. A compelling exploration of Europe’s future!

Célia Belin, a senior policy fellow and head of ECFR’s Paris office, dives into France’s political chaos, marked by multiple prime minister resignations. She explains Macron’s reluctance to embrace leftist options despite mounting pressures. Belin highlights fragmented centrists, rising calls for Macron's resignation, and the potential for significant political realignments. The conversation also touches on the economic fallout and the possibility of far-right cohabitation. What’s next for France? Belin outlines the critical choices ahead.

Mark Leonard welcomes Hugh Lovatt to unpack Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and Europe. This week, Mark Leonard is joined by Hugh Lovatt, Senior Policy Fellow at ECFR and expert on Israel–Palestine, to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of Trump’s proposed Gaza peace deal. What does the plan actually contain, and how did it come about? Can it deliver a real ceasefire and political pathway, or is it another exercise in ambiguity? Hugh explains why the deal may be more complicated for Hamas than for Israel, what leverage Europeans still hold, and how an international stabilisation force could (or couldn’t) work on the ground. This podcast was recorded on September 6th 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass and author of The Once and Future Worker, delves into America's shifting political right. He discusses the move from Reagan-era free trade to a pro-worker economic agenda, emphasizing the importance of manufacturing for job quality and national security. Cass critiques the consumption-focused economic model and advocates for policies like balanced trade and industrial investment. He further connects family stability with economic success, proposing a reimagined approach to education and social policy that supports family flourishing.

James Crabtree, a former Financial Times bureau chief and author on India's foreign policy, joins Suhasini Haidar, a diplomatic editor renowned for her insights into India’s strategy. They explore how Trump’s tariffs have nudged India towards multi-alignment, reshaping its relationships with the US, China, and Europe. The duo discusses the implications of India balancing ties amidst border clashes with China and the allure of European partnerships for technology and defense. Expect a revealing look at India's shifting diplomatic landscape in a tumultuous global context.