Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes

This week, ECFR director Mark Leonard concludes his deep-dive podcast series into the political universe of the “post-liberal revolution”. Throughout the series, Mark has interviewed prominent individuals across national conservative movements and “new right” politics, aiming to unpack the values behind its roots and ideas.The last episode, which Mark recorded at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, features remarks from various MAGA figures such as Thomas Homan and Steve Bannon. How do the “new right” MAGA politicians perceive traditional Republicans? Why are tariffs and re-industrialisation at the heart of national conservative strategy? And which disagreements arose when discussing foreign policy?This podcast was recorded on September 10th 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Balázs Orbán, political director for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and chairman of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, dives deep into Hungary's national conservatism. He shares insights on the evolution of political ideologies in Hungary, the nation’s demographic challenges, and how community representation shapes policies. The discussion also touches on Hungary's realist foreign policy amidst global tensions and the response of Central and Eastern European countries to the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the rise of national conservative movements across Europe.

Hélène De Lauzun, a Paris correspondent for the European Conservative and author specializing in France's pre-Revolutionary legacy, sheds light on the rich tapestry of conservatism in France. She explores the fragmentation of conservative ideologies, from Bonapartist to counter-revolutionary traditions. The conversation dives into how figures like Macron and Le Pen reflect these themes. They also question whether the National Rally signifies a genuine conservative revival or merely a populist twist amid a secular and globalized France.

Gladden Pappin, president of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs and a key figure in transnational conservative thought, dives deep into shifting political paradigms. He discusses the rise of a post-liberal order as a reaction to liberalism's shortcomings. The conversation highlights how American and European conservatism interconnect amidst evolving EU-US relations. Pappin also emphasizes the need for inclusive political discourse, the emergence of new alliances, and the transformative ideas presented in Patrick Deneen's work on governance.

Rod Dreher, an influential writer and journalist based in Budapest, joins to discuss the evolving political landscape marked by a backlash against liberalism. He delves into the rise of right-wing movements and the economic discontent trickling through working-class communities. Dreher also examines the tensions between free speech and social control, drawing uncanny parallels with totalitarian regimes. With insights from his experiences and recent literature, he raises critical questions about the fate of liberal democratic values in this shifting world.

Yoram Hazony, an influential Israeli political scientist and president of the Herzl Institute, dives into the rise of national conservatism as a response to the crisis facing liberalism. He discusses how contemporary nationalism can reshape democratic discourse and the implications of generational shifts in political ideologies. Hazony argues for the reevaluation of nationalism's role in modern politics, challenging its negative connotations while emphasizing its significance in advocating for independent nations. Essential reads on the subject are also highlighted.

Ivan Krastev, a leading political scientist and founding board member of ECFR, dives into the rise of the New Right and its threat to liberalism. He highlights how the successes of right-wing parties challenge traditional political narratives, focusing on identity over economic issues. The discussion touches on the crisis within liberalism and the transformative effects of nationalism in Europe and the U.S. As political parties grapple with these changes, Krastev emphasizes the importance of understanding these shifts to navigate the evolving landscape.

Vessela Tcherneva, deputy director of ECFR, and Maria Simeonova, head of ECFR’s Sofia office, delve into Bulgaria's political turmoil. They discuss the impact of powerful oligarchs on democracy and state institutions, noting the alarming frequency of elections and public protests. The conversation highlights the country's aspirations for Eurozone membership amidst judicial challenges and corruption concerns. They also tackle the EU's responsibility in combating democratic backsliding, emphasizing the broader implications for European stability and credibility.

Join Jeremy Shapiro, ECFR's research director, and Tom Wright, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, as they dissect America's evolving foreign policy. Recorded live from the Aspen Security Forum, they delve into the tense atmosphere shaped by a Department of Defense ban. The duo questions the implications of a waning U.S. commitment to Ukraine, the challenges of geopolitical competition with China, and the need for Europe to adapt to a fragmented global order. They also explore the intersection of AI and foreign policy in today's tech-driven landscape.

Hugh Lovatt, an ECFR policy fellow specializing in Middle Eastern politics, and Tahani Mustafa, a visiting fellow focused on governance and security in the West Bank, dive deep into the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. They discuss Israel's military actions, the humanitarian catastrophe, and the chaotic aid distribution. Tensions are rising, particularly with the role of Israeli settlers in the West Bank. They also evaluate the Palestinian Authority’s challenges and the crucial role that Europe plays in mediating peace efforts and preventing further loss of life.