Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes

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.

Mark Leonard is joined by Ulrike Franke, ECFR senior policy fellow, for an Emergency Room podcast. Together, they unpack the recent wave of drone incursions across European airspace in Poland, Romania and Denmark, and discuss what these hybrid threats reveal about Russian tactics and NATO’s readiness. How serious are these drone sightings and what are their origins? What kind of counter-drone defences should Europe be investing in? Why did Poland only shoot down some drones, and what does this signal to Moscow? And if Putin is probing NATO’s red lines, what might his next move be?This episode was recorded on September 25th, 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jana Kobzova, co-director of ECFR's European Security Programme and former advisor to Slovakia’s president, breaks down the complex dynamics of Ukraine's ongoing conflict. She discusses crucial developments, including the Anchorage meeting between Trump and Putin and its implications for U.S.-European relations. The podcast explores Zelensky's fluctuating influence amid domestic unrest, public protests against anti-corruption measures, and the shifting landscape of security guarantees as European leaders strategize on deterrence and support for Ukraine.

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.