Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes

In this discussion, Dan Wang, a research fellow at the Hoover History Lab and author of *Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future*, shares his insights on China’s technological rise. He contrasts China’s 'engineering state' with the West's 'lawyerly' approach, exploring implications for innovation and infrastructure. Dan delves into China's dominance in clean tech, the rapid iterations of its industries, and the internal challenges it faces. He also warns about Europe’s competitive disadvantages and advocates for a more assertive policy response.

In a thought-provoking discussion, guests Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden, Norbert Röttgen, German Bundestag member, and Lykke Friis, former Danish minister, reflect on the evolution of European foreign policy since ECFR's founding. They explore the shift from optimism in 2007 to today's geopolitical fragmentation and rising tensions. Notably, Röttgen highlights Germany's defense policy transformation, while Friis emphasizes the integration of climate and migration into foreign strategy. The panel envisions Europe's resilience over the next two decades amid ongoing challenges.

In this insightful discussion, Jana Kobzova, co-director of ECFR’s European Security Programme with a focus on Ukraine, teams up with Jim O’Brien, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe. They delve into a leaked 28-point framework aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, dismissing it as a potential capitulation. The duo analyzes the implications for European security and the contentious demands of the plan. They also address how Ukraine's sovereignty can be preserved amidst international negotiations while navigating domestic political challenges.

Ulrike Franke, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and an expert on defence and drones, delves into the tumultuous Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The discussion reveals critical tensions between Dassault and Airbus, highlighting the challenges of Franco-German cooperation in military projects. They explore the implications of a potential collapse of FCAS for Europe's strategic autonomy and the overall health of the continent's defence industry. Urgent questions arise about Europe's need for a unified combat system amidst diverging national interests.

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!