Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes

Fourteen years after the outbreak of civil war, Syria is at a critical juncture. Beyond its borders, regional tensions continue to shape its fate. Meanwhile, traditional global powers, particularly the US, remain largely disengaged—raising questions about the risk of inaction. This week Mark Leonard welcomes Julien Barnes-Dacey, director of ECFR’s MENA programme, Ellie Geranmayeh, deputy director of ECFR’s MENA programme, and Hugh Lovatt, ECFR senior policy fellow. The team has just returned from a research trip to Damascus, where they met with Syria’s new government officials and civil society members. With the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa, what is the mood in the country? How has governance evolved under the new leadership, and what challenges persist? What role can—and should—Europe play in shaping Syria’s post-war reality? And do Syria’s new politics offer an opportunity for Europe to counter Russian influence?   Bookshelf: Kleptopia: How Dirty Money is Conquering the World by Tom BurgisMovies: The Swimmers, No Other Land, The Seed of the Sacred FigKingdoms of Faith A New History of Islamic Spain by Brian A. Catlos   This podcast was recorded on March 4th 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niku Popescu, a Distinguished Policy Fellow at ECFR and former Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova, discusses the urgent implications of the U.S. pausing aid to Ukraine. He highlights the pressure European nations face to boost their support amid uncertainty. The conversation delves into the complexities of transatlantic relations, the dynamics of military aid under Trump's fluctuating policies, and the pressing need for a robust European defense strategy. Popescu also addresses the risks of a hastily negotiated peace deal and its potential impact on regional stability.

Jana Puglierin, head of ECFR's Berlin office, and Piotr Buras, head of ECFR's Warsaw office, offer deep insights into the aftermath of Germany's federal elections. They discuss the potential formation of a coalition government and the implications for European unity. With shifting alliances, how might Franco-German and Polish-German relations evolve? The podcast also critiques Germany's migration policy and explores how a new government could redefine its role in European defense and political dynamics, all while reflecting on the literary themes shaping these discussions.

Hal Brands, a Henry Kissinger Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, explores how Eurasian dynamics have shaped global conflicts from WWI to today. He discusses the emergence of a second Eurasian century, driven by authoritarian powers like Russia, China, and Iran. Brands reveals the strategic alliances forming among these regimes against U.S. influence and analyzes how Donald Trump's vision might shift global power dynamics, affecting America's role and alliances in a changing world.

Ulrike Franke, Camille Grand, and Janka Oertel offer rich insights on European security and defense during their discussion from the Munich Security Conference. They dive into the implications of Trump's abrupt peace talks for Ukraine and the resulting European anxieties. The trio addresses the need for a cohesive European response and the urgency for stronger unity amid shifting transatlantic relations. They also explore the balance between internal threats and external pressures from powers like Russia and China, reflecting on the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Norway’s deputy foreign minister and a member of the Norwegian Labour Party, dives into the intricacies of Norway’s unique diplomatic strategy. He discusses the country’s commitment to engaging with diverse nations, even those with opposing values. The conversation touches on Norway's support for Ukraine, complex conflicts like Israel-Palestine, and the balance between peace and justice in international law. Kravik emphasizes the importance of maintaining dialogue amidst geopolitical challenges and shares thought-provoking book recommendations.

Less than two weeks into his second term and President Donald Trump is already dominating global headlines. From reigniting trade war threats and doubling down on his ambitions to acquire Greenland, to withdrawing from multilateral agreements and demanding that NATO allies allocate 5% of their GDP to defence—his administration is swiftly attempting to reshape global dynamics. Meanwhile, Trump’s ally Elon Musk is stirring political controversy and further unsettling European leaders. This week, Mark Leonard welcomes Camille Lons, deputy head of ECFR’s Paris office, Marta Prochwicz Jazowska, deputy head of ECFR’s Warsaw office, Jana Puglierin, head of ECFR’s Berlin office, José Ignacio Torreblanca, head of ECFR’s Madrid office and Arturo Varvelli, head of ECFR’s Rome office, to discuss how European capitals are responding to Trump’s dramatic return to the White House. Which major issues are they trying to deal with? And how are Europeans and the EU preparing for all the disruption to come? Bookshelf: Geopolitics and Democracy: The Western Liberal Order from Foundation to Fracture by Peter Trubowitz and Brian Burgoon Orbital by Samatha Harvey Realpolitik How to face the global disorder by Giampiero Massolo The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser Cocktail sugar : et autres nouvelles de Corée by Kim Ae-ran, Go Eun-ju, Jeon Gyeong-nin, Eun Hee-kyung, Oh Jung-hi, Han Kang, Park Chan-Soon, Pak Wan-So  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carl Bildt, former prime minister of Sweden, and Arancha González, former Spanish foreign minister and current dean at Sciences Po, share their insights from Davos amid Donald Trump's recent return to politics. They discuss the mixed feelings surrounding Trump's impact on global trade, including the potential for new tariffs and geopolitical tensions like those in Ukraine. The importance of international alliances and the role of gender equality in economic growth are also highlighted, painting a complex picture of the current global landscape.

Jana Puglierin, head of ECFR's Berlin office, and Jeremy Cliffe, editorial director at ECFR, delve into the political climate as Germany approaches its federal election. They discuss Friedrich Merz's rising influence in the CDU and the so-called 'Merz Doctrine.' Insights on Germany's foreign policy amid U.S. politics are explored, including reactions to a potential second Trump administration. The conversation also touches on crucial international relations, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine, and highlights the shifting dynamics in European leadership.

Join experts Piotr Buras, a key figure in EU politics, Marta Prochwicz Jazowska, focused on security policies, and Joanna Bekker from Polityka Insight as they dissect Poland's new EU Council presidency. They discuss the country’s pivotal role amid the Ukraine war and its complex security landscape. Hear insights on the potential impact of Poland's upcoming election on its leadership ambitions, the rise of far-right ideologies, and how the Weimar group's efforts could promote European unity. It's a thought-provoking discussion on emerging European dynamics!