The Duran Podcast

Alastair Crooke, a former British diplomat and expert on the Middle East, joins Alexander Mercouris and Glenn Diesen to dissect the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict. They discuss the resilience of Hamas and the return of displaced Palestinians, revealing surprising political miscalculations in Israel. The conversation shifts to the implications for U.S. foreign policy and the complexities of regional power dynamics, exploring historical parallels with other conflicts and the necessity for strategic recalibrations in American imperial strategy.

The podcast dives into the shifting dynamics of the upcoming German elections, highlighting CDU's controversial alliance considerations with the AfD over immigration issues. It discusses the SPD and Greens facing struggles against rising far-right sentiments while examining the ambitions and challenges of leadership in these turbulent times. The contrast between Olaf Scholz's cautious approach and the energy of his rivals reveals a landscape ripe for change, filled with political tensions and the potential for scandals that could reshape voter sentiments.

Delving into Trump's economic strategies, the discussion critiques the current administration while addressing inflation and wage issues. It highlights potential shifts in U.S. tariffs, particularly in Latin America, and examines the complexities of political responses in the region. The podcast also analyzes Russia's economic resilience amidst a recent investment boom, challenging simplistic views of its economy as solely dependent on energy. Throughout, it emphasizes the intricacies shaping Russia's financial landscape and the risks it faces.

The podcast delves into the shifting U.S. support for Ukraine and its implications for President Zelensky's leadership. Discussion surrounds a controversial 100-day peace plan challenging Zelensky's authority amid geopolitical pressures. Leaders from various nations grapple with Trump's unpredictable style, revealing the struggles of global politics. The potential for negotiations in the Ukraine conflict is critically examined, with a focus on the need for a pragmatic approach to resolve key disputes. The episode concludes with a look at the public's shift toward prioritizing domestic over international concerns.

Zoltán Koskovics, a geopolitical analyst at the Center for Fundamental Rights in Budapest, sheds light on Hungary's unique position in today's power politics. He navigates the tension between Hungary’s pragmatic foreign policy and the idealism prevalent in the West, especially regarding the Ukraine conflict. The discussion highlights Hungary's crucial balancing act between national interests and EU pressures. Additionally, Koskovics tackles the issue of economic decline in Europe and the disruptive influence of NGOs, casting Hungary as a potential mediator amid global shifts.

Neil McCoy-Ward, a notable expert in geopolitical analysis, explores the evolving landscape of globalism. He discusses how current events echo historical revolutions, particularly in U.S. and British politics. Key topics include the impact of rising inflation and supply chain issues from the pandemic, societal divisions amid media narratives, and the challenges in the UK housing market due to wealthy departures. He also examines the generational cycles of conflict and the transformative role of technology in modern warfare, all within the context of shifting global power dynamics.

Velyka Novosilka's capture by Russian forces sends shockwaves through Ukrainian morale, revealing the strategic significance of the region. The discussion dives into the military missteps of Ukrainian leadership, particularly their withdrawal strategies, leading to heavy troop losses. Critiques highlight the need to reassess tactics amid political pressures. Additionally, the podcast examines how Western media narratives shape perceptions of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting for potentially accelerating peace negotiations.

The discussion centers on the EU's sanctions against Russia and their detrimental effects on the economy, particularly energy supply issues and inflation. It critiques the tendency to solely blame Putin for the energy crisis, revealing that EU decisions play a significant role. Additionally, the podcast tackles the dangers of increasing centralization in the EU, arguing it leads to stagnation. Lastly, it highlights geopolitical tensions in Central Europe, focusing on Hungary and Slovakia's energy dependencies and their responses to sanctions.

The podcast dives into the dire military situation in Donbass, highlighting the despair of Ukrainian soldiers facing Russian advances. It critiques the gap between Ukraine's narrative of success and the stark reality on the ground. The episode dissects Zelensky's attempts to manipulate media perceptions of drone warfare while struggling for U.S. support. Additionally, it examines negotiation tactics used by Zelensky, drawing parallels with past world leaders, and underscores the complexities of leadership in such challenging circumstances.

Patrick Lancaster, an independent journalist with extensive experience covering the Ukraine war, provides a gripping frontline update from Kursk. He details the intense fighting and the harsh realities of drone warfare, which blur the lines between military and civilian lives. Lancaster investigates rumors about North Korean troops in the area, ultimately finding no evidence. He also discusses the challenging terrain and weather conditions that complicate logistics, while reflecting on the emotional toll and drastic losses faced by Ukrainian forces.