Bear Market Brief

Sarah Ashbaugh, a research fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and editor-in-chief of an insightful newsletter, delves into pivotal events in Russia over the past year. She reveals trends in energy warfare and drone tactics on the battlefield. The discussion covers the implications of internet restrictions and Russia's economic struggles amid the ongoing war. Additionally, Sarah shares her meticulous process for producing concise news briefs, illustrating her commitment to clarity and accuracy in reporting.

Howard Amos and Nina Zakharkina-Berezner join to discuss the lived reality of modern Russians in the country's periphery and informal, dissident spaces that exist under the radar. Related Links: Howard's bookHoward and Nina's podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearmarketbrief.substack.com

A flurry of back-and-forth diplomacy, a renewed Russian offensive, and a rare outburst of protest in Ukraine. The Kyiv Dispatch with Fabrice Deprez returns to break down what's actually happening and most importantly, how people on the ground are feeling about it.For more reporting and stories from Ukraine, be sure to follow Fabrice’s newsletter, Eastern Radar. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearmarketbrief.substack.com

In this discussion, Seva Gunitsky, an associate professor at the University of Toronto and author of 'Aftershocks,' delves into the complexities of Russia's geopolitical role. He explores how perceptions of strength vary, questioning the reliance on traditional metrics like military power. Gunitsky highlights the significant role of leadership in shaping a nation's influence. The podcast also examines the impact of media portrayals and historical experiences on public perceptions of Russia, revealing a nuanced view of its power dynamics.

Here on the Bear Market Brief, a lot of what we focus on is, simply put, risk: what might happen, and what might it mean? On this episode, geoeconomic and country risk expert Rachel Ziemba joins Aaron Schwartzbaum to delve in the discipline of Political Risk: how does one "do" the field? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearmarketbrief.substack.com

Maximilian Hess, founder of Nmedina Advisory and expert in political risk, discusses the fallout from the Oval Office clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. They analyze the drastic shifts in transatlantic relations and the implications for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Hess highlights the complexities of U.S.-European relations, the concept of Euro-Atlanticism, and the evolving dynamics of U.S. foreign policy. The conversation dives into sanctions on Russia, the euro's challenge to the dollar, and the future of international alliances.

Where does the US stand in the world as Trump (re)assumes office? How is his approach towards Ukraine shaping up? Stephen Wertheim, Senior Fellow in the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins Aaron Schwartzbaum to explore the broader context and drivers of how policy towards Russia will, and will not, be made. Read Stephen’s latest piece for Foreign Affairs here.This episode was recorded on December 20, 2024. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearmarketbrief.substack.com

Between a Russian offensive and the reelection of Donald Trump, the war in Ukraine hangs in the balance. Janis Kluge joins host Aaron Schwartzbaum to explore how we got here and what might happen next. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearmarketbrief.substack.com

Kyiv-based journalist Fabrice Deprez returns to the brief for another update on the mood in Ukraine, including a report on his recent trip to the front line city of Pokrovsk.For more reporting from Ukraine, be sure to check out Fabrice’s Eastern Radar newsletter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearmarketbrief.substack.com

Why has the Global South, historically on the receiving end of colonialism and imperialism, maintained what might be called a neutral stance towards Russia's war against Ukraine? Ivan Grek, Director of the Russia Program at George Washington University’s Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, joins Aaron Schwartzbaum to discuss. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearmarketbrief.substack.com