Chain Reaction

Aro Velmet is an associate professor of history at the University of Southern California, where he is a historian of modern Europe, colonialism, science, technology, and medicine with an overarching interest in gender studies. For Baltic Ways, he shares insights into the progression of LGBTQ+ rights in Estonia and the broader region and the path that has led to legislative change over the past decade.   Mentioned in this episode:Velmet, A. (2019). Sovereignty after Gender Trouble: Language, Reproduction, and Supranationalism in Estonia, 1980–2017. Journal of the History of Ideas 80(3), 455-478. Põldsam, Rebeka, et al. Kalevi Alt Välja: LGBT+ Inimeste Lugusid 19. Ja 20. Sajandi Eestist. Eesti LGBT Ühing : Rahva Raamat, 2023.Elisarion: Elisàr von Kupffer and Jaanus Samma at the Kumu Art Museum in Tallinn Irina Roldugina, UCIS Postdoctoral Fellow, History, Slavic Languages and LiteratureBaltic Ways is a podcast brought to you by the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies (AABS), produced in partnership with the Baltic Initiative at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AABS or FPRI.  Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Dive deep into the intricate relationships between China, Russia, and Iran as they defy U.S. interests. Explore their geopolitical strategies, revealing a complex interplay rather than a simple alliance. Be intrigued by Russia's pivot in ongoing conflicts, especially regarding nuclear capabilities and the shifting energy landscape. Uncover China's unique stance on nuclear proliferation and its cautious approach to arms development in Asia. This discussion highlights the evolving dynamics and implications for U.S. global standing.

In this episode we go back to the beginning. What is NATO? What challenges has NATO faced in the past? How are these similar or different to today’s issues? Why is NATO important for US national security? Why should Americans care about the security of Europe? Former NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, and Seth Johnston join Rick to explain NATO’s history, its purpose, and its evolution over the past seven decades.The Ties That Bind: NATO at 75 and Beyond is a five part series examining the past, present, and future of NATO.For access to the full interviews and more, subscribe to our newsletter.  Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

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.For more from the Bear Market Brief newsletter, subscribe here.  Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Join Dominik Jankowski, Poland's deputy ambassador to NATO, John Deni, a security studies professor, and Lisa Aronsson, a research fellow in defense, as they dissect NATO's evolving role in the Ukraine conflict. They discuss the pressing need for political cohesion among allies and the complexities of military aid dynamics. With NATO's 75th anniversary, the guests highlight the implications of potential membership for Ukraine and critique current support measures, advocating for a strategic, future-oriented approach.

As US assistance to Ukraine resumes after a long delay, Russian forces are making gains in northeastern Ukraine, and may be poised to expand their offensive push this summer. Will the resumption of US aid allow Ukraine to blunt this offensive, what is the likely trajectory of the war, and what does it mean to the US? To discuss these questions, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former Commander of US Army forces in Europe,  joins Bob Hamilton on Chain Reaction. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

What did commemoration of the dead look like in Medieval Livonia and how did memoria shape group identities in the region? Dr. Gustavs Strenga shares insights into his research and parallels with modern-day memory wars. Baltic Ways is a podcast brought to you by the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies, produced in partnership with the Baltic Initiative at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AABS or FPRI.Explore more from the Baltic Intiative here.  Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

In the early 1990s, Kyrgyzstan was often referred to as an “island of democracy” in Central Asia.  Three distinguishing features of Kyrgyzstan include an active political opposition, a vibrant civil society, and independent media outlets.The current government is eliminating all three of those distinctions.On this episode of Report in Short, Aaron Schwartzbaum is joined by Bruce Pannier, a longtime journalist at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and author FPRI’s new report "Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia's Island of Democracy Sinks Into Authoritarianism" to discuss how the country reversed course to join the club of authoritarian governments in the region. More from FPRI's Central Asia Intiative  Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Russia has taken an increasingly authoritarian turn over the last decade, but is its political system fascist? Marlene Laruelle and Julian Waller join to discuss the blurry lines between politics, ideology, and terminology.Subscribe to the Bear Market Brief newsletter  Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

The death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi this past weekend has prompted questions about the future of the Islamic Republic, the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Iranian domestic politics, and succession race for Supreme Leader Khamenei. Afshon Ostovar, a FPRI Senior Fellow, joined FPRI President Aaron Stein to discuss the latest developments in Iran. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe