Chain Reaction
Chain Reaction is the Foreign Policy Research Institute’s flagship network of podcast series examining the political, security, economic, and social trends shaping Europe and Eurasia. Throughout the year we are talking with experts about developments in Russia’s war in Ukraine, the new European security order, the past, present, and future of the Baltic States, Russia’s political economy, and great power competition in the region. Join us each month for: Bear Market Brief, Baltic Ways, and Report in Short. fpriinsights.substack.com
Latest episodes
May 15, 2024 • 34min
Russia Launches New Offensive in Ukraine
Russia launched a new offensive near Kharkiv, amidst continuing questions about Ukraine’s ability to mobilize enough manpower to blunt Russian advantages. FPRI President Aaron Stein sat down with Senior Fellow Rob Lee to discuss the latest from the Russo-Ukrainian war. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
May 10, 2024 • 38min
Georgian Dream or Russian Nightmare?
Former US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian Kelly, discusses the implications of Georgia's proposed 'foreign agents' law on civil society, media, and Western relations. The podcast explores Georgia's political dynamics, alignment with Russia, NATO and EU aspirations at risk, analysis of protests, and the challenges of balancing Western alliances with sovereignty in Georgia.
May 7, 2024 • 35min
The Baltic States Mark Two Decades of NATO Membership
Dr. Lukas Milevski, an expert in strategic studies, discusses the 20-year NATO membership of the Baltic states, covering topics like historical milestones, NATO deterrence strategies, Baltic contributions to missions, and the impact of US elections on Baltic defense.
Apr 18, 2024 • 24min
No Nukes is Good Nukes
The Bear Market Brief goes nuclear! Andrey Baklitskiy dropped by to discuss all of Russia's strategic red lines, what the introduction of hypersonic weapons means for global security, and more.Subscribe to the Bear Market Brief Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 11, 2024 • 15min
Russian Women in the Face of War Against Ukraine
Russia’s war against Ukraine has revealed stories about the heroic resistance efforts of Ukrainian women: from a grandmother launching a pickle jar against a drone to volunteers with territorial defense units. However, comparable stories have been entirely lacking on Russia’s side: How come?On this episode of Report in Short, Aaron Schwartzbaum is joined by Egle E. Murauskaite, author FPRI's new report "Russian Women in the Face of War Against Ukraine," to discuss the multifaceted role of Russian women in the conflict. Read the report here Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 5, 2024 • 34min
Women's Work: History of Women in Academia at the University of Tartu
In this episode of Baltic Ways Dr. Janet Laidla shares her work on charting the roles and contributions of women at the University of Tartu from the early days of the Estonian Republic, and what it means today. Explore from FPRI's Baltic Intiative here. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 15, 2024 • 33min
Russia's Election: It Ain't Vova 'till it's Vova
If we know how Russia's presidential election is going to turn out... why even bother holding the election? Join András Tóth-Czifra and Olga Khvostunova for an exploration of electoral autocracy and the political moment.Subscribe to the Bear Market Brief newsletter Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 14, 2024 • 40min
Russia's Invasion Through Ukrainian Eyes
Amid the commentary on the war in Ukraine, the voices of those who live it every day are sometimes lost. In this episode of Chain Reaction, we hear from Sophia Opatska of Lviv, Hanna Shelest of Odessa, and Maksym Skrypchenko of Kyiv. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 28, 2024 • 31min
Has Russia Won the Sanctions War?
Despite Western economic policy, Russia has been able to continue its war against Ukraine, and even seen economic growth. Join as we kick off our season with Nick Trickett and Iikka Korhonen investigating what's driving Russia's economy these days, and whether sanctions are "working." Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 20, 2024 • 39min
Dark Days Ahead in Ukraine?
As the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, the optimism that reigned a year ago has largely faded. The failure of Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive and the uncertainty of future US assistance seem to augur tough times ahead for Ukraine and its supporters. Joining host Bob Hamilton to discuss the current state of the war, its likely future trajectory, and the future of the US role in NATO is Stephen Biddle, one of the foremost analysts of modern warfare. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
