

Chain Reaction
FPRI
Chain Reaction is the Foreign Policy Research Institute’s flagship network of podcast series examining the political, security, economic, and social trends shaping our world. Throughout the year we are talking with experts about developments in Russia’s war in Ukraine, the new European security order, defense and geopolitical issues in the Baltic States, as well as current and future national security challenges and opportunities in the technology and space sectors. Join us each month for: Bear Market Brief, Behind the Front, Baltic Ways, Report in Short, and the Ties That Bind: NATO at 75 and Beyond. fpriinsights.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Feb 8, 2024 • 15min
Report in Short: A "Frozen Conflict" Boils Over
The podcast discusses the recent attack on Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani forces, the background and outcome of the conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Armenia, the role of national identity in the conflict, potential solutions, and the potential for a real war between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Jan 25, 2024 • 38min
Out of the Shadows and Into the Sun: The (Re)-Emergence of Central Asia
Explore the increased interest of various powers in Central Asia, including Turkey, the Arab world, and the European Union. Learn about the historical US-Central Asia relationship and the decline of democracy in Kyrgyzstan. Discover the converging interests of Russia and China in Central Asia and the development of the Middle Corridor trade route.

Jan 9, 2024 • 14min
Report In Short: Russian Military Drones
Since 2009, Russia has invested significant effort into developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for military purposes. However, after a year of war in Ukraine, the Russian military has lost the biggest part of its tactical reconnaissance and targeting UAVs. Pavel Luzin joins Aaron Schwartzbaum to discuss his latest report "Russian Military Drones: The Past, Present, and Future of the UAV Industry." Download the report here. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe


