

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

May 22, 2024 • 26min
The Death Of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
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

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


