Danube Institute Podcast

Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden and a seasoned diplomat, discusses the complexities of EU integration and its future. He analyzes Sweden's EU accession and the multifaceted benefits it brought. Bildt argues for deeper integration, especially in defense and security, while addressing Hungary's contrasting rhetoric on sovereignty amidst reliance on EU funds. He also tackles migration challenges in Europe, highlighting Sweden's successes and political backlash against immigration. Finally, he shares insights on Europe's need to engage globally and the implications of Turkey's stalled EU bid.

Peter Sztitas, a Senior Fellow at the Danube Institute, and Hugo Martin, a Visiting Fellow specializing in Czech politics, dive into the recent political upheaval in Central Europe. They analyze Andrej Babiš's comeback and his potential coalition challenges. Comparisons to Trump unveil intriguing insights into populism's resurgence amid failed technocracy. The duo unpacks seat dynamics and the strategic 'Donut' voter appeal while discussing Babiš's views on Ukraine and V4 relations, suggesting a solidified nationalist front in Brussels.

We spoke with Robert Wilkie, Chairman of the Center for American Security at the America First Policy Institute and former United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs about Trump's three unresolved geopolitical games.The Danube Lectures is a video podcast of the Danube Institute, a Budapest-based conservative think tank that asks its guests – decision-makers, experts, academics, and politicians – about their unique ideas. Host: Tamás Maráczi, a journalist at the Danube Institute.

What is Israel planning to do after the Western recognition of Palestine? Will there be a point when Washington doesn’t back Israel further? Why has the Hungarian government become a staunch pro-Israeli government?We spoke with the former Political Director of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the fragile situation of the Jewish state.The Danube Lectures is a video podcast of the Danube Institute, a Budapest-based conservative think tank that asks its guests – decision-makers, experts, academics, and politicians – about their unique ideas. Host: Tamás Maráczi, a journalist at the Danube Institute.

Curtis Yarvin, a tech entrepreneur and blogger, joins the conversation, known for his controversial views on democracy and power. He discusses the implications of vengeance in politics following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, delving into historical roots of political violence. Yarvin critiques how modern media shapes narratives and suppresses debate, while outlining radical strategies to reform institutions. He provocatively connects current events to past movements, questioning whether meaningful change can occur without escalation.

Britain has become a meme. Twenty years ago, it was still the floppy charms of Hugh Grant that served to frame American impressions of this distant province within its imperium. Notting Hill England still lived, alongside other cliches. But in the past twelve months, the varnish has truly rubbed off in the minds of many foreign spectators. Thanks in part to ardent anglophile Elon Musk, Britain has become renowned for its anti-speech surveillance state, its ethnic grooming gangs, its vast levels of unintegrated mass migration, and its general air of economic sag. Today, that impression risks becoming dominant. In the public mind. Online, the United Kingdom has become known Yookay - a creole spelling — denoting a garish and alien country, hermit crabbing in the ashes of old England. This unwelcome image change poses several questions: Questions about its overall truth, which is of course a refraction of online discourse.Questions about ho the political class are dealing with a society in obvious decline - and how much of this reality they can even accept. Then, about the power of Britain to change itself. Is what is happening here a deep, almost ethnogenic endpoint of one kind of society? Or is it simply a call to get our house in order? Gavin Haynes, a visiting fellow at the Danube Institute, is joined by David Frost, Lord Frost of Allenton, who is himself senior fellow here at the Danube Institute.

Will there ever be a Palestinian state?Do the Palestinians have a right to form a state? If there is a one-state solution, what will happen to the Palestinian population? Why is compromise impossible with Hamas and the Palestinian Authority?We asked the head of the Shomron Regional Council, the quasi-leader of the Jewish settlers in Judea and Samaria about the fading two-state solution.The Danube Lectures is a video podcast of the Danube Institute, a Budapest-based conservative think tank that asks its guests – decision-makers, experts, academics, and politicians – about their unique ideas. Host: Tamás Maráczi, a journalist at the Danube Institute.

Is reliance on Russian energy a choice or a necessity?Has Hungary made efforts to diversify its energy resources since 2022? What alternative energy supply routes does Hungary have? What will Hungary do if Donald Trump asks it to stop buying Russian oil?We asked the Hungarian State Secretary for Energy about Hungary’s energy policy.The Danube Lectures is a video podcast of the Danube Institute, a Budapest-based conservative think tank that asks its guests – decision-makers, experts, academics, and politicians – about their unique ideas.Host: Tamás Maráczi, a journalist at the Danube Institute.

In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis sent 40000 volts through the global geopolitical system. The discovery of Soviet missile bases, 90 miles off the coast of America could not stand. But could it be reversed? Today, we know how the story ends. The boats turned back. World War Three was postponed. But at the time, it wasn’t so obvious. Sean Nottoli is a visiting fellow at the Danube Institute. Sean joins host Gavin Haynes to tell us about another island, another sea, and another crucible of the potential next World War 3. Of Taiwan. And China. Plenty of Western countries have good relations with America, he argues. But few have equally good relations with China. And for that matter, Taiwan. Could the Swiss model – a new kind of neutrality – allow Hungary to leverage its geopolitical strengths in the 21st century?

What is the importance of Hungary in Europe? What is the significance of the upcoming election in Hungary? Why do European institutions continuously criticize the policies of Fidesz?We asked the head of the MCC School of Media about the changing political landscape in Hungary.The Danube Lectures is a video podcast of the Danube Institute, a Budapest-based conservative think tank that asks its guests – decision-makers, experts, academics, and politicians – about their unique ideas.Host: Tamás Maráczi, a journalist at the Danube Institute.