The World Unpacked

Ukraine’s military resistance has defied Russian forces since the invasion began almost two months ago. The war has underscored the Russian military’s vulnerabilities as tanks have been stopped in their tracks while Russian warships are on alert after the sinking of Russia’s Black Sea flagship, the Moskva. But why has the Russian military not met expectations? That’s the question analysts have been trying to answer, while countries like China are closely observing the conflict as they mull over their own military capabilities.In this episode, Charles Hooper, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, joins Doug to unpack lessons drawn from Ukraine and what they might mean for the future of warfare.Follow Doug on Twitter @DouglasLFarrar. Elliot Ackerman. (2022, March 24). “Ukraine’s Three-to-One Advantage.” The Atlantic.

Last week, Russian and Ukrainian officials arrived in Istanbul, Turkey for the latest round of peace talks amid the ongoing crisis. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has cornered Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan into a difficult dilemma. As a NATO member, Turkey is trying to balance its support for Ukraine without aggressively provoking Russia. Alper Coşkun, a senior fellow with Carnegie's Europe Program who was a career diplomat in the Turkish foreign service, joins Doug to unpack Turkey’s unique role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Follow Doug on Twitter @DouglasLFarrar.Alper Coşkun. (2022, March 24). “What the Russian War in Ukraine Means for the Middle East.” Carnegie Endowment for International PeaceAlper Coşkun. (2022, January 18). “Strengthening Turkish Policy on Drone Exports.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

China has found itself in a predicament ever since President Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine a month ago today. President Xi Jinping has stated China’s neutral stance on the war but when it comes to the coverage of the invasion, the Chinese media has mostly aired pro-Russia propaganda and disinformation while often censoring pro-Ukraine information.Emily Feng, NPR’s Beijing correspondent, joins Doug to unpack China’s perspective on the unfolding Russia-Ukraine crisis.Face the Nation. Chinese ambassador says condemning Russia for Ukraine invasion "doesn't solve the problem" [Video]. YouTube.Qin Gang. Opinion: Chinese ambassador: Where we stand on Ukraine. Washington Post.

Putin's war of choice has been met with harsh sanctions and global condemnation from heads of states, institutions, ordinary citizens, and the soccer world. The world of soccer has put up a united front to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The reaction from the players, clubs, fans, and governing bodies of the world's game have put into focus the soft power soccer brings to world affairs.Roger Bennett, acclaimed soccer pundit and co-host of the Men in Blazers Podcast, joins Doug to unpack the intersection of geopolitics and soccer. Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Men in Blazers. 

The global rise of authoritarian power has become a troubling trend. Today’s autocrats are better equipped to undermine the state of democracies. This battle for power between autocratic and democratic societies will determine the future of freedom around the world. Moisés Naím, an acclaimed columnist and a distinguished fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, joins Doug to unpack his new book, The Revenge of Power. You can order a copy of Naím's new book, here. 

For the past two decades, American foreign policy has been entangled in major conflicts in the Middle East, but the Biden administration has signaled a shift toward Asia. Despite the pivot to other pressing global challenges, the region still plays a crucial role in America’s grand strategy. So, what is the United States’ game plan for the Middle East? Maha Yahya, the director of the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, joins Doug to unpack the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East

With the imminent threat of a Russian attack on Ukraine looming, the United States is urging for more diplomacy between the West and Russia. The crisis has put the spotlight on the relationship the United States has with its European allies at a time when a unified front on Russia is preferred. Although the focus has been primarily on what’s unfolding in Ukraine, it isn’t the only foreign policy challenge that awaits the United States this year. Counselor to the U.S. Department of State Derek Chollet joins Doug to unpack the ongoing Ukraine crisis and the challenges and successes for the Biden administration's foreign policy. Fiona Hill. Putin Has the U.S. Right Where He Wants It. New York Times.RussianPerspective. Putin's famous Munich Speech 2007 [Video]. YouTube.

The New Year is looking to be nothing short of busy as President Biden will begin his second year in office. From the ongoing crisis with Russia and Ukraine to focusing on U.S.-China relations, foreign policy is expected to be a big focus for the Biden administration. These foreign policy issues and several others could also play a crucial role in the 2022 midterm elections. So, what will this year bring for Biden’s foreign policy?In the first episode of the New Year, POLITICO reporter and anchor of the National Security Daily newsletter Alex Ward joins Doug to unpack the major foreign policy issues Biden faces in the New Year. Plus, Alex hands out grades for Biden's first year in office. Be sure to subscribe to the National Security Daily newsletter for more national security and foreign policy reporting.  George Perkovich and Karim Sadjadpour. What's at Stake in the Iran Nuclear Talks. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.Rachael Bade and Ryan Lizza. Welcome to 2022. POLITICO Playbook.Alexander Ward and Quint Forgey. Did 2021 expose America's limits? National Security Daily. 

With an increased buildup of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border, the threat of a Russian invasion has alarmed the United States and its NATO allies. For years, Russia and Ukraine have clashed along the border, especially as Ukraine has shifted more toward the West instead of aligning itself with Russia. Last Tuesday, President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call where Biden sought to de-escalate tensions. If tensions continue to escalate, will Ukraine be facing a full-on invasion?  In this episode, Ukrainian native and Tufts University Professor Oxana Shevel joins Doug to unpack the Russia-Ukraine border standoff.Coffee or Die Magazine. Ukrainians Prepare for Russian Invasion [Video]. YouTube.

Since 2006, Mexico has been locked in a deadly war on drugs. As drug cartels grow increasingly emboldened with their attacks on civil society, the pressure is on Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to rein in what seems to be a forever war. Meanwhile, corruption penetrates all levels of Mexico’s government while the conflict is a significant push factor for thousands of Mexicans fleeing to the U.S. border. This comes amid recent talks between U.S. and Mexican officials to revamp their security cooperation to address these and other issues. In this episode, Beatriz Magaloni joins Doug to unpack Mexico’s war on drugs and how the violent conflict finds its way home to the United States.Beatriz Magaloni. "Institutionalized Police Brutality: Torture, the Militarization of Security and the Reform of Inquisitorial Criminal Justice in Mexico." Beatriz Magaloni. "Living in Fear: The Dynamics of Extortion in Mexico’s Drug War."Beatriz Magaloni. "The Beheading of Criminal Organizations and the Dynamics of Violence in Mexico."Beatriz Magaloni. "Presidential Approval and Public Security in Mexico’s War on Crime"