In this episode, we revisit the classics of geopolitical thought to understand today’s strategic rivalries. How do Halford Mackinder’s Heartland theory and Nicholas Spykman’s Rimland theory still shape global power politics? We explore the modern contest over Eurasia—where Russia, China, and the United States each seek to define the region’s future. From Russia’s use of the Heartland concept and the Russkiy Mir narrative in its approach to Ukraine, to China’s Belt and Road Initiative as both a continental and maritime power play, these enduring ideas frame much of 21st‑century strategy.
We also examine how Atlantic powers like Germany and the United Kingdom interpret these theories differently—revealing deep-seated divides in transatlantic behavior from the Iraq War to current global realignments.
Subscribe to Diplomacy and International Relations for more in‑depth discussions on how classical ideas continue to shape modern world politics. Follow this link: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe
Explore the challenges facing global democracy in today's interconnected world. This episode examines how civil society organizations, social movements, and human rights advocacy groups are responding to democratic backsliding and threats to political participation. We discuss the critical role of global governance in supporting democratic institutions and analyze how civil society can strengthen democratic resilience against authoritarian pressures.
Key topics covered:
• The state of global democracy and emerging threats
• Civil society's role in defending democratic values
• Political participation and civic engagement strategies
• How social movements drive democratic change
• Human rights advocacy in challenging political environments
• Global governance mechanisms for democracy support
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Explore how Denmark is redefining the future of diplomacy in Asia, transforming traditional alliances into a cutting-edge network focused on green technology, economic innovation, and mutual prosperity. This episode reveals how Denmark leverages its global leadership in sustainability to meet Asia’s urgent demand for green transition solutions, unlocking vast market opportunities for Danish companies and accelerating sustainable development throughout the region.
We break down Denmark’s nuanced, country-specific strategies:
With China, Denmark balances robust trade and pragmatic “de-risking” to manage economic and security risks.
India is a key partner in Denmark’s transformative Green Strategic Partnership, driving technological innovation to tackle climate challenges.
In ASEAN, Denmark engages through multilateral diplomacy, recognizing Southeast Asia’s central role in regional governance.
Hear insights from leading experts and discover how Danish businesses are strategically adapting to global shifts, with 49% considering or actively reducing dependency on China and embracing the “China Plus One” approach for supply chain diversification into India and Vietnam.
Against a backdrop of divergent European policies in the Indo-Pacific, Denmark faces fundamental diplomatic tensions—yet positions itself for influence with its 2025 EU Presidency and upcoming UN Security Council seat. Tune in for an essential guide to Denmark’s dynamic 21st-century diplomacy, bridging Europe and Asia.
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Discover why the security dilemma remains one of the most crucial concepts in international relations and political science. In this episode, we break down the origins and core theories behind the security dilemma—from classical realism to contemporary debates—and analyze how it drives arms races, mistrust, and unintended conflict between states.
Our in-depth discussion covers famous case studies such as the Cold War, US-China relations, and current tensions in Eastern Europe, showing how states’ attempts to increase their own security often provoke anxiety and countermeasures from others. We explore key theorists like John Herz and Robert Jervis, the paradoxes of deterrence, and practical strategies for resolving security dilemmas in a globalized world.
Ideal for students, researchers, diplomats, and anyone interested in security studies, this episode offers real-world insights, actionable policy tips, and a fresh perspective on international security. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes tackling the latest issues in international relations, military strategy, and global politics.
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In this episode of Diplomacy and International Relations by Bastian Friborg, we dive deep into the power structures shaping the global economy through Marxist and critical theory lenses. Explore provocative frameworks like dependency theory and world-systems analysis, which challenge mainstream economic narratives and reveal the underlying dynamics driving global inequality.
We discuss key theorists including Andre Gunder Frank and Emmanuel Wallerstein, unravel the concepts of core, periphery, and semi-periphery nations, and analyze mechanisms like resource extraction, unequal exchange, and financial subordination. Special attention is paid to Robert W. Cox’s neogramscian approach and Alf Hornborg’s ecological critique, which connects economic power to the physical transfer of energy and resources.
Whether you’re curious about the historical roots of global capitalism or the structural challenges to sustainability and equity, this episode is packed with questions and insights for policymakers, students, and anyone interested in international political economy.
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In this episode of Diplomacy and International Relations by Bastian Friborg, looks beyond the usual power politics and discover the hidden structures shaping our world. We explore how feminist international relations (FIR) and post-colonial theory reveal the often-invisible gendered and racial systems underlying global politics: from war and diplomacy to economic power.
Learn how concepts like war, security, and sovereignty are influenced by gender and race, and why understanding these forces is vital for anyone interested in the true workings of international relations today. Hear insightful discussions of foundational texts like Cynthia Enloe’s Bananas, Beaches and Bases and Edward Said’s Orientalism. We examine real-world cases—including France’s feminist foreign policy and reputation management in the Central African Republic—illustrating the tension between genuine change and superficial branding.
Whether you are a student, expert, or newcomer to IR, this episode delivers nuanced perspectives on identity, power, decolonization, and intersectionality. Subscribe for more deep dives into international affairs, and don’t forget to rate us five stars to help others discover these important conversations!
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Look into this episode as we explore Liberal Institutionalism and its practical relevance in today's world of international diplomacy. Join Bastian Friborg and guests as they unpack the theories of Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye, delving into how countries achieve complex, sustained cooperation—even when there's no major global power enforcing order. We break down essential concepts like complex interdependence, the role of international regimes, and institutional capacity building with a real-world focus on EU integration. Discover how regimes and institutions shape trust, reduce vulnerability, and foster global cooperation.
Key topics include:
Liberal institutionalism vs. neorealism: Lasting cooperation & stability beyond superpowers
Complex interdependence framework: Interstate, transgovernmental, and transnational relations
Institutional mechanics: Building trust, reducing transaction costs, and extending cooperation
Power dynamics: Soft power, sensitivity, and vulnerability in global politics
EU Twinning program: Concrete example of institutional capacity building
Strategic insights: How vulnerability and institutional ties can change state behavior
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In this episode, we unpack one of the most influential theoretical debates in modern International Relations: the rise of constructivism as a challenge to the materialist and individualist assumptions of neorealism and neoliberalism. The discussion begins by laying out the core tenets of constructivism, highlighting how it reframes our understanding of power, identity, and global order.
From there, the episode delves into the deep philosophical foundations of the theory—examining the ontological divide between materialism and idealism, the enduring agent–structure problem, and the epistemological tensions between scientific and interpretive approaches to studying world politics.
Building on this philosophical groundwork, Bastian explores key analytical concepts such as the cultures of anarchy, identity formation, and the role of norms in shaping international behavior—revealing how these ideas bridge theory and practice. The episode concludes with a balanced assessment of constructivism’s contributions, its limitations, and the challenges it continues to face within the broader field of International Relations.
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Understanding Realism: The Power Struggle at the Heart of International Relations
Dive into the enduring tradition of Realism—one of the most influential frameworks for interpreting world politics. In this episode, we break down the essential ideas at the core of Realist thinking, exploring how states navigate a global arena defined by competition, power, and insecurity under anarchy. Discover the three main branches of Realism:
Classical Realism, which roots the drive for power in human nature,
Neorealism, which sees state behavior as shaped by the anarchic structure of the international system,
Neoclassical Realism, which adds the importance of leaders and domestic politics as filters for systemic pressures.
We unravel the fierce debate within Neorealism between Defensive and Offensive Realists: Are states merely seeking security and survival, or are they locked in a relentless pursuit of power and dominance? Learn why concepts like Anarchy, the Security Dilemma, and the Balance of Power remain central to explaining conflict and alliance-building between nations.
Finally, we examine how Realism is adapting in a rapidly changing world—facing the "unipolar anomaly" of U.S. dominance after the Cold War, and evolving to address today’s complex global challenges. Whether you’re new to international relations or a seasoned analyst, this episode offers a clear and insightful guide to the Realist tradition and its relevance today.
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Follow the show and together we will explore the dynamics of ASEAN navigating US-China rivalry in this comprehensive analysis of Southeast Asian geopolitics. This episode examines how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations balances regional diplomacy amid intensifying power competition between the United States and China. Discover ASEAN's strategic approach to international relations, the challenges of maintaining strategic balance in a multipolar world, and the implications for regional diplomacy. We analyze recent developments in US-China rivalry, ASEAN's diplomatic initiatives under Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship, and the evolving landscape of Southeast Asian geopolitics. Learn about power competition strategies, regional diplomacy mechanisms, and how ASEAN countries navigate between major powers while preserving sovereignty and promoting regional stability.
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Press play and let us explore the relevance of Francis Fukuyama's groundbreaking essay 'The End of History' in this comprehensive historical analysis. This episode examines Fukuyama End of History theory and its implications for liberal democracy, modern political theory, and contemporary global trends.
Together we look into international relations discourse as we assess whether Fukuyama's thesis about the triumph of liberal democratic ideals still holds relevance today. Our analysis covers the evolution of political systems, challenges to democratic governance, and the ongoing debate in modern political theory circles.
Key topics include:
• Fukuyama End of History thesis and its core arguments
• Liberal democracy's current state and future prospects
• Modern political theory perspectives on historical development
• Global trends challenging or supporting Fukuyama's predictions
• International relations implications for today's world
• Historical analysis methodology and contemporary relevance
Whether you're a student of political science, international relations enthusiast, or curious about democracy's future, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most influential works in modern political theory.
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Celebrating the UN's 80th Birthday
As the United Nations turns 80, we celebrate eight decades of global dialogue, peace-building, and humanitarian leadership. Since 1945, the UN has stood as the world's essential forum for international cooperation, tackling everything from poverty and conflict to human rights and climate action. Despite facing profound geopolitical paralysis, financial shortfalls, and mounting global challenges, the UN’s enduring presence reminds us that a cooperative, peaceful future can only be built together. Today, even as the organization faces tough questions about its effectiveness, we honor its indispensable legacy and ongoing mission to bring nations together in pursuit of a better world.
Is the UN Still the World’s Best Last Hope?
As the United Nations marks its milestone 80th anniversary, it’s not just a moment of celebration—it’s a moment of reckoning. With the institution "on its knees," torn between escalating global crises and waning financial support, the very future of the UN hangs in the balance. Secretary-General António Guterres’s bold UN80 reform agenda seeks to breathe new life into the organization, but not everyone is convinced that more efficiency means better outcomes—especially with core missions like human rights already stretched thin. What happens when even peacekeeping fails, great power rivalries paralyze action, and the world’s only true global forum risks losing its way?
Join us in this special episode as we ask: Can the UN adapt to the 21st century, or is its role as the world’s last, best hope fading? Tune in to unpack the high-stakes debate shaping the future of global cooperation.
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Listen now! Together we will explore the relationship between climate conflict and peacebuilding in this comprehensive episode on environmental security and global diplomacy. Discover how climate change acts as a threat multiplier, intensifying resource competition and challenging traditional conflict resolution approaches.
This episode will look into:
• Climate conflict dynamics and environmental security threats
• Innovative peacebuilding strategies for climate-related disputes
• International cooperation frameworks for addressing resource competition
• Global diplomacy efforts in environmental conflict resolution
• Real-world case studies of climate-induced conflicts and successful interventions
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Explore Denmark's pioneering role in the European sustainability revolution. This episode examines how Denmark's green transition is setting the standard for renewable energy adoption across Europe, showcasing Nordic innovation in environmental policy and climate leadership.
Discover how Danish green diplomacy is influencing EU climate strategies, from cutting-edge renewable energy technologies to comprehensive environmental policy frameworks. We analyze Denmark's approach to balancing economic growth with sustainability goals, making it a model for climate leadership in the Nordic region and beyond.
Key topics include:
• Denmark green transition initiatives and their European impact
• European sustainability frameworks and Nordic innovation
• Renewable energy breakthroughs and climate leadership strategies
• Environmental policy development and green diplomacy
• The role of Nordic countries in global sustainability efforts
This deep dive into Denmark's environmental leadership provides essential insights for understanding how small nations can drive continental change in the fight against climate change.
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Explore Denmark's comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking in this detailed examination of the country's sustained political commitment since 2002. This episode analyzes Denmark's fight against human trafficking through systematic policy development, international cooperation, and innovative enforcement strategies that have made it a European leader in anti-trafficking efforts.
Discover how Denmark has transformed anti-trafficking initiatives into lasting political priorities through successive National Action Plans (NAPs) and strategic partnerships. We examine the evolution of Danish anti-trafficking policy, enforcement mechanisms, and the intersection of human rights advocacy with practical law enforcement in Nordic countries.
Key topics covered:
• Denmark fight against human trafficking policy evolution since 2002
• National Action Plans (NAPs) and systematic policy frameworks
• International cooperation and Nordic anti-trafficking strategies
• Law enforcement innovations and victim protection systems
• European collaboration in combating transnational trafficking
• Policy effectiveness and lessons for other nations
• Human rights integration in anti-trafficking approaches
This comprehensive analysis provides essential insights into how sustained political commitment and strategic partnerships can create effective anti-trafficking frameworks that serve as models for international cooperation.
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In this episode, we dive into Denmark’s evolving journey on human rights and sustainable development, tracing how the country aligns its domestic policies with its international commitments. We explore how Denmark positions itself as a global leader—advancing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and upholding core standards under the Convention Against Torture—through a mix of legislative reforms, international advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
We unpack the paradox that is the European energy and climate sector.
Take a listen.
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This extra and free episode looks at the United Nations Generel Assembly's decision to point at a path for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the key trends, challenges, and policy shifts within the European Union's asylum and migration system. Drawing insights from the EUAA Asylum Report 2024 and other authoritative sources, we provide listeners with a concise yet thorough briefing on the critical developments shaping the EU's approach to migration.
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This episode looks into the intricate relationship between culture and international relations. We dissect the multifaceted concept of "culture" as it pertains to global interactions, critically examining the limitations of "soft power" as a tool for influence.
Furthermore, we analyze the contentious "clash of civilizations" theory, situating these discussions within the broader framework of critical perspectives in international relations theory.
Join us as we unravel the complexities of cultural dynamics in shaping the international landscape.
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