Talk Eastern Europe
Talk Eastern Europe is your weekly deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. Hosted by Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi, and Nina Panikova, this podcast brings you expert analysis, thought-provoking commentary, and engaging interviews on the region's most pressing issues.From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the rise of populism and the challenges of European integration, we explore the complexities of the region and the forces shaping its future. Join us as we delve into the latest news and trends, uncovering the stories that matter most to Central and Eastern Europe.Support the podcast. Join our patreon...
Fri, April 11, 2025
Episode 218: A new government responds to deadly corruption in North Macedonia
Adam, Nina, and Alexandra are finally back together to discuss some news from the region. They cover the latest military draft in Russia, ongoing strikes in Ukraine, Hungary's decision to pull out of the International Criminal Court, and Adam gives his perspective on developments on the Polish-Belarusian border. For the deep dive, Alexandra speaks with Ognen Vangelov, Assistant Professor at University American College-Skopje in North Macedonia and a research fellow at Queen's University's Centre for the Study of Democracy and Diversity. They talk about the Macedonian government's response to a tragic nightclub fire on March 16th, which killed 59 young people, and long-standing concerns with corruption in the country. Ognen also takes stock of the government's overall performance in its first year in office, diving deep into the country's political scene. Check out the exclusive Patreon bonus content - North Macedonia's geopolitical realignment in a region on tenterhooks Support the podcast - become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, April 03, 2025
Episode 217: EU enlargement is getting hijacked
To start of the episode, Adam and Alexandra talk about the prospect of foreign troop deployment in Ukraine, a historic border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, a further crackdown against opposition in Georgia, and the fleeing of Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik to Moscow. Alexandra is then joined by policy analyst Alejandro Esteso Pérez, who specializes in the Western Balkans, EU enlargement, corruption, and authoritarianism. Alejandro shares findings from his latest research on how illiberal leaders in the region have instrumentalized and "illiberalized" the EU enlargement policy for their own, anti-democratic gains. You can check out his research on the subject here: https://www.europeum.org/en/articles-and-publications/policy-paper-illiberalising-eu-enlargement-to-the-western-balkans/ In our bonus episode , Alexandra and Alejandro discuss the elections in Kosovo, which took place in February 2025, including what they could mean for domestic politics and the future of "normalization" talks with Serbia given the new geopolitical landscape in Europe and the US. Check out the bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-217-test-125838495
Thu, March 27, 2025
Episode 216: The fight for a free Belarus continues
Nina and Alexandra open the episode by discussing the ongoing negotiations in Riyadh between the US, Russia and Ukraine and providing an overdue update on the deteriorating situation for civil society and media in Georgia. They then talk about a potential final agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the assault of a journalist in Serbia. For the main interview, Nina and Alexandra spoke with Leanid Marozau, the Head of the Legal Department and the Advisor on Legal Affairs to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces in exile. Together they discuss the latest political updates in Belarus and also the ongoing work of the democratic opposition outside the country. You can check out #bysol or Viasna if you'd like to support fundraising efforts for Belarusians - including political prisoners. Bonus content: What do Belarusian youth think? This week's bonus content for the TEE patrons features a short conversation with Leanid Marozau from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's office. Leanid talks with Nina and Alexandra about youth both in Belarus and in the Belarusian diaspora. Listen to the bonus discussion here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-216-125301901 Support the podcast – become a TEE Patron! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, March 20, 2025
Episode 215: Why Putin doesn’t want peace
In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start by discussing the latest news from the region – including the fallout from the tragic fire which killed 59 people in North Macedonia as well as the massive protests which took place in Belgrade over the weekend. They also look at developments in Hungary as the opposition leader appears to be gaining momentum, while the government outlaws Budapest Pride. Later, Adam is joined by Konstantin von Eggert, an independent journalist and political analyst and weekly columnist on Russian affairs for Deutsche Welle. Adam and Konstantin discuss the Trump/Putin phone call which was set to take place this week, the overall process and what are Putin’s aims in these so-called negotiations. Konstantin also shares his view on Europe’s reactions and the current European understanding of the threat. Go even deeper – check out the latest commentaries on the New Eastern Europe website: “A Zeitenwende comes from Washington: how long-term trends shaped a new politics” by: Valerii Pekar: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/14/a-zeitenwende-comes-from-washington-how-long-term-trends-shaped-a-new-politics/ “As a major military power, Ukraine has options” by: Kerel Dysler: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/18/as-a-major-military-power-ukraine-has-options/ “Europe in the age of uncertainty”, by: Tony van der Togt, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/11/22/europe-in-the-age-of-uncertainty/ Support the podcast – become a TEE Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
Thu, March 13, 2025
Episode 214: Scapegoating civil society in Central and Eastern Europe
In this episode, Adam and Nina kick off with the latest headlines, including Ukraine’s ceasefire deal in exchange for renewed US military and intelligence aid, plus a NATO military chiefs’ meeting in Paris. They also break down what’s happening in Romania, the online clash between Poland’s Foreign Minister and Elon Musk, and wrap up with updates from Azerbaijan. Later, Alexandra and Nina chat with Zuzana Pavlíčková, a human rights lawyer and Fulbright Scholar under the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at the American University Washington College of Law. Zuzana dives into the crucial role civil society has played in the region—and why governments see it as a threat today. They take a step back to unpack what civil society actually is before getting into foreign agent laws and why they’re so controversial. In the bonus content, Zuzana takes a closer look at foreign agent laws in Bulgaria, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia, and Russia—exploring what they have in common and where they differ. Listen to our bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-214-124276657
Thu, March 06, 2025
Episode 213: Book talk: Europe without borders: A history
Nina and Alexandra open this episode with a discussion on the latest news, including the fallout from last week’s oval office meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They also briefly touch on the political situation in Romania, Serbia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the conviction of Milorad Dodik which is being challenged by Republika Srbska. Later, Adam is joined by Isaac Stanley-Becker, an investigative reporter who has reported from across Europe and the United States. He earned his PhD in history from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He is the author of the book “Europe without Borders: A History”. Isaac discusses the history of the Schengen agreement, its impact on Europe and how Europeanattitudes towards borders have changed, including in the sphere of defence. In the bonus content Isaac and Adam discuss the disarray in Transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration and what it will take to repair them. Listen to our bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123769540 Learn more about the book here: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691261768/europe-without-borders
Fri, February 28, 2025
Episode 212: Three years since the invasion: Ukrainian perseverance and global shifts
This special episode marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The three co-hosts are joined by a group of Talk Eastern Europe patrons and Iryna Krasnoshtan, an analyst and foreign policy expert from the International Center for Ukrainian Victory. Together, they reflect on how three years of war have reshaped life in Ukraine, discussing the tensions between the US and Ukraine, the support from European allies, and the impact of the USAID funding freeze on Ukrainian civil society and humanitarian groups. Iryna also shares ways listeners can continue supporting Ukraine and highlights what the country needs most from its European allies at this critical time. If you want to keep supporting Ukraine, here are some ways you can help: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/02/24/ukraine-under-attack-how-to-help/ In our bonus content for patrons, the discussion continues as those who joined the call ask their own questions about Ukraine’s future. Do you want to listen in? Become a patron and tune in here: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, February 21, 2025
Episode 211: Evolution of East European Cinema
In this episode, the three co-hosts discuss key takeaways from the Munich Security Conference and a historic meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They also touch on the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, Serbia’s Statehood Day, developments in Georgia, and promising news from North Macedonia. Later, Nina speaks with Konstanty Kuzma and Moritz Pfeifer, the founders and editors of the East European Film Bulletin. They discuss the historical evolution of cinema in Eastern Europe, the current state of the region’s film industry, and where listeners can watch films from Eastern Europe today. In the bonus content, Konstanty and Moritz shed light on major changes in the film industry following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Listen to the bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-211-122769663 Check out the East European Film Bulletin: https://eefb.org/ Films and Festivals mentioned in the interview: Significant films from the region: Man with a Movie Camera – Dziga Vertov Daisies – Věra Chytilová Directors to revisit: Harutyun Khachatryan, Kira Muratova, Wojciech Wiszniewski Films to watch for in 2025: Waves – Jiří Mádl (CZ, SK) Flow – Gints Zilbalodis (LV, BE, FR) Kontinental '25 – Radu Jude (RO, HU, DE) Człowiek do Wszystkiego – Anna and Wilhelm Sasnal (PL) Jupiter – Andrey Zvyagintsev (RU, FR, ES) Silent Friend – Ildikó Enyedi (HU, FR, DE, HK) Spetsialna Operatsiia – Oleksiy Radinsky (UA, LT) Film festivals in the region: Golden Apricot International Film Festival – Yerevan, Armenia Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic Sarajevo Film Festival – Bosnia and Herzegovina Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival – Estonia 25fps Zagreb – Croatia (focusing on experimental films and arts) Specialized film festivals focusing on Eastern European cinema: GoEast Film Festival –Wiesbaden, Germany BEAST International Film Festival – Porto, Portugal Eastern Neighbours Film Festival – The Hague, Netherlands À l’Est Film Festival – Rouen, France CinEast Film Festival – Luxembourg South East European Film Festival – Los Angeles, USA
Fri, February 14, 2025
Episode 210: Deep dive into Kosovo's independence and statehood
At the start of this episode, Adam, Nina, and Alexandra discuss developments in the Georgian opposition, the shifting US stance on Ukraine, cultural anecdotes from Russia, the resignation of the Romanian president and the Baltics' energy decoupling. For the main interview, Alexandra is joined by James Kerr-Lindsay, a leading author and expert in international relations, conflict and security to discuss the case of Kosovo, which declared its independence on February 17th 2008. They talk about what happened in the lead up to Kosovo's declaration of independence and what makes Kosovo a unique case under international law. You can watch more of James's content on his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEszqJb1FjYisBevHBIof3g Get access to additional content - become a TEE patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
Fri, February 07, 2025
Episode 209: Book talk: Reassessing Russia’s Security Policy
In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start out by taking a look at the latest developments in the region, including the protests in Serbia, the impact of USAID funding cuts in the region, including in Ukraine, as well as a new energy deal between the European Commission and Moldova. Later, Adam is joined by Nurlan Aliyev, an expert on security issues, a lecturer in the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw and author of the recently released book: Reassessing Russia's Security Policy published by Routledge. More on the book : https://bit.ly/42NbG06 Watch the conversation with Nurlan Aliyev on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KTJzbfhxkzA Don’t forget to check out our Exclusive TEE Bonus Content on the protests in Serbia: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-121401661 Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
Thu, January 30, 2025
Episode 208: Foreign interference in Europe and the case of Romania
In this episode, the three co-hosts Adam Reichardt, Nina Panikova and Alexandra Karppi start with some discussion about the ongoing protests in Serbia and Slovakia. They also discuss the results of last weekend’s president “election” in Belarus. Later, Adam and Alexandra are joined by Oktawian Milewski - a political scientist specialising in Central and East European studies and author of the recently published article “Countering FIMI. A review of seven countries under the Beacon Project” available on New Eastern Europe ’s web site. They discuss the role of foreign interference and malign influence (FIMI) in Europe, especially from Russia and put it in the context of the recently annulled presidential election in Romania. Read more: “Countering FIMI. A review of seven countries under the Beacon Project” Oktawian Milewski, New Eastern Europe 15 January 2025: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/01/15/countering-fimi-a-review-of-seven-countries-under-the-beacon-project/ Become a patron and join our community of supporters! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, January 24, 2025
Episode 207: Ukraine on the eve of Trump 2.0
Happy New Year from Talk Eastern Europe! In their first episode back from the winter break, Adam, Nina and Alexandra bring listeners up to speed on Donald Trump's inauguration in the United States, presidential elections in Belarus and Croatia, and the ongoing protests in Georgia and Serbia. For the main interview, Alexandra and freelance journalist Mark Temnycky recap the war in Ukraine in 2024 and discuss what to expect in 2025. Mark shares insights on Ukraine’s heroic gains, cracks in Russia's offensive and what we know (and don't know) about the future of western support to Ukraine. Want to stay up to date on the latest from the region – sign up for the Brief Eastern Europe newsletter: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/ Support the podcast, get access to additional content: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Sun, December 29, 2024
Episode 206: Poland prepares to take over the EU presidency
Co-hosted by: Adam Reichardt, Nina Panikova In this final episode of 2024, Adam and Nina discuss the key developments from the region in 2024, what to expect in 2025, and point out their favorite episodes from the year (see below). Later, Adam is joined by Tomasz Zając, an analyst at the European Union Programme at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM). Tomasz discusses the upcoming Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union. He highlights the Polish priorities and what to expect to see on the EU agenda in the next six months. Check out the PISM Podcast – “ Tu Mówi PISM ” Further reading: “Europe in the Shadow of War: Poland Takes Over EU Council Presidency” by Tomasz Zając: https://www.pism.pl/publications/europe-in-the-shadow-of-war-poland-takes-over-eu-council-presidency “It's all about security” published in the Brief Eastern Europe newsletter: https://briefeasterneurope.beehiiv.com/p/december-23-2024 Favorite episodes of 2024: Episode 180: In the own words. Former Belarusian political prisoners share their experiences Episode 190: Book Talk. Goodbye Eastern Europe Episode 193: Spies, sabotage and Russia-West relations Ep. 194: Life in Orban’s "Masterplan" Thank you to all of our patrons for helping us reach our goal of 60 patrons this year! Join our community here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, December 19, 2024
Episode 205: Decolonising Ukraine. Standing up to Russian imperial narratives
Co-hosted by: Adam Reichardt, Nina Panikova and Alexandra Karppi In this episode, our co-hosts start with the latest news developments from Serbia, Ukraine and Georgia. Later in the episode, Nina chats with Julia Ivanochko, Editor-in-Chief of Ukraїner po polsku , the Polish-language edition of Ukraїner . They dive into Ukraine’s experience with Russian colonialism, how it compares to Western ideas of colonialism, and the main narratives about Ukraine that still linger today. Julia also shares her thoughts on how Ukraine is pushing back against these imperial narratives and working towards true national sovereignty. For those keen to delve deeper, Julia recommends the book Imperial Knowledge: Russian Literature and Colonialism by Ewa Thompson: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1620644.Imperial_Knowledge In exclusive bonus content for our Patrons , Julia shares how contemporary Ukrainian artists are reclaiming their cultural heritage in the face of historical cultural erasure and the challenges posed by the ongoing war. Make sure to check out Ukraїner , a media platform offering unique stories, videos, and photography about Ukraine’s historical regions and its cultural context abroad: https://www.ukrainer.net/en/ You can also listen to their podcast Decolonisation , a series that explores why countering Russian imperial influence is essential for the future of global democracy. Listen in English via YouTube and Spotify , in Polish via YouTube and Spotif y and in Czech via YouTube and Spotify .
Sat, December 14, 2024
Episode 204: Book Talk: Fjaka: A season for Croatia
In this episode, all three hosts discuss a turbulent week in the region, starting with the Romanian Constitutional Court’s decision to annul the presidential election, followed by developments in Ukraine and Georgia. They also celebrate Bulgaria and Romania’s entry into the EU Schengen Area. Later, Alexandra and Nina talk with Aleksandra Wojtaszek, a Polish translator and journalist, about her book Fjaka: A Season for Croatia . They delve into topics like tourism, the recent war, and the Dalmatian concept of fjaka—a state of relaxation and acceptance. The interview offers a deeper look at Croatia beyond its beaches, weaving a vivid narrative of its history and culture. In exclusive content for Patrons, Aleksandra speaks about Croatian language and she examines whether the breakup of Serbo-Croatian into distinct Croatian and Serbian languages mirrors the broader cultural and political desire for differentiation. Aleksandra’s book: Fjaka: A Season for Croatia can be found here in Polish language: https://czarne.com.pl/katalog/ksiazki/fjaka and here in Slovak: https://www.absynt.sk/fjaka Become a patron, join us at: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, December 06, 2024
Episode 203: In Albania, past trauma still haunts the present
In this episode, Alexandra and Nina start off with updates about the massive pro-EU protests across Georgia, speak about the recent explosion in the northern part of Kosovo, and touch upon election-related developments in Romania and Bulgaria. They close with news from Croatia, where the Health Minister was arrested on corruption charges brought by the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Later, Adam is joined by Fatos Lubonja, a writer and critic based in Albania. Fatos is a significant voice in Albanian literature and intellectual circles, known for his piercing critiques of totalitarianism and staunch advocacy for democracy and human rights. They discuss his works which were not only published in Albanian but also in English and most recently in Polish. Fatos also discusses how the 17 years he spent in Albania’s communist prisons has impacted his literature. Finally they talk about the current perspectives in Albania, including its EU integration. His book “Second Sentence. Inside the Albanian Gulag” can be found here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/second-sentence-9781845119249/ You can watch the recent discussion at Columbia University on EU Enlargement in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine, featuring TEE’s Alexandra and Adam, here: https://www.youtube.com/live/nhb6hlt5Rdk?si=PpAEgzxQIB4TfWJk Become a patron, join us at: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, November 29, 2024
Episode 202: How Belarusians organize in exile. The case of Poland
In this episode, Alexandra and Nina delve into the surprising results of the first round of Romania's presidential elections and examine the latest developments in Serbia following the collapse of the Novi Sad train station. They also discuss news from Ukraine and Russia and conclude with some uplifting developments from Northern Macedonia. Later in the episode, Adam is joined by Hleb Liapeika, a former journalist who now coordinates communication efforts for the Belarusian diaspora in Krakow, Poland. Together, they explore how the diaspora is organised in Krakow and other locations, as well as their hopes for eventually returning to Belarus. For listeners in New York, don’t miss the chance to join Adam, Alexandra, and other excellent guests at an event on Monday, 2 December 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Find more details here: https://events.columbia.edu/cal/event/eventView.do?b=de&calPath=%2Fpublic%2Fcals%2FMainCal&guid=CAL-00bbdb70-930b0472-0193-0caeba8d-0000346aevents%40columbia.edu&recurrenceId&fbclid=IwY2xjawG1O95leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRp-0BkSJ_8WZP5qRv8hf_FJfqPpOaBp65OpIUqPVx2hopM50cURy-ZM_g_aem_kqV5w554ibE41SNeZVQN8w
Fri, November 22, 2024
Episode 201: COP29 in the context of crackdowns in Azerbaijan
In this episode, Alexandra, Adam, and Nina discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, protests in Abkhazia, and the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia. They also reflect on the 35th anniversary of the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution and other key events of 1989. Adam and Nina are later joined by Leyla Mustafayeva, acting editor-in-chief of Abzas Media, who shares insights into Azerbaijan’s crackdown on civil society and media, including the use of the 29th UN Climate Summit to silence critics. Leyla also discusses Abzas Media’s work in exile. In exclusive content for Patrons, Leyla talks about Azerbaijan’s relationship with Russia and her experience as an independent journalist in exile. Listen to it and become a Patron here: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope . Leyla also highlights Anar Mammadli, a political prisoner and human rights advocate, who has been in pre-trial detention since April. His detention was extended on 19 November for another three months. You can support his campaign to end repression in Azerbaijan here: https://free-anar.site/anar-mammadli/ .
Fri, November 15, 2024
Episode 200: Impact of Trump’s election in Central and Eastern Europe
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUqj40e3GDQ In this special episode which was live streamed on November 14th 2024, Adam, Alexandra and Nina start off with a roundup of the news, discussing Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan Georgia, Serbia and Albania. Later, they are joined by our guests Zsuzsanna Végh and Pavel Havlíček. They discuss the consequences of the election of Donald Trump in the United States for Central and Eastern Europe. They also share their insights on the political situation in Hungary and Czechia. About the guests: - Zsuzsanna Végh is a program officer at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Her analytical focus is on Central and Eastern Europe, especially the foreign and EU policies of the Visegrád countries, the state of democracy, and the role and impact of the populist radical right in the region. - Pavel Havlíček is Research Fellow at the Association for International Affairs (AMO). His research focus is on Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine and Russia, and the Eastern Partnership. He also deals with questions of security, disinformation and strategic communication as well as democratisation and civil society support in the CEE and post-Soviet space. Support the podcast – become a Talk Eastern Europe Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope and listen to our podcasts ad free!
Thu, November 07, 2024
Episode 199: Georgian Dream’s hold tightens: What’s next?
*Disclaimer – this podcast was recorded before the results of the US election were announced* In this episode, Alexandra is back and joins Adam with a brief discussion on the latest news in the region. First they discuss the US elections – recorded on election day – and what might the vote mean for Central and Eastern Europe, especially Russia’s war in Ukraine. They briefly examine European Commission’s latest report on enlargement and its assessment of the progress in the Western Balkans. Later, Alexandra and Adam are joined by Tinatin Japaridze, an analyst with Eurasia Group. She is a specialist in geopolitics and security in Eurasia, with a particular focus on the Russia-Ukraine war. She also leads the firm's coverage of Georgia and Azerbaijan, including the countries' domestic and foreign policies, reforms, and leaderships. They discuss the most recent parliamentary elections in Georgia, whether they were free and fair, what the opposition can do next and the reaction of the international community. For further reading: “Georgia, Moldova and Bulgaria are counting on Europe’s support to resist Russia and safeguard democracy” – New Eastern Europe 30 October 2024: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/10/30/georgia-moldova-and-bulgaria-are-counting-on-europes-support-to-resist-russia-and-safeguard-democracy/ “Defending democracy in Georgia” – New Eastern Europe 24 September 2024: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/09/24/defending-democracy-in-georgia/ Check out Adam’s commentary in the latest Brief Eastern Europe: https://briefeasterneurope.beehiiv.com/p/november-4-2024 Support the podcast – help us get to 60 Patrons before 2025: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope >>> Join us on November 14th for a Live Stream of Episode 200! You can watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUqj40e3GDQ
Sat, November 02, 2024
Episode 198: Moldova clings on to its pro-EU path
In this episode, Adam and Nina start with the results of the Georgia elections. They also talk about Robert Fico’s appearance on Russia TV, Bulgaria elections and the political developments in Lithuania. Following the news, Adam and Nina interview Oktawian Milewski, is a political scientist specialising in Moldova, Romania and Central and East European studies. They discuss the results of the first round of Moldova’s presidential election and the referendum on its pro-EU path. President Maia Sandu won with the 42% of the vote and will face the 2nd place contender, pro-Russian Aleksandr Stoianoglo, in the second round of elections. In the bonus section – Oktawian takes us deeper into the regional dynamics of Moldova, discussing the situation in Transnistria, Gagauzia and other regions in the country. The bonus content can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ep-198-bonus-115208927 for further reading: “Georgia, Moldova and Bulgaria are counting on Europe’s support to resist Russia and safeguard democracy” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/10/30/georgia-moldova-and-bulgaria-are-counting-on-europes-support-to-resist-russia-and-safeguard-democracy/ “ The low-hanging fruit of European integration: Moldova’s election and the power play of energy dependency” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/10/18/the-low-hanging-fruit-of-european-integration-moldovas-election-and-the-power-play-of-energy-dependency/
Fri, October 25, 2024
Episode 197: Standing for truth. Journalism in an increasingly autocratic Slovakia
In this episode, Adam and Nina begin by discussing the results of Moldova’s simultaneous presidential election and the referendum on the country’s EU integration. They also talk about North Korea's involvement in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Quad format summit, and the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. For the main interview, Nina speaks with Lukáš Diko, the editor-in-chief at the Investigative Center of Ján Kuciak in Slovakia. Lukáš provides an overview of the major political changes the Slovak government under Robert Fico has introduced over the past year, while also shedding light on the challenging working conditions for the journalists in today’s Slovakia. Help us reach our goal of 60 patrons by the end of 2024! Join us here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, October 18, 2024
Episode 196: Ukraine at a critical point
In this episode, Adam and Nina open up with the latest news from the region, including the recent decision by Poland’s Prime Minister to stop granting asylum to refugees and the agreement between Italy and Albania to relocate migrants there. They also discuss upcoming elections in Moldova and Georgia. For the main interview, Adam sits down with Tamar Jacoby, an American reporter and the Kyiv-based director of the Progressive Policy Institute’s New Ukraine Project. They discuss the current moods in Ukraine, the upcoming US election and its impact on Ukraine and how the West can help right now. Read Tamar’s reporting on the Ukrainian drone industry: https://www.progressivepolicy.org/jacoby-for-new-york-post-ai-is-reshaping-drone-warfare-in-russia-and-ukraine-2/ Support our podcast! Join us on patreon: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, October 10, 2024
Episode 195: A wages curtain: Eastern European workers in the West
Adam and Nina begin by discussing the latest news: the floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the outcomes of the 2024 Warsaw Security Forum, protests in Hungary, and Lithuania’s decision to have the ICC investigate Lukashenka for crimes against humanity. Later, Nina interviews journalist and documentary filmmaker Apolena Rychlíková about her film Limits of Europe, which follows Saša Uhlová, an undercover journalist documenting the daily lives of Central and Eastern European migrant workers in Germany, Ireland, the UK, and France. They delve into why a million of migrant workers from Central and Eastern Europe continue to move west for higher wages and how it impacts their family lives back home. The full documentary is available in selected countries here: https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/104425-000-A/invisible/ Read more about Saša Uhlová’s undercover work in Europe in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/18/europe-west-migrants-east-undercover-jobs-workers Help us reach 60 patrons! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Check out Adam’s commentary on the Warsaw Security Forum in this week’s Brief Eastern Europe: https://briefeasterneurope.beehiiv.com/p/october-7-2024
Thu, October 03, 2024
Ep. 194: Life in Orban’s "Masterplan"
Nina and Alexandra open with the latest headlines from the region, including the de-linking of Albania and North Macedonia’s EU accession paths, the opening of the “foreign agents” registry in Georgia, diplomatic efforts by Ukraine, concerning announcements from Russia, and finally the Austrian elections. Alexandra then speaks with journalist and educator Mate Halmos about the daily reality of living in Viktor Orbán’s Hungary after 15 years of democratic backsliding and state capture. They discuss inequality between urban and rural areas, local corruption, and what has made Orbán popular among the “everyday Hungarian.” Mate also shares what makes him hopeful about Hungary’s future and how education can be a solution to the country’s increasingly absurdist and decisive political scene. To learn more about CEU’s Socrates Program, which Mate organizes: https://www.facebook.com/CEUSocrates/ https://www.ceu.edu/hu/kee/socrates-program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC4qTLccG2E https://studentengagement.ceu.edu/socrates-project-profiles Help us reach 60 patrons - join us on Patreon - www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, September 26, 2024
Episode 193: Spies, sabotage and Russia-West relations
In this podcast episode, the three hosts discuss various topics: Georgia’s anti-LGBTI legislation, the ongoing human rights crackdown in Russia, the persistent tensions between Slovakia's government and opposition, and some unexpected news from Hungary and Albania. Later in the episode, Adam and Nina welcome Mark Galeotti, a leading expert on modern Russia, its politics, intelligence services, and criminal networks. Mark shares insights into recent prisoner swaps between Russia and the West and delves into Russian spy networks operating in the West. He also introduces his latest book, co-authored with Anna Arutunyan: Downfall: Prigozhin and Putin, and the New Fight for the Future of Russia (Ebury Press 2024). Mark also hosts his own podcast and blog, In Moscow’s Shadows : https://inmoscowsshadows.buzzsprout.com/ . Other books by Mark Galeotti mentioned in this episode: Forged in War: A Military History of Russia from Its Beginnings to Today (Nov. 2024) Putin’s Wars: From Chechnya to Ukraine (2022) A Short History of Russia: How to Understand the World’s Most Complex Nation (2022) We Need to Talk About Putin (2019) In this week’s bonus content, Nina interviews Mirko Popović, Programme Director at the Belgrade-based Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute (RERI). Mirko discusses the reasons behind the protests in Serbia this August, which led to the detention of environmental activists and a crackdown on civil society. He emphasizes the crucial role of environmental protection in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law in the country. The bonus content can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-content-112754248 Help us meet our goal! We want 60 Patrons by the end of the year! Join us: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, September 19, 2024
Episode 192: Ukrainian culture at war
This episode of the podcast opens with a rundown of some of the latest news, including the floods in Central Europe, the new EU commission, developments in Slovakia, and the failing Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. For the main interview, Adam is joined by Kate Tsurkan , a reporter at the Kyiv Independent who writes on culture-related topics. They discuss how Ukraine’s culture has been affected by war by looking at Ukrainian cinema, literature, music and art. Below we include a whole list of recommendations by Kate during the podcast. Help us meet our goal! We want 60 Patrons by the end of the year! Join us: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Get deeper into culture, check out Apofenie: https://www.apofenie.com/ Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe : https://bit.ly/4daXLCI Recommendations from the podcast Films: Olha Zhurba - Songs of slow burning earth : https://filmotor.com/slow-burning-earth/ Oksana Karpovych – Intercepted : https://lightdox.com/intercepted/ Mstyslav Chernov - 20 Days in Mariupol https://20daysinmariupol.com/ Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk - Pamfir https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9455468/ Books: Tanja Maljartschuk - Forgottenness : https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324093220 Sofia Andrukhovych - Amadoka https://chytomo.com/en/simon-schuster-acquires-the-rights-to-translate-ukrainian-novel-amadoka/ Artem Cheh - Song of the open road: https://booklion.lviv.ua/en/pisnia-vidkrytoho-shliakhu/?srsltid=AfmBOooqvgp3y6QdsHIeLC9klXNkWU-Z7K6wOcUxPNWrzDsABgEpGRqd Myroslav Laiuk – Bakhmut: https://artpil.com/announcements/myr
Fri, September 13, 2024
Episode 191: Kosovo Serbs in limbo, Kosovo government untethered
Nina, Adam, and Alexandra are all back together after the August break! They open by discussing the latest US presidential debate, illegitimate elections in Russian occupied Crimea, and new developments in the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria. Alexandra then hosts three different guests to discuss the current situation in the North of Kosovo from a variety of angles, including the daily reality for the Serb community, the Kosovo government’s current orientation, and the future of the EU-led “normalization” talks. Thank you to political analyst Ognjen Gogić, activist Jovana Radosavljević, and political analyst Agon Maliqi for joining in the discussion. Recommended background listening: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-152-heightened-tensions-as-kosovo-serbia-dispute-continues-263 https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-122-whats-behind-the-tensions-between-serbia-and-kosovo-138 https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-47-can-the-us-facilitate-kosovo-serbia-normalization-445 Agon’s latest piece in S’bunker: https://sbunker.org/opinion/gracka-e-radhes-e-vuciqit/ *** Help us reach 60 patrons by the end of the year! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope ***
Thu, September 05, 2024
Episode 190: Book Talk. Goodbye Eastern Europe
Talk Eastern Europe is back after the August break! In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start with some discussion of the news headlines from the last few weeks, including Ukraine’s Kursk operation, the prisoner swap with Russia, Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia, Georgia’s foreign agent law, Azerbaijani elections, and repressions in Serbia. During the main interview Adam and Nina are joined by Jacob Mikanowski, the author of the book - Goodbye Eastern Europe. An intimate history of a divided land . He is a freelance writer and academic. The discussion takes listeners into Jacob’s book, his motivations behind writing it and what he learnt personally while writing it. Notes on the podcast: Read Bahruz Samadov’s “In the beginning was the violence” on Azerbaijan: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/08/09/in-the-beginning-was-the-violence/ Check out the book: Goodbye Eastern Europe. An intimate history of a divided land https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Eastern-Europe-Intimate-History/dp/1524748501 Become a patron! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, August 02, 2024
Episode 189: Ukraine continues the fight
Adam and Alexandra open this episode with a few updates on the news from the region, including in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Serbia. Next, Adam is joined by Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, journalist and writer and Editor-in-Chief of Ukraine World (https://ukraineworld.org/en). Volodymyr gives his insights on the current situation in Ukraine and what the current mood is there. They look at the situation on the front, Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure and how Ukrainians are preparing for the winter. Check out Volodymyr’s podcast “Explaining Ukriane” and his latest episode on the military situation with Andriy Zagorodnyuk: https://ukraineworld.org/en/podcasts/ep-320 Recommended read: “Seven favourite hidden narratives of Russian propaganda” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/07/29/seven-favourite-hidden-narratives-of-russian-propaganda/ Support Talk Eastern Europe: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, July 26, 2024
Episode 188: Hungarian politics heat up
In this episode, Adam and Nina start by sharing some good news from Armenia, where the EU Commission has announced the start of a dialogue on visa liberalisation with the country. They also cover the latest developments in Russia, Poland, and Serbia. The main interview features Zsuzsanna Végh , an analyst specialising in the European and foreign policies of Central European countries, with a particular focus on Hungary. Zsuzsanna provides an in-depth analysis of the political turbulence in Hungary over the past six months, its evolving relationship with the EU and attitudes towards the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For those interested in learning more, check out our special bonus content for patrons, where Zsuzsanna reflects on the 20th anniversary of Hungary's EU membership and the 25th anniversary of its NATO membership. She also shares her views on how Hungarians perceive these two organisations. >>> The bonus content can be accessed here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-188-108858120 In both interviews, Zsuzsanna references data from the Policy Solutions report "The World Through Hungarian Eyes - Foreign Policy Attitudes in Hungary in 2024," which you can find here: https://www.policysolutions.hu/en/news/649/world_through_hungarian_eyes_2024 Support the podcast, become a Patron!
Fri, July 19, 2024
Episode 187: NATO Celebrates its 75th anniversary amidst war in Ukraine
In this episode Adam and Nina start with some of the recent developments including the return of Robert Fico after an assassination attempt in Slovakia which also gives added context to the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump in the United States. They also discuss the latest developments in Ukraine and finally Trump’s pick for Vice President, Senator JD Vance, and how that is seen from this region. Later, Adam is joined by Wojciech Michnik - an assistant professor of International Relations and Security Studies at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków Poland and a Contributing Editor with New Eastern Europe. They go through the results of last week’s NATO Summit, what the 75th birthday means for the Alliance, and how NATO sees a possible membership for Ukraine. For more of the latest from the region check out New Eastern Europe online at: https://neweasterneurope.eu/ Support the podcast here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, July 12, 2024
Episode 186: How the CEE region sees its place in the EU and NATO
In this episode, Adam, Alexandra and Nina discuss recent horrific attacks on Ukraine, Orbans' visit to Kyiv and Moscow, and the Washington NATO summit. They also commemorate the July 11th Srebrenica massacre remembrance day and recommend a film Qua Vadis, Aida ? which dramatizes events of the Srebrenica massacre. Later, Alexandra and Nina are joined by Dominika Hajdu, the Policy Director of the Center for Democracy & Resilience at GLOBSEC, a global think-tank based in Bratislava focused on providing a better understanding of global trends and their consequences for society, economy and security. Dominika speaks about their new report GLOBSEC Trends 2024: CEE which sheds light on how nine countries of Central and Eastern Europe view EU, NATO, Russia, or China, and to what extent they support Ukraine, and whether they are satisfied with democracy or believe in manipulative narratives. You can check out GLOBSEC’s activities and website: https://www.globsec.org/ You can read the GLOBSEC Trends 2024 report: https://www.globsec.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/GLOBSEC%20TRENDS%202024.pdf Support Talk Eastern Europe here: patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, July 05, 2024
Episode 185: Lithuania as an outpost for global democracy
In this episode, the three hosts finally get back together and discuss the results of the Bulgarian elections, celebrate the opening of accession talks for Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro and speak about the recent developments in Georgia, Ukraine and Russia. Later, Alexandra and Nina are joined by Žilvinas Švedkauskas, a PhD candidate at Tübingen University and the author of the article A Newfound Hub of Global Democracy Promotion: Lithuania Playing to its Strengths where he discusses Lithuanian identity in promoting democratic values. In the interview, he shares the insights from the article but also sheds light on the results of recent elections in Lithuania. In the exclusive bonus content, which our Patrons can listen to, Žilvinas shares what is the mood in Lithuania related to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine and his insight into Russian spy scandals in Europe. The bonus content can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-185-107529843 Support the podcast become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Check out the latest edition of New Eastern Europe: www.neweasterneurope.eu
Fri, June 21, 2024
Episode 184: LGBTQI+ activism and advocacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In this episode, Alexandra and Nina start by reviewing some of the latest developments in the region, including the start of the Hungarian presidency of the EU, new sanctions against Bosnia and Herzegovina's Respublika Srpska officials, developments in Ukraine and Moldova. Later, Alexandra and Nina are joined by Emina Bošnjak, Executive Director of the Sarajevo Open Centre - a civil society organization that works on advancing LGBTI+ rights and gender equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Emina speaks about the history of the LGBTI+ movement in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans and gives insights into the current situation. This episode marks the occasion of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Pride which will take place on June 22nd in Sarajevo. Support the podcast. Visit us at: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, June 14, 2024
Episode 183: How Czech activism transformed into global humanitarian relief
In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start by reviewing some of the latest developments in the region, including the high-level Ukraine Recovery Conference, the results of the European parliamentary elections, and Russian-Armenian relations. Later, Adam and Nina are joined by Šimon Pánek, the Executive Director and one of the founders of the Czech organization “People in Need”. They discuss Šimon's journey from an activist to the executive director of one of the biggest humanitarian and human rights organizations in Central Europe. They also speak about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the reason why Czechia and its people are one of the key supporters of Ukraine in its fight for national survival. Check out the People in Need website: https://www.peopleinneed.net/ Support their efforts here: https://www.peopleinneed.net/donate/once Get the latest news from the region – sign up for the New Eastern Europe Newsletter: https://neweasterneurope.eu/newsletter/ Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, June 06, 2024
Episode 182: Georgia’s European future is at stake
In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Alexandra kick off this episode with a rundown of some of the recent developments in the region, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, recent local elections in Serbia, the upcoming European parliamentary elections and developments in Hungary and Poland. Later, Adam is joined by Vazha Tavberidze, a Georgian journalist and staff writer with RFE/RL's Georgian Service. They discuss the situation in the country surrounding the recently passed “foreign agent” law and its consequences. They also take a look at what’s next politically in the context of the upcoming elections in October. For further reading via New Eastern Europe : “Why the “Russian law” is so dangerous for Georgia” by Grigol Julukhidze and Mariam Gubievi: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/05/05/why-the-russian-law-is-so-dangerous-for-georgia/ “Georgia has now reached a crucial moment” by Jakub Bornio: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/05/20/georgia-has-now-reached-a-crucial-moment/ “Georgians want a better future” by Mark Temnycky: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/05/15/georgians-want-a-better-future/ Support us! Become a TEE patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, May 31, 2024
Episode 181: Fiction from Southeastern Europe - both unique and universal
In this episode, Alexandra and Nina start by catching up on news from the Western Balkans. They also discuss the latest developments in Georgia and Alexandra shares her impressions from a recent trip to Tbilisi. For the main interview, Alexandra talked with publisher Buzz Poole about his decades of experience working with authors from Southeastern Europe and bringing their stories to Anglophone audiences. Buzz gives listeners a “behind the scenes” look at the publishing world, shares his views on unique themes and aesthetics in fiction from this region, and makes quite a few suggestions for further reading. You can check out the titles mentioned at https://sandorfpassage.org/ For those wanting to learn more – check out our special bonus content for our patrons, featuring a conversation with Tim Schaffner of Schaffner Press about the upcoming release: The Bone Whisperers: Two Women Scientists and Their Work to Connect Lost Lives in Bosnia-Herzegovina by Taina Tervonen. Listen to it here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-181-bone-105302149 Check out New Eastern Europe online at: www.neweasterneurope.eu
Fri, May 24, 2024
Episode 180: In their own words. Former Belarusian political prisoners share their experiences
This episode opens with Adam and Nina running down the latest news in the region, including the situations in Georgia and Armenia as well as the new mobilization law in Ukraine. Nina also mentions the assassination attempt of Slovakia's Robert Fico - and we have a special longer update via our patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/exclusive-update-104836695 Later, Alexandra helps us mark the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus, by bringing us several stories from former Belarusian political prisoners and their families. Our guests discuss their experiences while imprisoned, life after release, and what the international community can do to support current and former prisoners. Talk Eastern Europe stands in solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners and would like to thank the following guests for appearing in this episode: Volha Loika Tasiana Khomich Krystsina Charankova Ksenia Syramalot Anonymous Check out these links for more information about Belarusian political prisoners and the International Day of Solidarity on May 21. You can support organizations that work with Belarussian political prisoners such as Bysol , Viasna , Politvyazanka , ByHelp , Strana Dlia Zhizn and many others." Postcards for political prisoners campaign: You can write a postcard to political prisoners in Belarus by finding a political prisoner's address on Viasna's website and sending a postcard which refrains from overly political statements. Alternatively, you can also send a digital greeting by filling out this <a href="http://forms.
Fri, May 17, 2024
Episode 179: Chechnya today and Ramzan Kadyrov’s potential successors
In this episode, Adam and Nina open with breaking news from Slovakia and discuss the recent shooting of Slovak’s Prime Minister- Robert Fico. Later, they move to the South Caucasus and comment on protests in Armenia and Georgia. They close with an update about Ukraine and positive news from the Czech Republic. For the main interview, Nina is joined by Dr Marat Ilyasov , a visiting Scholar at the Global Academy of George Washington University to discuss the recent developments in Chechnya including the possible scenarios of Ramzan Kadyrov’s succession. Our Patrons can also listen to bonus content where Marat discusses what the experience with two Chechen wars could suggest for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-179-wars-104412121 Marat’s analysis is based on his academic article which is restricted, but the abstract is available here . Support the podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Don’t forget to check out the latest articles online at www.neweasterneurope.eu
Thu, May 09, 2024
Episode 178: Anti-Gender Movement in Croatia
In this episode, Adam, Alexandra and Nina commemorate the 20th anniversary of the EU's 'Big Bang' enlargement. They also discuss Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia and Hungary, the latest news from Russia and Ukraine, and the elections in North Macedonia and Croatia. Later in the episode, Alexandra and Nina are joined by Maja Gergorić, an expert on anti-gender movements in post-communist Europe. Maja shares her insights on gender equality challenges and the so-called anti-gender ideology in Croatia and elsewhere in the region. In our patron-only bonus content , Maja comments on the recent parliamentary elections in Croatia and discusses possible scenarios for the future government. Support the podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Talk Eastern Europe is Shortlisted in two categories for the Publish Podcast Awards – Best News Podcast; and Best Political Podcast. Check it out: https://publisherpodcasts.com/2024/en/page/shortlist2024
Thu, April 25, 2024
Episode 177: Understanding political technology
This episode opens up with Adam, Alexandra and Nina discussing the latest news developments including the US Congress’s passage of the Ukraine aid bill; political developments in Croatia; the situation in Georgia and the situation of civil society in Azerbaijan. Later, Adam is joined by Andrew Wilson, a professor of Ukrainian Studies at UCL and a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. They discuss Andrew’s latest book titled “Political Technology. The Globalisation of Political Manipulation”. You can find more about the book here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/political-technology/748E44E97FF0C37F54B419E901665AC3 And learn more about political technology at Andrew's blog: https://www.politicaltechnology.blog/ Don’t forget to support the podcast by joining our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope And drop us a line on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope
Thu, April 18, 2024
Episode 176: Photophobia – a film about children during war
In this episode of the podcast, Alexandra and Nina share some tips on interesting films from the region and discuss the latest developments related to foreign agent laws in Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also remind listeners of the political prisoners' situation in Belarus and shed light on the challenging circumstances in Ukraine. Later, Nina has a conversation with Ivan Ostrochovský and Pavol Pekarčík, the two directors of an awarded film Photophobia which captures lives of 12-year-old Nikita and 11-year old Viktoria who are hiding from the Russian invasion at a Kharkiv metro station. Ivan and Pavol speak about the film but also their first-hand experience being in Ukraine at the beginning of full-scale invasion. They also share their experiences of regularly delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The film received an award at the Venice film festival where it was premiered and was awarded as a best documentary in the Warsaw International film festival . We also prepared a very special patron-only bonus content as the directors kindly agreed to share the film with our Patrons. If you're our Patron, you can watch the film online here with the password that you find on Patreon page . Films mentioned in the podcast: 20 days in Mariupol; (An Academy Award Winner, Best Documentary Feature Film, a film by Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov) Who, if Not Us? The Fight for Democracy in Belarus; (Directed by Juliane Tutein, Germany) Queendom (Directed by Agniia Galdanova, Russia)
Fri, April 12, 2024
Episode 175: Genocide denial and the far-right in the Western Balkans
In this episode of the podcast, Adam, Alexandra and Nina start by discussing latest developments in the region including intensified Russian air attacks against Ukrainian cities, recent Slovak and Polish election results, protests in Hungary and draft UN resolution recalling the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica. For the main interview, Alexandra sits down with Dr. Hikmet Karcic, a Research Associate at the Institute for the Research of Crimes against Humanity and International Law - University of Sarajevo. They discuss far-right narratives and forces in the Western Balkans, how those relate to the broader European and transatlantic far-right, and how these networks have spread genocide denial in the region and beyond it. BONUS QUESTIONS In this patron-only bonus content, Alexandra speaks further with genocide scholar Hikmet, discussing the far right's prospects in the upcoming European elections as well as the implications of Bosnia and Herzegovina officially receiving EU candidate status. Support TEE and get access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, April 05, 2024
Episode 174: Belarus “elections” reveal regime’s next steps
In this episode of the podcast, Adam, Nina and Alexandra start by a discussion of some of the latest developments in the region including the Georgia’s pursuit of a new version of the “foreign agent law”; a similar development in Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ukraine’s targeting of Russian oil refineries and Romanian and Bulgaria entering the Schengen Zone (at least partially). For the main interview, Adam sits down with Wicke van den Broek a PhD candidate at Maastricht University carrying out research on EU democracy promotion in Belarus; and Aliaksei Piatrenka, a Belarusian civic activist and junior researcher at the Center for New Ideas. They discuss the latest parliamentary elections in Belarus, the ongoing repressions in the country and how those outside Belarus are still fighting for a democratic country. Both Wicke and Aliaksei are alumni of the New Eastern Europe Think Tank School. This year’s edition will take place June 1-7 2024 in Lithuania and Poland. Learn more here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/think-tank-school/ Learn more about Belarus in the recent edition of New Eastern Europe : https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/02/07/issue-1-2-2024-elections-without-choice/ Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, March 28, 2024
Episode 173: Decolonizing Russia. Indigenous peoples’ voices
In this episode, Adam, Alexandra and Nina begin by discussing last weeks' horrific terrorist attack in Moscow, Russian attacks against energy infrastructure in Ukraine and the Russian missile in Polish airspace. They continue with some potentially hopeful developments such as results of first round of Slovak presidential elections and the European Council decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the main interview, Nina talks to Dmitry Berezhkov, head of the Indigenous Information Centre of Russia. Dmitry speaks about the immediate impact of the terrorist attack in Moscow on indigenous peoples and more generally about racism, corruption and lack of environmental protection that influence livelihoods of these communities. He concludes explaining what 'decolonization' of Russia means from the indigenous rights perspective. In our patron-only bonus content, Dmitry gives insight on how mobilisation for Russia's war in Ukraine impacts on small indigenous communities and their survival. The bonus content can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-173-101223748 Check out Dmitry's co-authored piece about what decolonisation means for indigenous peoples of Russia here. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, March 21, 2024
Episode 172: Challenging gender stereotypes through a camera lens
In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start the episode by discussing worrying news for Kyrgyz civil society, Armenia's potential return to Europe, and upcoming elections in Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia. During the main interview - to mark International Women’s Day - Nina sat down with a photographer and videographer Zula Rabikowska who explores gender identities in Central and Eastern Europe. They talked about her project Nothing but a Curtain that brings voices of women, non-binary, and transgender people from our region. You can read more about the project in her piece in New Eastern Europe and check out moving portraits of women she talked to and photographed during her 7325 km long journey across the region. All Zula’s work is on her website and you can also join her mailing list to receive updates about her work. Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zula.ra/ For those listeners in London, you can join Zula's event "Rethinking Eastern Europe" which takes place on Tuesday 21 May 6.30-9pm in PhotoBook Cafe , EC2A 4DQ, London. Her latest piece “From Poznań to Boston: Marianna Matyja shares insights into her experience contributing to a Grammy-nominated album” was just published on New Eastern Europe . Join us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, March 14, 2024
Episode 171: Any surprises in Russia's Presidential Election?
In this episode, Adam and Nina discuss the deterioration of relations between Czechia and Slovakia, the celebration of 25 years of NATO membership in Czechia, Hungary and Poland and the ongoing media crackdown in Azerbaijan. They continue to analyse the split in the Visegrád Group as Hungary's Viktor Orbán's met with Donald Trump while Poland's president and prime visited US President Joe Biden. For the main interview, Alexandra and Nina sat down with Eugene Chausovsky, the Senior Director for Analytical Development and Training at the New Lines Institute to get his insights on the upcoming Russian presidential elections. Eugene dives into Russian domestic politics but also looks at the election from a broader geopolitical perspective. This is the first of several collaborations that we will be conducting with analysts from the New Lines Institute. The New Lines Institute is based in Washington, DC and focuses on the intersection of US foreign policy and global geopolitics. Check out the New Lines Institute website and listen to their podcast: Contours . >>>Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, March 07, 2024
Episode 170: Enlargement burnout and Romania's role in integrating the Western Balkans
In this episode, Alexandra and Nina discuss the funeral of Alexei Navalny, Putin's state-of-the-nation address and the latest attack on Odesa in Ukraine. They walk you through relatively positive developments related to recent Serbian elections and reflect on meetings between Hungarian, Slovak and Russian foreign ministers. Later, Alexandra interviews Miruna Butnaru-Troncotă, a Bucharest-based writer and researcher specializing in EU foreign and security policy. They discuss the "accelerated" EU accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, its effects on integration prospects for the long-waiting Western Balkan countries, and how Romania does - and can further - play a constructive role in supporting Western Balkan EU membership. In our patron-only bonus content , Alexandra speaks more with Miruna on domestic politics in Romania, predictions for and implications of the "super election" year in the country, and the unique features of the Romanian far-right. Listen to the exclusive bonus questions here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-170-on-99920668 Read Miruna’s piece from the latest issue of New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/02/07/what-role-can-romania-play-in-facilitating-western-balkan-integration/ Support us! Become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, February 29, 2024
Episode 169: Albania at a precarious moment
In this episode, Adam and Nina start by reflecting on recent Belarusian parliamentary elections and tragic death of Alexei Navalny. They also discuss last week's farmer's protests and dynamics among the Visegrád Group countries (Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia). Later, Alexandra interviews Andrea Mazelliu, a lecturer of law at the University of New York Tirana, to get his insights on domestic politics in Albania, which have heated up in recent months. Alexandra and Andrea also deep dive into Albanian foreign policy and its path to the EU. Support the TEE podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, February 22, 2024
Episode 168: Stories of strength and resilience. Ukrainians after two years of full-scale war
This special episode marking the second anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine features four short-form interviews with Ukrainians in the country and outside it. First, Nina and Alexandra discuss the news of the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was murdered while imprisoned in one of Russia's northernmost prisons. Later, Nina and Alexandra share four stories from Ukraine with the following guests. Each guest shared their personal stories, reflections from the last two years, what they have been doing to support Ukraine, and the hopes they have for Ukraine's future. Mariya Chukhnova is a trilingual (Ukrainian, Russian, English) expert in international security and regional knowledge, specializing in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Russia. With a diverse background in the rule of law, anti-corruption, and international security, she is originally from Ukraine and is now based in the US. Maksym Kyiak is the chief scientist at the Kuras Institute of Political and Ethnic Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and a chief expert at the Ukrainian NGO ANTS – National Interests Advocacy Network. He is based in Kyiv. Nazar Boykov is a political scientist and expert on elections based in Lviv. He is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Political Science at West Virginia University and a founder and chief executive at the Ukrainian NGO CIFRA Group. Oleksandr Shchur is the writer and producer of the new film Bucha , which tells the story of a refugee from Kazakhstan who saved hundreds of Ukrainians in occupied territories in the spring of 2022. Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/02/07/issue-1-2-2024-elections-without-choice/ Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope Follow Mariya on Linkedin to support her advocacy work and fundraising: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariya-chukhnova-903554130?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BIJPL9ERXTcmi16Ov7g4s5A%3D%3D . Check out Mariya's other work: The Quiet of the Russian Diaspora in the US (VoxUkraine) <a href="https://www.thecriticalmass.com/post/deliberate-destruction-of-ukrainian-scientific-infrastructure-by-russia-the-urgency-of-its-protecti" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noo
Thu, February 15, 2024
Episode 167: Disinformation narratives in elections – the case of Poland
In this episode Adam, Nina and Alexandra start out by offering some of the latest news developments in Hungary, Czech Republic, Kosovo, Ukraine and Russia. Later Nina and Adam are joined by Maciej Makulski – a contributing editor with New Eastern Europe – to discuss Maciej’s recent research report titled: “Social media monitoring during the 2023 Polish Election. Immigration as a threat to national security and identity” and the consequences for upcoming elections. Download the report here: https://www.kew.org.pl/en/2024/02/08/report-social-media-monitoring-during-the-2023-polish-election-immigration-as-a-threat-to-national-security-and-identity/ Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/02/07/issue-1-2-2024-elections-without-choice/ Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope
Fri, February 09, 2024
Episode 166: North Macedonia braces for possible change
In this episode, Adam and Nina start by discussing the latest news, including developments in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Russian spies in the West. Later, Adam is joined by Jovan Gjorgovski, a journalist based in North Macedonia and an editor with the Channel 5 television station. They discuss the current political situation in the country ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections later this spring. They also take a look North Macedonia’s EU accession and the serious roadblocks which still remain. Make sure to check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe: bit.ly/4boNgfc Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope
Fri, February 02, 2024
Episode 165: Kyrgyzstan’s populist turn raises concerns for media and civil society
In this episode, our three co-hosts open this episode with a brief rundown of the latest news in the region, including developments related to Azerbaijan, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary, Russia and North Macedonia. Adam and Nina are later joined by Asel Doolotkeldieva a non-resident fellow of the George Washington University and expert on Kyrgyzstan. Asel describes the current political situation in the country which has developed as a result of the last protests in October 2020 which includes a new crackdown on independent media and civil society. For more context: “Kyrgyzstan faces a new era in regional politics” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/12/kyrgyzstan-faces-a-new-era-in-regional-politics/ "An illegitimate transfer of authority in Kyrgyzstan" - New Eastern Europe’s 2020 interview with Aida Alymbaeva, a Kyrgyz lecturer and opposition politician: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/12/03/an-illegitimate-transfer-of-authority-in-kyrgyzstan/ >>> Please complete our listener survey: https://forms.gle/w1qr9apHWsQhJAjg8 Support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, January 25, 2024
Episode 164: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s crackdown on media and civil society
In this episode, Alexandra and Nina start with a brief rundown of the latest news in the region, including the meeting between Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Hungary’s Victor Orban. They also cover developments in Poland, Serbia and Russia. Later, Alexandra and Nina interview Leila Bičakčić, one of the founders and current director of the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN) in Bosnia and Herzegovina - the first investigative center established in the Balkans. They discuss recent crackdowns against media and civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the worrisome direction of Bosnian politics in the last year, and the shortcomings of Western policy in this region. Please complete our listener survey: https://forms.gle/w1qr9apHWsQhJAjg8 Join us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/Talkeasterneurope
Sat, January 20, 2024
Episode 163: Can the West keep up its support for Ukraine in 2024?
Talk Eastern Europe is back with a new episode! All three co-hosts welcome you with a short discussion on the latest news since the new year, including in Serbia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and Ukraine. Later, Adam and Alexandra are joined by Mark Temnycky a freelance journalist covering Eurasian affairs and a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. Mark discusses some context for 2024 and what are the prospects for the West’s support for Ukraine in 2024. Check out Mark’s latest commentaries:, “Congress must send aid to Ukraine now” https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/4403311-congress-must-send-aid-to-ukraine-now/ , As Europeans prepare for 2024 elections, Ukraine watches on https://www.euronews.com/2023/12/27/as-europeans-prepare-for-2024-elections-ukraine-watches-on , We want to hear from you! Please complete our listener survey: https://forms.gle/w1qr9apHWsQhJAjg8
Fri, December 22, 2023
Episode 162: Crackdowns intensify in Azerbaijan
In this episode listeners are introduced to the newest co-host – Nina Panikova, welcome Nina! Adam, Alexandra and Nina do a rundown of the most important developments of 2023 and what to expect in 2024. Later, Adam and Nina are joined by Arzu Geybulla, an Azerbaijani columnist and writer, with special focus on digital authoritarianism and its implications on human rights and press freedom in Azerbaijan. They discuss the ongoing crackdowns against media and civil society which are taking in Azerbaijan ahead of the recently announced snap elections next February. Read Arzu’s latest article titled “Azerbaijan’s crackdown: same old tactics, just different names” https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Azerbaijan/Azerbaijan-s-crackdown-same-old-tactics-just-different-names-228976 >> We want to hear from you! Take the Talk Eastern Europe Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/SmKFfGja9ypA6jm48 Support this podcast. Become a Talk Eastern Europe patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, December 14, 2023
Episode 161: Serbia's Snap Elections: Extraordinary Campaigning in Extraordinary Elections
In this episode Adam and Alexandra start with the latest news in the region, including the new government in Poland, the trucker blockade on the Polish-Ukrainian border, Putin's 'election' bid and Slovakia moves in the legal sphere. Later, Alexandra chats with Nikola Burazer, a Serbian political scientist, journalist, program director at the Center for Contemporary Politics and executive editor of European Western Balkans. They discuss the upcoming Serbian snap elections and wider political developments in the country, including the vicious campaign by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and possible openings for the opposition to incite democratic change. For more context read: "Serbia continues to walk the tightrope" By Marta Szpala, Issue 5/2023 New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/09/11/serbia-continues-to-walk-the-tightrope/ Join us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Listen to the Fulbright Poland podcast titled “Fulbright Talks” to learn more about Fulbright Poland alumni and their fascinating endeavors: https://fulbright.edu.pl/fulbright-talks/
Thu, December 07, 2023
Episode 160: Quo Vadis, Montenegro?
In this episode, Adam and Alexandra discuss the latest news from Georgia, the Balkans, and Russia. They also discuss the controversial legacy of American diplomat Henry Kissinger, who died last week at the age of 100. Later, Alexandra speaks with Kenneth Morrison, who is a Professor of History and Research Theme Director at De Montfort University and a Research Associate at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Alexandra and Kenneth deep dive into the political history of Montenegro, the role of pro-Serbian forces in the country, and its prospects for future political stability and democratic development. Read Kenneth's latest pieces for New Eastern magazine: https://neweasterneurope.eu/post-author/kenneth-morrison/ Support us, become a member of our community and gain access to exclusive content: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Wed, November 29, 2023
Episode 159: Journalism under stress in Central and Eastern Europe
In this episode, Adam and Alexandra catch up on the latest news from Poland, Hungary and Serbia. Later, they are joined by Paulina Milewska, a media expert, who currently works on the issue of SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation) as a PhD researcher at the European University Institute and a Senior Advisor for European Centre for Press and Media Freedom.They discuss the challenges faced by journalist and media in the region, including local media. Read the report mentioned in the interview: “From the regional press to Orlen Press.” A report by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights: https://hfhr.pl/en/news/from-the-regional-press-to-orlen-press Check out the VoiCEE podcast: https://notesfrompoland.com/category/the-voicee-podcast/ Support us, become a member of our community and gain access to exclusive content: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Fri, November 24, 2023
Episode 158: Repressions in Belarus continue
In this episode Adam and Alexandra review some of the latest news in Hungary, Bulgaria and Latvia. They are later joined by the guest Pavel Slunkin – a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, based in ECFR’s Warsaw office. Pavel works on Belarus-related issues: its domestic and foreign policy, relations with Russia, the European Union, and the United States. In the interview Pavel discusses the latest developments related to Belarus, Belarusians abroad and the role of the pro-democratic forces outside of the country. In the bonus questions, Pavel discusses the horrible conditions of political prisoners and next year’s parliamentary “elections” and what Lukashenka might be planning next. The bonus questions can be found here: https://bit.ly/3utZOB7 This episode is in partnership with the Intrigue Outloud podcast. Check them out!
Tue, November 14, 2023
Episode 157: Moldova’s political hurdles remain after local elections
In this episode Adam and Alexandra are together in a Warsaw studio to discuss the latest news in the region, including the European Commission’s latest enlargement report and recommendations. After the news rundown, they are joined in the studio with Oktawian Milewski, a political scientist specialising in Central and East European studies. He is a Poland resident correspondent for Radio France Internationale’s Romanian office and a regular guest with Talk Eastern Europe. Oktawian discusses the results of Moldova’s local elections and its impact on that country’s EU integration. He also focuses on the role of oligarchs (outside the country) and the pro-Russian influence that is trying to make a comeback. Read the OSCE Report on the elections: “Moldova, Local Elections, 5 November 2023: Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions” https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/moldova/557406 Support us and become a member of our community: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Sun, November 05, 2023
Episode 156: New government in Slovakia promises stability
In this episode Alexandra and Adam run down the latest news from Moldova, Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Alexandra then interviews Roman Hlatky an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of North Texas public opinion, electoral behaviuor, and race and ethnic politics, focusing on Central Europe. Roman walks our listeners through the election campaign and results of the Slovak elections. In the bonus section available for our patrons: Roman and Alexandra discuss the ramifications of the election for the future of the country and what it means for the wider region. Listen to the bonus questions here: https://bit.ly/465mip4 Read more: “Could Slovakia go rogue after the elections?” by Jozef Hrabina, New Eastern Europe 13 October 2023. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/10/13/could-slovakia-go-rogue-after-the-elections/ >>> Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj >>>
Thu, October 26, 2023
Episode 155: Poland's future in the balance after elections
In this episode Adam and Alexandra open up with a discussion on the latest news in the region including Georgia’s president surviving an impeachment proceeding; Viktor Orban’s meeting in China; latest on Nagorno-Karabakh and developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main interview features Anna Wójcik, co-founder and editor of “Rule of Law in Poland” and The Wiktor Osiatyński Archive, a rule of law monitoring project. She is also a Humboldt Foundation Fellow at the Max Planck Institute of Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg. Anna shares her perspective on the results of the recent elections in Poland, how fair were they, what are the next steps in the power transition and all the challenges the new government will face in restoring the rule of law in Poland. For context read: “Wind of change” by Daniel Gleichgewicht, New Eastern Europe 17 October 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/10/17/wind-of-change/ Our Guest’s Resources: “Rule of Law in Poland” https://ruleoflaw.pl/ The Wiktor Osiatyński Archive https://archiwumosiatynskiego.pl/en/ >>> Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj >>>
Thu, October 19, 2023
Episode 154: Nagorno-Karabakh: Repercussions and Ramifications
This episode opens up with a brief rundown of the results of Poland’s parliamentary elections held on Sunday October 15th, Adam and Alexandra provide their brief analysis and what the results mean – especially considering the fact that the ruling Law and Justice party will not likely be able to form another government – a significant victory to the opposition. After that Alexandra is joined by Julie George is a political scientist and professor with faculty appointments at Columbia University, Queens College and the Graduate Center, CUNY. She specializes in comparative and international politics, specifically in the South Caucasus. Alexandra and Julie discuss the fallout from Azerbaijan’s recent forceful takeover of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. They also look at the wider consequences in the South Caucasus region and the roles of Russia and Turkey. Read two commentaries recently published on New Eastern Europe: “A modern-day ethnic cleansing: Karabakh Armenians flee as Azerbaijan takes over” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/09/29/a-modern-day-ethnic-cleansing-karabakh-armenians-flee-as-azerbaijan-takes-over/ “Military operation in Karabakh: the final battle?” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/09/29/military-operation-in-karabakh-the-final-battle/ Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj
Thu, October 12, 2023
Episode 153: Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode we welcome the newest co-host of Talk Eastern Europe Alexandra Karppi! Alexandra is a research analyst at Freedom House covering the Western Balkans and Central and Eastern Europe for Nations in Transit. She has also held research and editorial positions at the Institute for Social Research in Zagreb, Central European University’s Center for European Neighborhood Studies, and the Post-Conflict Research Center. Welcome Alexandra! In the round of news, Adam and Alexandra discuss the recent Slovak elections, the Azerbaijani offensive to retake the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and the upcoming Polish parliamentary elections. Later they are joined by Grigol Julukhidze, the director of the Foreign Policy Council, a think tank in Tbilisi who specialises in security studies and propaganda research. They discuss the growing role of Russian influence in Georgia and what it means for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic agenda. They also look at how the recent moves in Nagorno-Karabakh and how it reflects a decreasing role of Russia in that part of the region. For further reading: “In the shadow of impeachment”, by: Giorgi Beroshvili, New Eastern Europe 5 October 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/10/05/in-the-shadow-of-impeachment/ “Putin’s hidden war. How the Kremlin is bombing us on the internet” by: Grigol Julukhidze, New Eastern Europe Issue 1 2023, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/02/15/putins-hidden-kremlin-internet/ Follow Alexandra on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/AlexandraKarppi/
Thu, September 28, 2023
Episode 152: Heightened tensions as Kosovo-Serbia dispute continues
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo appear to be once again on the rise with the most recent outbreak of violence in Northern Kosovo on September 24th. Meanwhile there seems to be no end in sight for resolving the dispute between the two countries despite attempts to moderate the conflict by the EU and the US. In this episode, following a brief update of the news, Adam discusses the issues of Serbia and Kosovo with Leon Hartwell, a Senior Associate at LSE IDEAS, London School of Economics, and a non-resident senior fellow at CEPA. Leon takes listeners through the challenges faced in the process and discusses why the process is unlikely able to find an outcome. In our bonus section which is available exclusively for our Podcast Patrons, Adam and Leon discuss the role of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the Western Balkans and Serbia’s ambiguous approach to the war. Listen to the whole episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-152-as-89970457 Read more on New Eastern Europe : “Cake doughnuts and western diplomacy” by Leon Hartwell. New Eastern Europe issue 5/2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/09/11/cake-doughnuts-and-western-diplomacy/ “Twenty years later: exposing the hidden cause for the delayed EU integration of the Western Balkans” By Antonios Nestoras. New Eastern Europe issue 5/2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/09/11/twenty-years-later-exposing-the-hidden-cause-for-the-delayed-eu-integration-of-the-western-balkans/ “Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: a perpetual state of stagnation” By: Visar Xhambazi. New Eastern Europe issue 5/2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/09/11/kosovo-serbia-dialogue-a-perpetual-state-of-stagnation/ Check TEE out online at: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Wed, September 20, 2023
Episode 151: Ukraine is committed to victory
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj This episode of Talk Eastern Europe opens with Adam’s rundown of some of the latest headlines in the region, including the Polish visa scandal, Slovak elections, the growing tensions surrounding Ukrainian grain and the escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Later, Adam is joined by Alina Frolova, an expert and deputy chair of the Center for Defense Strategies in Kyiv. She is a former Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine and previously served as an Adviser to the Ministries of Defence and Information Policy. Together they discuss the ongoing counteroffensive, how to argue against the growing number of voices in the West calling for a settlement with Moscow, and what to expect in the coming months. Check out the newest issue of New Eastern Europe now available here: https://bit.ly/44U8i0Z On Slovak elections, leaders and kingmakers: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/09/19/slovakias-parliamentary-election-the-leaders-and-the-kingmakers/ Background on the Nagorno-Karabkh Conflict and our interview with Thomas de Waal: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-133-the-blockade-of-the-lachin-corridor-187
Wed, September 13, 2023
Episode 150: The Death of Yevgeny Prigozhin (and what it means)
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj On August 23rd 2023, the founder and leader of the Russian mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash in Russia. Prigozhin’s death comes exactly two months after Prigozhin led a mutiny of Wagner soldiers in Russia, almost making it to Moscow before turning back. The death of Prigozhin clearly has the marks of a Putin-led assassination. What does it say about the Putin power structure? What is next for politics inside Russia? And is Prigozhin really dead? To help answer these questions, Adam sits down with Olga Lautman , a Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). The interview takes place after a short rundown of the latest news in our region. Share your feedback, let me know your thoughts about the interview and other stories we should be looking at. Find Adam on X/Twitter: @areichardt Check out previous episodes on Prigozhin and the Wagner Group Episode 130: The Wagner Group https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-130-the-wagner-group-200 Episode 145: Prigozhin's march of justice fails to reach its destination https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-145-prigozhins-march-of-justice-fails-to-reach-its-destination-864
Tue, September 05, 2023
Episode 149: The role of sanctions
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj Talk Eastern Europe is back after the short August break. Adam opens the episode with a rundown of the most important stories that took place over the last several weeks, including the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, F-16s for Ukraine, the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor and Georgia’s attempts to impeach its president. Later, Adam is joined by Mark Temnycky, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and an accredited freelance journalist covering Eurasian affairs and European energy security matters. They discuss the role of sanctions and their role in stopping (or not) Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. They also touch on the ongoing Ukrainian counter-offensive as well as the recent US political developments and the recent Republican primary debate. Read more: “The dream of sanctions stopping wars” by Svenja Petersen. New Eastern Europe Issue 3-4/2023, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/07/04/the-dream-of-sanctions-stopping-wars/ “Armenia: Russia’s backdoor to circumvent sanctions” by Aleksandar Srbinovski, New Eastern Europe 26 May 2023. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/05/26/armenia-russias-backdoor-to-circumvent-sanctions/ More by Mark Temnycky on New Eastern Europe: “Azerbaijan tightens blockade as Armenia calls for assistance” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/08/30/azerbaijan-tightens-blockade-as-armenia-calls-for-assistance/ “Uncertainty lies ahead for Georgia” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/06/05/uncertainty-lies-ahead-for-georgia/ “The Russo-Belarusian Union State is here” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/27/the-russo-belarusian-union-state-is-here/ Check us out at: https://www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Sat, July 29, 2023
Episode 148: Roma communities in conflict zones - challenges and lessons learned
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj As this is Aga's last episode as a co-host, her and Adam start with a reflection on their cooperation over the past year and a half, with a surprise entrance by another former co-host, Maciek Makulski! They then discuss current developments in the region, including the arrest of prominent Russian pro-war blogger Igor Girkin and the continuous Russian missile strikes against Odesa following Moscow's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal. Aga then sits down with three guests - Stephan Müller from the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, Isak Skenderi from a Kosovo-based NGO "Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians" (VORAE), and Natali Tomenko from the Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture (ARCA) in Ukraine. Together they discuss the experience of different Roma communities in conflict zones and post-conflict environments, using the example of Kosovo as a source of lessons learned for Ukraine. Find out more about our guests' organisations: Central Council of German Sinti and Roma: https://zentralrat.sintiundroma.de/en/ VORAE: https://www.vorae.org/ ARCA: https://arca.org.ua/en/about_us/ You can follow our guests and their activities on Twitter (or is it just "X" now??) @muellerbudapest, @isakskenderi and @TomenkoNatali Natali's art can be found at https://www.natalitomenko.com/
Thu, July 20, 2023
Episode 147: Did NATO deliver on Ukraine’s expectations?
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode, Adam and Agnieszka open with a discussion of the most recent news in the region, in particular Ukraine’s attack against the Kerch Strait bridge as well as Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal, and its consequences. Later, Adam is joined Yulia Kazdobina, head of the Ukrainian Foundation for Security Studies and a senior fellow with the foreign policy council “Ukrainian Prism”. They discuss the outcomes of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, how it met Ukraine’s expectations. Yulia also shares her assessment of the current Ukrainian counter-offensive and how Russia is changing its tactics. Read Yulia’s latest essay from the most recent issue of New Eastern Europe: “NATO should reconsider its policy on Ukraine’s membership” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/07/04/nato-should-reconsider-its-policy-on-ukraines-membership/ Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe now available here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/07/04/issue-3-4-2023-beyond-the-fence/
Thu, July 13, 2023
Episode 146: The European Political Community enters the stage
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Aga discuss the NATO summit which took place this week in Vilnius, with a particular focus on what its conclusions mean for Ukraine. They also talk about political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina as Republika Srpska's Milorad Dodik stands up to High Representative Christian Schmidt. The news section concludes with reports that the Lachin corridor has now been completely blocked also to Red Cross convoys providing humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh. Aga then sits down with Vessela Tcherneva, deputy director of the European Council on Foreign Relations and head of ECFR’s Sofia office, to discuss everything you need to know about the European Political Community - a new pan-continental discussion and cooperation forum. Aga and Vessela talk about how the EPC has developed since its idea was first floated by French President Emmanuel Macron and what are the domains in which the Community can have the biggest added value. They also take stock of the EPC's recent second summit which took place in Moldova and consider predictions for an upcoming summit in Spain. Find out more about our guest at https://ecfr.eu/profile/vessela_tcherneva/ Vessela's recent publication on the topic can be found at https://ecfr.eu/article/the-future-of-the-european-political-community/
Thu, July 06, 2023
Episode 145: Prigozhin's march of justice fails to reach its destination
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj Aga and Adam start this episode by discussing the upcoming NATO summit, fears linked to a potential nuclear sabotage at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and tensions between Ukraine and Georgia over the state of health of Mikheil Saakashvili. Aga then sits down with Marek Menkiszak, the Head of the Russian Department at the Centre for Eastern Studies in Poland and a lecturer at the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw. Together, they discuss the origins of Prigozhin's march on Moscow on 23-24 June, its conduct, the surprising resolution of the crisis involving Belarus' Alyaksandr Lukashenka, and potential aftermath for all parties involved. Find more analysis on Russia from the Center for European Studies at https://www.osw.waw.pl/en Read the latest on New Eastern Europe - "The point of no return" by: Valerii Pekar https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/06/30/the-point-of-no-return/ - “Russia’s Wagner rebellion: how will Putin emerge from the crisis?” Joshua R. Kroeker, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/06/29/russias-wagner-rebellion-how-will-putin-emerge-from-the-crisis/
Tue, June 27, 2023
Episode 144: Documenting the power of human unity
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe Adam and Agnieszka open with a discussion of the perplexing events that took place over the weekend in Russia with the half-attempted insurrection lead by the Wagner Group’s Yevgeny Prigozhin. Later, Adam is joined by Mark Fisher, documentary filmmaker and CEO and founder of Fisher Creative. Mark describes how he and his team decided to create a documentary film about the civic mobilization which emerged as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The film documents both actions inside and outside of Ukraine and Mark gives some hints on what we can expect once the film is released later this year. The film is titled: “Human Unity. A Global Mobilization in Support of Ukraine”. Check out the trailer and support the fund-raising efforts here: https://fishercreative.com/films-in-progress/humanunityfilm
Wed, June 14, 2023
Episode 143: Is Bulgaria's governmental crisis coming to an end?
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj Adam and Aga start this episode by discussing the start of the long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive, the apparent move by the Russian Defence Ministry to take over Wagner Group troops, and the results of recent elections in Montenegro. We then turn towards Bulgaria, which has seen five parliamentary elections in the past two years, the latest of which has just resulted in the formation of what our guest calls "a government of national mistrust". Speaking of our guest, Aga sat down with Spasimir Domaradzki, a lecturer at the University of Warsaw and senior political analyst in the Balkan division at the Institute for Central Europe. Together they delve deep into the roots of the crisis, different political forces and actors involved, and the prospects for the newly-created government. You can read more of Spasimir's analyses at https://ies.lublin.pl/author/spasimir-domaradzki/ Stay up to date: visit us at: www.talkeasterneurope.eu Join the TEE Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope
Wed, June 07, 2023
Episode 142: Polish politics heats up
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Agnieszka catch up over the most recent developments, mainly the political situation currently unfolding in Poland around the new law on Russian influence as well as the massive opposition-organised march which took place last weekend. They also discuss the news coming out of Ukraine, namely the Russian blowing of the dam at Nova Kakhovka which has the potential to create disastrous consequences for thousands of Ukrainians. Later, Adam and Aga are joined by Stanley Bill, an associate professor in Polish Studies at Cambridge University and the Director of the Slavonic Studies Section and Chair of the Cambridge Committee for Russian and East European Studies. He is the founder and editor-at-large of the news and opinion website Notes from Poland ( www.notesfrompoland.com ). Stanley not only discusses the recent developments but also gives some important insight into the upcoming parliamentary elections later this fall. Stay up to date: visit us at: www.talkeasterneurope.eu Join the TEE Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope
Thu, June 01, 2023
Episode 141: Georgia flying away towards Russia
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Aga start by discussing the latest mass drone and missile attacks on Kyiv. Afterwards, Aga reluctantly summarises the controversy around Poland's newly approved special commission which could be used by the government to target opposition figures ahead of parliamentary elections this fall. We wrap up the news section with an update on the Turkish presidential election and the ongoing rumours about the health of Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Aga then sits down with Anastasia Mgaloblishvili - a Doctoral Researcher in the Berlin Graduate School of Global and Transregional Studies program and a former Foreign Relations coordinator in a Georgian democratic, pro-Western opposition movement “Droa”. Aga and Anastasia discuss the recent developments in Georgia, particularly the controversial resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia. They then delve into what this latest in a string of controversial moves by the Georgian government tells us about the direction in which the ruling Georgian Dream party is taking the country and what it might mean for the relations with the EU and other partners. Check out Anastasia's recent publication: https://visegradinsight.eu/russias-clandestine-victory-in-georgia/ Check out also NEE's latest coverage of the topic: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/03/10/the-european-dream-georgias-growing-anti-european-rhetoric-undermines-its-pro-western-aspirations/ You can also find our guest on Twitter @tasomga Find us on Twitter too @areichardt and @awidlaszewska
Thu, May 25, 2023
Episode 140: Turkish elections and the wider geopolitical impact
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Agnieszka discuss some of the latest developments in Russia’s war in Ukraine, including the likely full capture of Bakhmut by Russian forces, the curious case of the Free Russian Legion incursion into the Belgorod region, the results of the G7 summit as well as a recent pro-EU rally in Moldova. During the main interview, Adam is joined by his colleague, Adam Balcer – the program director at the Jan Nowak-Jezioranski College of Eastern Europe and a leading Polish expert on Turkey. They discuss the internal political situation, the recent elections ahead of the second round of the presidential election, Turkey’s relations with Russia and what might come next. Check out the latest updates on the region by visiting New Eastern Europe: www.neweasterneurope.eu Find us on social media: Adam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/areichardt Agnieszka on Twitter: https://twitter.com/awidlaszewska Don’t forget to rate us, subscribe and share Talk Eastern Europe widely!
Thu, May 18, 2023
Episode 139: Born with a pencil in his hand. A conversation with NEE’s illustrator, Andrzej Zaręba
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Aga talk catch up on the latest news in the region, including the many speculations about the health of Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka. They also briefly note some Ukrainian advances in Bakhmut ahead of its expected counter offensive as well as the never-ending story of Bulgaria’s election drama, which may have an end in sight (or not). Afterwards, Adam sits down with Andrzej Zaręba – New Eastern Europe’s illustrator. They discuss Andrzej’s experience as an illustrator and some of the covers of NEE ( https://neweasterneurope.eu/tee-139-covers/ ) from over the years. For the bonus questions - available on the patreon portal - they talk about who is Andrzej’s favourite dictator to draw as well as his interest in the First World War. Resources: Check out the special report with scenarios of Belarusian sovereignty: https://bit.ly/43nqUGn In case you missed out – listen to Ep 137: Waiting for Ukraine's counteroffensive: https://bit.ly/45lCm78 Andrzej Zareba on Krakow and Stanislaw Lem: https://bit.ly/42Mm4Cm The NEE covers discussed during the podcast: https://neweasterneurope.eu/tee-139-covers/ Or come over to the Talk Eastern Europe Facebook group to see the images as well: www.facebook.com/TalkEasternEurope
Tue, May 09, 2023
Episode 138: Book Talk: "Russia's War" by Dr Jade McGlynn
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Aga discuss an eventful week involving a drone attack on the Kremlin, Wagner Group's chief threatening the withdrawal of his troops from Bakhmut and the European Commission reaching an agreement with Ukraine's EU neighbours to lift bans on the transport of Ukrainian grain. Aga then sits down with Dr Jade McGlynn to discuss her newly published book "Russia's War". Written in the months following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the book traces the main narratives about the war which the Russian population is exposed to, aiming to explain why many Russians believe and embrace them and what that tells us about modern Russia's identity. You can find updates on Dr McGlynn's research on Twitter @DrJadeMcGlynn. For excerpts from "Russia's War" see: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/19/author-jade-mcglynn-on-russias-war-a80530 https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-russia-became-obsessed-with-fake-news/ You can buy the book on https://www.amazon.co.uk/Russias-War-Jade-McGlynn/dp/1509556761/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3RASHKENQ0IK2&keywords=russias+war&qid=1683387661&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1
Thu, May 04, 2023
Episode 137: Waiting for Ukraine's counteroffensive
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Aga discuss the publication of the latest, rebranded issue of New Eastern Europe, followed by news updates on Russia's missile strikes on Ukraine, a phone call between Presidents Zelenskyy and Xi, and Poland enforcing the recovery of its properties from Russia in Warsaw. Aga then sits down with a repeat TEE guest, Francis Farrell - a reporter working for The Kyiv Independent in Ukraine. They delve deep into the upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive and its significance for the future of the war. They also discuss the situation in Bakhmut, the leak of US intelligence on Ukraine and the general mood among the Ukrainian population as the potentially decisive war developments are about to unfold. There's also a few bonus questions for our patrons, in which Francis talks about his recent dispatch to Avdiivka during an active Russian assault, and shares some personal reflections on his work as a frontline journalist. You can listen to the full episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/82499725 Find Francis' articles and dispatches on https://kyivindependent.com/author/francis-farrell/ and you can find him on Twitter @francisjfarrell. He has also appeared on The Kyiv Independent's recently launched new video podcast "This Week in Ukraine": https://kyivindependent.com/tag/podcasts/ Find us on Twitter too! @AWidlaszewska and @areichardt
Fri, April 28, 2023
Episode 136: The Role of Belarus in Russia’s war against Ukraine
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode, Adam and Aga recap some of the developments in the region including a new Azerbaijani check point installed at the Lachin corridor in Nagorno-Karabakh as well as the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Hungary. During the main interview of the episode, Adam interviews Victoria Leukavets , a researcher with the Stockholm Centre for Eastern Europeans Studies. They go through most recent developments related with Belarus, discuss the probability of Belarusian entry into the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin pressure being exerted on the Lukashenka as well as the current situation facing the civil society in the country and in exile. Cited Sources in the podcast: “Ukrainian civil society as one of the key players in the Russo-Ukrainian War”, by Andrii Kutsyk, New Eastern Europe, 18 April 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/18/ukrainian-civil-society-as-one-of-the-key-players-in-the-russo-ukrainian-war/ “The fall of Milo Djukanović heralds an uncertain new dawn for Montenegro” by Kenneth Morrison and Srdja Pavlović, New Eastern Europe 24 April 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/24/the-fall-of-milo-djukanovic-heralds-an-uncertain-new-dawn-for-montenegro/ “Bulgaria’s election spiral: the anatomy of disappointment” by Radosveta Vassileva, New Eastern Europe , 21 April 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/21/bulgarias-election-spiral-the-anatomy-of-disappointment/ Belarusians in Poland, Lithuania and Georgia. [Report in Russian]: https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/belarus/19480.pdf
Wed, April 19, 2023
Episode 135: Book talk: Ukraine is not dead yet. A conversation with Megan Buskey
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj This episode opens with Adam and Agnieszka discussing the latest news, including the sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza, the US intelligence leaks as well as the Polish government’s decision to ban Ukrainian grain import. Later, Adam sits down with Megan Buskey, an American writer and researcher, to discuss her book “Ukraine Is Not Dead Yet: A Family Story of Exile and Return”. The book follows Megan’s journey tracing here grandmother’s story from growing up in Ukraine, to exile in Siberia and her later emigration to the United States. They discuss the process of writing the book, some surprises Megan uncovered as well as the parallels of history in today’ context. Check out Megan’s book: http://cup.columbia.edu/book/ukraine-is-not-dead-yet/9783838216911 Stay up to date on the region. Read New Eastern Europe : www.neweasterneurope.eu
Wed, April 05, 2023
Episode 134: Estonia continues to punch above its weight
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Aga discuss the main developments of the past weeks, including Alexander Lukashenka's State of the Nation Address, Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow, the much-awaited equipment deliveries to Ukraine and the arrest of The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Moscow. We then move on to the main topic of this episode - Estonia. Despite being a small country, both physically and in terms of its categorisation in international relations, Estonia has demonstrated leadership and perseverance when it comes to supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, and it is set to continue with this policy following the recent parliamentary elections in the country. Aga sat down with Mari-Liis Sulg , a researcher at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu, to discuss how Estonia's foreign policy has been shaped over the years and what the country can bring onto the international stage. Aga and Mari-Liis also discuss Estonia's relationship with its substantial Russian-speaking minority, the issue of so-called stateless people in Estonia, and the results and possible consequences of the parliamentary elections and ensuing coalition talks. Visit us online at: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Wed, March 22, 2023
Episode 133: The blockade of the Lachin Corridor
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode, Adam and Aga start by discussing the ongoing battle for Bakhmut, first pledges of jet fighters for Ukraine and the, at the time of recording, upcoming visit of Xi Jinping to Moscow. The discussion then moves to the situation in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, where the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor - the sole link between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia - has caused a humanitarian crisis and is increasing tensions in the region. Helping us understand why the blockade is taking place and what is the role played by the many actors involved is Tom de Waal - senior fellow with Carnegie Europe, specialising in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region. You can find out more about Tom and his publications on https://carnegieeurope.eu/experts/479 . You can also follow him on Twitter @Tom_deWaal . Follow us as well! @areichardt @AWidlaszewska For further reading: "The South Caucasian dimension of the war in Ukraine: Russia’s declining influence is giving the West a role in the Karabakh peace process" by Nino Chanadiri. New Eastern Europe 7 November 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/11/07/the-south-caucasian-dimension-of-the-war-in-ukraine-russias-declining-influence-is-giving-the-west-a-role-in-the-karabakh-peace-process/
Sat, March 18, 2023
Episode 132: Spanish memory site: Valle de Cuelgamuros
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj With this episode, we close a mini-series on memory politics in Central and Western Europe. This time we look at the Spanish case of the Valle de Cuelgamuros. The Francisco Franco-time monumental historical site and mass grave of the victims of the 1930s civil war is an ongoing issue for Spanish society and politics. With the help of two outstanding experts in the field – Paula O'Donohoe and Francisco Ferrandiz – we unpack the complex issues that the historical site embraces. This podcast episode is a cooperation between Talk Eastern Europe , the Memory Studies Association, and EuroClio: the European Association of History Educators. This initiative is part of Contested Histories Onsite, a project powered by the European Commission and the Europe4Citizens program. Learn more about the project: https://contestedhistories.org/onsite/ Sources: Article on the Valle de Cuelgamuros: https://contestedhistories.org/wp-content/uploads/Spain_-Valley-of-the-Fallen-in-Madrid.pdf Previous episodes within the series: Episode 116: The Contested Histories. The project wrap-up, https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-116-the-contested-histories-the-project-wrap-up-220 Episode 99: Transforming the fascist past. The case of Bolzano’s bas-relief, https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-99-transforming-the-fascist-past-the-case-of-bolzanos-bas-relief-424 Episode 85: Estonia grapples with its Soviet past, https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-85-estonia-grapples-with-its-soviet-past-228 Episode 77: Inside memory sites - The Warsaw Rising Museum, https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-77-inside-memory-sites-the-warsaw-rising-museum-910
Wed, March 15, 2023
Episode 131: Georgia’s foreign agent law sparks reaction
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Agnieszka start out with a discussion on the state of Russian influence in the region with a focus on Georgia and Moldova. Later, Agnieszka provides a brief rundown of the recent Estonian elections. For the main interview, Adam is joined by Grigol Julukhidze - the director of the Foreign Policy Council, a think tank in Tbilisi. He specialises in security studies and propaganda research and is also a lecturer at Ilia State University. Adam and Grigol dissect the recent events surrounding the introduction (and later withdrawal) of the so-called foreign agent law in Georgia and what the consequences are for the country. During the special bonus section available for patrons, Grigol discussion the current state of Mikheil Saakashvili as well as how Georgia has changed with the influx of Russians escaping mobilisation. Listen to the full episode by signing up here: https://bit.ly/3Fox3Iy For further reading "The European Dream: Georgia’s growing anti-European rhetoric undermines its pro-western aspirations" by Giorgi Beroshvili, New Eastern Europe, 10 March 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/03/10/the-european-dream-georgias-growing-anti-european-rhetoric-undermines-its-pro-western-aspirations/ “Russian soft power in Georgia: “People’s Power” and the “foreign agent” media law” by Davit Totadze, New Eastern Europe 3 March 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/03/03/russian-soft-power-in-georgia-peoples-power-and-the-foreign-agent-media-law/
Tue, March 07, 2023
Episode 130: The Wagner Group
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode Adam and Aga start by discussing the latest updates from Bakhmut and the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. We then tackle Russia's most infamous private military company and its powerful and ambitious chief Yegveny Prigozhin. Helping us understand the way in which the Wagner Group operates and manages to get away with its many crimes and human rights violations is Catrina Doxsee - an associate director and associate fellow for the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). In the bonus section of the interview for our patrons, Catrina discusses Wagner's adventurism in African countries, something less covered in international media. Join our patreon page and listen to the full interview here: https://bit.ly/3JlRfNP You can find Catrina's research and recent publications on: https://www.csis.org/programs/transnational-threats-project https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/wagner-cornerstone-russias-strategy-africa-37141 https://www.csis.org/analysis/massacres-executions-and-falsified-graves-wagner-groups-mounting-humanitarian-cost-mali https://www.csis.org/analysis/tracking-arrival-russias-wagner-group-mali https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-corporate-soldiers-global-expansion-russias-private-military-companies Check out the latest from New Eastern Europe: www.neweasterneurope.eu
Thu, March 02, 2023
Episode 129: Can Moldova resist Russian pressure?
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode we look at the current situation in the small but important country of Moldova. Since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, which began last year, Moldova has often been thought of a country at greater risk of destabilization and conflict. Recent intelligence indicates Russia is seeking ways to disrupt Moldova’s pro-European path and may be funding hybrid-style attacks in the country. Joining us on the podcast is Anda Bologa is a Fulbright scholar and a PhD candidate at Fordham University. She is an affiliated expert with the Romanian think tank Europuls and a fellow at the Washington-based Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). Anda’s research topics are transatlantic affairs, digital policy, and EU neighborhood policy. Anda discusses the pressure faced by Moldova and what it will take for the country to overcome possible hybrid attacks. Read more in the latest issue of New Eastern Europe : https://bit.ly/3I3K4I4 “War at the border, protests at home: pressure mounts on Moldova”, by: Will Fleeson, New Eastern Europe, Issue 1-2/2023 , https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/02/15/moldova-ukraine-russia-sandu-shor/ * “Moldova is being forced to adapt to hybrid warfare”, by: Marina Bzovîi, New Eastern Europe , Issue 1-2/2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/02/15/moldova-hybrid-warfare-russia-ukraine-hacking/ Follow us on Twitter: @areichardt, @AWidlaszewska
Fri, February 24, 2023
Episode 128: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one year later. A conversation with Maria Avdeeva
>>> Become a patron of Talk Eastern Europe for even more content: http://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Agnieszka sit down with Maria Avdeeva, a Kharkiv-based expert who has since February 24th 2022 been reporting on the ground regarding the situation in her hometown and throughout Ukraine. Maria provides some personal reflections and stories from the last 12 months and later describes what she thinks could happen next in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Follow Maria on Twitter: https://twitter.com/maria_avdv Further reading: Winning a war is not enough for Ukraine. Interview with Maksym Kyiak, the cheif expert of the ANTS NGO and a territorial defence volunteer: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/02/23/winning-a-war-is-not-enough-for-ukraine/ --> Check out the new issue of New Eastern Europe now available here: https://bit.ly/3I3K4I4
Tue, February 14, 2023
Episode 127: New president, new Czechia?
>>> Become a patron of Talk Eastern Europe for even more content: http://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode we focus on Czechia and its recent presidential election, which saw a clash of two very different visions of the country's future. We discuss the role of President in Czechia, the legacy of the outgoing President, Miloš Zeman, the profile and policy ideas of the newly elected Petr Pavel and the biggest points of contention between him and his main rival in the election, former Czech PM Andrej Babiš. Our guest is Pavel Havlíček, a Research Fellow at the Association for International Affairs (AMO) and a Central European Fellow for Security Policy at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. Additional materials: https://www.gmfus.org/news/test-democratic-maturity https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/new-czech-president-pavel-to-end-international-isolation/ Listen to our previous episode with Pavel: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-106-czechias-eu-presidency-priorities-and-challenges-083 You can follow Pavel and his work on Twitter (@Pavel_Havlicek_), Facebook (Pavel Paulie Havlíček) and LinkedIn (Pavel Havlicek).
Wed, February 08, 2023
Episode 126: What do Swedish Council Presidency, Eastern Partnership, and civil society have in common?
>>> Become a patron of Talk Eastern Europe for even more content: http://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this week's episode Aga sits down with not one but two guests to discuss the Swedish presidency of the Council of the EU, the future of the Eastern Partnership, and the role civil society has played and can play in the relations between the EU and the EaP, as well as within the EaP itself. This episode is co-produced with ForumCiv, a Swedish development cooperation organisation uniting around 200 Swedish CSOs and supporting civil society in over 70 countries all over the world. Our guests are Ognjen Radonjic, Hub Manager for Eastern Europe at ForumCiv, and Hugo von Essen, an analyst at the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies. You can learn more about ForumCiv at https://www.forumciv.org/int . You can find Hugo's and SCEEUS' research at https://sceeus.se/en/ . As we mention in the outro of this episode, we love to hear from you! You can contact us via: 1. Our website https://talkeasterneurope.eu/ 2. Our Facebook group "Talk Eastern Europe Podcast" or 3. Twitter @AWidlaszewska and @areichardt.
Wed, February 01, 2023
Episode 125: Dissecting German discourse on Ukraine
>>> Become a patron of Talk Eastern Europe for even more content: http://bit.ly/3nMGeYj In this episode, Adam and Agnieszka start by discussing latest updates in the region, including the election of Petr Pavel as the new Czech president, an interesting piece on how Poland is repairing Ukraine’s military equipment, and the announcement that Germany will allow for the export of Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine. They are then joined by Marcel Krueger, a German-born writer and essayist. He discusses his view of the German discourse, his family history as well as how this all impacts Polish-German relations. Read Marcel’s essay published in New Eastern Europe from last July: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/07/08/ignorance-of-history-germanys-culture-of-memory-and-response-to-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/ Visit Marcel online: http://marcel-krueger.squarespace.com/ Read the special WSJ report on Poland’s 24/7 repair shop for Ukraine: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-covert-polish-repair-shop-patching-up-ukrainian-arms-11674920742 Check us out online: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Tue, January 24, 2023
Episode 124: Slovakia turns 30 amid political turmoil
*** Become a patron of Talk Eastern Europe and get additional content: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope *** Talk Eastern Europe is back with its first episode of 2023! The episode opens with Adam and Agnieszka catching up with the news (and not only!) from the last weeks and a quick reaction to the Ramstein meeting on January 20th. The rest of the episode is dedicated to looking at the country of Slovakia, which recently celebrated 30 years of statehood following the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia. Adam sits down with Michaela Terenzani, editor in chief of the Slovak Spectator, to discuss the legacy of this break-up; the developments throughout the last 30 years; and finally to discuss the tumultuous political situation currently taking place. Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe now available online here: https://bit.ly/3FLKp2g
Fri, December 23, 2022
Episode 123: Azerbaijan in a changing geopolitical reality (+summary of the year)
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In the last episode of 2022, the three co-hosts reunite to wrap up the year. It was a year dominated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Besides the war, it was a year full of important developments in many countries of the region. In the main part of the episode, Maciek sits down with Anna Żamejć, an independent journalist and analyst focusing on the Southern Caucasus. They discuss recent developments in Azerbaijan and how the war in Ukraine paradoxically brings new opportunities for the country and what are the long-term internal challenges for Baku. Thank you for listening to the podcast in 2022! /// Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe now available online here: https://bit.ly/3FLKp2g Want to keep up to date on Talk Eastern Europe’s latest episodes – sign up for notifications via the website at: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/subscribe
Tue, December 13, 2022
Episode 122: What’s behind the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo?
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This week, Talk Eastern Europe heads back to the Western Balkans. Maciek and Adam discuss the most recent EU-Western Balkan Summit which was held in Tirana, Albania on December 6th. Later, Adam is joined by Leon Hartwell, a senior advisor for the Central and South Eastern European Programme (CSEEP) at LSE IDEAS and a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). They discuss the context to current rising tensions between Serbia and Kosovo; what are the barriers to finding a solution; and which actors are involved in trying to resolve (or not) the conflict. During the bonus round section – available for our Patrons only – Leon discusses the role of the Russian war in Ukraine in the Western Balkan region and why Serbia is so pro-Russian. /// Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe now available online here: https://bit.ly/3FLKp2g Want to keep up to date on Talk Eastern Europe’s latest episodes – sign up for notifications via the website at: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/subscribe
Mon, December 05, 2022
Russian war against Ukraine: Special coverage ep.7
It has been now over nine months since the Russian unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and Talk Eastern Europe is continuing its special coverage with additional content and conversations on the situation with the war. Since October, the Russian strategy has shifted, by putting more pressure on the Ukrainian civilian population by targeting critical infrastructure such as electricity, water and heating. As the winter months are now starting more pressure will be put on the Ukrainian population as a result of this strategy. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the Ukrainian forces continue to slowly advance and retake the land from the invaders and defend against any further Russian advance. In this special episode dedicated to the war in Ukraine, Adam sits down with Anton Naychuk – a Ukrainian expert and director of the Civil Diplomacy Fund. They discuss the current situation in Ukraine, Ukraine’s military strategy, the Russian strategy, and pressure from the West to reach some sort of compromise. A bonus question on the role of Belarus concludes the conversation and is available for our patrons. Listen to the full episode via our patreon page at: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope . Want to listen to more podcasts about Eastern Europe? Visit: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Thu, December 01, 2022
Episode 121 - Reporting from Ukraine's frontlines
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode, Aga sits down with Francis Farrell - an Aussie who ended up working as a frontline reporter for The Kyiv Independent. They discuss plenty of war-related topics, including the liberation of Kherson, life in the occupied and frontline areas, and the current struggles linked to Russia's mass attacks on Ukraine's energy grid. There's also a couple of bonus questions for our patrons, in which Francis reveals more details about his work as a journalist in wartime Ukraine. Follow Francis on Twitter @francisjfarrell. If you want to find his recent publications, check out: - The Kyiv Independent at https://kyivindependent.com/author/francis-farrell - Lossi 36 at https://lossi36.com/author/francis-farrell/
Wed, November 23, 2022
Episode 120: The human rights situation in Belarus
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode Adam and Aga start with a brief conversation on recent developments regarding the Russian war against, including the incident which took place at Przewodów in Poland, just across the border with Ukraine. Later, Adam sits downs with Anais Marin - the UN Special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. They discuss the situation in Belarus and the challenge Belarusians face when forced abroad. Ms. Marin has recently presented her report on the human rights situation to the UN General Assembly. You can read the full report here: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N22/432/95/PDF/N2243295.pdf?OpenElement About the guest: Anaïs Marin is an independent Belarus expert who is an Associate Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia program at Chatham House. She is also a researcher with the University of Warsaw, Poland. She holds a PhD from Sciences Po, where she studied international public law and comparative politics with a focus on post-communist transformations in Central and Eastern Europe. For more context – listen to a special Talk Eastern Europe podcast series titled “The Story of Belarus. The nation, its history and a new hope”: https://neweasterneurope.eu/belarus/
Tue, November 15, 2022
Episode 119 - Russia's westernmost outpost: history, identity and geopolitical fate of Kaliningrad
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode, we focus our attention on Russia's semi-exclave of Kaliningrad, located by the Baltic Sea and surrounded by NATO allies. Our guest for this week is Miłosz J. Cordes, a former career diplomat, currently a post-doc researcher at Lund University, a fellow researcher at the Danish Foreign Policy Society, and a lecturer at DIS Study Abroad in Copenhagen. Aga and Miłosz discuss how the region of Kaliningrad changed hands over the centuries and how it ended up being part of the USSR and eventually Russia. They also talk about the role of Kaliningrad today, and the geopolitical sensitivities stemming from its location. Finally, as Miłosz's research interests cover identity politics in the Baltic Sea Region and in Central and Eastern Europe, the interview delves into how the inhabitants of Kaliningrad identify themselves vis-a-vis the rest of Russia, and what are their perceptions of their country's actions on the international stage. You can find Miłosz's research on https://www.milosz.dk/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/miloszcordes
Thu, November 10, 2022
Episode 118: Book Talk: The fight for our lives. A conversation with Iuliia Mendel
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this week’s episode, Adam is just back from a trip to Lviv. Maciek asks Adam for his reflections on his stay in the Western Ukrainian city. Later, Adam is joined by Iuliia Mendel a Ukrainian journalist who served as press secretary and spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from 2019 until 2021. Her recent book is titled “The Fight of Our Lives. My Time with Zelenskyy, Ukraine's Battle for Democracy, and What It Means for the World”, which tells the story of her time with Zelenskyy, and what the current war means for Ukraine and the world. Adam and Iuliia talk about her book and her experiences working side-by-side with President Zelenskyy. For our Talk Eastern Europe Patrons, the conversation continues with Iuliia’s impression of Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, as well as her thoughts on the president’s communication strategy since the full-scale invasion happened on 24 February. Become a patron and listen to the full episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-118-book-74475553 Check the book out on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Fight-Our-Lives-Zelenskyy-Democracy-ebook/dp/B09X61CYYF
Thu, November 03, 2022
Episode 117: Will the Italian far-right cut ties with Russia?
*** Help us reach our goal of 50 patrons by the end of 2022! Join us here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This episodes looks into Italy’s bilateral relation with Russia and its possible development under the newly-established government of Giorgia Meloni, who is the leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy. Our guest is Stefano Braghiroli, Associate Professor of European Studies at Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu, Estonia. Together with Maciek, Stefano discusses Meloni’s political background and the challenge of Italian pro-Russian politicians, some of whom are in the new government, and what it means for Italy’s and EU’s support for Ukraine. Become a TEE Patron to listen to the full episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/74167530/
Sat, October 29, 2022
Russian war against Ukraine: Special coverage ep. 6
It has been now over 280 days since the Russian unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. A lot has changed since our last special episode dedicated to the war in Ukraine. Since the summer, Ukraine’s counter-offensive has had some serious success in taking back its land from Russia – particularly in the North, but also in the East and South. Serious efforts are now aimed at retaking Kherson in the south. At the same time, Russia’s strategy against Ukrainian civilians intensified. In this special episode dedicated to the war in Ukraine, Adam sits down with Julia Kazdobina – a Ukrainian expert on security and information operations. She is the head of the Ukrainian Foundation for Security Studies and a former Advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Information Policy. They talk about the current situation in Ukraine, Russian strategy, Western aid, and what is ahead as the winter is approaching. If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider supporting us by becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope . Make sure to check out New Eastern Europe’s latest issue titled: “Loss and Division” now available online at: https://bit.ly/3SPvdon Want to listen to more podcasts about Eastern Europe? Visit: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Wed, October 26, 2022
Episode 116: The Contested Histories. The project wrap-up
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This episode features a discussion with Aline Sierp, an Associate Professor in European Studies at Maastricht University, the co-founder and co-president of the Memory Studies Association, and the Council of European Studies’ Research Network on Transnational Memory and Identity in Europe. Aline provides us with a broader context of the Contested Histories Onsite project which is a cooperation between Talk Eastern Europe, the Memory Studies Association, and EuroClio: the European Association of History Educators. This project is powered by the European Commission and the Europe4Citizens program.” Under this project, we published three episodes on different historical sites in Europe, the narratives around them, and the recontextualization that these narratives have undergone. This podcast presents some reflections on the work done under the project and presents some other outcomes that are available to the broader public. Previous episodes under the Contested Histories Onsite project: Episode 99: Transforming the fascist past. The case of Bolzano’s bas-relief, https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-99-transforming-the-fascist-past-the-case-of-bolzanos-bas-relief-424 Episode 85: Estonia grapples with its Soviet past, https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-85-estonia-grapples-with-its-soviet-past-228 Episode 77: Inside memory sites - The Warsaw Rising Museum, https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-77-inside-memory-sites-the-warsaw-rising-museum-910 The Contested Histories Onsite website: https://contestedhistories.org/onsite/ Memory Studies Association: https://www.memorystudiesassociation.org/contested-histories-onsite/ EuroClio: https://www.euroclio.eu/project/contested-histories/
Tue, October 18, 2022
Episode 115 - Is the North Caucasus reaching a boiling point?
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode Aga sits down with Harold Chambers, an independent political and security analyst specialising in the North Caucasus, to discuss the recent anti-mobilisation protests in this multi-ethnic part of Russia usually known for very low levels of open dissent. Aga and Harold then delve deeper into the mood in Chechnya specifically, and compare how the usual perception of Chechen troops differs from their real performance on the battlefield in Ukraine. In the final part of the discussion, available exclusively for our patrons, Aga and Harold talk about the notorious head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. What role does he play in Russia's war against Ukraine? Does he have a special relationship with Putin and the Kremlin? What is his endgame? Join our patreon to find out! The full episode can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/73456918 Follow Harold on Twitter: https://twitter.com/chambersharold8 You can find his weekly updates on North Caucasus in Lossi 36's newsletter: https://lossi36.com/category/format/news/ His recent articles include: "Mobilization in the North Caucasus" - https://ridl.io/mobilization-in-the-north-caucasus/ "The price of protest in Chechnya" - https://ridl.io/the-price-of-protest-in-chechnya/ "Moving Beyond the Chechen Troika" - https://ridl.io/moving-beyond-the-chechen-troika/ "The Shifting Political Hierarchy in the North Caucasus" - https://www.fpri.org/article/2022/06/the-shifting-political-hierarchy-in-the-north-caucasus/ "The post-Kadyrov mirage" - https://meduza.io/en/feature/2022/09/07/the-post-kadyrov-mirage
Tue, October 11, 2022
Episode 114: A deep dive into Bosnia and Herzegovina
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this week’s episode, Adam and Maciek open with a discussion on some of the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. Later they sit down with Megan McCullough, a development associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC and a contributor to Lossi36. They discuss the place of Bosnia in Europe and its geopolitical position, the complicated electoral system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the broad social challenges faced in the country and the uncertain results of the most recent elections on October 2nd 2022. What do the results say about the future of the country? What are its perspectives for European integration? For our patrons, we continue the conversation looking at how the Bosnian society sees the war in Ukraine and what are the geopolitical players’ interest in the Western Balkans region and what is the role of Bosnia in geopolitics. The entire podcast episode can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-114-deep-73177149 Resources: A Book Of Luminous Things: An International Anthology of Poetry: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Luminous-Things-International-Anthology/dp/0156005743 Bosnia Elections: One Loser, no Clear Winners – Uncertain Prospects, Balkan Insight: https://balkaninsight.com/2022/10/04/bosnia-elections-one-loser-no-clear-winners-uncertain-prospects/ Sign up to get updates on the latest episodes at: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Tue, October 04, 2022
Episode 113: From past to present. A story of Chinese-European encounters
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode we look towards China from the perspective of its encounters with the West and Europe. Our guest is Jacek Hajduk, a Cracow-based (Poland) writer and classical philologist. His recent book “The Journal of the Rat Year” (in Polish: Dziennik Roku Szczura”) has been recently published in Poland. The book offers an in-depth historical look into the Chinese-European relations and shows us that a meaningful and patient discovering China’s and Europe’s history will tell us a lot about ourselves and our today challenges. Follow our guest on Twitter: @jahajduk More about the book [in Polish]: https://www.kew.org.pl/produkt/rok-szczura/ Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe: https://bit.ly/3SPvdon Read online: "Putin’s mobilisation. Too little, too late" by Agnieszka Bryc, New Eastern Europe 26 Sept 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/09/26/putin-mobilization-russia-war-ukraine/ Check us out at: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Tue, September 27, 2022
Episode 112: Russian disinformation and memory politics, past and present
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode, Aga and Maciek sit down not with one but two guests, diving deep into the history of Russian/Soviet disinformation and memory politics, and linking it to the most recent events, including the partial mobilization in Russia and sham referenda in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The voices of our guests will seem familiar to our regular listeners, as Aga and Maciek were joined by Prof. Agnieszka Legucka of the Polish Institute of International Affairs and Dr. Maria Domańska of the Centre for Eastern Studies. The inspiration for our discussion was a recently published volume "Disinformation, Narratives and Memory Politics in Russia and Belarus", to which both of our guests contributed. Additional materials: "Disinformation, Narratives and Memory Politics in Russia and Belarus" - https://www.routledge.com/Disinformation-Narratives-and-Memory-Politics-in-Russia-and-Belarus/Legucka-Kupiecki/p/book/9781032251103 "Forward, into the past! Russia’s politics of memory in the service of ‘eternal’ authoritarianism" - https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/osw-report/2021-11-22/forward-past "The Set-up" by Vladimir Volkoff, https://archive.org/details/setup00volk/mode/2up Follow our guests: Prof. Legucka - https://www.pism.pl/analysts/Agnieszka_Legucka_en ; @ALegucka on Twitter Dr. Domańska - https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/eksperci/maria-domanska ; @MDomanskaOSW on Twitter Our guests' previous episodes: Episode 34 "Pandemic, power and Putin forever" with Prof. Legucka - https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-34-pandemic-power-and-putin-forever-856 Episode 71 "Putin's test of the West" with Prof. Legucka - https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-71-putins-test-of-the-west-434 Episode 87 "Russian memory politics" with Dr. Domańska - https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-87-russian-memory-politics-762</a
Tue, September 13, 2022
Episode 111: Debating an EU-wide ban on Russian tourists?
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This week Maciek and Aga open the episode with a discussion on the latest news regarding Ukraine’s gains in the Kharkiv region, pushing back the Russian forces that have been occupying land there for the last several months. Later, Adam interviews Marie Dumoulin from the European Council on Foreign Relations. They talk about the debate around the EU-wide visa ban for Russian tourists, examine EU sanctions and how European states are working with Russian groups abroad. The debate on a visa ban is not a settled one as there are arguments for both sides. We offer several resources below for you to learn more about the context of this debate, including another point of view in contrast to the guest speaker on today’s podcast. “Why banning Russians from Europe is the right thing to do”, by Vladyslav Faraponov. New Eastern Europe 31 August 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/08/31/why-banning-russians-from-europe-is-the-right-thing-to-do/ “The imperial mentality of unapologetic Russian oppositionists”, by Tomasz Kamusella. New Eastern Europe 26 August 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/08/26/the-imperial-mentality-of-unapologetic-russian-oppositionists/ More about the Guest: Marie Dumoulin is the director of the Wider Europe programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Prior to joining ECFR, Dumoulin worked as a French career diplomat. She held a number of positions in French diplomatic missions abroad, e.g. in Turkmenistan, Algeria, Germany, and was seconded to the German Foreign Ministry during the German OSCE Chairmanship. Check us out online at: www.talkeasterneurope.eu Don’t forget to give us a Five-Star rating!
Tue, September 06, 2022
Episode 110: The situation of Crimean Tatars during the wartime
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In the first part of the episode, the trio of co-hosts briefly exchange summer reflections and what they were following recently in the region after not seeing each other for a while. The core part overviews the situation over the Crimean Peninsula and of Crimean Tatars. Crimea has been recently at the heart of a debate over the war due to reported Ukraine’s strikes on Russian infrastructure in Crimea in mid-August. It was also toward the end of August when the Second Crimea Platform took place. It is a Ukraine-initiated tool to keep the issue of Crimea high on the international agenda. Guest: Nedim Useinow, a member of the Coordination Council of the World Congress of Crimean Tatars in Poland. He also represents the Department of European Islam Studies at the University of Warsaw. "The mission of journalists is to reveal the truth", https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/07/14/the-mission-of-journalists-is-to-reveal-the-truth/ "The Crimea Platform as a new approach to a seven-year-old problem", https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/08/24/the-crimea-platform-as-a-new-approach-to-a-seven-year-old-problem/ "The Crimean Platform: possible light in the hybrid tunnel", https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/08/23/the-crimean-platform-possible-light-in-the-hybrid-tunnel/
Sun, July 31, 2022
Episode 109: What does Georgia dream about?
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode we turn towards Georgia, to discuss the current developments in the country and the implications of the recent decision of the European Council not to grant Georgia EU candidate status just yet. Aga delves into these topics together with Grigol Julukhidze, Director and Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Council - an independent, non-profit think tank based in Tbilisi. They talk about the never-ending internal political crisis in the country, the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration for the Georgian population and the ever more present influence of Russian propaganda and disinformation. You can follow Grigol and his work on https://foreignpolicycouncil.com/ and on Twitter @grigoljulukhidz . Recent NEE articles on Georgia: “From emperors to refugees: Russian emigration to Armenia and Georgia” - https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/07/14/from-emperors-to-refugees-russian-emigration-to-armenia-and-georgia/ “Georgia has work to do before it is considered an EU candidate country” - https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/06/30/georgia-has-work-to-do-before-it-is-considered-an-eu-candidate-country/ Check out our previous episodes: Episode 96: Georgia’s government distancing from Ukraine - https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-96-georgias-government-distancing-from-ukraine-893 Episode 78: Another hot summer in Georgia - https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-78-another-hot-summer-in-georgia-981
Sun, July 24, 2022
Episode 108: Albania and North Macedonia closer to the EU
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode, we look at the Western Balkans. After somewhat disappointing the EU-Western Balkans Summit in June 2022, the European Commission announced the opening of the accession negotiations with the two candidate countries Albania and North Macedonia on July 19. Gentjan Skara, the Head of the Department of Law at the Bedër University College in Triana, joined us to provide his view on critical factors that led to the opening of negotiations. He also shared his assessment of what tasks lie ahead of Albania before the country could become a Member of the European Union. Visit us online: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Wed, July 13, 2022
Episode 107: War opposition inside Russia
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam sits down with Nina Rozhanovskaya a coordinator and academic liaison at the Kennan Institute of the Wilson Centre. Nina and Adam explore understanding Russian support for the war in Ukraine and a focus on opposition to the war among Russians inside and outside the country. They discuss the growing internal repressions and the consequences for speaking out against this war. Read the most recent publication on this topic: “Disloyalty is punishable: Russians hide their true feelings about the war” By: Maria Domańska, New Eastern Europe 17 June 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/06/17/disloyalty-is-punishable-russians-hide-their-true-feelings-about-the-war/ Visit us online: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Tue, July 05, 2022
Episode 106: Czechia's EU presidency - priorities and challenges
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/search?q=talk+eastern+europe In this episode Aga sits down with Pavel Havlíček, a Research Fellow at the Prague-based Association for International Affairs (AMO) and expert on Eastern Europe, to discuss the priorities of the recently inaugurated Czech presidency of the Council of the European Union and how these will be impacted by the historic decision to grant Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova EU candidate status. Aga and Pavel also talk about Czechia’s involvement in the development of the Eastern Partnership and ponder on the possible future scenarios for the initiative, now that two of its members have become part of the EU’s enlargement policy. Additional materials: “Ukraine’s membership of the EU is a long way off, but we must start preparing right now” - https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/06/22/ukraines-membership-of-the-eu-is-a-long-way-off-but-we-must-start-preparing-right-now/ “Czech presidency can revive the faltering Eastern Partnership” - https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/12/27/czech-presidency-can-revive-the-faltering-eastern-partnership/ You can follow Pavel and his work on Twitter (@Pavel_Havlicek_), Facebook (Pavel Paulie Havlíček) and LinkedIn (Pavel Havlicek). Visit us online at: https://www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Fri, July 01, 2022
Episode 105: Ukraine granted the EU candidate status in the shadow of war
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/search?q=talk+eastern+europe The last European Union Council meeting brought a historic decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova the status of the EU candidate status. In this episode Maciek and Aga share their first reactions to the EU’s decision as well as Maciek asks Maksym Kyiak, the Kyiv-based expert on international relations, about his assessment of EU Council decision. In addition Maksym provides us with an update of the general situation in Ukraine as the war continues without any prospects for rapid de-escalation. Watch the documentary movie on the city of Bucha in Ukraine, mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=-RXf6REnoSs Read the latest analysis and commentary on the war and the region by visiting: www.neweasterneurope.eu
Fri, June 17, 2022
Episode 104: Russian invasion continues to devastate
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope *** In this episode Adam sits down with Anton Naychuk, Director of the Kyiv-based NGO Civil Diplomacy Fund. Anton gives our listeners an update on where the fighting is now taking place in Ukraine. He discusses the current Russian strategy and the needs of Ukraine for heavy weapons now – before it is too late. Anton also describes the economic effects of the war and why and how Russian actions are leading to a possible global food crisis. Read the latest analysis and commentary on the war and the region by visiting: www.neweasterneurope.eu Listen also to Episode 101: EU Candidate status for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia? https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-101-eu-candidate-status-for-ukraine-moldova-and-georgia-732
Thu, June 09, 2022
Episode 103: How Poland became a "humanitarian superpower"
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope *** In this episode two Agnieszkas sit down to discuss recent developments in their home country – Poland. Aga’s guest is Agnieszka Wądołowska, deputy editor of Notes from Poland and a fellow podcaster. The discussion revolves around Poland’s reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with particular focus on the country’s role in supporting Ukrainian refugees. Aga and Agnieszka also ponder on the remarkable solidarity which emerged on the Polish political scene as a result of the war and how Poland’s current positive image influences its relations with the EU. You can find Agnieszka on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aga_wadolowska Follow Notes from Poland at: https://notesfrompoland.com/ The VoiCEE podcast can be found at: https://notesfrompoland.com/category/the-voicee-podcast/ Visit us online: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Fri, June 03, 2022
Episode 102: Europe's changing energy landscape
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope *** This episode features a discussion on the dynamic changes in the energy sector in Europe. Europe has been already on the track to transforming the energy policy due to climate change. The pandemic but foremost Russia's military invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the pace of changes. The most important challenge is how to decrease the level of imports of fossil fuels from Russia and secure the energy security of each EU Member State at the same time. Guest: Mateusz Kubiak, energy expert, and Managing Partner at Esperis Consulting, a consultancy firm operating in the energy and insurance market. Visit us online: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Wed, May 25, 2022
Episode 101: EU Candidate status for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia?
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope *** Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to huge geopolitical shifts in the region of Eastern Europe. One major development has been the application for membership in the European Union submitted by Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. What are the chances that these three countries can get EU candidate status? And what does this mean for the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative? And what about an alternative, as proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron? To get some insight into these questions, Adam and Aga sat down Tania Marocchi, manager of the EaP Index at the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (Brussels) and Sergiy Gerasymchuk, Deputy Executive Director at the Foreign Policy Council "Ukrainian Prism" (Kyiv). Resources and Notes: Episode 89: Eastern Partnership looks to the future: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-89-eastern-partnership-looks-to-the-future-448 Episode 84: Ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-84-ahead-of-the-eastern-partnership-summit-840 “The promise of the Eastern Partnership is not dead yet”, James Sherr, New Eastern Europe Issue 1-2 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/15/the-promise-of-the-eastern-partnership-is-not-dead-yet/ “Czech presidency can revive the faltering Eastern Partnership”, Pavel Havlicek, New Eastern Europe, 27 December 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/12/27/czech-presidency-can-revive-the-faltering-eastern-partnership/ “Failed Expectations? Belarus and the Eastern Partnership”, Veranika Laputska, New Eastern Europe Issue 5 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/04/failed-expectations-belarus-and-the-eastern-partnership/ New Eastern Europe Issue 3-4/2019: Eastern Partnership turns 10: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/05/02/issue-3-4-2019-eastern-partnership-turns-10/ Visit us online: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Sat, May 21, 2022
Russian war against Ukraine: Special coverage ep. 5
It has been now over 80 days since the Russian unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. In this special episode dedicated to the war in Ukraine, Adam sits down with Vira Konstantynova, a Ukrainian political scientist, expert in international relations and commentator in Ukrainian media. They discuss life in war time Kyiv, the developing situation in the south of the country, the ongoing negotiation process as well as the importance of Ukraine’s victory in Eurovision. If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider supporting us by becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope . Make sure to check out New Eastern Europe’s latest issue titled: “The Pain of War” now available online at: https://bit.ly/3EITrLl Want to listen to more podcasts about Eastern Europe? Visit: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Wed, May 18, 2022
Episode 100: Reflections on the podcast. Past, present and future
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope *** In our special 100th episode, which was live streamed on May 17th 2022, Talk Eastern Europe takes a trip down memory lane and discusses the origins of the podcast and its development. Aga takes on the role of interviewer with her guests, Adam and Maciek, and asks the longtime co-hosts to share some behind-the-scenes fun facts and memorable moments related to their work on the podcast. Visit us online and share your moments as well at www.talkeasterneurope.eu Other Talk Eastern Europe Series to check out: - The Story of Belarus: the nation, its history, and a new hope: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-story-of-belarus - Exploring Polish Science Fiction and Fantasy: https://www.spreaker.com/show/polish-science-fiction-and-fantasy - Security in the Black Sea Region: https://www.spreaker.com/show/security-in-the-black-sea-region You can also watch this episode as it was live streamed via YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcRA41KMcPk
Thu, May 12, 2022
Episode 99: Transforming the fascist past. The case of Bolzano’s bas-relief
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope *** Episode 99 of the podcast explores how the research and local community from Bolzano in northern Italy managed to successfully reframe the post-fascist historical site located in this South Tyrolean, multi-ethnic city. The story gives an opportunity to reflect on how collective memory can be dealt with. It also allows us to ponder to what extent the experience of totalitarianism in Central and Eastern Europe shares similarities with Western European cases. Our guest is Hannes Obermair, a Senior researcher from Eurac Research, an independent and interdisciplinary research center, based in Bolzano in SouthTyrol. This podcast is a joint effort of Talk Eastern Europe, the Memory Studies Association and EuroClio: the European Association of History Educators within the framework of the project titled “Contested Histories Onsite”, a project which aims to place Europeans in discussions and debates on multiple historical perspectives and to activate citizens in public involvement of memory-constructions. As part of the EU’s Europe for Citizens programme, the project’s aspiration is rooted in a shared conviction that raising critical questions about the past is fundamental for citizens to develop a critical attitude towards the narratives that are competing with each other in contemporary politics. For more information on the project visit: -Contested Histories Onsite: https://contestedhistories.org/onsite/ -Memory Studies Association: https://www.memorystudiesassociation.org/contested-histories-onsite/ -EuroClio: https://www.euroclio.eu/project/contested-histories/ Sources: Mussolini bas-relief, Bolzano, Italy. Case Study #84, Contested Histories https://contestedhistories.org/wp-content/uploads/Italy_-Mussolini-Bas-Relief-in-Bolzano.pdf Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Why Are So Many Fascist Monuments Still Standing in Italy? https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/why-are-so-many-fascist-monuments-still-standing-in-italy Hannes Obermair, Monuments and the City – an almost inextricable entanglement https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio
Wed, April 27, 2022
Episode 98: Book talk - Democracy against liberalism
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In the opening part of this episode, Adam reveals what readers may find in the current issue of New Eastern Europe which provides voices from and about Ukraine struggling with unprovoked Russia’s military aggression that has already lasted for two months. In the main of this episode, Maciek sits down with Aviezer Tucker, a philosopher specializing in Epistemology and Philosophy of Science, a political theorist, and an Associate at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University. They discuss Tucker’s recent book on illiberalism and how to respond to it. Make sure to listen to the end of the episode to learn what new benefit for Patrons of the podcast awaits! Resources: - New Eastern Europe Issue 3/2022: The Pain of War https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/04/25/issue-3-2022-the-pain-of-war/ - Check out Adam’s photo-story from his recent trip to Lviv: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/04/24/lviv-a-city-of-resistance-photo-story/ - Aviezer Tucker, Along with Ukraine, Putin is Destroying Putinism https://theunpopulist.substack.com/p/along-with-ukraine-putin-is-destroying?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cta&s=r Make sure to check out our website: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Fri, April 15, 2022
Russian war against Ukraine: Special coverage ep. 4
In our continuing coverage of the Russian invasion against Ukraine, Adam Reichardt goes to Lviv and interviews Iryna Matviyishyn – a Ukrainian journalist. During the conversation they discuss Iryna’s recent trip to Kyiv and what she saw there as well as misconceptions of the West on Ukraine and what stage of the war is next Make a donation in solidarity with Ukraine by supporting free press in Central and Eastern Europe! Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-free-press-in-eastern-europe
Wed, April 13, 2022
Episode 97: Invincible Orbán and post-election Hungary
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** This episode features a discussion with Andrzej Sadecki, a senior fellow at the Centre for Eastern Studies in Warsaw. Together with Andrzej, we summarize the parliamentary election in Hungary which took place on April 3rd and coincided with a nationwide referendum. Andrzej provides his assessment of why the ruling party of Fidesz won the election big time and gained the supermajority in the Hungarian Parliament although pre-election polls and experts’ predictions suggested such a scenario was unlikely. Andrzej and Maciek also discuss possible prospects for the country under the fifth in a row term of Victor Orban as the prime of the country. See also: "Miscalibrated ambitions, or the shock of repetition" by: Ferenc Laczó. New Eastern Europe, 5 April 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/04/05/miscalibrated-ambitions-or-the-shock-of-repetition/ Please donate in solidarity with Ukraine by supporting a free press in Central and Eastern Europe! Donate here: https://gofund.me/291fcb13 Make sure to check out our website: www.talkeasterneurope.eu
Tue, April 05, 2022
Episode 96: Georgia’s government distancing from Ukraine
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In this episode, we try to comprehend what’s behind Georgia’s government’s cold stance toward Kyiv in the face of a Russia-provoked war in Ukraine and what consequences it might bring for Georgia’s foreign policy. Maciek discusses this topic with Givi Gigitashvili, a Researcher at the Atlantic Council Forensic Research Lab. Make sure to check out our website: www.talkeasterneurope.eu Please donate in solidarity with Ukraine by supporting a free press in Central and Eastern Europe! Donate here: https://gofund.me/291fcb13
Tue, March 29, 2022
Episode 95: Sanctions against Russia: will they work?
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** Adam, Maciek and Aga are finally back together! Before getting to this week’s interview, they discuss last week’s international summits and President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland, all against the backdrop of the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine. Aga and Maciek then sit down with Dr Clara Portela – a Political Science lecturer at the Law School of the University of Valencia and an expert on multilateral sanctions, arms control and EU foreign policy. Focusing on the topic of sanctions imposed against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, they discuss common misunderstandings linked to the use of sanctions as a foreign policy tool, different types of sanctions and how they tend to affect both their targets and their senders, as well as the current dynamic within the EU and how well both the Union and Russia are prepared for the consequences of the current and potential future sanctions. If you’d like to follow Dr Portela and her work you can find her on Twitter @DrClaraPortela. You can also follow her faculty @DretUV and you can find her publications on https://lizzysuccess.academia.edu/ClaraPORTELA Make sure to check out our website: www.talkeasterneurope.eu Please make a donation in solidarity with Ukraine by supporting free press in Central and Eastern Europe! Donate here: https://gofund.me/291fcb13
Tue, March 22, 2022
Episode 94: Moldova and Romania response to Ukrainian refugees
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In this episode Aga and Maciek discuss with Oktawian Miliewski Moldova’s and Romania’s reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They talk about the growing number of refugees in both countries and the potential consequences of the influx of people for the two countries. Oktawian also shares his insights why a potential of a Russia-controlled breakaway region of Transnistria may not occur an easy asset to use in war. Guest: Oktawian Milewski is an expert on the politics of Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Black Sea Region and the correspondent of Romania’s branch of Radio France Internationale. Based in Warsaw, Poland. Follow him on Twitter @milewskioctav Make a donation in solidarity with Ukraine by supporting free press in Central and Eastern Europe! Donate here: https://gofund.me/291fcb13
Fri, March 18, 2022
Russian war against Ukraine: Special coverage ep. 3
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In this episode, which is recorded on March 18th 2022, Talk Eastern Europe co-hosts Agnieszka and Adam catch up with Vladyslav Faraponov, an analyst and journalist at the Kyiv-based Internews-Ukraine and UkraineWorld. They discuss the most recent developments with Russia’s war against Ukraine as well as look at some of the international developments from the Ukrainian perspective. Make a donation in solidarity with Ukraine by supporting free press in Central and Eastern Europe! Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-free-press-in-eastern-europe Petition for unwavering global support for Ukraine: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/27/petition-for-unwavering-global-support-for-ukraine/
Sat, March 12, 2022
Russian war against Ukraine: Special coverage ep. 2
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In our continuing coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Adam sits down with Olha Konsevych, a Ukrainian journalist and editor in chief of the 24tv.ua web portal. They discuss the current situation around the country, the humanitarian crisis and green corridors, Belarus’s role and nuclear security. In the end Olha shares her message to Russians – who need to stand up and end this war, stating “As long as Russians sit silent, the war will not end.” The conversation was recorded on March 12th 2022 – the 17th day of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukraine under attack. How to help? List of organizations and charities who are in Ukraine or organizing assistance for Ukraine. Please consider supporting their efforts: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/24/ukraine-under-attack-how-to-help/ Petition for unwavering global support for Ukraine: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/27/petition-for-unwavering-global-support-for-ukraine/ Listen to our special Spotify playlist “Hear Ukraine” https://spoti.fi/35zgwTn
Tue, March 08, 2022
Episode 93: Russian aggression. View from Estonia
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In this episode, Adam sits down with Stefano Braghiroli from the University of Tartu in Estonia. They discuss the Russian war in Ukraine and how it is seen from the Baltic states, and especially Estonia. Please support organizations helping Ukraine: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/24/ukraine-under-attack-how-to-help/ Sign our petition for unwavering global support for Ukraine: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/27/petition-for-unwavering-global-support-for-ukraine/ Listen to our special Spotify playlist “Hear Ukraine” https://spoti.fi/35zgwTn
Fri, March 04, 2022
Russian war against Ukraine: Special coverage ep. 1
*** Please support us to keep bringing you in-depth coverage. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In this episode, Maciek connects with Maksym Kyiak who is staying near Kyiv. Maksym shares information about the life of Ukrainians at the time when their country has been attacked by Russia. Later, Maksym assesses the changing policy of Germany and the West toward Russia, and at the end, we have the pleasure to listen to a patriotic Ukrainian song performed by Maksym. Ukraine under attack. How to help? List of organizations and charities who are in Ukraine or organizing assistance for Ukraine. Please consider supporting their efforts: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/24/ukraine-under-attack-how-to-help/ Petition for unwavering global support for Ukraine: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/27/petition-for-unwavering-global-support-for-ukraine/ Listen to our special Spotify playlist “Hear Ukraine” https://spoti.fi/35zgwTn
Tue, March 01, 2022
Episode 92: War in Ukraine. The situation on day five
*** Please support this podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** This episode, recorded February 28th, is a summary of what has been happening in Ukraine since February 24th, the beginning of Russia's cruel military invasion of this country. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainians who are heroically defending their country's independence and freedom. We discuss not only the events in Ukraine itself, but also what is happening on the eastern border of Poland, which has already received several hundred thousand war refugees. The co-hosts discuss their reflections on these developments and Adam shares some of his experience at the Polish-Ukrainian border, where thousands of Ukrainians are arriving in their escape from the war. This episode is also a historic episode for Talk Eastern Europe, because for the first time Adam and Maciek are joined by the third co-host – Agnieszka Widłaszewska. Resources: Ukraine under attack. How to help? A list of organizations and charities who are in Ukraine or organizing assistance for Ukraine. Please consider supporting their efforts: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/24/ukraine-under-attack-how-to-help/ Russia’s Blitzkrieg has become Blitzfail. Conclusions from the first days of the war: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/28/russias-blitzkrieg-has-become-blitzfail-conclusions-from-the-first-days-of-the-war/ Photo-report from the Polish border, where it is all hands on deck: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/28/photo-report-from-the-polish-border-where-it-is-all-hands-on-deck/ >>>> Sign our petition for unwavering global support for Ukraine: https://www.change.org/SupportUkraine
Tue, February 22, 2022
Episode 91: In search of happiness
*** Please support this podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam sits down with Yvonne Howell, Professor of Russian and Global Studies at the University of Richmond and translator of the book “Moments of Happiness” published by Academic Studies Press. They discuss the background behind the book, the process of translating, what was learned in her experience, and how it relates to today’s darker times. Get your copy of the book at: https://www.academicstudiespress.com/cherry-orchard-books/moments-of-happiness Read Adam’s review at: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/11/30/happiness-in-small-doses/ Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe --> find out what is inside: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/16/issue-1-2-2022-tug-of-war-addressing-the-challenge-of-instability-in-the-region/ Recommended reading. Our interview with with Ekaterina Tkeshelashvili, Georgia’s former minister of foreign affairs. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/02/15/revisiting-the-2008-russo-georgian-war-can-offer-lessons-for-today/
Tue, February 15, 2022
Episode 90: Unpacking Hungarian Trianon trauma
*** Please support this podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** This episode features Maciek’s conversation with Andrzej Sadecki, Senior Fellow at Centre For Eastern Studies in Warsaw. They discuss the issue of remembrance of the Treaty of Trianon signed in 1921 which is a source of historical trauma for Hungarians. Andrzej explains why the Hungarian perception of the aftermath of World War I and Trianon are different than in other countries of the region. In 2021, on the centenary of the signing of the Treaty, a new monument commemorating Trianon was erected in Budapest which has sparked a further public discussion of current reinterpretations of Hungary's difficult past and the place of Trianon in Hungarian political memory. Resources and background Andrzej Sadecki, The long shadow of the Treaty of Trianon. Hungary's struggles with the past https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/point-view/2020-06-01/long-shadow-treaty-trianon Previous episodes on political memory in CEE: Russian memory politics https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-87-russian-memory-politics-491 Estonia grapples with its Soviet past https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-85-estonia-grapples-with-its-soviet-past-236 Inside memory sites - The Warsaw Rising Museum https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-77-inside-memory-sites-the-warsaw-rising-museum-699 The haunting power of memory https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-69-the-haunting-power-of-memory-917 CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: https://talkeasterneurope.eu Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Tue, February 08, 2022
Episode 89: Eastern Partnership looks to the future
*** Please support this podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** In this episode Adam and Maciek start with a discussion on developments in Russia-China relations. Later, they are joined by Mikayel Hovhannisyan, Program Director, Eurasia Partnership Foundation in Armenia, and a member of the EaP Civil Society Forum's Steering Committee. Mikayel shares his insights on the outcomes of the Eastern Partnership Summit held in December 2021. We also have a look at the challenges and opportunities lying ahead for the Eastern Partnership in the upcoming years. This episode is a collaboration between Talk Eastern Europe and the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. Make sure to check the previous episode we did with the support of the Forum. If you like to learn more about the Eastern Partnership and the activities of civil society organizations from the region visit the website of the Forum. Resources and background Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum: https://eap-csf.eu/ Listen to Episode 84: Ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episode/episode-84-ahead-of-the-eastern-partnership-summit-840 Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/53527/20211215-eap-joint-declaration-en.pdf EaP CSF Statement on the 6th Eastern Partnership Summit https://eap-csf.eu/project/eap-csf-statement-on-the-6th-eastern-partnership-summit/ CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: https://talkeasterneurope.eu
Tue, February 01, 2022
Episode 88: The Arctic, the EU and geopolitics
*** Please support this podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu *** This episode of Talk Eastern Europe explores the role that the Arctic region plays in the European Union’s foreign and security policy. As a result of the warming climate and the expanding geopolitical ambitions of Russia and other global actors, the Arctic is becoming more important to relations in the Northern Hemisphere. What are the EU’s objectives and how can the EU achieve its aims vis-a-vis its policy in the North. To help us understand these issues, we sit down with Urmas Paet, a member of the European Parliament from Estonia who is also vice chair of the EP’s Committee on Foreign Affairs. Paet was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia from 2005 to 2014. In the discussion we are also joined by Ronek Jäär, an intern working with New Eastern Europe and a student at Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University Of Tartu. We are grateful for his research and input into the episode. Resources and background “Joint Communication on a stronger EU engagement for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Arctic” published by the European Union: https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/105481/joint-communication-stronger-eu-engagement-peaceful-sustainable-and-prosperous-arctic_en European Parliament resolution of 7 October 2021 on the Arctic: opportunities, concerns and security challenges: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2021-0413_EN.html “A cold relation: Russia, China and science in the Arctic” An interview with researchers Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen and Mariia Kobzeva. New Eastern Europe 25 March 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/03/25/a-cold-relation-russia-china-and-science-in-the-arctic/
Mon, January 24, 2022
Episode 87: Russian memory politics
>>>Support this podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu In this episode, we deal with the subject of Russian politics of memory. We discuss the basic threads of the Russian narrative about collective memory and discuss how and for what purposes they are instrumentalized by the current rulers in the Kremlin. It also turns out that understanding the Russian authorities' approach to history provides explanations for the motives behind Russia's current actions at the international arena, including a possible escalation of the Russian-provoked 2014 war with Ukraine. We also look at how independent researchers and non-governmental organizations are trying to build a message based on facts or family stories that does not agree with the official line of the Kremlin. Our guide on this important and complex topic is Maria Domańska, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Eastern Studies in Warsaw, and co-author of a report on Russia's politics of memory. The report is available for download here: https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/osw-report/2021-11-22/forward-past Read also: “The forbidden theme of repression: History in the service of authoritarian politics”, by Maria Domańska, New Eastern Europe, 30 November 2021 https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/11/30/the-forbidden-theme-of-repression-history-in-the-service-of-authoritarian-politics/
Sat, January 15, 2022
Episode 86: Belarus and the crisis on the EU’s border
In the first episode of 2022, Talk Eastern Europe takes a comprehensive look at the situation on the border of Belarus and Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. Last year, the regime in Minsk headed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka, tried to artificially create a migration and border crisis for EU states as revenge for sanctions policies in the wake of the falsified 2020 elections and subsequent crackdowns. In this special episode, Maciek collects insights from two Polish experts (Filip Rudnik, Dominik Wilczewski) who followed the crisis closely. The discussions provide a special focus on the internal situations in Belarus and Lithuania. Support this podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope.eu Resources: Check out New Eastern Europe’s issue about Belarus (5/2021): https://neweasterneurope.eu/product/issue-5-2021-belarusians-one-year-in-protest/ “Dispatch from the border: Witnessing Lithuania’s migrant pushbacks” by: Jurga Bakaitė. New Eastern Europe, 09 November 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/11/09/dispatch-from-the-border-witnessing-lithuanias-migrant-pushbacks/ Don’t forget to give us 5 * Rating! Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope
Wed, December 29, 2021
Episode 85: Estonia grapples with its Soviet past
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope The final episode of 2021 once again takes us to Estonia. This time the context is a discussion on the removal of the Soviet-era “Bronze Soldier” statue in Tallinn which took place in April 2007. As a result of the government’s decision, violent protests broke out in Estonia – unprecedented for the small Baltic state. The incident exemplifies the complexity of memory in this region but also illustrates how memory is used to manipulate and incite violence. To revisit this discussion and take stock on the current state of inter-ethnic relations in Estonia, Adam and Maciek sit down with Karsten Brüggemann Professor of Estonian and General History at Tallinn University. This episode is being produced within the framework of the project titled “Contested Histories Onsite”, a project which aims to place Europeans in discussions and debates on multiple historical perspectives and to activate citizens in public involvement of memory-constructions. As part of the EU’s Europe for Citizens programme, the project’s aspiration is rooted in a shared conviction that raising critical questions about the past is fundamental for citizens to develop a critical attitude towards the narratives that are competing with each other in contemporary politics. For more information on the project visit: -Contested Histories Onsite: https://contestedhistories.org/onsite/ -Memory Studies Association: https://www.memorystudiesassociation.org/contested-histories-onsite/ -EuroClio: https://www.euroclio.eu/project/contested-histories/ - Listen to our previous episode on the Warsaw Uprising Museum: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-77 **** Check out our special podcast series on Polish Science Fiction and Fantasy / 100 Years of Stanislaw Lem. Available here: https://apple.co/3d6ToM8
Mon, December 13, 2021
Episode 84: Ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit
>>> Support our podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope On December 15th, the European Union will host the Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels – the first in-person summit since 2019. The Summit aims to focus on five priority areas – economy, governance, the environment, digital and society. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Maciek sits down with three experts from the Eastern Partnership’s Civil Society Forum to discuss their expectations for the Summit and how civil society plays a key role in the development of the Eastern Partnership. They also discuss their latest position paper which addresses the EU’s post-2020 priorities for the initiative. Guests: Vera Rihackova Pachta, Interim Director of the EaP CSF; Sofia Strive, ForumCiv (Sweden) Co-Chair of the EaP CSF; and Tatiana Poshevalova, Centre for Social Innovations (Belarus) and member of the EaP CSF Steering Committee. Resources Check out the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum: https://eap-csf.eu/ No recovery without democracy: Rule of law and democratic accountability at the heart of recovery, resilience and reform. Read the paper here: https://eap-csf.eu/project/position-paper-on-the-jswd-on-recovery-resilience-and-reform/ More on the Eastern Partnership Summit: https://euneighbourseast.eu/eapsummit/ >>> Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe here: https://bit.ly/3xL6x78 **** Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Tue, November 30, 2021
Episode 83: Estonia: local elections and a new president
>>> Support the podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope Estonia has recently undergone two political cycles. First, with the election of Alar Karis as president of the republic, and next with the Centre Party winning the local elections. At the same time, the greatest beneficiary of coalition talks at the local level is the ruling party – the Reform Party. Eesti 200 made a strong debut in local elections while national-conservative EKRE improve the result from the last municipal election. In this episode, Maciek discusses these elections with Stefano Braghiroli, an associate professor of European Studies at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu. They look at the results and what they might say about the current state of Estonian politics and society. For the official electoral results: https://kov2021.valimised.ee/en/election-result/index.html “What to watch in Estonia’s upcoming local elections” By: Samuel Kramer. New Eastern Europe, 15 October 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/10/15/what-to-watch-in-estonias-upcoming-local-elections/ Talk Eastern Europe episode 74: Can Eesti 200 bridge political divides in Estonia? https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-74 **** Check out our brand new podcast series: “Exploring Polish Science Fiction and Fantasy – 100 Years of Stanislaw Lem” find it here: www.neweasterneurope.eu/Lem100 Or on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3o5BIHd Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/3d6ToM8 **** Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Wed, October 27, 2021
Episode 82: The Western Balkans in integration limbo
>>> Support the podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope Earlier this month was a the EU-Western Balkan Summit in Brdo Slovenia. While there has been a lot of talk of seeking a breakthrough in opening the EU membership door for Western Balkans, not much came to fruition as a result of the high level meeting. Nevertheless, it is important to understand current issues regarding Western Balkans, their relations with the European Union and what might come next. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Maciek catches up with Marta Szpala an analyst at the Warsaw-based Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), to get her insight on the current developments in the region of Western Balkans. ************** Full text of the Brdo declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/52280/brdo-declaration-6-october-2021-en.pdf TEE Episode 61: Bulgaria blocks North Macedonia’s EU aspirations https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-61 The Berlin Process and why the EU remains a political dwarf in the Balkans by Ivan Pepic: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/08/12/the-berlin-process-and-why-the-eu-remains-a-political-dwarf-in-the-balkans/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Thu, October 14, 2021
Episode 81: Biopolitics meets geopolitics
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This episode of Talk Eastern Europe attempts to add context to the situation that is taking place on the border with Belarus and Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. Since June this year, the regime in Minsk has deliberately stimulated a migration crisis on the eastern border of the EU as a response to tough policies towards the Lukashenka regime. To give greater context to this issue, it is important to look through the lens of biopolitics – which is the intersection of biology and politics. During this podcast, Maciek meets with Andrey Makarychev, visiting professor at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies in Tartu Estonia and co-author of the book “Critical Biopolitics of the Post-Soviet: From Populations to Nations”. Resources: Critical Biopolitics of the Post-Soviet, By Andrey Makarychev and Alexandra Yatsyk: https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Biopolitics-Post-Soviet-Populations-Nations-ebook/dp/B081XGNLF9 “River and fog instead of fence and radars: guarding Lithuania’s easternmost border”, by Gytis Pankūnas and Justinas Stacevičius. New Eastern Europe, 30 August 2021. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/08/30/river-an-fog-instead-of-fence-and-radars-guarding-lithuanias-easternmost-border/ Gone with the virus. How the pandemic makes Russian strategy evanescent, by Andrey Makarychev. New Eastern Europe issue 4/2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/07/gone-with-the-virus-how-the-pandemic-makes-russian-strategy-evanescent/ Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Sun, October 03, 2021
Episode 80: Orbán’s Hungary as a poster child for conservative politics?
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode, Talk Eastern Europe returns to Central Europe and discusses recent political developments in Hungary. Following Viktor Orbán’s debut on American prime time with his interview with Tucker Carlson, Adam catches up with Ferenc Laczo, a political and intellectual historian at Maastricht University, and an editor with the CEU’s Review of Democracy. They explore Orbán’s attempts to build himself as a leader of right-wing politics, the current situation in the country, and what might we expect ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections. Resources Legacy of Division: East and West after 1989 https://www.eurozine.com/about-eurozine/print-series/ RevDem podcasts https://democracyinstitute.ceu.edu/revdem-podcasts Check out our exclusive Zoom discussion (for patrons only) with Szabolsc Panyi on Hungarian media: https://www.patreon.com/posts/tee-patron-zoom-47909846 Women protests in Belarus, online discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I4--qNTdi4 Political system in Belarus, online discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPcCmV7eqzU&t >>>>> Check out the newest issue of the magazine on Belarus here: https://bit.ly/3kd5OGN
Sun, September 19, 2021
Episode 79: Ukraine’s foreign policy blitz
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode, Adam and Maciek get back to Ukraine and discuss recent developments in Ukraine’s foreign policy, including Nord Stream 2, the Crimea Platform and President Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States. The episode features Adam’s interview with Ukrainian expert Anna Korbut to further analyze these developments and what might come next for the country. Resources: “The Crimea Platform as a new approach to a seven-year-old problem: By: Adam Reichardt, New Eastern Europe, 24 August 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/08/24/the-crimea-platform-as-a-new-approach-to-a-seven-year-old-problem/ “The Crimean Platform: possible light in the hybrid tunnel”. By: Christine Karelska and Pavlo Vugelman, New Eastern Europe, 24 August 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/08/23/the-crimean-platform-possible-light-in-the-hybrid-tunnel/ “Mr Zelenskyy goes to Washington” by: Vladyslav Faraponov. New Eastern Europe, 1 September 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/09/01/mr-zelenskyy-goes-to-washington/ TEE Episode 52: Nord Stream 2 and pipeline politics: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-52 Nord Stream 2. Strictly business or wider threat? By: Mykola Voytiv, New Eastern Europe, Issue 4 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/06/23/nord-stream-2-strictly-business-or-wider-threat/ >>>>> Check out the newest issue of the magazine on Belarus here: https://bit.ly/3kd5OGN And listen to our special audio documentary on Belarus: https://bit.ly/2HQRVO4
Fri, September 03, 2021
Episode 78: Another hot summer in Georgia
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope We are back after a short summer break and just released a new episode. In this episode we come back to Georgia and discuss the situation there after the collapse of the EU-negotiated deal earlier this year and ahead of local elections in the fall. For the discussion, Adam sits down with Soso Dzamukashvili, a policy analyst and researcher focusing on political developments in Central and Eastern Europe. Resources: “What is really behind Ivanishvili’s decision to quit politics” Soso Dzamukashvili, New Eastern Europe issue 3/2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/11/what-is-really-behind-ivanishvilis-decision-to-quit-politics/ Georgia’s argument over ‘Michel’ is finished, at least for now, Archil Sikharulidze, New Eastern Europe 16 August 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/08/16/georgias-argument-over-michel-is-finished-at-least-for-now/ “Crisis spiral in Georgia and Moldova – commonalty, distinctions and ways out” Denis Cenusa, 8 March 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/03/08/crisis-spiral-in-georgia-and-moldova-commonalty-distinctions-and-ways-out/ Talk Eastern Europe 66: “Political turbulence shakes Georgia” https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-66 Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Thu, July 22, 2021
Episode 77: Inside memory sites - The Warsaw Rising Museum
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Maciek have a conversation with Maria Kobielska, a memory scholar and assistant professor at the Department of Anthropology of Literature and Cultural Research at the Jagiellonian Univeristy in Kraków Poland. She is also the co-founder of the Research Center for Memory Cultures at the University. This episode is being produced within the framework of the project titled “Contested Histories Onsite”, a project which aims to place Europeans in discussions and debates on multiple historical perspectives and to activate citizens in public involvement of memory-constructions. As part of the EU’s Europe for Citizens programme, the project’s aspiration is rooted in a shared conviction that raising critical questions about the past is fundamental for citizens to develop a critical attitude towards the narratives that are competing with each other in contemporary politics. For more information on the project visit: -Contested Histories Onsite: https://contestedhistories.org/onsite/ -Memory Studies Association: https://www.memorystudiesassociation.org/contested-histories-onsite/ -EuroClio: https://www.euroclio.eu/project/contested-histories/ Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum Online: https://www.1944.pl/en/article/the-warsaw-rising-museum,4516.html >>> Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod >>> Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope
Mon, June 28, 2021
Episode 76: Slow progress in Ukraine. A conversation with Roman Waschuk
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this special podcast episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Maciek and Adam are joined by Roman Washchuk, the former Canadian ambassador to Ukraine (2014-2019). They discuss the challenges Ukraine faces, look at the recent NATO summit and analyze Western support for Ukraine’s reforms. The conversation ends with a short reflection on the situation in Belarus. Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe on Ukraine now available at www.neweasterneurope.eu Read also: “Ukrainian NATO membership: Realistic or a diplomatic tool?” by: Maryna Parfenchuk, New Eastern Europe, June 25 2021, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/06/25/ukrainian-nato-membership-realistic-or-a-diplomatic-tool/ >> In case you missed our online event titled: “All Quiet on the Eastern Flank? Reflections after the June 2021 NATO Summit” you can watch it online here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/06/17/all-quiet-on-the-eastern-flank-reflections-after-the-june-2021-nato-summit/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope
Sat, June 12, 2021
Episode 75: NATO Summit. Addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this special episode produced ahead of the NATO Summit, Adam and Maciek take a look at the context of the event scheduled for June 14th 2021 – the first Summit with the participation of Joe Biden as US President. Later, Adam sits down with Alice Stollmeyer, the Founder and Executive Director of Defend Democracy - an independent, nonpartisan, transatlantic initiative aimed at defending democracy from internal, external and technological threats. They discuss issues on the Transatlantic agenda as well as the current and future challenges that face the Alliance. Please check out and support Alice’s organization: www.defenddemocracy.eu Other articles to check out: “We need to talk about Russia, again,” by: Wojciech Michnik. New Eastern Europe 19 May 2021. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/05/19/we-need-to-talk-about-russia-again/ “Closing the window of opportunity for Russia?” By: Silvie Leštinská. New Eastern Europe 7 June 2021. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/06/07/closing-the-window-of-opportunity-for-russia/ Production of this podcast episode is part of a wider project called “All Quiet on the Eastern Flank?” which is conducted by New Eastern Europe and supported by a grant from NATO Public Diplomacy. Learn more at: www.neweasterneurope.eu Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope
Tue, June 08, 2021
Episode 74: Can Eesti 200 bridge political divides in Estonia?
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope This episode brings us back to Estonia with an interview with Kristina Kallas, a political scientist and the leader of Eesti 200 liberal political party. Ahead of the autumn local elections, political divisions are sharp in this northern Baltic state. However Kallas hopes her vision for a renewed political agenda can help change this trend. She also discusses the important situation with the Russian minority in the country and how it has evolved over the past 30 years. Read Kallas’s latest essay from the April-May issue of New Eastern Europe. “Russians in Estonia. We are not ‘them’, we are ‘us’”: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/11/russians-in-estonia-we-are-not-them-we-are-us/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope
Sun, May 30, 2021
Episode 73: Digital democracy in action
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Maciek sits down with Dmytro Khutkyy an expert on digital democracy and open governance. They discuss how different countries approach digital democracy, what are some advantages and also pitfalls of digitizing our public sector. The main context for the conversation was the release of a recent online study called the “Digital Democracy Database”. This project is designed to identify and analyse cases of digital democracy aspiring to consolidate global democracy by discovering and sharing good practices of open participatory governance worldwide. It is intended as a source of data for scholars, policy analysts, civic activists, politicians, and other interested parties. Learn more about the Digital Democracy Database: https://europeandigital.org/digital-democracy-database Lear more about our guest, Dmytro Khutkyy: https://www.khutkyy.com/ Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Thu, May 20, 2021
Episode 72: How France and Germany see Eastern Europe
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this episode, we invite Romain Lequiniou from the French think tank “Euro Créative” and Lidia Gibadło from the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) to discuss the approaches of two of the most important players in Western Europe - Germany and France - towards the region of Eastern Europe. We discuss relations with Russia, Belarus, the Nagorno-Karabkh conflict, and possible upcoming political changes in both countries and what effect they may have on our region. Resources and previous episodes: “Ukraine in France” An interview with Christine Kohut, member of Portail de l’Ukraine. Interviewer: Clémence Lavialle. New Eastern Europe 12 May 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/05/12/ukraine-in-france/ “France-Russia, a love-hate history” By: Cyrille Bret. New Eastern Europe Issue 1-2 (Jan-March) 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/01/28/france-russia-a-love-hate-history/ Talk Eastern Europe Episode 65: Relations with Russia. To engage or not engage?: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/ep-65 Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Fri, May 07, 2021
Episode 71: Putin’s test of the West
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this episode we welcome back Agnieszka Legucka, a Polish analyst and expert on Russia. During Maciek’s interview with Agnieszka, the podcast discusses the security situation in the region, the Kremlin’s motives for massing troops around Ukraine and some of the internal factors which may also be driving the Kremlin’s decision-making. Further reading: “Russia’s military build-up on the border with Ukraine: intimidation, imminent escalation or both?” By: - Alisa Muzergues. New Eastern Europe 21 April 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/21/russias-military-build-up-on-the-border-with-ukraine-intimidation-imminent-escalation-or-both/ “What’s behind Moscow’s possible escalation in Donbas” by Piotr Andrusieczko. New Eastern Europe 11 April 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/11/whats-behind-moscows-possible-escalation-in-donbas/ “Russia’s police state showed its real face in latest protest crackdown” By: Giovanni Pigni. New Eastern Europe issue 3/2021. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/11/russias-police-state-showed-its-real-face-in-latest-protest-crackdown/ >>> Check out “Tales from the Baltics” - the newest issue of New Eastern Europe. Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/3fZWpkd Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Wed, April 21, 2021
Episode 70: Armenia’s post-war reality
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope This episode of Talk Eastern Europe heads back to the Southern Caucasus following the serious clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia last year. The fighting came to an end with a Russian-negotiated peace agreement, providing Azerbaijan with some territorial gains and putting Russian peacekeeping troops on the ground in the region. In Armenia the agreement was seen as a humiliating defeat for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who was forced to accept the agreement and was heavily criticized in the country. This episode takes a look at the political developments that have taken place since the agreement was signed. Adam sits down with Armenian journalist Ani Avetisyan to get some insight on the current situation there as the country braces for pre-term elections on June 20th. Resources and context: “This conflict was always on the edge of Europe”, An interview with Thomas de Waal. New Eastern Europe issue 3/2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/11/this-conflict-was-always-on-the-edge-of-europe/ “Pashinyan announces changes to electoral system before elections” by Ani Avetisyan, OC Media 25 March 2021: https://oc-media.org/pashinyan-announces-changes-to-electoral-system-before-elections/ “Turkey, Russia and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict” By: Natalia Konarzewska. New Eastern Europe 1-2/2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/02/03/turkey-russia-and-the-nagorno-karabakh-conflict/ Talk Eastern Europe Episode 55: Episode 55: Nagorno-Karabkh on fire (again) https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-55 >>> Check out “Tales from the Baltics” - the newest issue of New Eastern Europe. Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/3fZWpkd Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Mon, April 12, 2021
Episode 69: The haunting power of memory
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This episode of Talk Eastern Europe takes a look at the role of history and memory of the Holocaust and the Second World War which still haunts so many in this region and beyond. The context for the episode is the book titled Memory Monster written by Israeli author Yishai Sarid, which was recently published in Polish. During the intervier Maciek sits down with Sarid and they discuss the difficulties of dealing with memory in societies and the challenges facing Israelis and Poles today. Read Maciek’s review of Yishai Sarid’s book here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/11/living-with-the-beast/ Find the English version of the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Monster-Yishai-Sarid/dp/1632062712 Published in Polish by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe here: http://www.kew.org.pl/produkt/potwor-pamieci/ >>> Check out “Tales from the Baltics” - the newest issue of New Eastern Europe. Get your copy here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/04/11/tales-from-the-baltics/ Talk Eastern Europe featured in "The 50 best podcasts" by The New European. This is a huge honour, and we cannot thank our listeners and supporters enough! Read more here: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/brexit-news/50-greatest-podcasts-7807108 Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Tue, March 30, 2021
Episode 68: Linas Linkevičius and the role of the Baltics
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Maciek sit down with Linas Linkevičius, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. During the discussion, Linkevičius reflects on his time as foreign minister, Europe’s relations with Russia, the role of the Baltic states in the region, and what might be next for Belarus. This interview will also be available in the upcoming issue of New Eastern Europe which will have a special focus on the Baltic states - available early April. Learn more at: www.neweasterneurope.eu Talk Eastern Europe featured in "The 50 best podcasts" by The New European. This is a huge honour, and we cannot thank our listeners and supporters enough! Read more here: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/brexit-news/50-greatest-podcasts-7807108 Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope >> Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Fri, March 19, 2021
Episode 67: Civil society’s continued resistance in Belarus
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe we return back to Belarus and the society which continues to face severe repressions by the regime. In this episode, Maciek has a conversation with Alexandr Chavoski from the Belarusian Culture Solidarity Foundation, an NGO based in Estonia. They discuss a unique strategy by this NGO to raise awareness in Europe about the situation in Belarus, the current situation in the country and the terror faced by journalists who try to report the truth. Resources The Story of Belarus – listen to a special 10-episode audio documentary: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-story-of-belarus Learn more about the Belarusian Culture Solidarity Foundation and how to support their efforts: https://byculture.org/ Belarusian Culture Solidarity Foundation YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMSy0y7xMIdqJTtki8Ux_kQ “What’s ahead for Belarus” An online discussion with Victor Martinovich available for TEE Patrons here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/45077562 Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope >> Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Check it out here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Fri, March 12, 2021
Episode 66: Political turbulence shakes Georgia
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This episode of Talk Eastern Europe returns to the Southern Caucasus with a look at the political situation in Georgia. Immediately following the parliamentary elections last October, the united opposition failed to recognize the outcomes of the elections as free and fair and refused to take their seats in the parliament. Since then, social frustration with the political situation has grown and exploded after the brutal arrest of Nika Melia – the leader of the largest opposition party, the United National Movement. The current situation, which is exacerbated by the pandemic, leaves a lot of questions ahead for Georgia, including its Euro-Atlantic path. To help understand the situation there, Adam sits down with Anastasia Mgaloblishvili an analyst and recent election observer in Georgia for her take on the situation. >> Resources “When institutions fail, boycott and street protests remain the only instrument” By Anastasia Mgaloblishvili. New Eastern Europe issue 1-2/2021, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/02/03/when-institutions-fail-boycott-and-street-protests-remain-the-only-instrument/ “Make Georgia great again”, By Archil Sikharulidze . New Eastern Europe 04 January 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/01/04/make-georgia-great-again/ “Georgian democracy on life support” By Shota Kincha. New Eatsern Europe 02 March 2021 https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/03/02/georgian-democracy-on-life-support/ “Crisis spiral in Georgia and Moldova – commonalty, distinctions and ways out” By Denis Cenusa. New Eastern Europe 08 March 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/03/08/crisis-spiral-in-georgia-and-moldova-commonalty-distinctions-and-ways-out/ Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope Missed our exclusive patron zoom meeting on Hungary? You can watch it here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/tee-patron-zoom-47909846 >>> Help New Eastern Europe – buy our latest issue debating the current state of democracy in the region here: https://bit.ly/3oMbKpd Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod n
Tue, March 02, 2021
Episode 65: Relations with Russia. To engage or not engage?
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope This episode of Talk Eastern Europe features a discussion with Reinhard Krumm, the founder and director of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s Regional Office for Cooperation and Peace in Europe, he was previously a journalist who spent a lot of time in Russia and the post-Soviet space; and was the Moscow correspondent for Der Spiegel. In the episode Adam and Reinhard discuss dilemmas in German-Russian relations, the EU’s approach to Russia, following the visit of Josep Borell to Moscow, and how Germany’s Ostpolitik look’s like from today’s perspective. *** Check out a special 5-episode mini-series looking at issues in Eastern Europe from a German and Polish perspective: - You can listen to the English version here: https://www.spreaker.com/show/polish-german-perspectives-on-the-east - Or in Polish here: https://nowa-europa-wschodnia.simplecast.com/episodes Resources Read a special report titled: „Ost/Wschód: Germany, Poland and Eastern Europe. Current state of affairs, scenarios and recommendations” - http://www.kew.org.pl/ostwschod-final-report/ Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Groups/TalkEasternEurope >>> Help New Eastern Europe – buy our latest issue debating the current state of democracy in the region here: https://bit.ly/3oMbKpd
Tue, February 23, 2021
Episode 64: Chaos looms in Moldova
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In December 2020, Maia Sandu became the new president of Moldova. Her main focus so far has been a strong foreign policy, meeting with neighbours and western partners. Domestically, the political situation gives the impression of looming chaos. Her main aim is to force new parliamentary elections, while her opponents plan to stop her at any cost. In this episode, Adam and Maciek catch up with Oktawian Milewski, a political scientist specialising in Central and Eastern Europe. They discuss an early assessment of President Sandu’s foreign policy successes as well as the ongoing turbulent political situation in the country. Resources “Challenging the status quo in Moldova. What now after Maia Sandu’s victory?” By: Oktawian Milewski. 1 December 2020. New Eastern Europe https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/12/01/challenging-the-status-quo-in-moldova-what-now-after-maia-sandus-victory/ “Integrity and identity – the dilemmas of Maia Sandu” By: Piotr Oleksy. 9 February 2021 New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/02/09/integrity-and-identity-the-dilemmas-of-maia-sandu/ “2020’s electoral lessons: Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine” By: Denis Cenusa. New Eastern Europe issue 1-2/2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/02/03/2020s-electoral-lessons-moldova-georgia-and-ukraine/ >>> Help New Eastern Europe – buy our latest issue debating the current state of democracy in the region here: https://bit.ly/3oMbKpd
Tue, February 09, 2021
Episode 63: Ukraine’s Constitutional Court Crisis
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope On October 27th, 2020, Ukraine’s Constitutional Court made a controversial decision undoing one of the most important reforms put into place since 2014. This decision reverse certain procedures aimed at reducing corruption among judges and created greater politicization of the judiciary. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam interviews Iryna Shyba, the Executive Director of the DEJURE Foundation, an NGO-judicial watch dog in based in Kyiv. Iryna outlines the importance of the decision, the political implications, and what might come next. Resources: - “Who are judges of the Constitutional Court and why they do not protect the Constitution?” A report by the DeJuRe Foundation: https://en.dejure.foundation/library/who-become-judges-of-the-constitutional-court “The Constitutional Court can be a threat: How Zelenskyy can save the anti-corruption policy of Ukraine” By: Anton Naychuk. New Eastern Europe 11 January 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/01/11/the-constitutional-court-can-be-a-threat-how-zelenskyy-can-save-the-anti-corruption-policy-of-ukraine/ “Ukraine between law and justice” By: Valentyna Korbachenko. New Eastern Europe 26 November 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/11/26/ukraine-between-law-and-justice/ >>> Help New Eastern Europe – buy our latest issue debating the current state of democracy in the region here: https://bit.ly/3oMbKpd
Sat, January 30, 2021
Episodes 62: Russian protests and the return of Navalny
*** Support this podcast! Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Last weekend, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny returned to Russia after recovering from being poisoned. He was immediately arrested upon arrival, sparking tens of thousands of Russians to take to the streets, with hundreds being arrested and detained. Talk Eastern Europe is back in 2021 with an all new episode! In this episode co-hosts Adam and Maciek interview Katerina Fomina – a Russian journalist based in Moscow. They discuss the protests, how young people see the situation in the their country, and the many underlying social and economic factors which also drove Russians to protests. Resources: - Navalny film: “Putin's palace. History of world's largest bribe” with English subtitles: https://youtu.be/ipAnwilMncI - “Navalny’s poisoning disrupts Russian “smart voting” process” by: Anastasiia Starchenko. New Eastern Europe September 7 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/07/navalnys-poisoning-disrupts-russian-smart-voting-process/ - “Navalny’s investigative breakthrough fails to sway Russian public opinion” by: Kennedy Lee. New Eastern Europe 18 January 2021: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/01/18/navalnys-investigative-breakthrough-fails-to-sway-russian-public-opinion/ - “Navalny and the Solzhenitsyn dilemma” by: Cyrille Bret. New Eastern Europe 20 January 20201: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/01/20/navalny-and-the-solzhenitsyn-dilemma/ ************************* Check out istories media – investigative portal in Russian: https://istories.media/ ************************ Don’t forget to check out our special audio documentary called “The Story of Belarus”. Find more info here: www.neweasterneurope.eu/Belarus ************************** Join us on Facebook and share your feedback: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope
Mon, December 14, 2020
Episode 61: Bulgaria blocks North Macedonia’s EU aspirations
>>> Support the podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope On November 17 2020, Bulgaria officially vetoed the European Union’s accession talks with North Macedonia. Officially, the dispute is over unresolved historical and language issues. Despite some progress in its Euro-Atlantic aspirations – which includes joining NATO in June 2020 – there are now many questions as to what next for the small former-Yugoslav country. In this episode, Adam meets up with Bojan Stojkovski – a journalist based in Skopje, North Macedonia. They discuss the background of the Bulgarian veto and its effect on Macedonian politics and attitudes to EU integration. Resources: “A case of the tail wagging the dog? Bulgaria, the EU and North Macedonia” By: Tomasz Kamusella New Eastern Europe 10 December 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/12/10/a-case-of-the-tail-wagging-the-dog-bulgaria-the-eu-and-north-macedonia/ “What lurks behind Bulgaria’s “veto” on North Macedonia’s accession talks?” By: Radosveta Vassileva. New Eastern Europe 30 November 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/11/30/what-lurks-behind-bulgarias-veto-on-north-macedonias-accession-talks-%ef%bb%bf/ Additional music: Morning Rhythm by Rafael Krux. Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5338-morning-rhythm- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Tue, December 08, 2020
European values and what they mean in the region today
This discussion was originally live streamed on December 3rd 2020. During this discussion, we caught up with some of the authors from the latest issue of New Eastern Europe and asked them for their take on European values in these difficult times. The discussion includes: Maxim Rust, PhD, New Eastern Europe Kinga Anna Gajda, PhD, Institute of European Studies, Jagiellonian University (Krakow) Volodymyr Yermolenko, PhD, chief editor of UkraineWorld Réka Kinga Papp, editor-in-chief Eurozine The discussion will be moderated by Adam Reichardt, editor-in-chief of New Eastern Europe This event is organised in co-operation with the Institute of European Studies at the Jagiellonian University, UkraineWorld and Eurozine. Learn more about the latest issue of New Eastern Europe at: https://bit.ly/32P2ngb Additional music: Funky Party In The Marina Club by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6214-funky-party-in-the-marina-club License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *** The project is co-financed by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework "Public Diplomacy 2020 - new dimension".
Fri, November 27, 2020
Episode 60: Moldova’s political roundabout continues. Maia Sandu wins presidential election
>>> Support the podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope On November 15, Maia Sandu won the second round of the presidential elections with 57.75% of the vote and she became the first female president in the history of Moldova. In the second round she defeated the incumbent president, Igor Dodon, who in the last year seemed to have all the cards in hand to maintain his rule for the years to come. In this episode we catch up with Gina Lentine, a Senior Program Officer Freedom House, to get her reflections. We discuss what happened during the electoral campaign, what the prospects are for Moldova and what is the future of Dodon himself. Resources Moldovans elected an anti-corruption president, avoiding a “colour revolution”, by Denis Cenusa. New Eastern Europe, 18 November 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/11/18/moldovans-elected-an-anti-corruption-president-avoiding-a-colour-revolution/ In Church we trust. The case of the Moldovan Orthodox Church, Anastasia Pociumban. New Eastern Europe issue 5/2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/07/in-church-we-trust-the-case-of-the-moldovan-orthodox-church/ Talk Eastern Europe Episode 36: Complicated neighbours. Romania-Moldova relations in the spotlight - https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-36 (8 May 2020) Talk Eastern Europe Episode 19: Strange Bedfellows in Moldova: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-ep-19-final (17 September 2019) Additional music in the podcast: Epic Trap Dubstep Intro by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/502-epic-trap-dubstep-intro License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *** Check out our new podcast documentary: The Story of Belarus, the nation, its history and a new hope: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-story-of-belarus ---- Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe. Published by the Jan Nowak-Jezioranski College of Eastern Europe in Wroclaw. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of the “
Fri, November 13, 2020
Episode 59: Changing direction? Lithuania after elections
Support the podcast! Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this episode, Talk Eastern Europe heads back to the Baltic states, taking a look at Lithuania, which just finished their parliamentary elections. In the episode Maciek and Adam catch up with Monika Bičkauskaitė from the Warsaw office of the German Marshall Fund. They discuss with her the outcomes of the election, reasoning behind the change in direction, and possible implications on Lithuanian foreign policy, including Lithuanian-Polish relations and policy towards Eastern Europe. Resources: - “Conservatives seal victory in Lithuania’s run-off elections”. New Eastern Europe 27 October 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/10/27/conservatives-seal-victory-in-lithuanias-run-off-elections/ - “Lithuania’s general election – key takeaways”. By: Justinas Šuliokas. New Eastern Europe 20 Octoboer 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/10/20/lithuanias-general-election-key-takeaways/ - “Lithuania’s campaign to help Belarus’s protesters offers more than just words” By: Olga Irisova. New Eastern Europe 3 September 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/03/lithuanias-campaign-to-help-belaruss-protesters-offers-more-than-just-words/ Additional music featured in the podcast: “Adventure by Alexander Nakarada” https://filmmusic.io/song/6092-adventure . License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe. Published by the Jan Nowak-Jezioranski College of Eastern Europe in Wroclaw. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Thu, November 05, 2020
The Weimar Triangle and the Crisis in Belarus
This special online discussion which took place on October 27 2020 is dedicated to looking at the situation in Belarus and how the countries of the Weimar Triangle can and should respond. We will gather insight on the current situation in Belarus and discuss how France, Germany and Poland are responding and how can they better coordinate together for a better joint and European policy. The panel features: Olga Dryndova (Expert, BelarusAnalysen) Romain Le Quiniou (EuroCreative, France) Mattia Nelles (Zentrum Liberale Moderne, Germany) Lidia Gibadło (Polish Institute of International Affairs, Poland) Moderated by: Adam Reichardt, New Eastern Europe This discussion is supported by funding from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme. Music featured in the podcast licensed under an Attribution-Non Commercial 3.0 International License. resonance by airtone (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/airtone/61321
Thu, October 29, 2020
Episode 58: Peter Pomerantsev on polarization and the digital reality
** Support this podcast. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam sits down with Peter Pomerantsev, expert on disinformation and author of the recent book: “This is not Propaganda. Adventures in the war against Reality”. They discuss the recent report looking at roots of polarization in Ukraine, his current assessment of disinformation campaigns (especially ahead of the US elections) and some reflections on the situation in Belarus. Resources - From “Memory Wars” to a Common Future: Overcoming Polarisation in Ukraine https://www.lse.ac.uk/iga/assets/documents/From-Memory-Wars.pdf - This is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality (2019). https://www.amazon.com/This-Not-Propaganda-Adventures-Against/dp/0571338631 (In Polish) "To nie jest propaganda" https://wydawnictwo.krytykapolityczna.pl/to-nie-jest-propaganda-885 - Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia (2015) https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-True-Everything-Possible-Surreal/dp/1610396006 Additional music featured in the podcast: Time Travel by Frank Schröter. Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6784-time-travel- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *** Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe. Published by the Jan Nowak-Jezioranski College of Eastern Europe in Wroclaw. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Wed, October 21, 2020
Episode 57: Little room for common ground in Romanian-Russian relations
** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope In this episode, which is the third part in our special mini-series on Romanian foreign policy in the region, Maciek asks Oktawian Milewski to provide a deeper look at Romanian-Russian relations. They cover such topics as: historical factors in current relations; Romania’s role as a regional player; the Eastern Partnership and Romania; and what is the outlook for the two countries. Catch-up on our previous episodes related to Romania’s foreign policy: - Episode 36: Complicated neighbours. Romania-Moldova relations in the spotlight: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-36 - Episode 45: Romania-Ukraine: Evolution of relations: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-45 Music featured in this podcast: “Mysterious” by Agnese Valmaggia https://filmmusic.io/song/6786-mysterious / License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod *** Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe. Published by the Jan Nowak-Jezioranski College of Eastern Europe in Wroclaw. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Tue, October 13, 2020
Episode 56: Russia & Turkey - Best frenemies?
** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope This episode of Talk Eastern Europe discusses the delicate relationship between two regional powers with ambitions for their neighbourhoods: Russia and Turkey. The two countries, which faced a serious crisis in 2015 after a Russian jet was shot down in Turkish airspace. Since then, both countries have found a common understanding even if their interests are not always aligned. How long can this relationship last? In this episode, Maciek catches up with Dimitar Bechev a research fellow at the Center of Slavic, Eurasian, and East European Studies with the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and a Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council. He is also the author of a recent book titled “Rival Power. Russia’s influence in Southeast Europe”. Maciek and Dimitar pick apart the current state of relations between Russia and Turkey and discuss some challenges to the medium and long term, including the impact of coronavirus on this relationship. Resources: “Turkey and Russia: No Birds of the Same Feather”, Dimitar Bechev, Suat Kınıklıoğlu. SWP Report, May 2020: https://www.swp-berlin.org/10.18449/2020C24/ “Turkey’s Plans to Become a Regional Energy Giant Just Got a Boost”, By: Dimitar Bechev. Foreign Policy. 28 August 2020. https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/28/turkeys-plans-to-become-a-regional-energy-giant-just-got-a-boost/ Music featured in the podcast: End Titles Extended Version (Romeos Erbe) by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/3158-end-titles-extended-version-romeos-erbe- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe. Published by the Jan Nowak-Jezioranski College of Eastern Europe in Wroclaw. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Sat, October 03, 2020
Episode 55: Nagorno-Karabkh on fire (again)
*** Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron at www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope On September 27th, clashes broke out between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in the conflict region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The intensity of the clashes quickly escalated becoming the largest escalation since the cease-fire in 1994 (larger than the so-called 4-days War in 2016). Both sides quickly announced partial or full mobilisation and introduced martial law on their territories. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Maciek catch up with Arkadiusz Legieć, an analyst on the Caucasus and Central Asia at the Polish Institute of International Affairs. They discuss the current situation and how the conflict is both an element of internal politics of Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as a key component of their foreign and security policies. They also discuss the role of third parties, such as Turkey, Russia and Iran and what their aims are in the conflict as well as the broader geopolitical consequences. Resources: - “Renewed war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Broader implications,” By: Richard Giragosian. New Eastern Europe, 30 September 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/30/renewed-war-over-nagorno-karabakh-broader-implications/ - “Azerbaijan and Armenia edge towards full-scale war. Consequences and risks,” By: Vasif Huseynov. New Eastern Europe, 30 September 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/30/azerbaijan-and-armenia-edge-towards-full-scale-war-consequences-and-risks/ - “Is a new war in Karabakh inevitable?” By: Benyamin Poghosyan. New Eastern Europe August 21, 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/08/21/is-a-new-war-in-karabakh-inevitable/ Music featured in the podast: “Mountain Walk by Alexander Nakarada”; Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6382-mountain-walk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Mon, September 28, 2020
Episode 54: Ukrainian diaspora changes the face of Poland
Support Talk Eastern Europe. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Since 2014, the number of Ukrainians coming to Poland, temporarily or permanently, has grown exponentially. Some estimates believe that there are between one to two million Ukrainian migrants currently in Poland. This episode of Talk Eastern Europe looks at why Ukrainians are coming to Poland, how their migration has affected Polish-Ukrainian relations, and discusses some successes and challenges they face in integrating into society. The podcast features an interview with Sasha Iwaniuk, a Ukrainian political scientist, writer, journalist and activist with the “Nasz Wybor” (Our Choice) Foundation in Warsaw aimed at helping Ukrainian migrants and creating a dialogue for Poles Ukrainians. Resources & Links - “Picking strawberries in a pandemic” By Magdalena Chodownik and Omar Marques. New Eastern Europe, Issue 5/2020 (Sept-Oct). https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/07/picking-strawberries-in-a-pandemic/ - “Ukrainians in the Polish-German Borderland.” By: Alexandra Wishart. New Eastern Europe, 22 May 22 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/05/22/ukrainians-in-the-polish-german-borderland/ - “Ukrainians seek a Polish dream in Wrocław.” By: Olga Chrebor. New Eastern Europe, Issue 1/2018: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/01/02/ukrainians-seek-polish-dream-wroclaw/ Additional music featured in the podcast. “Call Me” by DreamHeaven Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6573-call-me- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is researched and produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe – a Polish-based NGO. Additional funding to produce this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme. Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the
Fri, September 18, 2020
Episode 53: Is Georgia prepared for elections?
Support this podcast. Become a patron (even just $2 a month will help us!) www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope On October 31st, Georgians will go to the polls in the next parliamentary elections. These elections will be a huge test to the current ruling party, the Georgian Dream, following new election reforms and the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout in the background. How will other factors such as Russian influence, attempts by the opposition to unite, or the an announced (however unlikely) return by former president Mikheil Saakashvili play into the election campaign? In this episode, Adam catches us with Mackenzie Baldinger, a contributing editor with New Eastern Europe, based in Tbilisi to discuss the current situation and what we might expect this fall. Resources: “Hardly a Georgian dream. Confronting COVID-19 in the midst of an election year” by Mackenzie Baldinger. New Eastern Europe issue 5/2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/07/hardly-a-georgian-dream-confronting-covid-19-in-the-midst-of-an-election-year/ “Western pressure intensifies towards the Georgian Dream. Is Georgian democracy backsliding?” by Soso Dzamukashvili. New Eastern Europe 10 September 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/09/10/western-pressure-intensifies-towards-the-georgian-dream-is-georgian-democracy-backsliding/ “Post-pandemic Georgia: stepping out of a political crisis?” by Soso Dzamukashvili. New Eastern Europe 9 June 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/06/09/post-pandemic-georgia-stepping-out-of-political-crisis/ Talk Eastern Europe Episode 17: Zelenskyy wins big in Ukraine; Georgia protests against Russian influence: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/episode-17-zelenskyy-wins-big-in-ukraine Additional music in the podcast Autumn Rain by MusicLFiles https://filmmusic.io/song/6551-autumn-rain http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the Europod network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and
Fri, September 11, 2020
Russia and China in Eastern Europe. The view from Poland and Germany
Originally live streamed on 08 September 2020 This is the fourth and final online debate in the framework of the project titled “Ost/Wschód: German-Polish Debates on the East”. This time, we are discussing the topic of the growing convergences and divergences of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the post-Soviet Space. The debate features: - Germany: Helena Legarda from the Mercator Institute for China Studies. - Poland: Marcin Kaczmarski, University of Glasgow Moderator: Adam Balcer, Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe The panelists address such issues as: How do Poland and Germany see China’s presence in the region? Where do Russia and China cooperate in the post-Soviet space and where do they compete? What are the geopolitical and economic consequences of this relations? The debate is co-organised by the Jan Nowak Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe and the Deutsch-Russischer Austausch e.V. (DRA) and sponsored by the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Warsaw Office as well as the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation. Additional music featured in the podcast: commonGround by airtone (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/airtone/58703
Sat, September 05, 2020
Episode 52: Nord Stream 2 and pipeline politics
Please support the podcast – become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Episode 52 features a discussion on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline - a very controversial project in Europe. The pipeline, which aims to become a second gas pipeline to deliver Russian gas directly to Germany, was set to be completed by the end of 2019. Yet, delays have pushed back the pipeline’s final construction and looming questions about the legality and political purposes behind the project still linger. In this episode, Adam and Maciek interview Wojciech Jakóbik, a Polish energy analyst and editor-in-chief of the Biznes Alert portal to discuss Nord Stream 2, seeking to answer such questions as: What is the current status of the project? What are the economic and political aspects of the pipeline? What are the perspectives on the project, include: German, Central and Eastern Europe, and American? And what might come next? ** Note: this was recorded before the poisoning of Alexey Navalny, which may or may not have an effect on Germany’s decision to finalize the pipeline. Resources - “How to lose friends and alienate people or Germany on Nord Stream 2” By Wojciech Jakóbik. New Eastern Europe 4 April 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/04/04/how-to-lose-friends-and-alienate-people-or-germany-on-nord-stream-2/ - “Gone with the virus. How the pandemic makes Russian strategy evanescent” By Andrey Makarychev. New Eastern Europe, Issue 3-4/2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/07/gone-with-the-virus-how-the-pandemic-makes-russian-strategy-evanescent/ Music featured in the podcast: Galaxy 1 Short Version by Frank Schröter. https://filmmusic.io/song/6540-galaxy-1-short-version . License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the Europod network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Sat, August 29, 2020
Episode 51: Belarus turmoil continues
Following the falsified August 9th presidential election in Belarus, which declared incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka winner with 80% of the vote, Belarusians have taken to the streets in unprecedented numbers. Nearly three weeks later, the protests continue and are joined by striking workers from state-owned enterprises. The regime, however, has fought back with an initial brutal crackdown and continuous arrests of activists, protesters and journalists. In this episode, Adam catches up with Yahor Azarkevich to get some reactions on the current mood from the ground in Belarus. They discuss the state of the protests, their organization, the Russian factor as well as what possible scenarios may come next. Support the podcast – become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Previous episodes on Belarus - Episode 29: Belarus under the Kremlin’s pressure: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-29 - Episode 46: Belarus on the edge: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-46 Follow New Eastern Europe’s ongoing coverage of the situation in Belarus here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/tag/belarus-2020-presidential-election/ Who to follow on Twitter: - Hanna Liubakova: https://twitter.com/HannaLiubakova - NEXTA media: https://twitter.com/nexta_tv - Franak Viačorka https://twitter.com/franakviacorka Music featured in the episode Mury (walls) - Polish protest song in Belarusian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdNnxQSmqAI Talk Eastern Europe is member of the EuroPod Network: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Mon, August 24, 2020
Episode 50: An explosive summer in Bulgaria
One of the least covered political stories in Central and Eastern Europe has been the mass protests against the government of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov in Bulgaria. The latest string of corruption scandals facing Borissov and his government, which have been in power for over 10 years, seems to have become the last straw. Crowds flooded the streets to protest the scandals – at one point reaching 100,000 protesters in Sofia – demanding an immediate resignation of the government and snap elections. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Maciek discuss the situation in the country with Radosveta Vassileva a Bulgarian legal scholar and author with New Eastern Europe. They talk about the current context, the strength of the protests, what the European Commission is (not really) doing, Russian influence in the country, COVID-19 in Bulgaria, and what might come next. At the end of the episode, Adam and Maciek reflect on the podcast and its developments on the occasion of the 50th episode. And of course, the shout out to all of the patrons! Talk Eastern Europe is member of the EuroPod Network: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod PLEASE SUPPORT US! Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources - “Bulgaria: Will Borissov’s government survive this summer?” New Eastern Europe . 13 July 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/13/bulgaria-will-borissovs-government-survive-this-summer/ - Rule of Law, Human Rights and Democracy in Bulgaria and Beyond – A personal blog of Dr. Radosveta Vassileva: https://radosvetavassileva.blog/ - “Russia’s Political Influence in Bulgaria” by Andrey Grashkin. Foreign Policy Research Institute: https://www.fpri.org/article/2020/01/russias-political-influence-in-bulgaria/ Music featured in the podcast: Mining by Moonlight by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4055-mining-by-moonlight License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Mon, August 10, 2020
Episode 49: Humanitarian aid for war victims in eastern Ukraine
War and conflict in Eastern Europe is often discussed and analysed in the context of big politics and national interests. However, what is often forgotten are the everyday victims of the conflict – those who live in the conflict zone or are refugees affected by war. In this episode Maciek and Adam sit down with Helena Krajewska from the Polish Humanitarian Action (Polska Akcja Humanitarna). Helena gives an overview of the activities her organisation is doing in providing humanitarian assistance to eastern Ukraine. She describes the challenges and successes that have taken place there since 2014 and how they are now addressing locals’ needs in the midst of war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Polish Humanitarian Action conducts its work in eastern Ukraine (and around the world) in part thanks to support from individual donations. Learn how you can support the organisation’s mission and activities. Click here: https://www.pah.org.pl/en/donate/ Music featured in the podcast: Flight Pack 1 - 4/6 (Segeln) by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/179-flight-pack-1---4-6-segeln- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Support the podcast! Become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Wed, August 05, 2020
Episode 48: Tensions flare up between Armenia and Azerbaijan
In mid-July fierce clashes between Azerbaijani forces and Armenian forces broke out. Both sides reported casualties and injuries as a result of the exchange of fire. As each side blamed the other for the escalation of violence – one thing is certain, the conflict between the two countries is still very hot and the situation is volatile. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Maciek sits down with Mateusz Kubiak – an analyst with Mateusz Kubiak an analyst with Esperis Consulting and author of the blog “Kaukaz”. Kubiak gives an overview of the situation and context for the clashes. Support the podcast! Become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources - Film: Parts of a Circle: History of the Karabakh Conflict: https://vimeo.com/407942633 - “Several reasons why Baku should not be interested in provocation along the border with Armenia.” By Rusif Huseynov, Murad Muradov, Polad Muradli and Ayaz Rzayev. New Eastern Europe 15 July 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/15/several-reasons-why-baku-should-not-be-interested-in-provocation-along-the-border-with-armenia/ -“What is happening on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border?” By Stepan Grigoryan. New Eastern Europe 16 July 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/16/what-is-happening-on-the-armenia-azerbaijan-border/ Music featured in the podcast: Eternity by Alexander Nakarada Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4802-eternity License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Interest in learning more about hybrid war in Georgia? Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/08/issue-4-2020-the-kremlins-hybrid-war-the-case-of-georgia/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod
Mon, July 27, 2020
Episode 47: Can the US facilitate Kosovo-Serbia normalization?
SUPPORT US! Become a Patreon patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope There has been a lot of talk in the last few months about pending progress in Serbia-Kosovo relations and the normalization process between the two countries. Donald Trump’s appointment of Richard Grenell as Special Presidential Envoy for Serbia and Kosovo Peace Negotiations on the surface appears to be a move heading in the right direction. Yet, since being in this new role, Grenell (and others close to the Administration) has signaled a possible shift in US foreign policy in the region, hoping for a quick foreign policy win. With a change of government in Kosovo and a more assertive Serbia in the talks, can the US really facilitate this process? In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam catches up with Sidita Kushi – an American scholar and author with New Eastern Europe. They discuss the role of Richard Grenell, how US policy is evolving to the detriment of Kosovo and what, if anything, the European Union can do in this process. Resources - “The dangers of enflaming false revisionist history in the Balkans” by Sidita Kushi. New Eastern Europe 27 May 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/05/27/the-dangers-of-enflaming-false-revisionist-history-in-the-balkans/ - “Richard Grenell: Dictating the pulse of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue” by Visar Xhambazi. New Eastern Europe 15 April 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/04/15/richard-grenell-dictating-the-pulse-of-the-kosovo-serbia-dialogue/ - What ‘Twiplomacy’ reveals about the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue by Leon Hartwell. New Eastern Europe July 9 2020 https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/09/what-twiplomacy-reveals-about-the-serbia-kosovo-dialogue/ Music featured in the podcast: Too Cool by Kevin MacLeod. Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4534-too-cool License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod network. Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry
Wed, July 22, 2020
Episode 46: Belarus on the edge
The situation in Belarus is heating up ahead of the August 9th presidential elections. The most popular opposition candidates - who want to challenge the 26-year authoritarian rule of Alyaksandr Lukashenka - have been arrested and detained. Meanwhile the society remains mobilised after the state’s poor coronavirus response and brutal crackdowns on independent journalists and bloggers. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Maciek catch up Hanna Liubakova, a Belarusian journalist based in Minsk, to get her perspective on the current challenges and what the situation looks like from the ground. Resources “Presidential election in Belarus: Who is participating in the race?” By Maxim Rust, Yahor Azarkevich. New Eastern Europe 15 July 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/15/presidential-election-in-belarus-who-is-participating-in-the-race/ “Belarusian spring? Politicisation of the wider society” By Olga Dryndova. New Eastern Europe. 8 July 2020 https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/08/belarusian-spring-politicisation-of-the-wider-society/ “Why Belarusians do not love Lukashenko anymore”. By Hanna Liubakova Outriders 14 July 2020 https://outride.rs/en/why-belarusians-do-not-love-lukashenko-anymore/ Music featured in the podcast: Floating Cities by Kevin MacLeod/ Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3765-floating-cities License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ SUPPORT US! Become a Patreon patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Fri, July 17, 2020
Geopolitics and Coronavirus
Originally live streamed on July 16 2020 - In the newest edition of New Eastern Europe we conduct a special debate on what impact COVID-19 may have on the shifting geopolitics in the region of Eastern Europe. We asked a group of experts for their input and analysis on how relations between Europe, the Eastern Partnership and Russia could develop as a result of the pandemic and what might come next. Will this virus and the crisis fundamentally change relations and geopolitics – and if so in what way? This discussion features four authors from that special section. Speakers include: – Richard Giragosian is the founding director of the Regional Studies Center (RSC), an independent think tank in Yerevan, Armenia. – Alena Kudzko is the director of the GLOBSEC policy institute. – Andrey Makarychev is a visiting professor at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu in Estonia. – Karina Shyrokykh is a researcher at Stockholm University and Swedish Institute of International Affairs. – The discussion is moderated by Adam Reichardt, Editor in Chief of New Eastern Europe Learn more about New Eastern Europe - www.neweasterneurope.eu
Mon, July 13, 2020
Episode 45: Romania-Ukraine: Evolution of relations
In this episode, Maciek reconnects with political scientist Oktawian Milewski to continue the discussion on Romanian relations in the region. This time, they take a deeper look at the rocky evolution of relations between Ukraine and Romania – two countries which play a critical role in both Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Black Sea region. Maciek and Oktawian discuss Romania’s strategy towards Ukraine, people-to-people contacts between the two societies and the two countries’ economic ties. The discussion also fits into the broader debate on both countries’ role in the region – especially considering proximity to Moldova and its breakaway region of Transdniestria, as well as to Russia and the war in eastern Ukraine. Resources: Episode 36: “Complicated neighbours. Romania-Moldova relations in the spotlight” https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-36 “Foreign interference in the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine: The 2019 elections and beyond” by: Harry Nedelcu, Dmytro Panchuk, Myroslava Lendel New Eastern Europe 6 May 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/05/06/foreign-interference-in-the-zakarpattia-region-of-ukraine-the-2019-elections-and-beyond/ Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network Music featured in this episode: resonance by airtone (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/airtone/61321 Support the podcast – Become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Wed, July 08, 2020
Special Announcement
We are taking the podcast to the next level. Listen to the special announcement from the co-hosts of Talk Eastern Europe! Thank you to all of our patrons for their support! Want to support us? Visit: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Wed, July 01, 2020
Episode 44: Scenarios for future relations with Russia
In this episode Maciek catches up with Andrey Makarychev, a visiting professor at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu in Estonia, to discuss scenarios related to future relations with Russia. Andrey Makarychev is the author of a recent working paper titled “Russia, the EU and Eastern Partnership: Four Scenarios” which looks at how factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, low oil prices and the constitutional changes in Russia may impact its relations with Europe and the Eastern Partnership region. Maciek and Andrey discuss the scenarios from various perspectives and look at the likelihood of each of them. At the end of the episode Adam and Maciek discuss the interview and of course make a few announcements. Stay tuned for some surprises! If you like Talk Eastern Europe – please support us with a monthly pledge. Each supporter gets certain benefits depending on how much one donates. Become a patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources - “Russia, the EU and Eastern Partnership: Four Scenarios”, by Andrey Makarychev. Download here: https://bit.ly/2Blf20a - Episode 34: Pandemic, power and Putin forever – TEE in conversation with Agnieszka Legucka. https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-34 - “Gone with the virus. How the pandemic makes Russian strategy evanescent” by Andrey Makarychev, New Eastern Europe Issue 4 (June-August) 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/07/01/gone-with-the-virus-how-the-pandemic-makes-russian-strategy-evanescent/ Additional music licensed under Creative Commons noncommercial (3.0) Diskman Blues by Martijn de Boer (NiGiD) (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/NiGiD/61394 Ft: Javolenus Talk Eastern Europe is produced by Maciej Makulski and Adam Reichardt. The podcast is affiliated with New Eastern Europe, published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław. Additional funding for this episode came from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs s in the framework of the “Public Diplomacy 2020 – New dimension” grant programme.
Mon, June 29, 2020
Polish and German views on Ukraine and the conflict in Donbas
Originally live streamed on 23 June 2020 This is the third debate in the framework of the project titled “Ost/Wschód: German-Polish Debates on the East”. This time, we focus on Ukraine and on the armed conflict in the Eastern part of the country. How are Poland’s and Germany’s relations with Ukraine and how did the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the war in Donbas change them? What is the situation in Donbas today, six years after the beginning of the conflict? How are the outcomes of the negotiations in Minsk and in the Normandy format assessed in Germany and Poland? What are the political visions in Poland and Germany for bringing peace to Eastern Ukraine and what role does the European Union play in it? The debate features: – Germany: Susan Stewart (Head of the Research Division on Eastern Europe and Eurasia, German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin) – Poland: Tomasz Lachowski (Assistant Professor of International Law at the University of Łódź and editor in chief of Obserwator Międzynarodowy) The debate is moderated by Tim Bohse (DRA e. V. in Berlin) The debate is co-organised by the Jan Nowak Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe, New Eastern Europe and the Deutsch-Russischer Austausch e.V. (DRA) and sponsored by the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Warsaw Office as well as the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation.
Sun, June 21, 2020
Episode 43: Prologue to POSTWEST (Live)
Welcome to a special live edition of the Talk Eastern Europe podcast as we prepare for the launch of transcultural festival POSTWEST. This live chat was devoted to the opening of the festival and its Prologue. Adam & Maciek were joined by curators Alina Aleshchenko and Wiebke Jahns as well as a surprise guest! They discussed how COVID-19 changed the festival format, what the festival will look like now and how you, as the audience, can participate. This podcast episode was streamed live on June 21st 2020. Join us for a series of live events during the POSTWEST Transcultural Festival starting on June 24 2020 at 11:00 PM Central European Time. Resources and links: - The programme for the POSTWEST Festival: http://postwest.volksbuehne.berlin/en/programme/ - Join our Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope Music featured in the podcast Radio Moscow: Funk in A by texasradiofish (c) copyright 2011 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/texasradiofish/31355 Ft: ElRon XChile, Lawrence Lessig, Prokur, Acclivity, Eee Zee Mister Que --> Support the podcast, become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Thu, June 18, 2020
Episode 42: “POSTCAST” Part II: Gertrude Street Theatre
This is the second part of the special series dedicated to the POSTWEST transcultural festival. In this episode, Adam catches up with Maija Pavlova a producer with the Gertrudes Ielas Teatris (the Gertrude Street Theatre) based in Riga. They discuss the challenges of the pandemic for performance artists and how non-profit cultural institutions managed in the situation. They also discussed the theatre’s involvement in the POSTWEST festival and the performance they will do in a virtual format. The Gertrude Street Theatre will perform a piece called “Tanya’s Birthday” which is meant to take place in 1989. It explores the marks left by these historical events and analyzes the interconnections between them from artists’ perspectives as witnesses of their time. The performance is set in and takes place like a virtual birthday party. The spectators assume the roles of friends and family. Resources and Links - POSTWEST \\ guess where - Transcultural festival: 24.–26.06.20 https://www.volksbuehne.berlin/en/programm/8735/festival-postwest - Gertrudes ielas teatris http://git.lv/?lang=en June 21 2020 at 19.00 CET - Join us for a live discussion ahead of the festival. We will be streaming on Facebook and YouTube. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/videos/560595088179413/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS4vmhkqev4 - Talk Eastern Europe is a member of the EuroPod Network: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod - Music featured in the podcast licensed under Creative Commons “Ballad of the Blackbirds” and “Barefoot” By Chad Croucher https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Chad_Crouch/Field_Report_Vol_I_Oaks_Bottom_Instrumental/Ballad_Of_The_Blackbirds_Instrumental https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Chad_Crouch/Drifter/Barefoot
Tue, June 16, 2020
Episode 41: “POSTCAST” Part I: DAKH Center for Contemporary Art
In this special episode, Talk Eastern Europe revisits the transcultural festival POSTWEST – which was scheduled to take place at the end of May 2020. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the festival – which sought to bring together artists from 10 countries of Central and Eastern Europe – was forced to deal with the new reality. The festival found a new way to take place online in a virtual setting and will now take place June 24-26 2020. During this first of two special podcast episodes dedicated to POSTWEST, Adam interviews Vlad Troitsky and Andriy Palatnyi of the DAKH Center for Contemporary Art based in Kyiv. They discuss the history of the center, how it dealt with the lockdown situation and what its involvement in POSTWEST will look like in the virtual setting. The DAKH Center is the producers of not only theatre, but artists and music groups as well, including the very popular Ukrainian group “DakhaBrakha”. Resources and Announcements - Talk Eastern Europe is pleased to announce that it is now a member of the EuroPod Network! Learn more here: https://www.bullemedia.eu/europod - POSTWEST \\ guess where - Transcultural festival: 24.–26.06.20 https://www.volksbuehne.berlin/en/programm/8735/festival-postwest - DAKH Center of Contemporary Art http://dakh.com.ua/en/ - Dakhabrakha musical group: https://www.dakhabrakha.com.ua - Dakh Daughters: https://dakhdaughters.com - Nova Opera (with English subtitles): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AWFrzRNEBQ - Dog Cage (2015): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhAu2_2gQW4 - June 21, 24, 25, 26: Stay tuned for live events with Talk Eastern Europe during the POSTWEST Festival: streams will be available on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope) and YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCLxAo-obBi8DReVJAmwZQ) SUPPORT US! Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope
Wed, June 10, 2020
Episode 40: Will COVID-19 bring a new world order?
Our experience with the coronavirus demonstrates that pandemics know no borders. Nearly every country has been affected. The economic crisis that continues to take a toll on societies shows that more than ever solidarity and global solutions are needed for global problems. Will the COVID-19 pandemic force humanity to rethink the international system and global order? Can future crises be averted by better global coordination and a more robust system? In this episode we invite you to take part in an intellectual exercise where we try to imagine what the global order may look like post-COVID-19. The episode features an interview with Andreas Umland, a senior expert at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future in Kyiv. The interview is based on the article titled “The coronavirus crisis as a critical juncture for Ukraine and the world” which was published online via New Eastern Europe and co-authored with Pavlo Klimkin – the former Ukrainian foreign minister. Resources: “The coronavirus crisis as a critical juncture for Ukraine and the world”. By Andreas Umland and Pavlo Klimkin. New Eastern Europe 4 May 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/05/04/the-coronavirus-crisis-as-a-critical-juncture-for-ukraine-and-the-world/ “Grey zone politics: Why Ukraine needs creative international cooperation”. By Andreas Umland and Pavlo Klimkin. European Council on Foreign Relations. 16th April 2020. https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_grey_zone_politics_why_ukraine_needs_creative_international_coop “Ukrainian Institute for the Future”: https://uifuture.org/ Support Talk Eastern Europe: Become a podcast Patron: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope What do you think? Join the discussion on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Check out our recent online debate on Polish and German policy towards Belarus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMUZ7SeP5b4 Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License: “Hallon” by Christian Bjoerklund: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Christian_Bjoerklund/Skapmat/christian_bjoerklund_-_skpmat_ep_-_01_-_hallon
Mon, June 08, 2020
Belarus: The ambiguous neighbour of the EU? Online debate
This debate was live streamed on Facebook and YouTube and republished here as a podcast. This is the second debate organized in the framework of the project titled “Ost/Wschód: German-Polish Debates on the East”. Belarus plays a unique role in both countries’ policies towards the region and as a member of the Eastern Partnership is also a key state in EU foreign policy. Yet, the country’s extremely close ties with Russia make Belarus a unique case, decisively not interested in European integration and for many years considered “the last dictatorship of Europe”. However, recent developments have demonstrated a possible opening towards Europe as the regime is resisting integration with Russia, while the country’s response to COVID-19 was like no other country in Europe which may play a role in this year’s presidential election. Speakers: – Anna Maria Dyner, Analyst on Belarus, Polish Institute of International Affairs – Ingo Petz, German journalist, expert on Belarus The debate was moderated by Adam Balcer, Program Director with the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe (publisher of New Eastern Europe). The debate is co-organised by the Jan Nowak Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe and the Deutsch-Russischer Austausch e.V. (DRA) and sponsored by the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Warsaw Office as well as the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation.
Mon, June 01, 2020
Episode 39: COVID clampdown in Chechnya
Information coming out of Chechnya is hard to come by. It is controlled by the tight grip of the Republic’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov. This episode attempts to get insight into what the response to COVID-19 looks like in the Russian Republic of Chechnya. Adam interviews Lana Estemirova, a freelance journalist covering Chechnya. They talk about issues related to the heavy-handed response to the virus. They discuss media clampdowns, protests by medical professionals and the ongoing human rights situation there. We need only THREE MORE PATRONS to reach our goal of 25 by the end of June. Become a Patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Join the Talk Eastern Europe Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Resources "Chechen leader threatens journalist Elena Milashina over COVID-19 reporting". Committee to Protect Journalists. 18 April 2020: https://cpj.org/2020/04/chechen-leader-threatens-journalist-elena-milashin/ "Concern for Russian Journalist after Covid-19 Article about Chechnya." Netherlands Helsinki Committee. 29 April 2020: https://www.nhc.nl/concern-for-russian-journalist-after-covid-19-article-about-chechnya/ Music Featured in the Podcast: Now We Feast by Alexander Nakarada. Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4768-now-we-feast License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sun, May 24, 2020
Episode 38: China’s unlikely interest in Lithuania
For the last several years China has viewed the region of Central and Eastern Europe as an opportunity to gain a foothold in the European Union and influence states between the East and the West. One country not often considered as one in China’s focus is Lithuania. In this episode Maciak interviews Konstantinas Andrijauskas, an Associate Professor of Asian Studies and International Politics at Vilnius University. They look at how China has focused on increasing its influence in the region and specifically its growing interest in Lithuania - economically and politically. They also discuss how the COVID-19 crisis now plays a role in relations with China in Europe and the West. Enjoy the podcast? Become a Patron. Support Talk Eastern Europe here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Join the podcast Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope Resources Konstantinas Andrijauskas: The Dragon and the Knight: China’s Growing Presence in Lithuania. Eastern Europe Studies Centre. http://www.eesc.lt/uploads/news/id1137/v07_Dragon-and-Knight_leidinys_A4.pdf Episode 21: Russia-China relations in the spotlight https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/episode21 Music featured in the podcast under Creative Commons license 4.0 “Taste of China” by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/292-taste-of-china License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wed, May 20, 2020
Debate: What are Polish / German views on the East?
This debate took place live online an May 13 2020. The debate examines how Poland and Germany view the region of Eastern Europe. Both countries have a strong tradition in the region – either through Germany’s Ostpolitik or Poland’s Polityka Wschodnia. In this debate we address such questions as - What roles do history and geography play in Germany’s Ostpolitik and Poland’s Polityka Wschodnia? What are the commonalities to approaches of both countries? What are the differences? How does each country view the European Union’s position in the region? How do both states support the Eastern Partnership? What about relations with Russia and how did they change after the annexation of Crimea? What are recommendations for strengthening cooperation in this region? The debate features: Poland: Agnieszka Bryc - Assistant Professor at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń Germany: Wilfried Jilge - Associate Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) Moderated by Adam Reichardt, editor of New Eastern Europe The debate is co-organised by the Jan Nowak Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe and the Deutsch-Russischer Austausch e.V. (DRA) and sponsored by the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Warsaw Office as well as the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation within the framework of the project titled “Ost/Wschód: German-Polish Debates on the East”.
Fri, May 15, 2020
Episode 37: Update on Armenia
It has been two years since Nikol Pashinyan has come to power after the Velvet Revolution in Armenia. In this episode Adam catches up with Richard Giragosian to discuss how much has changed in the country and how much has not. They also discuss relations with Russia with Russia under Pashinyan, which seem to be heading towards a deeper crisis. Adam and Richard also explore how Armenia has managed the COVID-19 situation and try to understand what role, if any, other players like the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union have played in assisting Armenia in the crisis. Lastly, they look at the shifts in regional relations including with Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran as well as how the crisis has impacted the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Become a Patron – we need only 3 more to reach our goal: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources: Valentina Gevorgyan: “Armenia’s different legacy” New Eastern Europe. 6 March 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/03/06/armenias-different-legacy/ Follow New Eastern Europe’s ongoing coverage of the Coronavirus crisis in the Eastern Partnership: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/03/16/coronavirus-in-the-eastern-partnership-states/ Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope An appeal to help New Eastern Europe – Purchase our latest issue! https://neweasterneurope.eu/an-appeal-to-help-new-eastern-europe-purchase-our-latest-issue/ Music in the podcast "The Road Home" by Alexander Nakarada licensed under Creative Commons 4.0 Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4769-the-road-home . License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Fri, May 08, 2020
Episode 36: Complicated neighbours. Romania-Moldova relations in the spotlight
Developments in relations between Romanian and Moldova have raised a lot eyebrows lately. After Moldova’s pro-European government has fallen to be replaced by a Kremlin-friendly one; along with an already pro-Russia president the question remains as to what role Romania plays in all this. In this episode, Maciek catches up with analyst Oktawian Milewski to discuss the historical ties between the two countries and current developments. They look at recent political developments; growing Russian influence in Moldova and what consequences the coronavirus crisis will have for the economies and relations. Become a Talk Eastern Europe Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources & Links: Episode 19: Strange Bedfellows in Moldova: https://www.spreaker.com/user/talkeasterneurope/tee-ep-19-final Moldova: A Russian credit or a Russian roulette? https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/05/05/moldova-a-russian-credit-or-a-russian-roulette/ An appeal to help New Eastern Europe – Purchase our latest issue! https://neweasterneurope.eu/an-appeal-to-help-new-eastern-europe-purchase-our-latest-issue/ Online Debate - May 13th 2020 - Debate: What are Polish / German views on the East? https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/05/08/debate-what-are-polish-german-views-on-the-east/ Music featured in the Podcast Licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Imagefilm 017 by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/314-imagefilm-017
Wed, April 22, 2020
The war in Donbas and why it still matters
On April 20th 2020, New Eastern Europe convened an online live discussion which examined the latest issue of New Eastern Europe and brought some of its authors together to highlight the key issues surrounding the war in Donbas in Eastern Ukraine, which are even further exacerbated by the outbreak of COVID19. We are publishing the audio of the discussion here. The discussion featured: Adam Reichardt, New Eastern Europe/Talk Eastern Europe Rebecca Harms, a former MEP with the Alliance ’90/The Greens Hanna Shelest, Editor-in-Chief of Ukraine Analytica Tim Bohse, Deutsch-Russischer Austausch Igor Mitchnik, Drukarnia – Civil Society Center Sloviansk Get your copy of this issue here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/product/issue-3-2020/ Music featured in the podcast: Funk Interlude by Dysfunction_AL (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/destinazione_altrove/53756 Ft: Fourstones - Scomber ( Bonus Track )
Wed, April 15, 2020
Episode 35: The future(s) of Eastern Europe
This episode takes a look at the current state of the Eastern Partnership and discusses a new report that outlines possible scenarios for future developments in the region. Adam and Maciek start with a recap of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership programme. Adam then interview Quincy Cloet, Managing Editor of Visegrad Insight and a researcher with the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights. They dissect the latest report by Visegrad Insight titled: Eastern European Futures. Four scenarios for the Eastern Partnership 2030. The newest issue of New Eastern Europe is out! Get your copy here and support our publication: https://neweasterneurope.eu/product/issue-3-2020/ Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Resources: Check out our special coverage: Coronavirus in the Eastern Partnership states: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/03/16/coronavirus-in-the-eastern-partnership-states/ Visegrad Insight: Eastern European Futures. Four scenarios for the Eastern Partnership 2030. https://visegradinsight.eu/eap2030/eastern-europe-four-scenarios/ “From Association to Integration. A Chance to Advance a Novel Agenda for the Eastern Partnership. By: Adam Reichardt. Visegrad Insight 1 April 2020. https://visegradinsight.eu/from-association-to-integration-eastern-partnership/ “Borders might be closed, but our policies need to be open” New Eastern Europe 1 April 2020 https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/04/01/borders-might-be-closed-but-our-policies-need-to-be-open/ “The Eastern Partnership should now focus on greater integration”. A conversation with Petras Auštrevičius, member of the European Parliament from Lithuania. New Eastern Europe 16 March 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/03/16/the-eastern-partnership-should-now-focus-on-greater-integration/ Please support the podcast. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Music featured in the Podcast Licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro/outro: “Indie Rock” by Scott Holmes: <a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/In
Thu, April 02, 2020
Episode 34: Pandemic, power and Putin forever
This episode takes an in-depth look at the political developments in Russia and analyzes the changes that were made in order for Vladimir Putin to stay on as president of the Russian Federation for at least another two terms. The episode features an interview with Agnieszka Legucka, an expert on Russia from the Polish Institute of International Affairs. Maciek and Agnieszka discuss Russia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, how it helped Putin quickly manoeuvre in order to stay in power, and what might be next for the Russian president and his inner circle. They also touch on the economic situation in the country with oil prices at an all-time low and how this, coupled with an oncoming recession as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, will affect Russia in the coming months. Read New Eastern Europe’s appeal to include Eastern Partnership countries in any EU recovery plan: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/04/01/borders-might-be-closed-but-our-policies-need-to-be-open/ Follow our coverage of the coronavirus in our region here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/03/16/coronavirus-in-the-eastern-partnership-states/ Resources “Kremlin Kids: The Second Generation of the Russian Elite” By: Ageniszka Legucka and Bartosz Bieliszczuk. Polish Institute of International Affairs: https://www.pism.pl/publications/Kremlin_Kids_The_Second_Generation_of_the_Russian_Elite “Putin’s ideas for 2024” By: Agnieszka Legucak. New Eastern Europe 31 January 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/01/31/putins-ideas-for-2024/ Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Music featured in the Podcast Licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro/outro: “Indie Rock” by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 The Show Must Be Go by Kevin MacLeod: https://filmmusic.io/song/4509-the-show-must-be-go License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Please support our efforts. Become a Podcast Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope</a
Thu, March 26, 2020
Episode 33: Ukraine reshuffles the government
Adam and Maciek open the episode with a discussion on how the coronavirus situation is developing in the Eastern Partnership countries. They also highlight one small bit of good news in recent days, despite all the bad news that has been dominating the headlines. The episode then focuses on the main topic of the podcast which is the recent shuffling of the cabinet of ministers in Ukraine, which includes a new prime minister and foreign minister. Adam interviews Hennadiy Maksak, head of the Foreign Policy council “Prism”, for his insight on the political changes. They discuss the reasoning behind it, how will it affect relations with the West and what are the latest developments regarding the war in Donbas. Keep the discussion going! Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Support the podcast – Become a TEE Patron! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Take out a digital subscription to New Eastern Europe for just 5 euros per month! Start your subscription here: www.neweasterneurope/subscribe Resources: - NEE’s ongoing coverage of the Coronavirus in the Eastern Partnership states: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/03/16/coronavirus-in-the-eastern-partnership-states/ - Anton Naychuk: “What’s next for Ukraine’s oligarchs?” New Eastern Europe Issue 1-2/2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/01/28/whats-next-for-ukraines-oligarchs/ - Mattia Nelle: “A turn to the past: Ukraine’s troubling government reshuffle” European Council on Foreign Relations https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_a_turn_to_the_past_ukraines_troubling_government_reshuffle - The Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism” http://prismua.org/en/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro/outro: “Indie Rock” by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 “Chill Wave” by Kevin MacLeod. https://filmmusic.io/song/3498-chill-wave License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wed, March 18, 2020
Episode 32: Addressing the challenge of climate change
Episode 32 of the Talk Eastern Europe podcast takes a snapshot of how some countries in Eastern Europe are trying to slow the effects of climate change in the region. After the European Commission announced its ambitious initiative of an EU New Green Deal, many questions remain, including to what extent members of Europe’s eastern neighbourhood will be involved in the project and how a just transition from a carbon-based fuel economy could look like. To get a better sense of the challenges in the region and what activities are being undertaken at a grassroots level, Adam interviews Svitlana Romanko - managing director of 350.org for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. + Become a PATRON of the podcast. Join us here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope + Let’s keep the conversation going – find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope Resources: About 350.org: https://350.org/about/ “The European Green Deal” https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/european-green-deal-communication_en.pdf “Ukraine’s own Green Deal aims to slash energy imports”. By: Sam Morgan. Euractiv 27 January 2020. https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/ukraines-own-green-deal-aims-to-slash-energy-imports/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro/outro: “Indie Rock” by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 “Chill Wave” by Kevin MacLeod. https://filmmusic.io/song/3498-chill-wave License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sun, March 08, 2020
Episode 31 –Berlin to host POSTWEST Theatre Festival
Maciek and Adam are back in the latest episode of Talk Eastern Europe! This episode is dedicated to the upcoming POSTWEST Transcultural Festival which will take place in Berlin 27-31 of May. During the festival, 12 theatres from the region of Central and Eastern Europe will get together to showcase productions that interpret this idea of what is East, and what is West. In the podcast, Adam sits down with Alina Aleshchenko and Wiebke Jahns from Berlin to discuss the background of the festival, its aims and what we might expect from the participating theatre groups. SUPPORT the podcast – we only need 1 more patron to meet our goal: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Learn more about the POSTWEST Transcultural Festival (May 27-31 2020): https://www.volksbuehne.berlin/en/programm/8735/festival-postwest Don’t forget to check out New Eastern Europe’s latest commentaries and analysis: www.neweasterneurope.eu Join our Facebook group! www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Morning Rhythm by Rafael Krux https://filmmusic.io/song/5338-morning-rhythm- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mon, March 02, 2020
Eurozine Podcast Part II: Local journalism in the digital age
Globalization was supposed to connect people, but instead ended up connecting only the powerful. Local news is rapidly disappearing and leaving crucial stories unreported, communities unrepresented and disconnected, a side-effect of digitalization and the ownership concentration in media markets. But local and hyperlocal media play an important role in sustaining robust and resilient regimes of public service. In an age of technological changes and political pressure, niche publications and a renaissance of zines lead the quest for new, sustainable models in publishing. In this special episode, produced by Talk Eastern Europe, Eurozine editor-in-chief Réka Kinga Papp talks media models old and new with Rachael Jolley, editor of Index on Censorship and philosopher Miriam Rasch of the Amsterdam Institute of Network Cultures. Learn more about Eurozine: https://www.eurozine.com/ Index on Censorship: https://www.indexoncensorship.org/ Institute of Network Cultures: https://networkcultures.org/ Music featured in the podcast: Funk Interlude by Dysfunction_AL (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/destinazione_altrove/53756 Spy Glass by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4410-spy-glass ; License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Fri, February 14, 2020
Eurozine podcast part I: The changing face of the media
Tackling disinformation means thinking about how our media spheres are structured. Recent developments suggest a readiness for regulation, reversing the libertarian ethos of the first two decades of the internet. But does regulation not mean a different set of traps? Are states to be trusted solely with the democratic functioning of our public spheres? In this special podcast episode we hand the reigns over to our partners at Eurozine – a network of European cultural journals of which New Eastern Europe is a member. During the discussion Eurozine editor Simon Garnett sits down with Claire Potter, author of the book Political Junkies: From Talk Radio to Twitter, How Alternative Media Hooked Us on Politics and Broke Our Democracy and editor of Public Seminar, and Daniel Leisegang, editor of the German journal Blätter für deutsche und internationale Politik. They discuss the role of media in the current digital age, how mainstream media has changed as well as the dangers and advantages of alternative media. Eurozine is a network of European cultural journals, linking up more than 90 partner journals and associated magazines and institutions from nearly all European countries. Eurozine is also an online magazine which publishes outstanding articles from its partner journals with additional translations into one of the major European languages. Learn more about Eurozine: https://www.eurozine.com/ Blätter für deutsche und internationale Politik - https://www.blaetter.de/ Public Seminar - https://publicseminar.org/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under an Attribution-Non Commercial 3.0 International License. Funk Interlude by Dysfunction_AL (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/destinazione_altrove/53756 Algorithms by Chad Crouch: https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Chad_Crouch/Arps/Algorithms
Fri, January 31, 2020
Episode 30: A Russian Hangover. Interview with Shaun Walker
In this episode Adam and Maciek catch up with Shaun Walker – a journalist, writer and Guardian correspondent for Central and Eastern Europe. Shaun spent over a decade in Russia as a journalist and foreign correspondent. He is also the author of the book The Long Hangover: Putin's New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past published by Oxford University Press. Shaun talks about his experience in Russia, his time in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 as well as some reflections on current developments. We would like to thank all of our patrons for supporting the podcast! If you’d like to pitch in to help us develop – click here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Join the debate – we are on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/talkeasterneurope Don’t forget to check out the newest issue of New Eastern Europe here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/01/28/issue-1-2-2020-bound-to-explode/ Follow Shaun Walker on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaunwalker7 Resources: The Long Hangover: Putin's New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Hangover-Putins-Russia-Ghosts/dp/0190058846/ref =sr_1_1?keywords=the+long+hangover&qid=1580492597&sr=8-1 Putin’s ideas for 2024. By Agnieszka Legucka. New Eastern Europe 31 January 2020: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/01/31/putins-ideas-for-2024/
Wed, January 15, 2020
Episode 29: Belarus under the Kremlin’s pressure
In the first episode of 2020, Adam and Maciek explore the current situation in Belarus. As the country is under more pressure from the Kremlin to implement greater integration with Russia, it tries to open up to the West. What’s more, presidential elections will be held later this year, putting into question the future of Belarus, its independence and what’s next for President Lukashenka. The podcast features an interview with Hanna Liubakova – a Belarusian journalist and 2019 World Press Institute Fellow. Hanna gives her insight on the current situation and what we can expect for Belarus in 2020. --> Want to support the podcast? Become a patron – www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Thanks to all of our supporters and don’t forget to check out our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Hanna Liubakova on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HannaLiubakova Resources The renaissance of Russia-Belarus relations. By: Monika Bickauskaite. New Eastern Europe 5 December 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/12/05/the-renaissance-of-russia-belarus-relations/ Integration on Hold for Russia and Belarus. By: John Lough and Katia Gold. Chatham House 14 January 2020: https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/integration-hold-russia-and-belarus Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Up Folk by Ketsa https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Above_and_Below/Up_Folk_1789
Sat, January 04, 2020
Meet the co-hosts, Part II: Adam
In the second part of this special two-part series, Maciek interviews Adam, the co-host of Talk Eastern Europe and editor in chief of New Eastern Europe. Listeners get a chance to learn more about Adam’s background, his hobbies, interests, the history of New Eastern Europe, as well as some hints on the region for the upcoming year. Follow Adam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/areichardt We hope you enjoy the discussion. Don’t forget to check out Part I where Adam interviews Maciek. We wish all of our listeners a Happy New Year! And look forward to engaging with you online. Visit our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Please support us! We need only SIX more patrons to reach our goal of 20! You can become a patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Funk Interlude by Dysfunction_AL (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/destinazione_altrove/53756 Ft: Fourstones - Scomber ( Bonus Track) “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears
Fri, December 27, 2019
Meet the co-hosts. Part I: Maciek
In this special two-part series, we have decided to open up and give a special look into the co-hosts of Talk Eastern Europe. In this first part, Adam interviews Maciek. They discuss his background, hobbies, interests as well as predictions for the upcoming year for our region. Follow Maciek on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MakulskiMaciej We hope you enjoy the discussion. Stay tuned for part II, where Maciek interviews Adam. We wish all of our listeners a Happy New Year! Please support us! We need only SEVEN more patrons to reach our goal of 20! You can become a patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Carry Your Own Weight (Instrumental) by Forget the Whale https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Forget_the_Whale/What_I_Tell_Myself_Vol_2/Forget_the_Whale_-_Carry_Your_Own_Weight_Instrumental Maximum Respect for YOU (ID 589) by Lobo Loco https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loco/LITTLE_CAESAR/Maximum_Respect_for_YOU_ID_589
Mon, December 23, 2019
Episode 28: The London NATO meeting recap
In the final episode of our special series on Black Sea security, Adam and Maciek discuss the most recent NATO meeting of heads of states in London. Adam then interviews Victor Kipiani, chair of the Geocase think tank in Tbilisi (15.45), where they discuss implications for Georgia, the region and wider geopolitics. Follow Victor Kipiani on Twitter: @victor_kipiani https://twitter.com/victor_kipiani Thank you to all of our listeners for making 2019 a successful year for Talk Eastern Europe. We look forward to new ideas and episodes for next year. Thank you for the Polish embassy in Georgia and NATO for the support of this special series. We wish you all peaceful holiday break and Happy New Year! Resources: The NATO “London Declaration”, issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in London 3-4 December 2019 https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_171584.htm?selectedLocale=en NATO at 70 – cheating death, one threat at a time? By Wojciech Michnik. New Eastern Europe. 24 April 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/04/24/nato-at-70-cheating-death-one-threat-at-a-time/ Georgia’s long and uncertain road to NATO membership. By: Giorgi Goguadze. New Eastern Europe no. 5/2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/08/26/georgias-long-and-uncertain-road-to-nato-membership/ *** Please SUPPORT the podcast – become a patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 - Chillin' With Jeris by copperhead. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/copperhead/35987 This episode is supported by funding from the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi in the framework of the NATO Contact Point Embassy (We thank them for their support!)
Wed, December 18, 2019
Episode 27: The crossroads of geopolitics
In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam interviews Emil Avdaliani, a Tbilisi-based expert and author with New Eastern Europe, on the role of geopolitics in the Black Sea region. They discuss Turkey-Russia relations, Chinese-American competition, the security risk of Iran’s proximity and Georgia’s place as an inter-connector for geopolitics. Follow Emil on Twitter: @emilavdaliani. Become a Patron! We need only 7 more patrons to reach our goal of 20 by January. Support us here: www.patreon.com/TalkEasternEurope Resources “A sea of insecurity” by Emil Avdalian. New Eastern Europe 5/2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/08/26/a-sea-of-insecurity/ “China takes it all in the Black Sea region” by Michael Lambert. New Eastern Europe 19 February 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/02/19/china-takes-it-all-in-the-black-sea-region/ “Anaklia’s deep sea port – a new strategic pivot in Eurasia” by Beka Kiria. New Eastern Europe 12 June 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/06/12/anaklias-deep-sea-port-a-new-strategic-pivot-in-eurasia/ “Managed chaos: Russia’s deal with Turkey on northern Syria” by Gustav Gressel. European Council on Foreign Relations 3 November 2019. https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_managed_chaos_russias_deal_with_turkey_on_northern_syria Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Speaker Joy by Blue Dot Sessions - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/RadioPink/Speaker_Joy Kirkus Interlude by Blue Dot Sessions - https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Architect/Kirkus_Interlude
Tue, December 10, 2019
Episode 26: Fighting anti-western narratives in Georgia
Welcome to Episode 26 of Talk Eastern Europe! This episode features an interview with Marta Ardashelia of Sova.News – a Russian language portal based in Georgia. Adam and Maciek introduce the episode with a brief roundup of some of the most important developments in the region, including a look at the Normandy Summit in France and recent developments in Belarusian-Russian integration. Maciek then interviews Marta (17.35) and they discuss the challenge of Russian disinformation in Georgia, the rise of anti-western narratives in Russian-language media and how to combat it with a project like Sova.News. Resources - Five things to know in order to not freak out over the upcoming Putin-Lukashenka meeting by Yahor Azarkevich (New Eastern Europe): https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/12/06/five-things-to-know-in-order-to-not-freak-out-over-the-upcoming-putin-lukashenka-meeting/ - Is Zelenskyy’s peace with Russia worth the price of Ukraine’s capitulation? By Taras Kuzio (New Eastern Europe): https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/12/04/is-zelenskyys-peace-with-russia-worth-the-price-of-ukraines-capitulation/ - Sova.News – a Russian-language portal based in Georgia: https://sova.news/ Marta Ardashelia on Twitter: @Ardashelia ( https://twitter.com/ardashelia) Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 hot lite core by panu: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/panumoon/59084
Tue, December 03, 2019
Episode 25: Extremism in the South Caucasus
How does the situation of extremism look in Georgia and the South Caucasus? How can these countries deal with returning members of ISIS and the challenge of their re-integration? For this and much more, check out the latest episode of Talk Eastern Europe. In this episode, our co-hosts Adam and Maciek explore the current outlook for Georgia in the realm of security in the wider region of the South Caucasus which also touches the Middle East. They also discuss Georgia’s view of NATO ahead of the high-level NATO meeting in London in December 2019. The episode finishes with Maciek’s interview with Giorgi Goguadze, director at the Georgian Center for Strategy and Development in Tbilisi with a discussion on these issues as well as the situation with violent extremism in the country and region. While you are here – why not help us reach our goal of getting 7 new supporters by January 2020?! Click here to become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources Georgia’s long and uncertain road to NATO membership by Giorgi Goguadze, New Eastern Europe issue 5/2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/08/26/georgias-long-and-uncertain-road-to-nato-membership/ Georgia debates NATO membership excluding defence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, OC Media, https://oc-media.org/georgia-debates-nato-membership-excluding-defence-of-abkhazia-and-south-ossetia/ US base in Georgia – A scarecrow in Russia’s backyard? By Beka Chedia, New Eastern Europe, 4 November 2019: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/11/04/us-base-in-georgia-a-scarecrow-in-russias-backyard/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Around the Cliffs by Lobo Loco is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 License: https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loco/My_Yearnings/Arround_the_Cliffs_ID_1202 This episode is supported by funding from the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi in the framework of the NATO Contact Point Embassy (We thank them for their support!)
Mon, November 25, 2019
Talk Eastern Europe Episode 24: Georgia under threat
This episode is a part of a special series on Georgia and Black Sea Security funded by the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi. In this episode Adam interviews Egor Kuroptev, head of the Free Russia Foundation’s Tbilisi office. They discuss issues on Georgian-Russian relations, the ongoing borderization of the so-called South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) territory and the current threat to Georgian security as a result of the frozen conflicts. Resources: Episode 17 – Zelenskyy wins big in Ukraine; Georgia protests against Russian influence https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/07/29/talk-eastern-europe-episode-17-zelenskyy-wins-big-in-ukraine-georgia-protests-against-russian-influence/ The dimensions of Georgia’s frozen conflicts by Nino Kukhianidze. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/08/26/the-dimensions-of-georgias-frozen-conflicts/ Georgia’s separatist regions at a standstill by Agnieszka Tomczyk. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/04/26/georgias-separatist-regions-standstill/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes – http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Sometimes by Frequency Decree - https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Frequency_Decree/Dubbed/Sometimes_1733 This episode is supported by funding from the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi in the framework of the NATO Contact Point Embassy
Wed, November 13, 2019
Episode 23: Fukuyama on Identity and Populism
This episode features an interview with Francis Fukuyama, a professor at Stanford University and author of the recent book Identity: the demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment. Maciek and Adam open with a small birthday celebration and later discuss the background to the interview. In the interview, Maciek and Prof. Fukuyama discuss the history of identity politics, how it fits in today’s context and also look at the role it plays in Russia. The interview can also be read in the new latest issue of New Eastern Europe. Please support our podcast – Become a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe here: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/11/13/new-old-faces-a-true-makeover-or-cosmetic-change/ Resources: “Identity politics is nothing new”, A conversation with Francis Fukuyama. New Eastern Europe issue 6/2019: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/11/13/identity-politics-is-nothing-new/ “The new identity politics. Rightwing populism and the demand for dignity”. Eurozine 18 April 2019. https://www.eurozine.com/new-identity-politics/ Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment By: Francis Fukuyama https://amzn.to/350ikPC
Sun, October 27, 2019
Episode 22: Black Sea, Security and Russia-NATO relations
This episode launches a special series on security, Georgia and the Black Sea region. The series is sponsored by the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi Georgia – the NATO contact point embassy for 2019/2020. In this first episode of the series, Adam catches up with Dominik Jankowski – a Brussels-based expert on security who gives an overview from the NATO perspective. Adam and Dominik discuss the Black Sea, Georgia’s co-operation with NATO, NATO response to the situation in Ukraine as well as relations with Russia. Support the podcast – Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Resources: New Eastern Europe Issue 5 2019: The Black Sea Region: A Geopolitical Trojan Horse? http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/08/26/the-black-sea-region-a-geopolitical-trojan-horse/ Adam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/areichardt Maciek on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MakulskiMaciej Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes – http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Siesta by Jahzzar https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Travellers_Guide/Siesta
Wed, October 16, 2019
Episode 21: Russia-China relations in the spotlight
This episode of Talk Eastern Europe takes a closer look at the current state of Russia-China relations. It features an interview with Marcin Kaczmarski from the University of Glasgow. Adam and Marcin examine how Russia-China relations have developed in the context of geopolitical changes and the wake of the 2014 annexation of Crimea and aggression in Donbas. They discuss such pertinent questions as: What are the aims of this co-operation? Where are the tensions? How do these relations fit in the current US-China trade conflict? And what might be next. Marcin Kaczmarski is a lecturer in security studies at the University of Glasgow and author of the book Russia-China Relations in the Post-Crisis International Order. Follow him on Twitter: @M_Kaczmarski Support the podcast. Become a patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Join us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Resources: Marcin Kaczmarski: The Moscow-Beijing Relationship: Increasingly Asymmetrical and Resilient - Australian Institute of International Affairs. Marcin Kaczmarski: The future of Russia-China relations – Atlantic Community.org “Russia is unprepared for the next world order” An interview with Bobo Lo. New Eastern Europe Music featured in the podcast licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes – http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Pacing by Chad Crouch - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Chad_Crouch/Drifter/Pacing_1820
Sun, September 29, 2019
Episode 20: Andrew Wilson on Belarus and Ukraine
Talk Eastern Europe celebrates its 20th episode! In this episode Adam and Maciek take a look back at the last 19 episodes and then discuss how Ukraine has unexpectedly found itself in the center of the scandal with US President Donald Trump and how all of a sudden everyone is an expert on Ukraine. Later Adam interviews Andrew Wilson, a professor of Ukrainian studies at UCL in the United Kingdom and an expert with the European Council on Foreign Relations. In the interview Adam and Andrew first dissect recent developments in Belarus and its opening to the West. They later take on the current situation in Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelenskyy has just passed his 100 days as president. What’s ahead for these key countries of the region? Get Andrew Wilson’s take by listening to the latest Talk Eastern Europe. Support the Talk Eastern Europe – Become a Patron! Help us reach our goal of 13 until the end of this year – click here to be a supporter: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources: Taras Kuzio: Latest Trump-Ukraine scandal reveals there is plenty of blame to go around, New Eastern Europe: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/09/26/latest-trump-ukraine-scandal-reveals-there-is-plenty-of-blame-to-go-around/ Volodymyr Dubovyk: Ukraine still needs US, European support and the ongoing scandal must not undermine it, New Eastern Europe: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/09/29/ukraine-still-needs-us-european-support-and-the-ongoing-scandal-must-not-undermine-it/ Andrew Wilson: Zelensky unchained: What Ukraine’s new political order means for its future, European Council on Foreign Relations: https://www.ecfr.eu/publications/summary/zelensky_unchained_what_ukraines_new_political_order_means_for_its_future Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0/4.0: Intro: Indie Rock by Scott Holmes – http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Mission Ready by Ketsa - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Raising_Frequecy/Mission_Ready
Tue, September 17, 2019
Episode 19: Strange Bedfellows in Moldova
This episode of the podcast gives a rundown of the current changes taking place in Moldova. After a political agreement between the Socialists and the pro-West ACUM broke an electoral status quo, the country has seemed to gain new momentum. However, are the new authorities going to be able to meet the high expectations the society and international partners have for them? To help answer this question, Maciek and Adam interview Gina Lentine, an expert from Freedom House who is a close observe of the region and of Moldova in particular. Please support the podcast – click here to be a TEE Patron https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources Gina Lentine: “Moldova’s crisis offers chance to reform a captured state” Balkan Insight https://balkaninsight.com/2019/07/11/moldovas-crisis-offers-chance-to-reform-a-captured-state/ Piotr Oleksy: “Political fiction: Moldova without geopolitics” New Eastern Europe https://balkaninsight.com/2019/07/11/moldovas-crisis-offers-chance-to-reform-a-captured-state/ Previous Episode on Moldova Episode 7: Moldova after elections http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/03/08/talk-eastern-europe-episode-7-moldova-after-elections/ >>>> JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/TalkEasternEurope Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0: Intro (and outro): Indie Rock by Scott Holmes – http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Funky Bits by Jeris (c) copyright 2015 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/VJ_Memes/48708 Ft: Martijn de Boer (NiGiD) (NiGiD)
Sun, September 01, 2019
Episode 18 – Kazakhstan’s managed transfer of power
Talk Eastern Europe is back! After a short break for our own August recess, Adam and Maciek are back with a new episode of the podcast. This episode focuses on Kazakhstan – the largest Central Asian state – which has recently undergone a transition of power: from the 30 year rule of Nursultan Nazarbayev to elections in June, which saw Qasym-Jomart Toqaev, a candidate anointed by Nazarbayev himself, elected to the highest office. After a brief introduction, Maciek sits down with Othmara Glas – a German journalist based in Kazakhstan. Links to check out: A new authoritarian succession model being tested in Kazakhstan by Mariya Y. Omelicheva Much needed context to the mystery of Kazakhstan - A review of Joanna Lillis’s Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan Support the podcast – become a Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope And don’t forget to check out the new issue of New Eastern Europe Drop us a line: editors@neweasterneurope.eu Or follow us on Twitter: Maciek MakulskI - @MakulskiMaciej Adam Reichardt - @areichardt Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0: Intro (and outro): Indie Rock by Scott Holmes - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Road_Trip_Indie_Rock/Indie_Rock_1327 Blind Love Dub by Jeris http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/VJ_Memes /55416
Sun, July 28, 2019
Episode 17: Zelenskyy wins big in Ukraine; Georgia protests against Russian influence
This episode of Talk Eastern Europe looks at some of the recent developments in our region focusing on Ukraine and Georgia. The podcast opens with commentary from Andreas Umland on the parliamentary election victory of Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine and what may come next. Later, Maciek interviews Givi Gigitashvili to discuss the recent protests in Georgia which have broken out recently. They tackle issues like Georgian social situation, Georgian-Russian relations and the current political situation. Support our podcast. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe here: http://neweasterneurope.eu/product/3-4-2019-eastern-partnership-turns-10/ “The new Ukrainian parliament at first glance” by Valerii Pekar. New Eastern Europe 24 July 2019 http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/07/24/the-new-ukrainian-parliament-at-first-glance/ “Notes from Eastern Partnership” https://www.facebook.com/NotesEaP/ “Georgia’s June crisis” by Archil Sikharulidze, New Eastern Europe 18 July 2019 http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/07/18/georgias-june-crisis/
Thu, July 18, 2019
Episode 16: Do Americans support NATO?
In the latest episode of Talk Eastern Europe, co-hosts Adam and Maciek delve into security-related issues in Central and Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on Poland’s view and its desire to increase American presence in the country. The episode features Adam’s interview with Ivo Daalder, President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former US ambassador to NATO. They discuss issues like American support for NATO, the situation on the NATO’s eastern flank and the current deterrence strategy, hybrid defence, US-Russia relations and the 2020 presidential elections. Support this podcast. Become a patron. Click here https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Resources: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/ White House Statement: “Joint Declaration on Defense Cooperation Regarding United States Force Posture in the Republic of Poland” https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/joint-declaration-defense-cooperation-regarding-united-states-force-posture-republic-poland/ “NATO at 70 – cheating death, one threat at a time?” New Eastern Europe, 24 April 2019, http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/04/24/nato-at-70-cheating-death-one-threat-at-a-time/ This podcast was produced thanks to cooperation with Heinrich Böll Foundation Warsaw Office as part of the 2019 Transatlantic Media Fellowship for journalists. The views contained in the podcast do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Wed, June 26, 2019
Episode 15: Azerbaijan in the global debate
This episode starts with a brief introduction by the co-hosts Adam Reichardt and Maciek Makulski who are currently on two different continents, and some background on a new project Adam is working on. The main interview is with Rusif Husenyov and Murad Muradov, co-founders of the Topchubashov Center in Baku. The guests discuss current issues in Azerbaijan’s relations with Europe, Armenia, Russia and the world. They also discuss any possible developments with the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PODCAST. DONATE HERE. Topchubashov Center- http://top-center.org/ Listen also to the podcast interview with Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center in Yerevan, Armenia. Music featured in this podcast: Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears “Lunette Interlude” by Blue Dot Sessions Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Architect/Lunette_Interlude
Sat, June 15, 2019
Episode 14: Update on Ukraine
In this episode, co-hosts Maciek Makulski and Adam Reichardt catch up with Anna Korbut, a Robert Bosch Fellow at Chatham House. Anna discusses what issues are the most important for Ukrainians, the latest developments regarding the new president Volodymyr Zelenskiy and what is next for Ukrainian politics. Please support the podcast by via our Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=19190530& Resources: Anna Korbut’s profile at Chatham House: https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/anna-korbut# A new face on the Dnieper: A conversation with Milan Lelich, a Ukrainian political commentator http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/06/03/a-new-face-on-the-dnieper/ Paul Shields: Ukraine’s stagnant democracy: Reflections after a TV star’s presidential win: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/06/11/ukraines-stagnant-democracy-reflections-after-a-tv-stars-presidential-win%EF%BB%BF/ Music featured in the podcast: Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears Light by onlymeith (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/onlymeith/58693 Ft: airtone
Mon, June 03, 2019
Episode 13: European parliament elections part II
In this second part of the two-part special podcast, Talk Eastern Europe dissects the results of the European Parliamentary elections in the region of Central and Eastern Europe. On Lithuania: Maciek interviews Mariusz Antonowicz from Vilnius University's Institute of International Relations and Political Science; On Poland: Adam discusses the results with Daniel Tilles, editor in chief of Notes from Poland; On Bulgaria: Adam has a conversation with Radosveta Vassileva from University College London; Thank you to all of our listeners for your support and feedback. And please support the podcast by pledging via our Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=19190530& Resources: Part I of this special series via “In Between Europe” Five Key Takeaways from the European Elections in Poland – Daniel Tilles, Notes from Poland Support the Notes from Poland crowdfunding campaign – click here Bulgaria’s dangerous flirtation with the far-right – by Radosveta Vassileva
Sun, May 12, 2019
Episode 12: Eastern Partnership turns 10
After a short break, the Talk Eastern Europe podcast is back with a discussion on the current issue of New Eastern Europe which is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership policy of the European Union which includes the countries of Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Over the past 10 years there have been many successes but also many setbacks in this region and the issue takes a look at what lessons can be learnt and how the EU, especially following the upcoming parliamentary elections. There is also a short discussion on Central Europe 30 years after 1989 – a year of revolution and change. We encourage all listeners to consider supporting the podcast by donating to us via our patreon account. Even a monthly donation of $2 a month can go a long way (our first goal is to get $100). Please click here to start your donation: https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=19190530& Resources: New Eastern Europe issue 3-4/2019: Eastern Partnership turns 10 http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/05/02/issue-3-4-2019-eastern-partnership-turns-10/ Persisting towards a Europe without dividing lines by Carl Bildt and Radosław Sikorski: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/05/02/persisting-towards-a-europe-without-dividing-lines/ Resetting the Eastern Partnership by Mariusz Maszkiewicz: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/05/02/resetting-the-eastern-partnership/ The Eastern Partnership at 10. What is there to celebrate? By James Nixey: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/05/02/the-eastern-partnership-at-10-what-is-there-to-celebrate/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0: Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears “CommonGround” by airtone http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/airtone/58703
Thu, April 18, 2019
Episode 11: Armenia - Talking ‘bout a revolution
In this episode hosts Adam Reichardt and Maciek Makulski sit down with Richard Giragosian, director of the regional studies center in Yerevan to talk about recent developments in Armenia. In April 2018 Armenians protested against the ruling regime which led to its resignation. As a result Nikol Pashinyan became the new prime minister and after elections in December 2018, he built a new ruling coalition which aims to change the course of Armenia. In the interview, Adam and Maciek discuss with Richard the context of the revolution, what is the outlook of Armenian politics as well as the geopolitical implications. Resources: “Protests force Armenian PM to resign, marking a new era for the country” New Eastern Europe 25 April 2018: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/04/25/protests-force-armenian-pm-resign-marking-new-era-country/ “The ghosts of Armenia’s past” by Bartłomiej Krzysztan. New Eastern Europe issue 2/2019: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/03/04/the-ghosts-of-armenias-past/ Regional Studies Center, a Yerevan-based think tank: https://regional-studies.org/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears IAF Trolley (Kielokaz ID 154) by KieLoKaz: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Walker_Traffic/IAF_Trolley_Kielokaz_ID_154 Support this podacst. Become a patron via Patreon: Become a Patron!
Wed, April 10, 2019
Episode 10: The comedian wins the first round in Ukraine
Our tenth episode of Talk Eastern Europe is dedicated to the results of the first round of the presidential election in Ukraine which took place on March 31st 2019 and saw comedian and showman Volodymyr Zelenskiy come in first place with over 30% of the vote; incumbent president Petro Poroshenko in second place with 15.95%; and Yulia Tymoshenko in third place with 13.4%. In this episode we first get input from Maksym Kyiak, Deputy Director of the Central European Institute based in Kyiv on how to understand the Zelenskiy phenomenon. Adam Reichardt then interviews Marcel Roethig – the director of the Kyiv office of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung where they discuss the wider social context in Ukraine and the events leading up to the first round, as well as what to expect in the second round. The second round of elections which will pit Petro Poroshenko against Volodymyr Zelenskiy will take place on April 21 2019. Resources: Ukraine presidential elections narrowed down from 39 to 2 contenders Who is Mr Ze? New Eastern Europe’s ongoing coverage of the election in Ukraine: http://neweasterneurope.eu/category/ukraine-elections-2019/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears “Nothing But Luck” by Lee Rosevere: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/Blue_Dot_RMX/Nothing_But_Luck
Mon, April 01, 2019
Episode 9: What’s up in the Western Balkans?
This episode of Talk Eastern Europe takes a closer look at the current developments in the Western Balkans, including the North Macedonian name agreement, the Kosovo-Serbia border swap negotiations and recent protests in Serbia and Montenegro. All of these developments have the possibility of making headway against the current status quo in the Western Balkans and bring these countries closer to the European Union. The episode features an interview with Valerie Hopkins, a journalist with the Financial Times covering the Western Balkans. You can follow her on Twitter here: @VALERIEin140 Resources: “What could a Serbia-Kosovo border swap achieve?” By Florian Bieber, New Eastern Europe issue 2/2019: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/03/05/what-could-a-serbia-kosovo-border-swap-achieve/ “Macedonia is turning the page”. Exclusive interview with Zoran Zaev, the prime minister of the Republic of Macedonia. New Eastern Europe Issue 2/2108: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/02/26/macedonia-turning-page/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears “Going In Circles” by Lee Rosevere, http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/Music_For_Podcasts_6/Lee_Rosevere_-_Music_For_Podcasts_6_-_03_Going_In_Circles
Thu, March 14, 2019
Episode 8: The fight against disinformation
This episode of Talk Eastern Europe features a conversation on fighting disinformation with Jakub Kalenský, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. Prior to joining the Atlantic Council, Kalenský worked for the European Union’s East StratCom Task Force as the team lead for countering disinformation. In this episode, Adam Reichardt and Maciek Makulski discuss with Kalenský the differences between disinformation and misinformation, what the West is doing now to combat disinformation and the spread of fake news, and how Russian propaganda works – all ahead of the May EU parliament elections. Selected resources mentioned in the podcast: Disinfo Portal: https://disinfoportal.org/ EUvsDisinformation: https://euvsdisinfo.eu/ StopFake: https://www.stopfake.org/en/news/ Detektor Media (UA) https://detector.media/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Tumbling_Dishes_Like_Old-Mans_Wishes/Please_Listen _Carefully
Fri, March 08, 2019
Episode 7: Moldova after elections
In this episode, Maciek Makulski sits down with Oktawian Milewski – a Moldovan political analyst based in Warsaw. Moldova’s parliamentary elections were held on Sunday February 24th. The results are mixed and while it is unclear how the government will form, the elections certainly show that no major shifts in Moldovan politics will take place. However, there was one new development – the emergence of a new opposition party, ACUM, a coalition of forces that is a real opposition force and may play a role in shaping politics and geopolitics in the region. Resources“Old Moldova in new Europe”. Piotr Oleksy, New Eastern Europe Issue 1/2019: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/11/05/old-moldova-new-europe/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears Also in the podcast: “Introducing the Pre-roll” by Lee Rosevere: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/Music_For_Podcasts_5/Lee_Rosevere_-_Music_For_Podcasts_5_-_01_Introducing_the_Pre-roll
Tue, February 05, 2019
Episode 6: Religion and politics - Ukraine edition
In this episode, Adam Reichardt sits down with Harvard University’s George Soroka to discuss the political, geopolitical and also spiritual implications of the granting of Autocephaly to the newly created Ukrainian Orthodox Church. George Soroka is a lecturer in the Department of Government at Harvard University, where he is also affiliated with the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies, and the Institute for Quantitative Social Science. Resources: “A house divided. Orthodoxy in post-Maidan Ukraine” by George Soroka. Published in New Eastern Europe issue 3-4/2019 “Poroshenko has achieved a second independence from Russia” by Taras Kuzio. New Eastern Europe 15 October 2018 Ongoing coverage of Ukraine’s presidential election: http://neweasterneurope.eu/category/ukraine-elections-2019/ Music featured in the podcast: Opening theme: Sum of My Fears by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears Liturgy of the Faithful / Ukrainian Orthodox chant
Fri, January 25, 2019
Episode 5: Ukraine elections, murder of Gdańsk mayor and public intellectuals
In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe podcast, co-hosts Maciek Makulski and Adam Reichardt give a preview of the upcoming presidential elections in Ukraine; discuss the tragic events in Gdańsk with the murder of the mayor Paweł Adamowicz; and go through the newest issue of New Eastern Europe magazine which focuses on public intellectuals and their role in Central and Eastern Europe today. Highlights 1.30: Ukraine presidential elections preview 7.00: Discussion of the murder of the Gdańsk Mayor Paweł Adamowicz 14.00: Public intellectuals and the new issue of New Eastern Europe Show notes and links Ukraine elections coverage: http://neweasterneurope.eu/category/ukraine-elections-2019/ “Local governments are the foundation of democracy” A conversation from 2016 with Paweł Adamowicz (the late mayor of Gdańsk): http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/01/15/local-governments-are-the-foundation-of-democracy/ “Pawel Adamowicz: Gdansk mayor and standard-bearer for civil rights and liberal values in Poland” Adam Reichardt’s obituary in The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/pawel-adamowicz-death-gdansk-poland-mayor-civil-rights-liberal-values-a8740886.html Issue 1/2019: Public intellectuals. What is their place, role and responsibility today? http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/01/02/issue-1-2019-public-intellectuals-place-role-responsibility-today/ “Where there is word, there is responsibility for mankind” .A conversation with Basil Kerski, director of the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk. http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/01/02/word-responsibility-mankind/ “The dramatic turn of political discourse in Romania” By Paul Gabriel Sandu: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/01/02/dramatic-turn-political-discourse-romania/ Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: Sum of My Fears by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears Railroad's Whiskey Co by Jahzzar: <a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Home/Railroads
Tue, January 08, 2019
Episode 4: Estonian politics, Eesti 200 and the Russian minority
This episode looks at Estonian politics as well as gives an idea about the situation related to the Russian minority in the Baltic States with a particular focus on Estonia where parliamentary elections will be held in March 2019. The background for our discussion will be a conversation between Filip Rudnik, a Polish journalist, and Kristina Kallas, leader of a new political party called Eesti 200. Highlights: 04.25: Eesti 200 – what does it stand for? 12.02: Discussion about EKRE and populism in Estonia 20:57: Eesti 200 education proposals and how to deal with Russian minority issue Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: “Sum of My Fears” by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears Also in the podcast: “Thatched Villagers” by Kevin MacLeod http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Thatched_Villagers/Thatched_Villagers
Thu, December 06, 2018
Episode 3: Ukraine on the defence, Moldova on the cusp & Transnistrian identity
In this episode hosts Maciek Makulski and Adam Reichardt look at some current developments in the region. Maksym Khylko, chairman of the board at the East European Security Research Initiative Foundation and Senior Research Fellow at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, provides his commentary on the situation with the Russian capture of three Ukrainian vessels and the imposition of Martial Law in Ukraine. Maciek Makulski looks at the newest book on Transnistrian identity by Piotr Oleksty – a Polish expert. Adam Reichardt then interviews Oleksy, about the current political developments in Moldova and they discuss his new book. Read the article “Old Moldova in New Europe” online: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/11/05/old-moldova-new-europe/ Highlights: 04.23 Commentary by Maksym Khylko on Russian attack on Ukrainian naval vessels in Kerch strait 12.10 – interview with Piotr Oleksy author of “Old Moldova in New Europe” and the recent book Naddniestrze. Terror tożsamości Music featured in the podcast licensed under the Creative Commons license 3.0 Opening theme: Sum of My Fears by Dazie Mae: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dazie_Mae/Last_Jazz_in_Paris/03-1518107-Dazie_Mae-Sum_of_My_Fears Also in this podcast: Dark Water by Podington Bear: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Fathomless_-_Ambient/Dark_Water Swing Gitane by The Underscore Orkestra: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/The_ExtraOrdinary_Adventures_of/06_Swing_Gitane Subscribe to the New Eastern Europe magazine
Mon, November 19, 2018
Episode 2: 1918. The year of independence
In this episode, co-hosts Maciek Makulski and Adam Reichardt discuss the newest issue of New Eastern Europe which has the theme of 1918 and memory of the end of the First World War from the Eastern European perspective. The hosts also discuss other threads in the issue including some interesting pieces on social and economic developments in Russia as well as a discussion on Belarus in the eyes of its neighbours. Resources: New Eastern Europe issue 6/2018: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/11/05/issue-6-2018-1918-year-independence/ “The decline of the West and the joy in the East” - Interview with Andrzej Chwalba, Polish historian: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/11/05/decline-west-joy-east/ “1918 – A geopolitical catastrophe for Ukraine”. By Yaroslav Hrytsak: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/11/05/1918-geopolitical-catastrophe-ukraine/ “Is the blockchain revolution starting in Russia?” By Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska: http://neweasterneurope.eu/2018/11/05/blockchain-revolution-starting-russia/
Wed, November 07, 2018
Episode 1: Latvia - Interview with Inga Žolude
In the first episode of Talk Eastern Europe, co-hosts Adam Reichardt and Maciek Makulski open the podcast with a discussion on current issues in the Baltic states and how literature can give a view into a nation's identity. Adam Reichardt interviews Inga Žolude - a Latvian writer and winner of the European Union Prize for Literature in 2011. Resources: Inga Žolude at Latvia Literature: http://www.latvianliterature.lv/en/writers/20 European Union Prize for Literature 2011: http://www.euprizeliterature.eu/author/2011/inga-zolude New Eastern Europe: www.neweasterneurope .eu
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