The IR thinker

Martin Zubko
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES

The IR thinker features in-depth interviews with leading experts in international relations, foreign policy, and global affairs. The IR thinker is an independent, non-partisan and non-aligned platform. It hosts a wide range of perspectives on international relations but does not endorse any political party, government or ideological position. Since its first episode in 2023, The IR thinker has produced more than 100 episodes as a pro bono initiative established by Martin Zubko, an international relations scholar and lecturer. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Myanmar - Geopolitics & Security - Wai Yan Phyo Naing | Ep. 11 (2026)

    1D AGO

    Myanmar - Geopolitics & Security - Wai Yan Phyo Naing | Ep. 11 (2026)

    Myanmar occupies a unique position in contemporary international affairs, where the legacies of post-independence neutralism, decades of military rule, and a fractured post-coup order converge to produce one of the most complex foreign policy environments in the Indo-Pacific. Dr Naing is a visiting scholar at the Institute of Modern History, Academia Sinica, under the Taiwan Fellowship Program. At the moment, he is focusing on modern Myanmar’s domestic politics, democratisation, and international relations, with particular attention to Myanmar–Russia and Myanmar–China relations and their implications for regional security, political development, and social change. In this role, he conducts independent and collaborative research drawing on archival materials, historical documents, and qualitative sources. His current project, “Insights from Taiwan’s Democratisation: Implications for Upcoming Reform Processes in Myanmar,” examines how Taiwan’s experience of democratisation can inform prospective political reforms in Myanmar. Publications: Northern Myanmar Poses a Challenge to China’s Critical Minerals Strategy The Dilemma of Sino-Myanmar Relations: The Case of Myitsone Hydropower Dam Project Content 00:00 – Introduction 02:19 – Neutralism, Military Isolation, and the Origins of Myanmar’s Strategic Hedging 09:16 – Structural Drivers of the Contemporary Myanmar Political Crisis 16:53 – The Influence of China and India on Myanmar’s Foreign Policy Orientation 26:00 – The National Unity Government and the Fragmentation of Political Authority 33:12 – Border Governance, Insurgency, and Security Dynamics in Myanmar’s Frontier Regions 48:43 – Russia’s Role in Myanmar’s Strategic and Military Relations 01:00:35 – ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and the Limits of the Non-Interference Principle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m
  2. Biopolitics - Sergei Prozorov | Ep. 10 (2026)

    APR 28

    Biopolitics - Sergei Prozorov | Ep. 10 (2026)

    In this episode, I speak with Professor Sergei Prozorov about biopolitics, one of the most provocative frameworks in contemporary political theory, and how it reshapes our understanding of power, life, and death across IR, philosophy, and Soviet studies. From Foucault to Mbembe to Stalin, this is a conversation that cuts to the heart of how modern states govern human existence. Sergei Prozorov is Professor of Political Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. His research interests include contemporary political theory, continental philosophy, biopolitics, democracy and totalitarianism. Sergei’s work is positioned at the intersection of political philosophy, IR theory, and Soviet and post-Soviet studies, with sustained engagement with the thought of Michel Foucault, Giorgio Agamben, and Roberto Esposito. During 2010–2015, Prozorov held the Academy of Finland Research Fellowship with the project Biopolitics of Stalinism. During 2015–2019, he served as Principal Investigator of the Academy of Finland project Biopolitics and Democracy in Global Governance.  Prozorov's work has accumulated over 2,800 citations on Google Scholar Google Scholar, reflecting his standing as one of the leading theorists of biopolitics in the international field. Peer assessments situate him among the most philosophically sophisticated scholars working at the intersection of IR and continental theory. His work represents one of the most ambitious re-articulations of the ontological and ethical foundations of universalism in contemporary political theory. Prozorov's latest book is Poses of the World, the third volume in his Void Universalism trilogy. Foucault, Freedom and Sovereignty Agamben and Politics: A Critical Introduction The Biopolitics of Stalinism: Ideology and Life in Soviet Socialism Foucault and Agamben on Augustine, Paradise and the Politics of Human Nature When did biopolitics begin? Actuality and potentiality in historical events Biopolitics After Truth: Knowledge, Power and Democratic Life Chapters 00:00 — Introduction 02:55 — Conceptualising Biopolitics 09:05 — Actors and Agents in Biopolitics 12:39 — Biopolitics and Mainstream Approaches in Political Science and IR 18:20 — Biopolitics and Sovereignty: Engaging with Agamben 26:16 — Biopolitics and Necropolitics: Mbembe’s Intervention 31:05 — Studying Biopolitics Empirically: Approaches and Challenges 33:06 — Researching Biopolitics: Professor Prozorov’s Preferred Methods 38:58 — Common Pitfalls in Biopolitics Research: Advice for Early-Career Scholars 41:53 — Biopolitics Beyond the West 45:21 — The Motivation and Goals Behind Biopolitics of Stalinism (book) 50:30 — Soviet Ideology Through the Lens of Biopolitics 01:00:59 — Biopolitical Investment or Propaganda in the Soviet Project? 01:03:39 — Professor Prozorov’s Upcoming Research and Future Directions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  3. Russian Soft Power in Africa, Asia & the Middle East - Vladimir Liparteliani | Ep. 9 (2026)

    APR 21

    Russian Soft Power in Africa, Asia & the Middle East - Vladimir Liparteliani | Ep. 9 (2026)

    How does a country under heavy sanctions continue to win influence across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia? In this episode, Vladimir Liparteliani unpacks the full machinery of Russian soft power — from RT and Sputnik to educational diplomacy, cultural outreach, and religious projection. Vladimir Liparteliani is an associate fellow at the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, Durham University. As a scholar of international relations, he focuses on soft power and international power competition in the post-Soviet space. Selected Publications: Soft Power Competition Between Russia and the West: Contesting Georgian National Identity, 1991–2024 The Art of Subtle Influence: Russian Soft Power and Georgia’s Conservative Turn Content 00:00 — Introduction 01:37 — Conceptualising Russian Soft Power: Beyond Nye’s Classical Framework 05:58 — Russian Scholarly Perspectives on Soft Power 07:10 — Soft Power, Strategic Communication, and Influence Operations in Russian Foreign Policy 08:42 — Strategic Ambiguity: The ‘Blurriness’ of Russian Soft Power 09:23 — Great Power Identity and the Logic of Russian Soft Power 11:53 — Soviet Legacies and Their Influence on Contemporary Russian Soft Power 14:21 — International Broadcasting as Soft Power: RT and Sputnik 18:22 — Narratives and Messaging in RT and Sputnik Content 20:52 — Global Accessibility and Restrictions on RT and Sputnik 23:02 — Educational Diplomacy in Russian Foreign Policy 26:22 — Education as a Soft Power Instrument 28:41 — The Experience of International Students in Russia 30:22 — Cultural Diplomacy and the Projection of Russian Culture 34:13 — Global Reception and Participation in Russian Cultural Initiatives 36:54 — The Russian Orthodox Church and Religious Soft Power 41:15 — Narrative Effectiveness and Audience Reception in Russian Soft Power 43:52 — The Interaction of Soft and Hard Power in Russian Strategy 46:49 — Soft Power within Russia’s Military and Security Agenda 49:09 — Adapting Russian Soft Power to New Political Realities 51:50 — The Impact of Sanctions on Russian Soft Power Adaptation 54:31 — Opportunities and Constraints for Russian Soft Power in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia 57:27 — Research Motivation: Studying Russian Soft Power Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  4. South Africa's Nuclear Energy - Kelvin Kemm Final | Ep. 8 (2026)

    APR 14

    South Africa's Nuclear Energy - Kelvin Kemm Final | Ep. 8 (2026)

    South Africa has been involved in nuclear development for more than 75 years. In 1948, the Atomic Energy Act established the Atomic Energy Board (AEB) — only two years after the United States created its own Atomic Energy Commission. South Africa's first nuclear research reactor, SAFARI-1, went critical in 1965, and the country's first large nuclear power station, Koeberg, came online in 1984. In February 2010, the South African government announced it would stop funding the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) programme. Over US$1.3 billion had been invested in the project since 1993, making its cancellation one of the most consequential decisions in South African energy history. But the technology did not disappear. A group of nuclear engineers and scientists pressed on independently, channelling the PBMR's intellectual legacy into a new design: the HTMR-100, an advanced Generation IV helium-cooled reactor. That effort eventually gave rise to Stratek Global, and it is an honour to speak with its Chairman and CEO, Dr Kelvin Kemm. Kelvin KemmDr Kelvin Kemm is a nuclear physicist and Chairman of Stratek Global, based in Pretoria, South Africa. He is the former Chairman of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and has been involved in South Africa's small modular reactor programme since its inception — a journey spanning more than two decades. Dr Kemm has briefed the US Senate and Congress in Washington DC, and is a sought-after international speaker on nuclear energy, technology, and strategic development, having addressed audiences across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the United States. Above all, he brings over 25 years of hands-on experience building small modular reactor technology from the ground up — making him one of the most knowledgeable voices in the field today. Content 00:00 – Introduction and Overview of the Discussion 02:49 – Historical Development of Nuclear Reactor Technology in South Africa 17:29 – Eskom’s Operational and Financial Challenges: Assessing the Crisis 23:32 – Koeberg Nuclear Power Station: Operational Performance, Modernisation, and Life Extension 27:12 – Nuclear Fuel Procurement and Supply Chains for Koeberg 31:43 – Radioactive Waste Management at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station 36:04 – Development Status of South Africa’s HTMR-100 Small Modular Reactor 39:03 – HTMR-100 Reactor Concept: Design Principles, Mobility, and Scale 43:32 – Advanced Fuel Architecture of the HTMR-100 Reactor 47:58 – International Cooperation in Deploying HTMR-100 Nuclear Power Plants 51:09 – Nuclear Science and Engineering Education in South Africa: Training the Next Generation 55:09 – The Geopolitics of Nuclear Energy 57:49 – Debates and Critiques of Renewable Energy Policy in South Africa 01:03:10 – Pan-African Institutional Support for Nuclear Energy Development in Africa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m
  5. British Journal of Politics and International Relations - Jack Holland | Ep. 7 (2026)

    APR 7

    British Journal of Politics and International Relations - Jack Holland | Ep. 7 (2026)

    Today, we are hosting an episode that provides an opportunity to present a research journal together with its editor. The aim is not only to introduce the journal, but also to offer a critical assessment of suitable venues for publishing research articles. In this context, we turn our attention to the British Journal of Politics and International Relations (BJPIR). Impact Factor: 3.4 / 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.4 Indexed: Scopus / Web of Science First Decision: 6 days Acceptance Rate: 18.7% 14th out of 169 journals in the field of International Relations and 36th out of 322 in Political Science (Source: https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/education-social-sciences-law/news/article/2242/bjpir-celebrates-rise-in-impact-factor-and-25th-anniversary) The journal is a leading peer-reviewed academic journal in the fields of political science and international relations. Established in 1999 and published by SAGE Publications on behalf of the Political Studies Association, it has developed a strong international reputation for high-quality scholarship. The journal has six editors, all of whom are based at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. Today, we are speaking with one of them, Professor of Global Security Challenges at the University of Leeds, Jack Holland. Jack Holland also serves as Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Social Sciences. His research focuses on United States, United Kingdom, and Australian foreign and security policy. He is an expert on AUKUS, for example, he has been invited as a witness to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, and he regularly provides media commentary for British and international news organisations. Content 00:00 - Introduction 02:24 - The Journal’s Intellectual DNA 04:05 - Political Science vs International Relations: Balance in Published Research 05:24 - From Political Studies Association Flagship to Global Journal: Institutional Influence 08:31 - Political Studies Association 09:47 - Editorial Limits: Is There a Maximum Number of Articles per Issue? 11:36 - Maintaining Coherence in a Broad-Scope Journal 12:48 - Editorial Board: Selection, Roles, and Responsibilities 16:25 - University of Leeds: The Journal’s Institutional Connection 18:08 - Methodological Pluralism: Supporting Underrepresented Scholars 21:04 - Current Intellectual Trends in Submissions 22:53 - Undersubmitted Topics: Areas the Journal Wants More Of 24:13 - AI, Frameworks, and Consulting: Reality Behind Publishing Claims 26:15 - Common Author Mistakes in Journal Submissions 31:00 - Encouraging Junior Scholars to Submit 33:51 - Global South Scholars and Barriers 36:13 - Editorial Lessons: Decisions Seen Differently Today 38:22 - Suggesting Reviewers: Should Authors Do It? 39:39 - Future Vision for the Journal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  6. Understanding China-Russia Relations - Philip Snow | Ep. 6 (2026)

    MAR 30

    Understanding China-Russia Relations - Philip Snow | Ep. 6 (2026)

    This episode features a conversation with the historian Philip Snow on the evolution of relations between Russia and China. Drawing on archival research, the discussion traces the relationship from the early border settlements at Nerchinsk and Kyakhta to contemporary geopolitical and economic cooperation, highlighting how frontier regions such as Manchuria, Mongolia, and Xinjiang have shaped interaction between the two powers. The interview examines key turning points, including the Sino-Soviet split, as well as structural constraints (geography, distance, and technology) that have historically limited escalation along the border. It also explores post-Soviet asymmetries, energy interdependence, and projects such as Power of Siberia 2. Finally, the conversation considers the implications of contemporary Sino-Russian alignment, addressing their views on multipolar order, persistent frictions in the Russian Far East, and China’s potential capacity to lead globally without Russia. Philip SnowPhilip Snow has been travelling in Russia and China since the 1960s, and has spent nearly two decades researching what is arguably the most consequential bailateral relationship of our era. Selected Publications: Snow, P. (1989). The star raft: China’s encounter with Africa. Cornell University Press. Snow, P. (2003). The Fall of Hong Kong: Britain, China, and the Japanese occupation. Yale University Press. Snow, P. (2023). China and Russia: Four Centuries of conflict and Concord. Yale University Press. Content 00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – Archival Research and Interpreting Russian–Chinese Narratives 06:21 – Nerchinsk and Kyakhta: Origins of Long-Term Stability 10:46 – Manchuria, Mongolia, and Xinjiang as Strategic Pivot Zones 14:18 – Mongolia’s Role in Sino-Russian Relations 14:51 – Structural Constraints on Escalation and Major War 18:51 – The Role of Distance and Technology in Military Encounters 19:28 – Manchuria and the Historical Foundations of Chinese Strategic Mistrust 24:17 – The Sino-Soviet Split and the Limits of Ideological Alliances 27:05 – Energy Interdependence and Post-Soviet Asymmetry 31:20 – Power of Siberia 2: Economic Logic and Geopolitical Stakes 32:12 – Why Sino-Russian Decision-Making Is Often Slow 32:40 – Surface Alignment vs Structural Frictions in the Russian Far East 39:54 – Sino-Russian Alignment in Opposition to the West 42:45 – Do Russia and China Share a Vision of Multipolar Order? 45:44 – China’s Capacity to Lead Without Russia 46:45 – Critiquing Philip Snow’s Interpretation 48:21 – How to Study China and Russia More Effectively Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  7. The Changing World Order - Mark N. Katz | Ep. 5 (2026)

    MAR 24

    The Changing World Order - Mark N. Katz | Ep. 5 (2026)

    This interview with Professor Mark N. Katz explores one of the central debates in contemporary international relations: the transition from unipolarity to a more complex multipolar world. Drawing on historical cases and current geopolitical developments, the discussion examines whether multipolarity is truly the global norm, how great powers are defined, and what the post-Cold War “unipolar moment” tells us about today’s shifting balance of power. The conversation also addresses the rise of emerging actors such as BRICS, the strategic behaviour of smaller states, and the evolving role of alliances, norms, and regional rivalries—from the Middle East to the Global South. Ultimately, it offers a nuanced assessment of whether a multipolar world necessarily produces a stable and coherent international order, and highlights key research questions shaping the future of global politics. Mark N. KatzMark N. Katz is Professor Emeritus of Government and Politics at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, where he taught from 1988 until his retirement in 2024. A specialist in Russian foreign policy, great-power competition, and the international politics of the Middle East, his research has long focused on Soviet and Russian engagement with the developing world and revolutionary movements in international politics.  Publications: Personal Blog American Foreign Policy: Can the U.S. Get Out of a Difficult Situation? The Multipolar World Is Nothing New: Why the Return of Many Powers Does Not Mean the Birth of a New Order The Soviet Roots of Putin’s Foreign Policy Toward the Middle East The Third World in Soviet Military Thought The USSR and Marxist Revolutions in the Third World Content 00:00 – Introduction 02:03 – Is Multipolarity the Historical Norm? 04:08 – The Liberal Order During the Cold War 04:53 – What Makes a Country a Great Power? 09:36 – Understanding the Unipolar Moment 12:19 – When Did Unipolarity End? 15:41 – 9/11, Terrorism and the Limits of Polarity Theory 21:51 – The Sino–Soviet Split and a Brief Tripolar World 25:26 – BRICS and the Rise of Multipolarity 27:25 – Multipolar World vs Multipolar Order 30:27 – Global South Views on Multipolarity 33:15 – How Small States Play Great Powers Against Each Other 38:00 – If China Dominates... 41:25 – Do Alliances Limit a Country’s Power Ambitions? 43:45 – Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel in a Multipolar Middle East 47:06 – What the Arab Spring Reveals About Multipolarity 50:49 – Do International Norms Still Matter? 53:12 – Key Research Questions on the Future of Multipolarity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  8. Catalonia's Pursuit of Self-government - Marc Sanjaume-Calvet | Ep. 4 (2026)

    MAR 17

    Catalonia's Pursuit of Self-government - Marc Sanjaume-Calvet | Ep. 4 (2026)

    In this interview, political scientist Marc Sanjaume‑Calvet examines the constitutional status of Catalonia, the distribution of powers within the Spanish state, and the evolving debates surrounding Catalan autonomy and identity. The discussion also explores Catalonia’s external action, from its relations with the European Union and international organisations to the constraints imposed by Spanish constitutional law, including the legacy of the 2017 referendum and Article 155. Marc Sanjaume-CalvetMarc Sanjaume-Calvet is Associate Professor of Political Science at Pompeu Fabra University. He has also served as an advisor at the Self-Government Studies Institute, a research centre linked to the Government of Catalonia. His work sits at the crossroads of federalism, self-determination, and territorial conflict, with broader interests in national and ethnic conflicts.  Publications: Asymmetry as a Device for Equal Recognition and Reasonable Accommodation of Majority and Minority Nations. A Country Study on Constitutional Asymmetry in Spain The Political Use of de facto Referendums of Independence The Case of Catalonia Defensive Federalism: Protecting Territorial Minorities from the "Tyranny of the Majority" The Exodus That Never Was? An Empirical Analysis on Territorial Conflict and Foot-Voting The Politics of Independence Referendums: Never Mind the Ballots Content 00:00 – Introduction 01:50 – Constitutional Status of Catalonia 05:21 – Identity and Demography in Catalonia 08:15 – Distribution of Competences 11:46 – The Future of Catalan Autonomy 16:10 – “Unity of Foreign Action” in Spanish Constitutional Law and Its Constraints on Regional Diplomacy 21:04 – Coordination and Tension between Catalonia’s External Action and Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23:39 – Catalonia and the European Union 29:40 – International Agreements and Catalonia’s Network of External Delegations 33:53 – Catalonia’s Interaction with International Organisations and Multilateral Forums 37:51 – The 2017 Independence Referendum and Article 155 44:21 – Emerging Research Agendas in the Study of Catalonia’s Autonomy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
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About

The IR thinker features in-depth interviews with leading experts in international relations, foreign policy, and global affairs. The IR thinker is an independent, non-partisan and non-aligned platform. It hosts a wide range of perspectives on international relations but does not endorse any political party, government or ideological position. Since its first episode in 2023, The IR thinker has produced more than 100 episodes as a pro bono initiative established by Martin Zubko, an international relations scholar and lecturer. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Martin Zubko
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Martin Zubko
  • Show Website
    The IR thinker