Diplomacy and International Relations

In this episode of Diplomacy and International Relations by Bastian Friborg, we dive deep into the power structures shaping the global economy through Marxist and critical theory lenses. Explore provocative frameworks like dependency theory and world-systems analysis, which challenge mainstream economic narratives and reveal the underlying dynamics driving global inequality.

We discuss key theorists including Andre Gunder Frank and Emmanuel Wallerstein, unravel the concepts of core, periphery, and semi-periphery nations, and analyze mechanisms like resource extraction, unequal exchange, and financial subordination. Special attention is paid to Robert W. Cox’s neogramscian approach and Alf Hornborg’s ecological critique, which connects economic power to the physical transfer of energy and resources.

Whether you’re curious about the historical roots of global capitalism or the structural challenges to sustainability and equity, this episode is packed with questions and insights for policymakers, students, and anyone interested in international political economy.

Follow us for future deep dives, and support the show for exclusive content.

If you like what you hear you can support the podcast here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe 

In this episode of Diplomacy and International Relations by Bastian Friborg, looks beyond the usual power politics and discover the hidden structures shaping our world. We explore how feminist international relations (FIR) and post-colonial theory reveal the often-invisible gendered and racial systems underlying global politics: from war and diplomacy to economic power.

Learn how concepts like war, security, and sovereignty are influenced by gender and race, and why understanding these forces is vital for anyone interested in the true workings of international relations today. Hear insightful discussions of foundational texts like Cynthia Enloe’s Bananas, Beaches and Bases and Edward Said’s Orientalism. We examine real-world cases—including France’s feminist foreign policy and reputation management in the Central African Republic—illustrating the tension between genuine change and superficial branding.

Whether you are a student, expert, or newcomer to IR, this episode delivers nuanced perspectives on identity, power, decolonization, and intersectionality. Subscribe for more deep dives into international affairs, and don’t forget to rate us five stars to help others discover these important conversations!

If you like what you here you can subscribe here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe 

Look into this episode as we explore Liberal Institutionalism and its practical relevance in today's world of international diplomacy. Join Bastian Friborg and guests as they unpack the theories of Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye, delving into how countries achieve complex, sustained cooperation—even when there's no major global power enforcing order. We break down essential concepts like complex interdependence, the role of international regimes, and institutional capacity building with a real-world focus on EU integration. Discover how regimes and institutions shape trust, reduce vulnerability, and foster global cooperation.

Key topics include:

• Liberal institutionalism vs. neorealism: Lasting cooperation & stability beyond superpowers

• Complex interdependence framework: Interstate, transgovernmental, and transnational relations

• Institutional mechanics: Building trust, reducing transaction costs, and extending cooperation

• Power dynamics: Soft power, sensitivity, and vulnerability in global politics

• EU Twinning program: Concrete example of institutional capacity building

• Strategic insights: How vulnerability and institutional ties can change state behavior

Subscribe for more and longer episodes at this link.

If you enjoy the show, please follow and rate the podcast!

In this episode, we unpack one of the most influential theoretical debates in modern International Relations: the rise of constructivism as a challenge to the materialist and individualist assumptions of neorealism and neoliberalism. The discussion begins by laying out the core tenets of constructivism, highlighting how it reframes our understanding of power, identity, and global order.

From there, the episode delves into the deep philosophical foundations of the theory—examining the ontological divide between materialism and idealism, the enduring agent–structure problem, and the epistemological tensions between scientific and interpretive approaches to studying world politics.

Building on this philosophical groundwork, Bastian explores key analytical concepts such as the cultures of anarchy, identity formation, and the role of norms in shaping international behavior—revealing how these ideas bridge theory and practice. The episode concludes with a balanced assessment of constructivism’s contributions, its limitations, and the challenges it continues to face within the broader field of International Relations.

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe

Understanding Realism: The Power Struggle at the Heart of International Relations

Dive into the enduring tradition of Realism—one of the most influential frameworks for interpreting world politics. In this episode, we break down the essential ideas at the core of Realist thinking, exploring how states navigate a global arena defined by competition, power, and insecurity under anarchy. Discover the three main branches of Realism:

• Classical Realism, which roots the drive for power in human nature,

• Neorealism, which sees state behavior as shaped by the anarchic structure of the international system,

• Neoclassical Realism, which adds the importance of leaders and domestic politics as filters for systemic pressures.

We unravel the fierce debate within Neorealism between Defensive and Offensive Realists: Are states merely seeking security and survival, or are they locked in a relentless pursuit of power and dominance? Learn why concepts like Anarchy, the Security Dilemma, and the Balance of Power remain central to explaining conflict and alliance-building between nations.

Finally, we examine how Realism is adapting in a rapidly changing world—facing the "unipolar anomaly" of U.S. dominance after the Cold War, and evolving to address today’s complex global challenges. Whether you’re new to international relations or a seasoned analyst, this episode offers a clear and insightful guide to the Realist tradition and its relevance today.

If you like what you here, you can support the podcast on Spotify here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe 

Or on Apple Podcast via the app.

Follow the show and together we will explore the dynamics of ASEAN navigating US-China rivalry in this comprehensive analysis of Southeast Asian geopolitics. This episode examines how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations balances regional diplomacy amid intensifying power competition between the United States and China. Discover ASEAN's strategic approach to international relations, the challenges of maintaining strategic balance in a multipolar world, and the implications for regional diplomacy. We analyze recent developments in US-China rivalry, ASEAN's diplomatic initiatives under Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship, and the evolving landscape of Southeast Asian geopolitics. Learn about power competition strategies, regional diplomacy mechanisms, and how ASEAN countries navigate between major powers while preserving sovereignty and promoting regional stability.

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe.

Press play and let us explore the relevance of Francis Fukuyama's groundbreaking essay 'The End of History' in this comprehensive historical analysis. This episode examines Fukuyama End of History theory and its implications for liberal democracy, modern political theory, and contemporary global trends.

Together we look into international relations discourse as we assess whether Fukuyama's thesis about the triumph of liberal democratic ideals still holds relevance today. Our analysis covers the evolution of political systems, challenges to democratic governance, and the ongoing debate in modern political theory circles.

Key topics include:

• Fukuyama End of History thesis and its core arguments

• Liberal democracy's current state and future prospects

• Modern political theory perspectives on historical development

• Global trends challenging or supporting Fukuyama's predictions

• International relations implications for today's world

• Historical analysis methodology and contemporary relevance

Whether you're a student of political science, international relations enthusiast, or curious about democracy's future, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most influential works in modern political theory.

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe

Celebrating the UN's 80th Birthday

As the United Nations turns 80, we celebrate eight decades of global dialogue, peace-building, and humanitarian leadership. Since 1945, the UN has stood as the world's essential forum for international cooperation, tackling everything from poverty and conflict to human rights and climate action. Despite facing profound geopolitical paralysis, financial shortfalls, and mounting global challenges, the UN’s enduring presence reminds us that a cooperative, peaceful future can only be built together. Today, even as the organization faces tough questions about its effectiveness, we honor its indispensable legacy and ongoing mission to bring nations together in pursuit of a better world.

Is the UN Still the World’s Best Last Hope?

As the United Nations marks its milestone 80th anniversary, it’s not just a moment of celebration—it’s a moment of reckoning. With the institution "on its knees," torn between escalating global crises and waning financial support, the very future of the UN hangs in the balance. Secretary-General António Guterres’s bold UN80 reform agenda seeks to breathe new life into the organization, but not everyone is convinced that more efficiency means better outcomes—especially with core missions like human rights already stretched thin. What happens when even peacekeeping fails, great power rivalries paralyze action, and the world’s only true global forum risks losing its way?

Join us in this special episode as we ask: Can the UN adapt to the 21st century, or is its role as the world’s last, best hope fading? Tune in to unpack the high-stakes debate shaping the future of global cooperation.

If you like the podcast please subscribe here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe 

Listen now! Together we will explore the relationship between climate conflict and peacebuilding in this comprehensive episode on environmental security and global diplomacy. Discover how climate change acts as a threat multiplier, intensifying resource competition and challenging traditional conflict resolution approaches.

This episode will look into:

• Climate conflict dynamics and environmental security threats

• Innovative peacebuilding strategies for climate-related disputes

• International cooperation frameworks for addressing resource competition

• Global diplomacy efforts in environmental conflict resolution

• Real-world case studies of climate-induced conflicts and successful interventions

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe

Listen up folks! Let's explore Denmark's role in the European sustainability revolution. This episode examines how Denmark's green transition is setting the standard for renewable energy adoption across Europe, showcasing Nordic innovation in environmental policy and climate leadership.

Discover how Danish green diplomacy is influencing EU climate strategies, from cutting-edge renewable energy technologies to comprehensive environmental policy frameworks. We analyze Denmark's approach to balancing economic growth with sustainability goals, making it a model for climate leadership in the Nordic region and beyond.

Key topics include:

• Denmark green transition initiatives and their European impact

• European sustainability frameworks and Nordic innovation

• Renewable energy breakthroughs and climate leadership strategies

• Environmental policy development and green diplomacy

• The role of Nordic countries in global sustainability efforts

This looks into Denmark's environmental leadership provides essential insights for understanding how small nations can drive continental change in the fight against climate change.

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe.