In this episode, Ukraïner International’s Anastasiia Marushevska talks with Ben Hodges, former Commander of US Army Europe, about how changing US foreign policy is affecting Europe’s security. The discussion focuses on Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, the limits of American engagement, and the growing responsibility Europe faces in responding to long-term threats.

How Come is a series that explores the forces shaping our world, asking how we got to where we are today — and what can be done next.

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The 1990s in the Balkans were marked by years of brutal wars. Bosnia and Herzegovina was left to pick up the pieces after genocide. While some countries have managed to move beyond their Yugoslav past and join the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with other countries in the region, has remained stuck in a cycle where generations change, but historical, ethnic and religious grievances persist, with no reconciliation in sight.

We sat down with Leila Bičakčić, a leading expert on the Balkans and the co-founder and CEO of the Centre for Investigative Reporting (CIN), the first investigative journalism centre in the region. We discussed whether the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the Bosnian war has truly worked, its long-term consequences, the threats Russia poses to the region and beyond, and why corruption should be seen not as a root cause, but as a result of long-standing issues.

How Come is a series that explores the forces shaping our world, asking how we got to where we are today — and what can be done next. Like what we do? Support us on ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠.

Ukraïner International’s Anastasiia Marushevska sits down with Afghan journalist Shafi Karimi to discuss the realities of Afghanistan under de facto Taliban rule. Karimi sheds light on what the return of the regime actually means for Afghan people, the impact on women, and the responsibility of men.

How Come is a series where we explore the issues that shape our world, from ideologies, wars, and human rights to information manipulation and the overlooked contexts behind global events. We conduct in-depth interviews with people from around the world and take a closer look at the stories we find especially important.

This interview was originally published on our Youtube channel on 28 November 2025.

“How Come” is a project by Ukraїner International, a non-profit media and publishing house. Like what we do? Support us on Buy Me a Coffee.

Welcome to How Come — a new series of in-depth conversations with thinkers, journalists, and witnesses from around the world. Together, we’ll explore the ideas and issues shaping our times and highlight stories that deserve a closer look.