Using international relations concepts, this episode explains how cyber warfare works, when it becomes a security threat, and how international law tries to keep it in check. It also explores how power, sovereignty, and state responsibility are redefined when conflict moves into the digital realm.

Is war always illegal, or are there exceptions? This episode looks at the UN Charter, self-defence, and Security Council authorisation, alongside war theory. We unpack how law and morality overlap, and where they sharply disagree.

From crime headlines to courtroom debates, diplomatic immunity often sparks outrage. This episode looks beyond the headlines to explain why the system was created, how it functions today, and whether it still makes sense in a world focused on accountability and human rights.

Success in peacekeeping is more complicated than just sending troops. In this episode, we unpack the political, humanitarian, and community-level factors that decide whether a mission creates real stability or struggles to gain ground.

In this episode, we break down what public diplomacy really means and why it matters in today’s world. From cultural exchanges and student programs to media outreach and social media campaigns, governments use public diplomacy to shape how people view them both at home and abroad. We’ll look at simple examples, explore how it connects to soft power, and discuss why it’s becoming even more important in the age of misinformation.

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Hariharan, a global markets strategist and China expert, to explore how China’s economy and geopolitics ripple across the world. From tech innovation to trade wars, we unpack why China matters more than ever.

From highways in Malaysia to industrial parks in Africa, China’s BRI is expanding fast. Is this the future of global trade, or a tool of geopolitical control? This episode unpacks the opportunities it creates, along with the risks countries face when the price of development comes with strings attached.

Military alliances connect countries across continents, from Europe’s NATO to Asia-Pacific partnerships like AUKUS and ANZUS. We examine how they safeguard, shape, and complicate global security in an era of escalating conflict.

From the International Court of Justice to UN peacekeeping missions, this episode dives into how the UN holds countries accountable, even without force. We ask: can global rules survive in a world where power often wins over principle?

What are the SDGs, and how close are we to achieving them? In this episode of IR Unfiltered, we look at the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. From ending poverty to tackling climate change, these goals aim to build a better future. We also check in on how countries like India are doing and what progress has been made after COP29. With 2030 coming up fast, it’s time to ask where we really stand.