Orion Talks

In this episode, Ambassador Jonathan M. Winer discusses the increasing tension between Libya’s two competing governments and argues the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in conflict. He evaluates the roles of external military powers and the proxies fighting in the region and emphasizes how their involvement jeopardizes the odds of Libya’s reunification. As a timely topic, he assesses Libya’s potential as an alternative energy source for Europe. Finally, Ambassador Winer provides insights on how to help the Libyan people in their efforts to bring peace to their country.

Caroline Rose analyzes the Captagon threat in the Mediterranean and Gulf region and its effect on regional security challenges. Providing insights on the nature and size of the illicit Captagon market, she examines the vital role of the Syrian government and non-state actors, including Hezbollah and ISIS. She discusses how the illicit market helps these actors sustain the ongoing war and conflict in the region. After explaining its target destinations and consumption patterns, she concludes with policy implications for the region, international community, and the United States.

In this Orion Talks podcast, Dr. Colin Clarke describes how Ukraine has become a center of gravity for foreign fighters and mercenaries and provides a background for those joining the legion. He explains the logistical, organizational, and operational challenges waiting for them on the battlefield and discusses whether their participation can make a difference in the overall dynamic of the war. Discussing legal and operational challenges, he provides his insights on to what extent the governments should allow volunteer fighters to join the fight. Finally, he explains Russian efforts to deploy mercenaries to join the war and discusses whether the internationalized context of the war can lead Ukraine to be a battleground for prolonged proxy warfare.

In this Orion Talks podcast, Dr. Richard Falk discusses the position of international law and United Nations vis a vis the Ukraine conflict and ongoing humanitarian crisis. He talks about plausible solutions to minimize human suffering and evaluates two sides’ positions for a potential ceasefire or peace deal. He concludes the conversation with his remarks on China’s relationship with Russia and United States and its vital role in the global dynamics and security in the long term.

Dr. Paul Poast elaborates on his disagreement with John Mearsheimer’s arguments on the West’s responsibility in the Ukraine crisis. He also explains potential scenarios on how the war might end and how these scenarios interplay with Putin’s endgame in the conflict. Dr. Poast continues his conversation with his insights on the future of European security structure and former Soviet Republics. He concludes the conversation with his assessment of the Biden administration’s management of the crisis.

In this Orion Talks podcast, Dr. Matthew Light talks about Russian president Putin’s purpose in the invasion, how to complicate his aims and the lessons to take away from the crisis. Dr. Light also provides insights into NATO’s unity and enlargement plans, security in the Baltic region, and the former Soviet Union Republic countries’ approaches to the invasion. Finally, he discusses ongoing humanitarian crises and recommends policy solutions.

In this Orion Talks podcast, Dr. Nadiya Kostyuk talks about Russian cyber warfare against Ukraine. She provides insights into Russia’s short and long-term strategies, the nature of Russian cyberattacks, and their effectiveness on the ground. As she discusses the United States’ counter-strategies, she answers whether Western countries have been exaggerating the Russia-oriented cyber threat and the perpetuating fears of cyberwar could play into Putin’s hands.

Nadiya Kostyuk is an Assistant Professor at the School of Public Policy at Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on security studies, modern warfare, cyber conflict, cyber institutions and capability, Russian and Eurasian politics.

In this Orion Talks podcast, David C. Pyrooz talks about his recent book, “On Gangs.” Dr. Pyrooz is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder and has more than 15 years of research experience in gangs. He co-authored "On Gangs" with Scott Decker and James Densley.

Dr. Pyrooz provides an overview of his recent book and discusses the prevalence and evolution of gangs in the United States. He also answers our questions on whether gangs contribute to the increasing homicide numbers, and they interact with ideological groups, especially with extremist far-right groups. Finally, he concludes with the evidence-based best practices and what the government should do to address gang problems.

Nina Kaseage (Kesag) is a Senior Lecturer at the Department for Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology at the University of Rostock (Rostok) in Germany. Dr. Kaseage recently published a book titled "Religious Fundamentalism in the Age of Pandemic." It's a collection of scholarly articles on the pandemic and its impact on religious extremism worldwide. In this conversation, Dr. Kaseage discusses the misuse of pandemics by fundamentalist and extremist groups to galvanize their base. You will listen more about their approach to government mandates for shutdowns, social distancing, vaccine, and mask requirements and her insights on potential counter-strategies and how religious communities can be helpful to realize these efforts.

Catherine Woollard, Secretary-General of @ECRE, speaks to #OrionTalks about Refugee Conundrum and Viable Solutions.