Peace & Power with Gary Marx

By The Washington SignalNews Government News Commentary Politics

Peace & Power with Gary Marx episodes

June 04 Ukraine, China, NATO, & America’s Global Leadership w/Leon Panetta
What are the biggest threats facing democracy today—and what role should the United States play in confronting them?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Leon Panetta, former Director of the CIA, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, former White House Chief of Staff, and longtime member of Congress, for a wide-ranging discussion on Ukraine, China, NATO, Iran, and the future of American leadership in an increasingly dangerous world.
Drawing on more than five decades of public service, Panetta reflects on the global security challenges facing the United States and its allies, the lessons of history, and why democratic nations must remain united against authoritarian aggression.
The conversation covers:
• President Trump’s China summit and U.S.-China relations
• Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and authoritarian partnerships
• Lessons from Ukraine’s resistance against Russia
• Why Panetta believes Putin cannot be trusted
• Taiwan and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
• The future of NATO and allied cooperation
• U.S. support for Ukraine and bipartisan backing in Congress
• Drone warfare and the lessons of modern conflict
• Iran, nuclear negotiations, and the Strait of Hormuz
• Chernobyl, nuclear security, and international cooperation
Panetta also discusses the work of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, his efforts to encourage young Americans to pursue public service, and why he believes compromise and effective governance remain essential to the health of American democracy.
Throughout the discussion, he argues that the United States must continue leading from a position of strength, maintain strong alliances, and remain engaged in world affairs if it hopes to preserve stability and security in the decades ahead.
The episode closes with a reflection on America’s 250th anniversary and why Panetta believes the nation’s greatest strength ultimately lies not in Washington, but in the resilience, character, and dedication of the American people.
00:00 — Leon Panetta on today’s global dangers
00:20 — Intro + Leon Panetta joins
04:42 — The Panetta Institute and public service
08:25 — Reflections on 50 years in government
09:57 — Trump’s China summit and Xi Jinping
12:45 — China, Russia, Iran, and global security threats
13:11 — Lessons from Ukraine’s resistance
16:25 — What the U.S. should learn from Ukraine
18:03 — Taiwan and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
19:03 — Iran, nuclear negotiations, and the Strait of Hormuz
21:01 — U.S. aid to Ukraine and congressional support
22:07 — Drones and the future of warfare
24:04 — Chernobyl and nuclear security
25:59 — NATO’s future and allied cooperation
29:07 — America at 250 years: Panetta’s final message
30:31 — Closing thoughts
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31 min
May 28Ep. 60 - Russia’s Abducted Children: The 20,000 Teddy Bear Protest w/Julian Hayda & Katya Pavlevych
How do you make people truly understand the scale of Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Julian Hayda, Associate Director of Public Engagement at Razom for Ukraine, and Katya Pavlevych, Advisor on Children’s Issues at Razom for Ukraine and policy advisor with the American Coalition for Ukraine, for a powerful discussion about Russia’s forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
The conversation centers around Razom’s massive National Mall installation featuring 20,000 teddy bears — each representing a Ukrainian child abducted by Russia since the full-scale invasion began. The guests explain how the exhibit was designed, assembled, and displayed directly in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol to force public attention back onto the issue.
Major topics include:
The 20,000 teddy bear installation on the National Mall

Russia’s abduction and indoctrination of Ukrainian children

Why the issue became central to Putin’s war crimes accusations

The challenges of documenting abducted children safely

Melania Trump’s involvement in advocating for returned children

Congressional attention and new U.S. funding initiatives

Rehabilitation efforts for returned children

Historical parallels between past and present Russian policies

Why the guests believe the war cannot truly end until the children return
The episode also explores the emotional and psychological dimension of the issue, including how volunteers spent hundreds of hours assembling the installation and why the campaign resonated so deeply with both Ukrainian-Americans and broader American audiences.
Hayda and Pavlevych discuss the difficulty of communicating a crime that is often invisible to the public eye, especially when many children’s identities must remain protected to avoid jeopardizing rescue operations.
The conversation closes with a broader reflection on freedom, self-determination, family, and why both guests believe the issue of abducted children sits at the moral center of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
00:00 — “The war is not over until the kids come home”
00:19 — Intro + the abducted children crisis
01:10 — Meet Julian Hayda and Katya Pavlevych
02:09 — The 20,000 teddy bear installation explained
03:42 — Why Razom created the display
06:07 — Media coverage and public reaction
07:13 — The message behind the installation
08:22 — Putin, war crimes, and abducted children
10:09 — Why the issue faded from public attention
12:28 — Melania Trump’s involvement in the issue
15:29 — Children reunited with families after years
17:27 — Stories of abducted Ukrainian children
20:02 — Why the guests call it cultural annihilation
21:14 — Plans to take the installation nationwide
23:29 — Volunteers and assembling 20,000 teddy bears
25:00 — U.S. funding for abducted children programs
28:36 — Why Julian Hayda joined the fight
31:27 — Katya Pavlevych’s personal story
34:11 — Final thoughts + “How can you not be involved?”
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35 min
May 21 Ep. 59 - Faith Under Fire & Ukraine’s Spiritual Resistance w/Rev. Ivan Kunderenko
What happens to faith communities when war deliberately targets churches, pastors, and places of worship?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Ivan Kunderenko, pastor, educator, and member of the American Ukrainian Christian Alliance, for a powerful discussion on religious freedom, spiritual resilience, and the deliberate targeting of churches during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Kunderenko shares firsthand insight into Ukraine’s growing prayer breakfast movement, interfaith cooperation, and the role churches continue to play in supporting communities under the pressures of war.
A major focus of the episode is the recent precision-guided bomb strike on a Baptist church in Zaporizhzhia — an attack Kunderenko argues was deliberate, not accidental.
The discussion covers:
• Ukraine’s growing interfaith prayer breakfast movement
• “Spiritual diplomacy” and faith-based advocacy
• The deliberate strike on a Baptist church in Zaporizhzhia
• Russia’s broader repression of religious communities
• Rebuilding churches and communities during wartime
• What spiritual resilience actually looks like in Ukraine
• Putin’s propaganda, historical narratives, and the war’s moral dimension
The episode also explores the emotional and spiritual realities of life during wartime, including trauma, grief, perseverance, and the role churches continue to play in preserving community and hope.
A major takeaway from the conversation is that Ukraine’s religious communities are not simply surviving — they are actively rebuilding, organizing, and strengthening civil society even amid ongoing attacks.
The episode closes with a reflection on why many Ukrainians view the defense of their country not only as a national struggle, but as a moral and spiritual responsibility tied to freedom, dignity, and the ability to worship openly.
00:00 — Intro + Ivan Kunderenko joins
01:33 — Ukraine’s nationwide prayer breakfast movement
04:08 — Interfaith cooperation during wartime
05:47 — Experiencing missile alerts in Kyiv
07:32 — Ukraine’s next National Prayer Breakfast
09:44 — “Spiritual diplomacy” explained
11:15 — The church strike in Zaporizhzhia
13:07 — Why the attack appeared deliberate
15:41 — Russia’s repression of churches in occupied areas
19:15 — Rebuilding the destroyed church
21:25 — Ukrainian resilience and rebuilding communities
22:27 — What “spiritual strength” really means
25:25 — Putin, propaganda, and Victory Day narratives
30:08 — Why Ukraine chose to fight back
32:01 — Closing thoughts
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33 min
May 14 Ep. 58 - Drone Warfare, Kherson & Ukraine’s Frontline Reality w/Denver Riggleman
What does modern warfare actually look like on the front lines in Ukraine?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by former Congressman, Air Force intelligence officer, and filmmaker Denver Riggleman to discuss his new documentary Drone Hunters of Kherson — a firsthand look at the brutal reality of drone warfare in southern Ukraine.
Riggleman shares what he witnessed while traveling through Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Odessa alongside Ukrainian drone-hunting teams tasked with defending civilians and soldiers from constant Russian drone attacks.
The conversation explores how the war in Ukraine has evolved into a terrifying hybrid of trench warfare and advanced technological combat — where small drone teams armed with rifles, machine guns, electronic warfare tools, and soon potentially lasers are reshaping the battlefield.
The discussion covers:
• The making of Drone Hunters of Kherson
• How Ukrainian teams shoot down Russian drones in real time
• Why modern drone warfare looks like “Terminator meets World War I”
• Fiber optic drones and why traditional jamming no longer works
• Why Ukraine has become the global leader in drone warfare
• How quickly battlefield technology is evolving
• The future of laser and directed-energy weapons
• Why the U.S. military risks falling behind in drone combat
• The strategic importance of Kherson and southern Ukraine
• Agriculture, mines, and protecting Ukraine’s food supply
• What life looks like for civilians near the front lines
• The psychological reality of constant drone attacks
The episode also explores the broader geopolitical picture surrounding the war, including recent U.S. military aid, Russia’s ongoing offensives, and the long-term importance of supporting Ukraine.
Additional topics include:
• The latest U.S. aid package for Ukraine
• Chernobyl and repairing damage caused by Russian attacks
• Why Riggleman believes stronger U.S. support was needed earlier
• The similarities between the Ukraine war and America’s Civil War
• The human side of Ukrainians fighting relatives and former friends across the border
A major takeaway from the conversation is that Ukrainians are not fighting out of hatred — but out of necessity. Riggleman recounts a moment in Mykolaiv where a Ukrainian told him: “We don’t hate Russians. We just want them to leave us alone.”
The episode highlights both the human cost of the war and the rapid transformation of warfare itself — lessons that will shape military strategy for decades to come.
00:00 — Intro + Denver Riggleman joins
03:55 — Military background and why Ukraine matters
05:56 — Drone Hunters of Kherson documentary
08:21 — Frontline drone teams and combat reality
09:14 — Fiber optic drones and evolving tactics
11:20 — Why Ukraine leads the world in drone warfare
12:07 — Kherson battlefield update and trench warfare
13:56 — Where to watch the documentary
15:11 — Learning to shoot down drones
16:47 — Future laser weapons and directed-energy warfare
20:06 — Why Kherson matters strategically
22:25 — U.S. aid and support for Ukraine
24:06 — Chernobyl, Russia, and nuclear risks
27:13 — Personal reflections from Ukraine
29:16 — Ukraine, Russia, and Civil War comparisons
31:01 — Closing thoughts
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32 min
May 07 Ep. 57 - Drone War, Russia’s Weakness & Ukraine’s Path to Victory w/Oleksii Reznikov
Who is really winning the war in Ukraine — and how has the battlefield changed in ways few predicted?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Oleksii Reznikov, former Minister of Defense of Ukraine (2021–2023), for a strategic deep dive into the current state of the war and what comes next.
Reznikov offers a firsthand assessment of a conflict that has fundamentally transformed modern warfare — where traditional assumptions about manpower, territory, and military strength no longer apply.
A major theme of the conversation is the shift from industrial-era warfare to technology-driven combat, where drones, precision strikes, and scalable systems now define success on the battlefield.
The discussion covers:
• Why the war has stabilized — and what that actually means
• Russia’s “crawling offensive” and limitations on the battlefield
• How drones and unmanned systems created a massive “gray zone”
• Why large-scale troop movements are no longer effective
• The shift from manpower advantage to technological competition
• How Ukraine turned the war onto Russian territory
• Why Russia struggles to defend against low-cost drone attacks
• The growing importance of deep-strike capabilities
• Why Ukraine has become a “laboratory” for modern warfare
• The failure of early predictions that Kyiv would fall in days
• How Ukraine mobilized civilians into a modern fighting force
The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical picture, including Russia’s weakening alliances, NATO’s evolving role, and Ukraine’s increasing importance as a global security partner.
Additional topics include:
• How Ukraine’s battlefield experience is shaping NATO strategy
• Why Europe may now need Ukraine more than Ukraine needs NATO
• Russia’s economic strain and long-term sustainability challenges
• The impact of global conflicts, including Iran, on the war
• Ukraine’s growing role in international security and defense
Reznikov also shares his perspective on potential pathways to ending the war, suggesting that a ceasefire or “freeze” scenario could emerge — even if a full peace agreement remains unlikely in the near term.
The episode underscores a key takeaway: this is no longer a conventional war — and understanding its outcome requires rethinking how modern conflicts are fought, sustained, and ultimately resolved.
00:00 — Intro + Oleksii Reznikov joins
00:54 — Battlefield update: stabilization and “crawling offensive”
04:14 — Drone warfare and the new “gray zone”
08:20 — Why technology is replacing manpower
11:22 — Ukraine’s mobilization and shifting the battlefield
13:01 — Who is winning the war?
16:25 — NATO, alliances, and Ukraine’s global role
19:58 — Can peace talks happen? 2026 outlook
22:44 — Russia’s economy and weakening position
23:56 — Europe, NATO, and future security risks
26:02 — Key battlefield innovations (artillery + drones)
28:09 — Leadership and Ukraine’s long-term strategy
30:00 — Closing
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31 min
April 30 Ep. 56 - NATO Strains, Iran War Fallout & Ukraine’s Fight w/Gerlinde Groitl
As global crises collide — from Ukraine to Iran — how resilient is the transatlantic alliance, and what does it mean for the future of the war?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Gerlinde Groitl, political scientist and founder of the ISS Institute, for a wide-ranging discussion on NATO tensions, European policy divisions, and the broader geopolitical consequences of the Iran conflict.
Groitl explains how the Iran war exposed deep fractures within the transatlantic alliance, with European leaders divided on how to respond and frustrated by a lack of coordination with the United States. She argues that these divisions come at a critical moment — when unity is essential to sustaining support for Ukraine and countering Russia’s long-term strategy.
A major focus of the conversation is how the Iran conflict has reshaped the strategic landscape for Ukraine. While both Ukraine and Russia have seen short-term effects, Groitl makes the case that Russia has benefited more — particularly through increased energy revenues and by exploiting political divisions within NATO.
The discussion also covers:
• How the Iran conflict strained U.S.–Europe relations
• Why NATO unity is critical to Ukraine’s success
• How Russia exploits divisions within the West
• The short-term vs long-term outlook for Russia’s economy
• Why Russia’s strategy is opportunistic rather than coherent
• Ukraine’s growing ability to strike targets deep inside Russia
• How Ukraine is shifting from aid recipient to security partner
• What NATO is learning — and mislearning — from the war
• Germany’s defense buildup and the “Zeitenwende” shift
• Why European defense spending is rapidly increasing
• The political challenges of financing long-term support for Ukraine
• EU funding debates and the limits of joint debt solutions
• Hungary’s role in blocking aid and internal EU divisions
• Ukraine’s outreach to the Middle East and strategic partnerships
• Why the war ultimately comes down to a “contest of wills”
Groitl also emphasizes that while Russia faces long-term structural decline, its ability to exploit short-term Western divisions remains a serious threat to Ukraine’s position.
The episode closes with a broader reflection on the future of the transatlantic alliance: despite current tensions, Groitl argues that the United States and Europe remain each other’s most important partners — and that preserving unity will be essential in an increasingly unstable global environment.
00:00 — Intro + Gerlinde Groitl joins
00:33 — Background and ISS Institute overview
02:13 — Translating U.S.–Europe policy perspectives
04:55 — Iran conflict and transatlantic tensions
06:23 — Germany’s shifting position on Iran
07:44 — NATO unity under pressure
08:50 — Policy missteps and alliance friction
09:06 — Iran war impact on Ukraine
11:13 — Why Russia benefits from Western divisions
13:14 — Energy markets and Russia’s short-term gains
14:17 — Long-term outlook for Russia’s economy
16:25 — Russia’s opportunistic war strategy
17:41 — Ukraine’s growing military innovation
19:15 — Western support and “contest of wills”
21:26 — Ukraine as a future security partner
23:15 — Lessons (and limits) from Ukraine’s battlefield
24:46 — Germany’s military rebuild and defense spending
27:01 — NATO spending increases and long-term shift
27:49 — EU funding challenges and Ukraine aid
29:31 — Joint debt debate and political friction
31:15 — Hungary, EU divisions, and aid obstacles
32:12 — Ukraine’s Middle East outreach and partnerships
33:40 — Final thoughts: future of the transatlantic alliance
35:15 — Closing
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37 min
April 23 Ep. 55 - NATO Tensions, Russia’s Weaknesses & Ukraine War Insights w/Charlie Hancock
As global tensions rise — from Ukraine to the Middle East — how is Russia really holding up, and what does the future of the war look like?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Charlie Hancock, Opinion Editor at The Moscow Times, for a wide-ranging conversation on NATO tensions, Russian strategy, and the evolving realities of the war in Ukraine.
Hancock brings a unique perspective shaped by her work covering European security, NATO meetings, and the Munich Security Conference — as well as her experience reporting on Russia from outside the country after The Moscow Times was forced to relocate following the full-scale invasion.
A major focus of the conversation is how Russia benefits from divisions within NATO and the unpredictability of U.S. policy, even as deeper structural weaknesses continue to strain the Russian economy, military, and political system.
The discussion also explores:
• The fallout from the Munich Security Conference and transatlantic tensions
• How Russian alliances — from Hungary to Syria — impact the war
• Why divisions within NATO benefit the Kremlin
• The role and mission of The Moscow Times as an independent outlet
• What it’s like reporting on Russia from outside the country
• Why Western support for Ukraine varies across Europe
• The UK’s role in training Ukrainian forces and supporting Kyiv
• How Russia views the UK as a “special enemy”
• Undersea cable threats and hybrid warfare below the surface
• Why security threats often feel distant to Western populations
• The evolving role of airpower in the Ukraine war
• How drones and air defenses are reshaping modern warfare
• The reality of Russia’s economic resilience — and its hidden cracks
• Why Russia’s economy is under long-term structural strain
Hancock also explains why headlines about Russia’s economic strength can be misleading, pointing to growing deficits, rising military spending, and mounting internal pressure that could shape the trajectory of the war in the years ahead.
The episode highlights a key takeaway: while Russia may appear stable on the surface, underlying vulnerabilities — combined with geopolitical shifts — will play a critical role in determining the long-term outcome of the conflict.
00:00 — Intro + Charlie Hancock joins the show
00:32 — Munich Security Conference and NATO tensions
02:18 — U.S. messaging, Europe, and political reactions
03:35 — Hungary election and Russia’s shifting alliances
05:12 — Why Hungary matters for NATO and the EU
07:12 — Russia’s strategic relationships and influence
09:46 — Inside The Moscow Times and independent journalism
12:44 — Why the outlet left Russia after the invasion
15:08 — Reporting under censorship and propaganda pressure
17:00 — NATO divisions and impact on Ukraine
18:54 — Why unpredictability benefits the Kremlin
19:58 — UK support for Ukraine and military training
21:09 — UK vs Russia: a “special enemy” relationship
23:40 — Are we already in a form of conflict with Russia?
24:19 — Undersea cables and hybrid warfare threats
26:16 — Why Western publics overlook security risks
28:08 — Public support for Ukraine in the UK
30:00 — Russian airpower and battlefield evolution
32:19 — How drones and air defenses shape warfare
33:02 — Russia’s economy: headlines vs reality
34:01 — Structural weaknesses and long-term pressure
35:03 — Closing thoughts + where to follow Charlie
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37 min
April 16 Ep. 54 - Ukraine’s Resilience, War Lessons & Global Impact w/Andrew Moroz
Ukraine’s war is shaping more than just the battlefield — it is reshaping how nations think about resilience, recovery, and the human cost of conflict.
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Andrew Moroz, founder of the Renewal Initiative, about his firsthand experience delivering humanitarian aid in Ukraine and what the war is teaching the world — from the frontlines to the home front.
Moroz shares how his personal connection to Ukraine and his family’s legacy led him to travel into the country in the earliest days of the full-scale invasion, delivering aid in newly liberated and heavily damaged areas. He describes what it was like to enter a war zone as civilians fled, and how those early experiences shaped the mission of the Renewal Initiative.
A major theme of the conversation is resilience — not as a buzzword, but as a lived reality. Moroz explains how Ukrainians are continuing to rebuild communities, support one another, and move forward even as the war continues around them.
The discussion also explores:
• What humanitarian work looks like inside an active war zone
• The psychological toll of war on civilians, children, and families
• How small acts of support can have powerful emotional impact
• The role of chaplains, counselors, and caregivers in wartime Ukraine
• Why Ukraine is shifting from emergency response to rebuilding
• How trauma recovery and mental health support are evolving
• The development of Ukraine’s chaplaincy system and caregiver networks
• Lessons Ukraine is now sharing with allies in the Middle East
• How Russia’s tactics — including drone warfare — are influencing global conflicts
• Why resilience, adaptability, and community define Ukraine’s strength
Moroz also highlights how Ukraine’s experiences are beginning to shape global security thinking, with Ukrainian expertise in drone defense and crisis response being shared with allies facing similar threats.
At a deeper level, the conversation reflects on how individuals and nations process trauma, rebuild identity, and find purpose in the midst of suffering. Moroz emphasizes that while Ukraine’s pain is real, it is also producing lessons that can strengthen communities far beyond its borders.
The episode closes with a powerful reminder: Ukraine’s story is not just about war — it is about resilience, renewal, and the enduring strength of people determined to rebuild.
00:00 — Introduction: Ukraine, Iran, and global conflict context
01:12 — Andrew Moroz joins and background
02:15 — Founding the Renewal Initiative
03:26 — First trip to Ukraine in 2022
06:05 — Entering a war zone and early frontline experiences
10:00 — Civilian life in newly liberated areas
14:13 — The human cost of war and small moments that matter
16:09 — Why presence and support matter in crisis
18:07 — Ukraine’s shift from emergency response to rebuilding
22:28 — Lessons Ukraine is sharing with the world
24:23 — Trauma recovery and supporting families
26:27 — Mental health, kids, and resilience in wartime
28:27 — Chaplaincy systems and caregiver networks
30:02 — Building long-term support systems in Ukraine
31:03 — Faith, purpose, and meaning in suffering
33:02 — Final message and how to support the mission
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35 min
April 09 Ep. 53 - Indoctrination, History, and War Crimes in Ukraine w/Tatiana Vorozhko
Russia’s war against Ukraine is not just being fought on the battlefield — it is being waged in classrooms, history books, and the minds of the next generation.
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Tatiana Vorozhko, contributing editor at The Reckoning Project and veteran journalist, for a deep and wide-ranging discussion on war crimes documentation, Russian indoctrination efforts, and the role of history in shaping the conflict.
Vorozhko explains her work with The Reckoning Project, an initiative that collects firsthand testimony from victims and witnesses of the war in a way that can be used in future legal proceedings. She provides insight into how journalists, researchers, and legal experts are working together to document potential war crimes in real time — ensuring accountability is possible even during an ongoing conflict.
A major focus of the conversation is Russia’s systematic effort to reshape education in occupied Ukrainian territories. Vorozhko details how children are being taught a rewritten version of history, forced into Russian-language instruction, and exposed to programs designed to instill loyalty to Russia while erasing Ukrainian identity.
The discussion also explores:
• How Russia is using education as a tool of control in occupied territories
• The militarization of children and preparation for future conflict
• Why Ukrainian parents risk punishment to keep their children connected to Ukrainian education
• How history is actively manipulated to justify Russia’s actions
• The deeper ideological roots of Putin’s worldview and rejection of Ukrainian nationhood
• Why historical narratives are being weaponized in modern geopolitics
• The legal challenges of defining and prosecuting war crimes
• How global conflicts — including Iran — impact Ukraine and Russia’s position
• Why rising oil prices may strengthen Russia’s war effort
• How the war has strengthened Ukrainian national identity
Vorozhko also provides critical historical context, explaining how competing interpretations of history — from the Russian Empire to the Soviet Union to today — continue to shape political decisions and justify aggression. She emphasizes that while history is often used as a political tool, modern conflicts must ultimately be judged by international law, not historical claims.
The conversation concludes with a powerful insight: while Russia seeks to erase Ukrainian identity, the war has had the opposite effect — strengthening national unity, cultural pride, and a renewed sense of purpose among Ukrainians.
00:00 — Introduction and global context: Ukraine, Iran, and Russia
01:06 — Tatiana Vorozhko joins the podcast and background
02:05 — What The Reckoning Project does and why it matters
05:02 — Children in occupied territories and education changes
06:05 — Indoctrination, propaganda, and Russian curriculum
07:28 — Militarization of children and long-term consequences
09:28 — Soviet influence vs modern Russian indoctrination
11:23 — Parents resisting and risks of Ukrainian education access
13:09 — Standardized Russian textbooks and state control
14:12 — Is this a return to Soviet-style systems?
15:05 — Putin’s view of Ukrainian identity explained
17:08 — History as a political weapon
20:21 — Competing historical narratives: Russia vs Ukraine
23:13 — How historical myths justify modern aggression
26:08 — Why history is tightly controlled inside Russia
28:11 — International law vs historical justification
29:07 — War crimes: what can and cannot be defined
30:36 — Iran conflict and implications for Russia and Ukraine
31:18 — Oil prices and why Russia benefits
32:34 — Russia’s weakening alliances globally
33:23 — Final thoughts: how war strengthens Ukrainian identity
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35 min
April 02 Ep. 52 - How Ukraine, Iran, and China Are Reshaping the Global Balance of Power w/Daniel Twining
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Dr. Dan Twining, President of the International Republican Institute (IRI), for a wide-ranging discussion on global geopolitics, democratic resilience, and the interconnected threats posed by authoritarian regimes.
The conversation begins with Twining’s perspective from the Munich Security Conference, where rising tensions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia highlight an increasingly unstable global environment. He explains how conflicts involving Russia, Iran, and China are not isolated crises, but part of a broader strategic competition shaping the future of the international order.
Twining outlines the mission of the International Republican Institute and its work in over 100 countries to strengthen democratic institutions, support political participation, and counter authoritarian influence. He argues that investing in democratic governance abroad is not just a values-based effort — it is a core national security strategy that helps prevent conflict, instability, and global crises before they escalate.
The discussion also explores:
• How Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are forming an “axis of autocracies”
• Why Ukraine’s democratic institutions have strengthened its ability to resist Russia
• The role of U.S. soft power, diplomacy, and democracy promotion in global stability
• Lessons from the Cold War and the legacy of leaders like Jeane Kirkpatrick
• The risks of isolationism and why U.S. global engagement remains essential
• How China is expanding influence through corruption, coercion, and economic leverage
• Why frontline democracies like Ukraine are critical to U.S. national security
• The growing importance of women, youth, and local governance in democratic resilience
Twining also addresses current developments in the Ukraine war, including Russian battlefield losses, domestic instability inside Russia, and the Kremlin’s use of internet blackouts to control information and suppress dissent. He argues that Ukraine has already achieved a strategic victory by surviving and holding off Russia’s invasion, while Putin’s long-term position continues to weaken.
The conversation concludes with a broader warning: global conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Asia are increasingly interconnected, and the United States must remain engaged with allies to counter authoritarian aggression and preserve a free and open international system.
00:00 — Introduction and global context: Ukraine, Iran, and rising tensions
01:09 — Dr. Dan Twining joins the podcast and background
02:30 — Munich Security Conference and global geopolitical trends
04:16 — IRI’s mission and global democracy work
06:02 — Soft power vs military power in U.S. strategy
07:00 — Russia, IRI, and honoring Kara-Murza
08:46 — Jeane Kirkpatrick and Cold War lessons
10:19 — Isolationism vs global engagement debate
12:32 — China’s global influence and authoritarian competition
14:11 — Supporting democracy movements around the world
15:31 — IRI’s work in Ukraine and democratic resilience
17:03 — Local governance and anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine
18:03 — Ukraine supporting allies in the Middle East
19:19 — Why Ukraine is now a security provider
20:35 — NATO expansion and strategic implications
22:25 — Global demand for U.S. leadership and engagement
23:34 — Is Ukraine winning the war?
24:02 — Russia’s long-term decline and strategic mistakes
24:24 — Internet blackouts and internal pressure on Putin
25:35 — Russian propaganda vs reality on the ground
26:50 — Final message: unity, China threat, and global stakes
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31 min

About Peace & Power with Gary Marx

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Welcome to ‘Peace & Power,’ where we discuss how America uses its diplomatic, military, and other instruments of national power to seek and preserve peace.

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Peace & Power with Gary Marx

Peace & Power with Gary Marx episodes

About Peace & Power with Gary Marx