The Geopolitical Review

In this episode, Eduardo Martinez explores the role of identity in democracy, examining how the identities we adopt shape political engagement, public discourse, and democratic participation. He discusses the risks of tightly scripted identities, how populist rhetoric can influence political narratives and deepen divisions, and the challenges these dynamics pose for democratic societies. The conversation also considers how to foster healthier democratic engagement, encourage constructive dialogue across political divides, and build effective coalitions in an increasingly polarised political landscape.

Armenia is undergoing a significant period of political and geopolitical change, with important implications for the wider South Caucasus.

In this episode of The Geopolitical Review, I'm joined by Professor Rick Fawn to examine Armenia’s recent elections, the country’s evolving foreign policy and its changing relationship with Russia. We also explore the wider regional balance of power, emerging infrastructure projects and the strategic interests shaping the South Caucasus.

The discussion considers what Armenia’s shifting geopolitical position means for relations with its neighbours, the prospects for regional peace and cooperation, and the potential future of the South Caucasus as Russia’s influence evolves.

Topics discussed include:
• Armenia’s recent elections and domestic political developments
• Armenia’s changing relationship with Russia
• Shifts in Armenian foreign policy
• Geopolitical competition in the South Caucasus
• Regional infrastructure and connectivity projects
• The prospects for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan
• The future of regional cooperation and stability

Join us for an in-depth discussion on Armenia, Russia and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus.

Rick Fawn and Jason Bruder's new book: The Contested Black Sea Region

https://www.rienner.com/title/The_Contested_Black_Sea_Region

Anna Harus: On Ukraine, Wartime Leadership and Rebuilding through Humanitarian Work 

This conversation follows Anna Harus, a Ukrainian economist turned humanitarian leader who grew a small Kharkiv NGO from three volunteers into a UN-accredited organization reaching more than 200,000 war-affected people across eight regions, reveals what it takes to deliver aid under air attacks and rolling blackouts, and why efficiency became a matter of survival. From preparing the UN accreditation paperwork by flashlight during Russia's strikes on the power grid to building the digital systems that now are shared with other NGOs to help them work faster, Anna exposes the realities of displacement and trauma that rarely make the news. She also discusses her NGO restoring schools and shelters where around 160,000 children and teachers study and work, self-defense and empowerment training for more than 11,000 women and girls, what recovery will demand of her generation, and how people abroad can genuinely support Ukraine - starting with staying curious.

Disclaimer: All beneficiary stories and testimonies featured in this video were shared with the concerned individuals' informed consent for their stories to be used publicly in external communications and publications.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/ngo.ei/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC07gD0QTEo7JT8A5832WWMA

https://www.facebook.com/enlighteninginitiative

https://www.linkedin.com/company/79546893/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-harus/

https://www.facebook.com/anna.harus

https://www.instagram.com/margo_xav/

Against Post-Liberalism: Is Liberalism worth defending?

In this episode I speak to Professor Paul Kelly, Professor of Political Theory at the London School of Economics, about his latest book, Against Post-Liberalism: In Defence of Political Liberalism.

We explore the growing appeal of faith, family and flag and how they've have become increasingly influential in contemporary politics.

From JD Vance and Donald Trump to the rise of populism across Europe, Professor Kelly explains why post-liberalism has gained political traction — and why he believes its proposed alternative could create serious problems around who gets to define the common good.

The conversation also examines whether post-liberalism risks becoming authoritarian, why nostalgia for a supposedly more stable past can be misleading, and what liberalism needs to do if it is going to respond effectively to the populist and far-right challenge.

• What exactly is liberalism and how does political liberalism differ from it?
• What is post-liberalism and why has it gained traction?
• The post-liberal critique of individualism and neoliberalism
• The significance of “faith, family and flag”
• JD Vance, Catholicism and contemporary American post-liberalism
• The politics of nostalgia and the myth of a return to a simpler past
• Who gets to define the common good?
• The relationship between post-liberalism and authoritarianism
• The rise of populism and the far right in Europe and the United States
• Why people have become disenchanted with liberal politics
• Whether liberalism is simply too “boring” to compete politically
• What liberalism needs to do to survive
• Why Professor Kelly believes liberalism remains worth defending

Professor Kelly recommends three major works of political thought:

• Thucydides — History of the Peloponnesian War
• St Augustine — The City of God
• John Rawls — Justice as Fairness: A Restatement

Georgia's Strategic Dilemma: Navigating Regional Stability and Domestic Politics

This episode features Medea Turashvili, a seasoned analyst and peace practitioner specializing in conflict, human rights, and democracy building in the South Caucasus. We delve into Georgia’s complex geopolitical landscape, the impacts of internal political shifts, and the country's prospects for regional influence.

We discuss:

• Medea shares her background, growing up amid chaos after the Soviet Union’s collapse and her path toward peacebuilding.
• The strategic position of Georgia at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Russia, amid growing regional turbulence.
• Georgia’s balancing act between EU/NATO aspirations and Russian influence, especially following the Ukraine conflict.
• Internal political developments, including the 2024 elections, the Georgian Dream Party’s consolidation of power, and domestic trust issues.
• The weaponization of economic dependence by Russia, including historical examples like gas supply and trade embargoes targeting Georgia.
• The effects of political polarization and authoritarian tendencies on Georgia’s international credibility.
• The implications of EU integration for conflict resolution in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the potential for peace and stability.
• How regional cooperation with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey can elevate Georgia as a hub for diplomacy and trade.
• The importance of domestic democratic resilience to restore Georgia’s international standing and regional role.

Explore the complex geopolitical landscape of Central Asia through insights from Dr. Filippo Costa-Brunelli, an expert in international relations and regional geopolitics. This episode covers regional transformations, great power influences, and Italy’s diplomatic engagement in the region.

We discuss:

• The impact of Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine on Central Asia’s strategic autonomy and its influence dynamics with Russia, China, and other actors.
• How China’s approach, emphasizing sovereignty and mutual respect, has succeeded in shaping economic ties, despite underlying dependencies and local resistance.
• The role of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus in enhancing connectivity, energy, and cultural links with Central Asia.
• Common misconceptions of Central Asia: the “Distance” myth and the outdated “New Great Game” narrative.
• The development and nuances of Italy’s diplomatic 5 plus 1 platform—focusing on soft power, education, and people-to-people ties.
• The resilience of authoritarian regimes in Central Asia, regional practices, and prospects (or lack thereof) for democratic reforms.
• Recommended resources for further reading on Central Asian geopolitics, culture, history, and energy politics.

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Filippo Costa-Brunelli’s expertise 02:00 - Why Central Asia became the focus of scholarly and personal interest 04:50 - The regional order theory and its application to Central Asia 06:50 - Historical context of independence and Western expectations 09:00 - Changes in regional agency and national interests 11:00 - Leadership shifts and economic reforms in Uzbekistan 12:50 - Regional connectivity and border herd immunity 15:00 - Central Asia’s peaceful status and international recognition 17:30 - The impact of great power competition and Russia’s changing influence 20:00 - China’s approach, dependencies, and local perceptions 23:30 - Azerbaijan and Caucasus as part of regional connectivity 26:30 - The narrative of the “New Great Game” versus regional agency 28:44 - Russia’s influence post-Ukraine invasion and regional responses 31:00 - Italy’s 5 plus 1 platform and diplomatic soft power 34:50 - Democracy and authoritarian resilience in Central Asia 41:00 - The evolving relationship with Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus 44:54 - Common misconceptions about Central Asia: distance and the great game myth 50:00 - Books and scholarly recommendations

In this episode, I interview Chrysogonus Okwenna about his research on drug addiction, social responsibility, and the social realities influencing addiction. They explore how societal structures, community, and moral responsibility intersect with addiction issues, emphasizing practical ways individuals can contribute to solutions.

Unlock the strategies behind justice and accountability in a world teetering on the edge of crisis. Why do so many atrocities go unpunished, and what can be done to change that? If you're passionate about human rights, international law, or simply want to understand why justice often feels out of reach, this episode is your crucial guide.Sheila Paylan, a renowned international human rights lawyer with over 20 years of experience working across conflict zones, reveals how legal mechanisms, diplomatic efforts, and grassroots advocacy intersect—and why their effectiveness remains so elusive. From her work on genocide prevention in places like Rwanda and Congo to her insights on the failure of international institutions, Sheila exposes the core challenges that hinder real accountability. She also discusses the expanding role of NGOs, the importance of survivor justice, and how communities can push for meaningful change, even amid global apathy. You'll discover:

• The key reasons mass atrocities often go unpunished and how international legal systems can improve enforcement.
• The impact of denial and denialism on ongoing conflicts, including the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath.
• How grassroots activism and strategic accountability initiatives can make tangible differences—even when international institutions falter.
• The critical importance of addressing legitimacy crises within global human rights enforcement and what that means for future justice efforts.
• How individuals and communities can turn awareness into action in a divided and overwhelmed world.

This episode isn't just about understanding—the goal is empowering. With decades of experience, Sheila provides concrete insights into what works—and what doesn't—in the pursuit of justice. Whether you're an advocate, policymaker, or simply curious about the fight for human rights amidst global turmoil, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to contribute to positive change.Guest Sheila Paylan is a human rights lawyer specializing in international criminal law, genocide prevention, and accountability. Her work advising NGOs, governments, and international bodies places her at the forefront of some of the biggest moral challenges of our time.If you're committed to making a difference or seeking to comprehend the complex system of justice in conflict zones, this episode offers clarity and hope. Because ultimately, it reminds us: even in a divided world, every voice matters in the fight for accountability.

In this episode of the Geopolitical Review, I speak with Dr. Borislav Tsokov about prefigurative pacifism, nonviolence, and the politics of everyday life. We explore how pacifism can be understood not just as a moral stance, but as an active form of resistance that asks whether peaceful ends can really be built through violent means.The conversation covers Gandhi, withdrawal as political action, the limits of violence, and the idea that everyday habits can reproduce or challenge systems of harm. We also discuss war, self-defense, militarization, climate, and the political significance of how we live day to day.

To read Dr Tsokov's recent article: https://brill.com/view/journals/jpn/aop/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060/article-10.1163-27727882-bja00060.xml

This interview explores the complexities of energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, and the evolving landscape of global energy security amid conflicts like the US-Iran tensions and Russia-Ukraine war. Rauf Mammadov shares insights on how these dynamics influence global markets, regional stability, and future energy strategies.

energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, global energy security, US-Iran conflict, Russia-Ukraine war, energy resilience, Middle Corridor, Azerbaijan, Gulf States, China energy reserves