Today Dominic hosts Meadhbh Park! They discuss RedPill versus BlackPill and what the differences and common conceptions are. Moreover, they dive into reasons young men might fall into the manosphere and incel groups, and Meadhbh talks about her new book Blackpilled: Masculinity, Media and Incels which has come out recently!

Meadhbh Park is a researcher and practitioner focused on the manosphere – the loose network of online communities that promote rigid views on gender roles and misogyny – specifically in relation to young people. Her work spans multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany and the United States, where she has contributed to research on groups such as incels and the Proud Boys. She has delivered projects to schools, teachers, Countering Violent Extremism practitioners, law enforcement, government departments and other stakeholders. Her research has been published in academic books and online outlets such as Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNET). Her recent book, Blackpilled: Masculinity, Media and Incels brings a clear and easily accessible understanding of the worldview of incels, featuring interviews with incels and how these narratives can also be found in mainstream media messaging. Meadhbh seeks to deepen our understanding of young men drawn into extremist ideologies, with a focus on finding practical solutions to help them move away from these harmful belief systems. Her insights have been featured on the BBC, SXSW EDU, The Guardian, The New Statesman, PoliticsJoe and the New Zealand Listener.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.

Tell us what you liked!

This episode Dominic is back with guest Ali Fowle to discuss the recent earthquake and the ongoing resistance in Myanmar. They discuss how the earthquake has impacted the war, whether foreign aid has been helpful so far, how the military operates, how people continue living during the war, what we can learn from the resistance now that democracy is declining worldwide, military brainwashing, and much more!

Ali Fowle is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist focused on international news and current affairs. She specialises in long form investigative journalism for broadcast, often working in remote and hostile environments. Ali focuses mostly on conflict, human rights and civil disobedience in the Asia Pacific region where she was based between 2008-2021 and has worked extensively on stories about extractive industries, illicit trade and trafficking, surveillance, justice and press freedom. Ali’s work has won multiple global media prizes. In 2022 she was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Journalism for her coverage of the Myanmar coup. The same year she won several other awards including a Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism and a Sigma Award for an investigation into surveillance, interrogation and torture in Myanmar. Her documentary “Myanmar: State of Fear” was added to the Shadid curriculum for ethical journalism as an example of “complex and outstanding ethical-decision making”. In 2018 she was part of the BBC team which received a Peabody Award for coverage of the Plight of the Rohingya. Finally, Ali has worked as a correspondent, self-shooting PD and a video journalist producing work for the world’s leading international media organisations including the BBC, Al Jazeera, CNA, CNN, SBS and NBC.

Ali has been on the podcast previously, listen to Episode 202 to hear the preview to this episode!

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on

Tell us what you liked!

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen is joined by Michael Sheldrick to unpack the far-reaching consequences of global aid cuts and the future of international development. Together, they explore the real-world impact of the proposed USAID reductions, including disruptions to programs like PEPFAR, and the ripple effects on health systems, livelihoods, and vulnerable communities around the world. The conversation touches on how philanthropy, remittances, and advocacy can step in where traditional funding falls short, and how storytelling and strategic reframing are essential to keep aid relevant in today’s political and security landscape. From funding independent media in Ukraine to promoting workforce development in emerging economies, this episode is a timely reflection on how aid can mitigate global risks and create shared value.

Michael Sheldrick  is a policy entrepreneur, author and a driving force behind the efforts of Global Citizen to end extreme poverty and build climate resilience. As a Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact, and Government Affairs Officer, he has mobilized over $43 billion in support for healthcare, education and climate from governments, businesses, and foundations. 

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.

Tell us what you liked!

This week, Dominic Bowen welcomes Muraly Srinarayanathas to The International Risk Podcast for a compelling discussion on the balance between global integration and local adaptation in today’s business landscape. Together, they explore how understanding cultural differences can enhance business strategy, why companies sometimes overlook local environments, and the risks and opportunities of embracing multiculturalism in an increasingly interconnected world.

Muraly Srinarayanathas is the author of Between Borders, Beyond Boundaries: Strategies for Authentic Business Engagement in an Interconnected World, is a global strategist and serial entrepreneur. He is co-founder and executive chairman of 369 Global, a conglomerate involved in skills training and workforce development, media and communications, and global market facilitation. He also founded 3 Magazine, a luxury lifestyle and business publication that focuses on celebrating Canada’s growing and diverse population. Srinarayanathas has more than 25 years of experience working in international markets across North America, Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. 

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.

Tell us what you liked!

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen sits down with Dr. Duncan Green, a leading expert on global development and social change, to discuss the evolving landscape of foreign aid and the challenges that lie ahead. As major donor countries reassess their commitments and priorities shift toward  national interest, and military spending, the global aid system faces unprecedented disruption. In this episode, Duncan breaks down the implications of aid cuts, the rise of alternative funding models, and how grassroots movements might step up as formal aid structures decline.

Duncan is a Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he co-directs the Activism, Influencing and Change Programme. He also leads the Influencing Programme at the Global Executive Leadership Initiative and acts as a consultant for community engagement programs. Formerly Head of Research and Strategic Adviser at Oxfam GB, Duncan is known for his influential "From Poverty to Power" blog and his work fostering leadership and innovation in global development.

Visit the new LSE Activism, Influence, and Change Blog.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.

Tell us what you liked!

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen sits down with John Bruce, an expert in cybersecurity law and policy, to explore the evolution of state-sponsored cyber activity, and what these developments mean for businesses and governments worldwide.

Cyber operations have changed significantly over the last few decades. Once highly targeted and discreet, state-sponsored cyber activities are now more opportunistic, widespread, and increasingly damaging. In this episode, John breaks down how governments attribute cyberattacks, the blurring lines between cybercrime and intelligence operations, and what this shift means for cyber defense strategies in both the public and private sectors.

John Bruce is the former General Counsel for Field Effect Software Inc., a cybersecurity firm based in Ottawa. Before this role, he spent 22 years with the Department of Justice Canada, providing legal counsel and strategic policy advice on cybersecurity programs and operations. He currently teaches cybersecurity and cyber operations law and policy as an adjunct professor at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Relations and a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa. He is also an Associate Fellow in the Cyber Security Program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, focusing on international cybersecurity law and governance. John holds an LL.B. and an LL.M. in law and technology.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.

Tell us what you liked!

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen sits down with Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza to discuss Europe’s evolving security landscape and its quest for strategic autonomy in the face of rising geopolitical tensions. As Europe confronts the growing threat from Russia and the shifting priorities of the United States under Trump, the continent finds itself at a critical crossroads, navigating how to build military capabilities and reduce dependency on the U.S. security umbrella.

Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza shares his insights on how European nations can take decisive action to enhance defense, the strategic importance of rearmament, and how Europe must rethink its approach to security cooperation, particularly with the UK. The discussion also covers the future of EU defense initiatives, the challenges of nuclear deterrence, and the prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine amid Putin’s unrealistic demands.

Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza is an Associate Fellow at Chatham House and the Head of the EU/Europe Research Division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin. His work focuses on Germany’s role in Europe, EU politics, institutional reforms, and EU–UK relations. He has advised the German government, Bundestag, UK government, European Parliament, and the European Commission. 

Read some of Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza's articles relevant to the episode here:

- Geostrategy from the far-right.

- Resetting EU-UK defense cooperation.

- After German election win, can Merz deliver leadership at home and in Europe.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.

Tell us what you liked!

Today we discuss the risks and opportunities of AI with Frank Breedijk. Dominic and Frank discuss the biases of AI, whether AI will pose an imminent threat to jobs or not, whether AI usage can be ethical or not, environmental consequences of AI, the rise of scams with AI usage, and much much more!

Tune in now!

Frank Breedijk is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Schuberg Philis. In this role he has three objectives, (1) making Schuberg Philis more secure, (2) making our customers more secure, and (3) developing Schuberg Philis' security business. Building relationships with both C-level and deep technical staff is one of his key instruments. In addition, Frank has been part of the Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD) since day two. At DIVD, he started the Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and is currently the Manager of CSIRT. This team is responsible for responsibly informing companies and consumers of vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.

Since 14 February 2022, Frank is a founding board member of "Het Nederlands Security Meldpunt" a non-profit organisation that aims to make the country more (cyber-)secure by promoting and facilitating the exchange of information about vulnerabilities, vulnerable configurations, and threat intelligence between trusted parties.

He is an experienced public speaker on (cyber-)security related topics and can frequently be heard and seen on various podcasts and conferences.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!

Tell us what you liked!

This week, Dominic Bowen welcomes Kailyn Johnson to The International Risk Podcast for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of cyber threats and their impact on businesses worldwide. Together, they explore the evolving role of cyber crimes, and the risks businesses face when they neglect their software supply chain security. They also explore how cybercriminal organizations are becoming more sophisticated, the implications of democratized access to dark web tools, and why businesses must integrate geopolitical and technological awareness into their risk management frameworks.

Kailyn Johnson is the Cyber Intelligence and Geopolitical Risk Lead at Sibylline, where she specializes in analyzing cyber threats within a geopolitical context. Her expertise lies in cyber risk forecasting, corporate espionage, and the intersection of cyber operations with global security. With a background in cyber threat intelligence consulting and security investigations, she has advised major corporations on mitigating risks from evolving cybercriminal tactics. Kailyn has also presented at leading cybersecurity conferences worldwide, sharing insights on the increasing accessibility of cyber tools and the challenges this poses for organizations.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.

Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!

Tell us what you liked!

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen welcomes Paul Hockenos to discuss the outcome of the latest German elections, analyzing the distribution of seats and the implications of the AfD’s growing presence as part of the political mainstream. Beyond domestic politics, we will examine Germany’s evolving role within Europe and on the global stage. How will the election results shape the future of the European Union, including prospects for a common defense policy? What position will Germany take within NATO, especially in light of Donald Trump’s affinity for Vladimir Putin? 

Paul Hockenos is a Berlin-based writer and political analyst who has been working in Germany and across Central and Eastern Europe since 1989. He is the prize-winning author of five books on European politics and culture, and was a fellow at the American Academy in Berlin. His work appears in The Nation, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, CNN Opinion, The New York Times, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and others.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.

Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!

Tell us what you liked!