War & Peace

By International Crisis GroupNews News Commentary

War & Peace episodes

December 02, 2019 Holding the EU Flag High
The European Union has mobilized huge financial, political and security resources to stabilize the Balkans, often serving the flagship policy of offering EU membership to qualifying countries. The wars of the 1990s and the economic hardships that followed have been largely overcome, but enlargement has stalled and the region’s uncertainties continue. The logic of EU enlargement is in even greater trouble further east in Turkey. Here media freedoms have shrunk, relations have strained over Turkey’s incursion into north-east Syria and the two sides are struggling to find a common policy on helping almost four million Syrian refugees in the country.
Angelina Eichhorst, Deputy Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia / Director of Western Europe, Western Balkans, and Turkey at the European External Action Service, joins Hugh and Olga this week to discuss how the EU and its eastern neighbors can navigate periods of more strained relations and why continued engagement and dialogue is crucial for long-term stability and prosperity.
“We must shape our interests together, not by sitting at different tables”.
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26 min
November 18, 2019 Defeating Populism
“Populism attaches itself to whatever issue provokes fear and outrage [and] hate speech leads to hate crime”.
Heather Grabbe joins Olga and Hugh on this week’s episode to discuss how populism works, why its appeal has grown in recent years and the threat it poses to European democracy. From its ideological adaptability and the role of digital media in amplifying its message to its role in fuelling deadly conflict, they examine what can be done to address the grievances that these parties feed off.
With special thanks to our producer, Bulle Media.
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27 min
November 06, 2019 Episode 1: Whatever happened to the rule of law?
Episode 1 "Whatever happened to the rule of law?" features Spanish EESC member José Antonio Moreno Díaz, who explains what the EESC Group on Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law is doing to help fend off growing attacks on core EU values, such as those described by the other two speakers in the podcast – Yolanta Kurska of the Polish Geremek foundation and Wojciech Przybylski, editor-in-chief of Visegrad Insight in Warsaw. A Bulle Media production for the EESC.
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10 min
November 04, 2019 Russia's Winning Streak
Russia’s role on the international stage is rapidly expanding. It is taking over Washington’s place as the Middle East’s power broker, growing its economic influence in Africa and deepening military ties with China. This week, Hugh and Olga discuss what Russia’s winning streak means for arms control, Ukraine, Turkey, the Middle East and a rising China.
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24 min
October 21, 2019 Europe's Hidden Strengths
The turmoil since the United Kingdom’s 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union has exposed deep fissures not just within British society, but also deep problems within Europe as a whole. Olga and Hugh welcomed Jeremy Shapiro to discuss these shifting dynamics. They reflect on the meaning of European sovereignty, the EU’s relationship with the U.S. under an antagonistic president and the need for a common policy toward their Russian neighbour.
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26 min
October 07, 2019 Ukraine’s Zelensky Revolution
Ukraine’s President Zelensky faces many challenges. The former actor’s country is locked in conflict with Russia, while corruption and failed political reform have harmed its relationship with the EU. Anna Kovalenko, newly appointed Deputy Head of the President’s Office, joins Olga and Hugh to discuss the government’s priorities, security sector reform and the 2013-2014 Euromaidan Revolution in which she played a leading part.
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24 min
September 22, 2019 Europe in the World
Europe’s security outlook has shifted dramatically in the last few years. Russia has broken out of the “Cold War consensus”, the Middle East is “on fire” and North Africa is “in chains”. Surrounded by this dangerous instability, Europe is facing a number of its own internal challenges. Bert Koenders, former Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and UN Envoy, joins Olga Oliker and Hugh Pope this week to explore these issues.
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24 min
September 16, 2019 Europe and Iran
What was so significant about the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and how important was Europe’s contribution? Why has U.S. President Trump’s ripping up of the accord and “maximum pressure” strategy not worked? Amid the standoff between the U.S. and Iran, what role can the EU and Russia play in salvaging the deal and averting a military confrontation? Rob Malley, a key negotiator of the Iran deal, joins Olya and Hugh to explore these questions.
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30 min
May 06, 2019 Pilote episode : Sibiu and beyond
On the eve of the EU summit on the future of Europe, to be held in Sibiu, Romania, on 9 May, the EESC presents its blueprint for a Europe that is a global leader in sustainable development, is close to people and has a strong social dimension and thriving businesses.
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6 min