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The IR thinker

Martin Zubko
China
European Union
Russia
Energy Security
United States
North Korea
Nuclear Weapons
Cybersecurity
International Relations
Donald Trump
NATO
Africa
Renewable Energy
Democracy
Ukraine
Iran
India
Ransomware
European Diplomacy
Geopolitics

The IR thinker is an independent, non-partisan and non-aligned podcast exploring international relations through conversations with leading scholars and practitioners. It offers diverse perspectives without endorsing any political party, government or ideology. Founded and hosted by IR scholar and lecturer Martin Zubko as a pro bono initiative in 2023, it has surpassed 100 episodes and is availabl... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes132Founded3 years ago
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Social SciencesDocumentaryScienceSociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

In this episode, John Roberts examines Azerbaijan’s evolving role in regional energy security, from its traditional position as an oil and gas exporter to emerging opportunities in electricity and renewable energy.

John explores the geopolitical sig... more

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How certain can great powers ever be about the intentions of their rivals, and what happens when that uncertainty becomes a permanent feature of international politics? In this episode, Professor Sebastian Rosato joins us to discuss 'intentions pessi... more

Why is Africa still importing so much of the food it consumes? What is holding back trade in food and agricultural products between African countries? In this interview, we speak with Professor David Luke, editor of How Africa Eats: Trade, Food Secur... more

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In this episode, Professor Miles Kahler discusses the future of global governance in an era of intensifying geopolitical rivalry, shifting power balances, and growing challenges to the post-1945 international order. Drawing on his recent paper, Globa... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

John Roberts
Leading European energy security specialist and researcher with expertise in the Caucasus, Central Asia and Caspian energy corridors
Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center (non-resident senior fellow)
Episode: Azerbaijan's Energy Geopolitics — John M. Roberts
Sebastian Rosato
Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
Episode: Uncertainty, Intentions and Great Power Conflict — Sebastian Rosato
David Luke
Professor in practice and strategic director at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa; affiliated with LSE and Northwest University (South Africa)
London School of Economics (LSE); Northwest University (South Africa)
Episode: Who Controls Africa’s Food? Rethinking Food Security, Trade & Agriculture — David Luke
Miles Kahler
Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar focused on international institutions and global governance
American University; Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Episode: The Future of Global Governance: BRICS, AI, Middle Powers & World Order — Miles Kahler
Haroldo Ramanzini Júnior
Editor-in-chief of RBPI, Brazilian political scientist
RBPI / Brazilian Institute of International Relations
Episode: Revista Brasileira de Política Internacional: Brazilian IR Journal — Haroldo Ramanzini Júnior
Daniel Satinsky
Independent scholar, retired attorney and business consultant; author of Creating the Post-Soviet Russian Market Economy Through American Eyes
Independent scholar; author
Episode: America's Role in Post-Soviet Russia: The Untold Story — Daniel Satinsky
Somdeep Sen
Associate professor in International Development Studies; author and scholar on race and racism in international relations
Roskilde University, Denmark
Episode: Racism Without the Word — Somdeep Sen
Myriam Dunn Cavelty
Senior scientist, Centre for Security Studies, ETH Zurich; co-editor-in-chief of Contemporary Security Policy
Centre for Security Studies, ETH Zurich
Episode: When AI Fights, the War Never Ends — Myriam Dunn Cavelty
Davide Vampa
Lead editor of Regional and Federal Studies, senior lecturer in territorial politics at the University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
Episode: Publishing in Regional & Federal Studies Journal — Davide Vampa & Mariely Lopez-Santana

Host

Martin Zubko
Host and moderator focused on international relations; independent, non-partisan

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

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Azerbaijan's Energy Geopolitics — John M. Roberts
Q: If there is a new oil field, roughly how long does it take to develop to the point of delivering oil, and what are the typical timeframes?
For a major oil field, development typically takes four to five years to reach meaningful production, though early oil from exploratory or smaller wells can appear sooner; full field development depends on multiple factors including investment and technical challenges.
Azerbaijan's Energy Geopolitics — John M. Roberts
Q: What potential energy research topics would you suggest for junior researchers focusing on Azerbaijan's energy sector?
A key topic is why Turkmen gas hasn't flowed westward despite technical feasibility, and another is the impact of Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy, including how the country distributes gas to many countries and how recipient nations perceive these deals.
Azerbaijan's Energy Geopolitics — John M. Roberts
Q: John, what's the point of the 2018 parallel loop added to the South Caucasus pipeline system, and what does it mean for Azerbaijan's export capacity?
The parallel loop increases the system's capacity and is designed to accommodate higher gas deliveries under future expansions like Shakh Deniz Phase 2, but actual utilization depends on demand, contracts, and the ability to invest in the upstream and related infrastructure.
Azerbaijan's Energy Geopolitics — John M. Roberts
Q: Let's move to geopolitics and I got a couple of questions about the European Union; what is the significance of Azerbaijani gas and oil for the EU?
Oil is a fungible global commodity with Azerbaijan selling via Jehan, mostly commercial and not EU-specific, while gas is more strategic due to sustained supply needs and the EU's shift away from Russian supplies, making long-term contracts and a reliable market crucial for investment decisions.
Uncertainty, Intentions and Great Power Conflict — Sebastian Rosato
Q: How does your theory interact with different regime types, and could it apply to minor powers as well as great powers?
Regime type does not fundamentally alter the core dynamics; all states have hidden intentions and act in a world where signals are unreliable. However, the anarchic structure that justifies strong uncertainty is most pronounced among great powers, while minor powers may sometimes have clearer signals due to lack of capability or different constraints.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The IR thinker

What is The IR thinker about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, scholarship-forward show that frames international relations through conversations with leading academics and practitioners. Recent episodes span great power politics, global governance, Africa's trade and climate policy, regional publishing and editorial practices, cybersecurity and AI, as well as geopolitics in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Global South. Guests range from top researchers and editors to policy-focused analysts, offering rigorous analysis, historical context, and practical implications for policymakers, strategists, and researchers. The format favors deep dives, methodological reflection, and cross-cutting perspectives, producing consistently insightful conversations for listeners who want to understand ho... more

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1. The Foreign Affairs Interview
2. Global News Podcast

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The IR thinker launched 3 years ago and published 132 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The IR thinker?

Recent guests on The IR thinker include:

1. John Roberts
2. Sebastian Rosato
3. David Luke
4. Miles Kahler
5. Haroldo Ramanzini Júnior
6. Daniel Satinsky
7. Somdeep Sen
8. Myriam Dunn Cavelty

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