Best Pyotr S. Kurzin Podcasts (2024)

1
Could Israel & Hezbollah Actually Go to War? 38:39

5h ago38:39

38:39

Israel and Hezbollah are on the brink of full-scale as the President Benjamin Netanyahu seriously considers sending the IDF into Lebanon. However, Hezbollah is not Hamas, being far more powerful and the flagship proxy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which could threaten escalating the war across the Middle East as the Ayatollah's don't want to los…

1
If we're in a New Cold War, does the USA need a new grand strategy for China? 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

China thinks 'its their historical right to be' the world's foremost power, and the US 'doesn't have a moment to waste' in adequately preparing or responding to the flashpoint that could bring the 21st centuries largest powers to war: War over Taiwan. We truly are in a Cold War II and its time we stop kidding ourselves. That's according to Dmitri A…

1
What has the Russia-Ukraine War Done to Human Rights, War Crimes & the Law of War? 32:36

2M ago32:36

32:36

Thanks to all who support my work on Patreon - you make this possible If you'd like bonus content, your own questions put to guests, and appreciate my efforts to bring diverse, nuanced conversations consider joining as a patron too or buying me a one-off coffee. Due to being MIA for so long - here is another episode! Normal service of the show will…

1
Have the Iran-Israel Clashes put the Middle East in a New Permacrisis? 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

Israel and Iran’s clashes over April 2024 has left the Middle East in state of permacrisis. While immediate threat of war escalation seems to have subsided, the long term geopolitical implications are unprecedented. Many consider this to be a new reality for the region and how we interpret developments. To explain why, Bilal Saab - professor at Geo…

1
Are the Houthis in Yemen permanently reshaping global commercial shipping? 50:48

6M ago50:48

50:48

Since Oct 7th the world has been rocked by the Israel-Hamas War. That has caused a series if escalations, including the ongoing Houthi disruptions to maritime security and global commercial shipping. Its so severe, the US and UK have initiated airstrikes in Yemen, but has made little difference and if anything only emboldens the Houthis more and wh…

1
South Asia: A region in Good or Bad Condition? 51:02

7M ago51:02

51:02

South Asia - or the Indian subcontinent to others - is going through a concentrated set of shifts. Three of the main players - Bangladesh, Pakistan and India, all have major elections next year with each proposing potentially different directions - but which? Returning guest, Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Program at the Wilson Centre…

1
Can the UN's COP28 deliver on Climate Change? 22:30

8M ago22:30

22:30

The United Nations Climate Change Conference - known to most as COP - and in this case, COP28, is the highest-level of international engagement and gathering to find collective solutions to the globe's greatest collective challenge. Yet, COPs have poor reputations, with little tangible products or outcomes occurring - other than an agreement of ina…

1
Is the BRICS bloc Overhyped or Underestimated? 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

2023 was a big year for multinational, multi-forum events, ranging from the G20 to BRICS to the annual UN General Assembly. But of these, the concept and symbolism of BRICS is often the one that captures the minds of people, especially those who tend to have anti-Western sentiments and desire for a multipolar order. But why this fascination, arguab…

1
What is Israel's long-term military objective in Gaza? 58:01

9M ago58:01

58:01

Since the Oct 7th, the world has been rocked by events that many have always agonised and speculated - escalation and war between Israel and Gaza, specifically Hamas. From there, we have witnessed continued intensification, with a growing fear over the possibility of a regional war. Much of this rests on the near-inevitable ground operation the Isr…

1
Can the UK Salvage Brexit or is 'Bregret' Permanent? 37:38

9M ago37:38

37:38

Context Since June 24th 2016, the UK has had its entire economy, society and political environment largely defined by a singular issue - Brexit. The word itself, before diving into anything at all, is a source of contention. Yet, very little to many, including myself, has changed. Certainly not in terms of improvements. Merely a country that is suf…

1
How bad is the Niger Coup & Could it lead to Regional War? 48:01

11M ago48:01

48:01

In late-July 2023, the country of Niger - a critical Western ally in Africa, and against the threats of Islamic Jihadism, experienced its 7th coup since WWII. The democratically elected President Bazoum was ousted, and there have been many claiming the role of Wagner/Russia or that this is positive for greater independence, autonomy from former col…

1
Could we see conflict between Serbia & Kosovo? 1:00:37

12M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Over 2023 there has be an intensified number of clashes and tensions occurring within an area already heightened and swamped in tension: Serbia & Kosovo. Most notably, these led to rare and unsettling clashes between Serbia communities and members of KFOR - the NATO mission stationed to help address and ideally, prevent, these very scenarios. So wh…

1
Is France's Macron Undermining or Advancing Europe's Strategic Autonomy? 42:48

1y ago42:48

42:48

France has always been more strategically independent relative to other European such as the UK. But Macron's trip to China while important for French and European interests, caused a stir after he commented about the need for Europe to be more autonomous. Some, like Poland, took it as a snub to the US and transatlantic relations, while many other …

1
What does Turkey's election mean for the country and globe? 38:02

1y ago38:02

38:02

Its hard to overstate the importance of Turkey's election on May 14th. And as Gonul Tol, Founding Director of the Turkey Program at @MiddleEastInstitute , makes clear, its more than just about policies. It is about the very identity of Turkey; and whether it remains on the path towards democracy or authoritarianism. In this Part 1, of a mini-series…

1
Is Ukraine creating a new interpretation of international relations: Neo-Idealism? 33:11

1+ y ago33:11

33:11

Context Ukraine continues to fight for not merely for its sovereignty and freedom, but arguably and in the eyes of some, values of many democratic, more specifically Western, values. While not everyone views the war as a case of David vs Goliath, with some believing it to be a typical proxy war, my guest this episode, Benjamin Tallis, certainly isn…

1
Can the BRICS+ Really Challenge the West? 40:20

1+ y ago40:20

40:20

Context The globe is experiencing even more instability, unpredictability and more - even more than ever, as we arguably enter a multipolar world, with alternative forms of currency, balance of power and so on. Could the BRICS countries really create an alternative financial system to challenge or undermine the US-led order? I put this question, an…

1
Could China & the US engage in space conflict? 44:32

1+ y ago44:32

44:32

💥Global Gambit has a YOUTUBE!💥 If you find value you in the podcast, check out the new GG channel. You can join an ever-growing community and find YouTube-only content. I'd love to see you there! 👉 Do so here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg. Context Between Jan 28th-Feb 4th 2023, the world and especially the US were captiv…

1
What is on the UN Agenda in 2023 and can it do more for Ukraine? 50:32

1+ y ago50:32

50:32

💥Global Gambit has a YOUTUBE!💥 So be sure to SUBSCRIBE for free and additional content not shared on the podcast! Subscribing really helps supports my work and seriously helps my content to be discovered by more people. 👉 Do so here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg. Episode Outline More than ever, the UN has a lot on its pl…

1
How critical is the 2023 North American Summit (NALS) for the global economic outlook? 51:54

1+ y ago51:54

51:54

The Global Gambit has a YouTube! Some of these conversations won't make it as podcasts, so be sure to subscribe (its FREE!) and not miss out on more content. This is quick, similar action that REALLY supports my work and helps to open this content to new audiences who will like it as much as you do! Do so here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-T…

1
How pivotal has Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) been in the Ukraine War? 1:00:53

1+ y ago1:00:53

1:00:53

TGG has a Substack! In Dec, l started a Substack where l share reflections on interviews, produce explainers to emerging events, and write opinion pieces. Subscribe here: https://substack.com/profile/112732172-pyotr-s-kurzin?utm_source=user-menu. Episode Outline In the fall of 2022, l held a panel on the unprecedented role Open-Source-Intelligence …

1
What did the West get wrong about Russia and Ukraine? 1:15:11

1+ y ago1:15:11

1:15:11

TGG HAS A SUBSTACK! Since the last episode, Pyotr started a Substack where he shares his reflections on interviews and produces backgrounders to current or emerging events. Subscribe here: https://substack.com/profile/112732172-pyotr-s-kurzin?utm_source=user-menu. Episode Outline On Nov 28th, 2022, Pyotr met with Alex Vindman for an in-person inter…

1
Is President Xi's leadership at risk, especially after China's zero-covid protests? 53:34

1+ y ago53:34

53:34

ALERT! Since the last episode, Pyotr started a Substack where he shares his reflections on interviews and provides explainers to current or emerging events. Subscribe here: https://substack.com/profile/112732172-pyotr-s-kurzin?utm_source=user-menu. Episode Outline The last weekend of November 2022 saw protests across China, largely associated with …

1
Could drones change Russia's fortunes in the Ukraine War? 1:12:37

1+ y ago1:12:37

1:12:37

Episode Outline Over the autumn, the Ukraine War took a notable turn. Aside from Putin's renewed nuclear threats or Russian mobilization, the role of drones began to increase - especially on Russia's side. These 'kamikaze' drones are being supplied exclusively by the Iran regime, whose sales they leverage to help oppress the Iranian people - as spe…

1
Is the Ethiopian Civil War worsening 2 years on? 1:02:32

1+ y ago1:02:32

1:02:32

HOORAY! TGG has reached 20 episodes! Thank you to all who listen and support the show via methods like Patreon - without you this passion of mine would not be possible. If you want to support the show you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit and gain additional perks too! Episode Outline For TGG's 20th episode and after 2…

1
Will Russia resort to nuclear weapons in Ukraine? 1:28:09

2y ago1:28:09

1:28:09

Episode Outline As the Ukraine War worsens, the threat of nuclear weapons has remained present throughout. Yet, Putin hasn't followed through and so the question remains around the propensity for him to use them, alongside the narratives that emerge on nuclear use more broadly. Alongside scheduled guests, TGG had surprise expert appearances enrichi…

1
SPECIAL: The Fall of Kabul - 1 year on. With Mariam Wardak, Hasib Noor, and Graeme Smith & Timor Sharan (Crisis Group) 1:36:36

2y ago1:36:36

1:36:36

Episode Outline On August 15th, 2021, the globe witnessed one of the most redefining geopolitical events in a place that in itself reshaped 21st-century foreign and international policy. The fall of Kabul by the Taliban's rapid advance resulted in the US-supported government collapse and the Taliban's takeover, undoing 20 years of progress and righ…

1
What is it like being part of Ukraine's parliament during the Ukraine-Russia War? 53:57

2y ago53:57

53:57

Episode Outline The rapid and unexpected counteroffensive by Ukraine’s forces has redefined the shape of the war, with mass graves being found around Izyum, and Putin scrambling to mobilize 100,000s of troops which saw Russians fleeing in response. Not to mention the renewed threat of nuclear war. Lesia Vasylenko joined Pyotr to address these and q…

1
Is there too much reliance on humanitarian organizations in crisis and warzones? 1:22:32

2y ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Episode Outline With the war in Ukraine set to continue, the impact on humanitarian conditions will persist, especially as the weather worsens. Within all the chaos, humanitarian organizations, charities, and NGOs have been central in trying to support refugees, asylum seekers and IDPs, in states like Poland. Of these, the ICRC has been a leading g…

1
Is maximum pressure or diplomacy better for inducing change in Iran? 54:30

2y ago54:30

54:30

Episode Outline Ramifications from the Ukraine War are being felt globally. Not merely by intensifying the potential for conflict in other regions, but also by undermining peace and mediation efforts. This is the case with the Iran Nuclear Deal, or JCPOA, which has been at risk and remains controversial to many, including Jason Brodsky. Questions c…

1
Are we entering a new cold war or multipolar world order? 1:15:37

2y ago1:15:37

1:15:37

Episode Outline The parallels between Taiwan & Ukraine have been and are continually being made, despite the seemingly obvious differences, largely because of their symbolism in the fight for democracy vs autocracy. And one person, who's devoted a particular amount of focus to the themes of liberalism, democracy, and governance is Francis Fukuyama.…

1
How does Russia's use of the Wagner Group in Libya or Mali compare to Ukraine? 55:20

2y ago55:20

55:20

Episode Outline The Russian Wagner Group is an infamous private military contractor (PMC) operating in the Ukraine War. However, little is known of them, and so we should look to learn more by looking at their activities elsewhere, including where they first came to light: Libya. These themes were explored with Hafed, with questions such as: Why is…

1
How bad is the global food crisis and is the UN doing enough? 47:54

2y ago47:54

47:54

Episode Outline The Russian-Ukraine War has exacerbated the already fragile food insecurity affecting multiple states around the globe. These have driven such questions like: What does the Ukraine-Russia grain deal mean for global food supplies and the crisis? Should we expect this to lead to the potential for a broader ceasefire or peace deal bein…

1
How important is Turkey & the Erdogan-Putin relationship in the Ukraine War? 52:03

2y ago52:03

52:03

Episode Outline The role of Turkey in the 2022 Ukraine War is one that has many observers and pundits guessing, with questions often including: What does Turkey seek to gain from supporting Ukraine but also engaging Russia? Why did Erdogan threaten to block Swedish/Finnish NATO ascension? How genuine are its attempts to broker peace between the two…

1
What does Shinzo Abe's assassination mean for East Asia geopolitics? 57:29

2y ago57:29

57:29

Episode Outline This abhorrent event will be felt worldwide, but nowhere more than to Abe's family, to which TGG sends its condolences. Friday, July 8th, 2022 saw the inconceivable and tragic assassination of Shinzo Abe, former Japanese Prime Minister, by Tetsuya Yamagami. Abe came to be known for many things, including 'Abenomics' - his form of ec…

1
What has the Ukraine War done to nuclear and international security? 1:13:12

2y ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Episode Details What does the Ukraine War mean for relationships across the European continent? Has it been the trigger for the EU to establish its own army? How much has the war altered opinions towards the role or presence of nuclear weaponry? Why has the Ukrainian's use of information warfare been so much more effective than Russia's in diplomac…

1
Will Russia's Invasion of Ukraine reshape geopolitics across the Middle East? 1:09:23

2y ago1:09:23

1:09:23

Episode Details What repercussions does Russia's invasion of Ukraine mean for the Middle East? How did different countries in the region react? Will there be regional destabilization due to intensifying food insecurity in multiple states? Which countries, if any, will be able to help offset the growing energy crisis? These questions and more are ex…

1
What's it like reporting from the warzone in Ukraine? 1:04:42

2y ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Episode Outline How has morale and perception of the war changed among Ukrainians over time? Is there a notable difference between western and eastern Ukraine and Russia's influence? Why and how does Russia approach warfare so differently to western-orientated countries? How does the Ukraine War compare to other theatres of war? Host Pyotr tackles …

1
What's the Ukraine War endgame- a peace settlement or protracted conflict? 1:24:05

2y ago1:24:05

1:24:05

Episode Details Why did V-Day, May 9th in Moscow not result in any major strategical changes? Is the Ukraine War actually more of or increasingly becoming a proxy conflict? Will the US reach a limit in its willingness to support or fund the Ukrainian resistance? Do the events over Ukraine reflect a reshaping of the international order and shift in …

1
Why is India so ambiguous and neutral on the Ukraine War? 1:21:47

2y ago1:21:47

1:21:47

Episode Outline What is India's position on the Ukraine War, including on Russia particularly? Why has it remained so neutral and unwilling to take a clear stance? How does India see its relations with China, Russia, or the USA? What is the role and relevance of Modi as a leader? Episode 5 sees these questions and more tackled as your host, Pyotr i…

1
Should Ukraine join NATO and the EU given Russia's invasion? 1:17:33

2y ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Episode Outline How has Russia's invasion of Ukraine reshaped geopolitics in Europe? What does it mean for NATO? What about the applications of Sweden & Finland? Will Ukraine ever join the EU or NATO too? These questions are just a sample of what is covered in the latest edition of The Global Gambit. This time, your host, Pyotr, interviews Professo…

1
Are the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) negotiations in jeopardy? 42:28

2y ago42:28

42:28

Episode Outline Has Russia's invasion of Ukraine meant an end to Iranian negotiations? What is the impact on Iran-Russian relations? How will Iran's interest in the Caucasus change? Will it deepen relations between Russia, China, and Iran? These questions and more are addressed in this episode of TGG, as your host, Pyotr interviews Barbara Salvin, …

1
Will China & Russia create an alternative financial system to evade sanctions over Ukraine? 1:29:40

2y ago1:29:40

1:29:40

Episode Outline Will the events in Ukraine result in a new Cold War between the West and an intensified Russo-Sino Axis? Could China offset the sanctions imposed upon Russia? Will Russia become a vassal state to China? What is the prospect of Russia using cryptocurrencies to bypass the financial constraints against it? These questions and more are …

1
Has the Ukraine War created a humanitarian crisis in Europe? 1:05:40

2y ago1:05:40

1:05:40

Episode Outline What has the humanitarian situation been like for Ukrainian people fleeing Russia's invasion? How has the response been and how can it be improved? How much risk is there to refugees from people trafficking and smuggling? Has there been a response from the UN and should it be making more effort to lead or coordinate? In this first e…

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