Best Relational Logical Thinking Podcasts (2024)

1
Stabilisation vs Confrontation: The US, China and Australia 23:25

6h ago23:25

23:25

Since the Albanese government was elected, Australia has focused on stabilising relations with China. But there are limits to Australia’s ability to successfully pursue stabilisation if there remains a spectre of confrontation between its largest trading partner and its key security guarantor, the United States. Do either the US or China genuinely …

1
Kamala Harris and the Race to Replace Biden | Ep. 186 26:27

8h ago26:27

26:27

An emergency live episode of the Un-Diplomatic podcast. Van explains the situation the Democratic Party faces: who will replace Biden, why it's likely Kamala Harris, why Bernie should be her running mate, and what all that means for foreign policy. Livestream on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSc9-8Qra5w&t=842s Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: h…

1
EVENT: Launch of Deterring at a distance - The strategic logic of AUKUS by Luke Gosling OAM MP 1:14:17

7d ago1:14:17

1:14:17

On Tuesday 25 June 2024 we held an event at the National Press Club for the launch of a new Lowy Institute Analysis paper that makes the strategic case for AUKUS, written by one of the government’s most knowledgeable and experienced defence thinkers. Luke Gosling argued that nuclear-powered submarines will be central to Australia’s ability to defea…

1
42. Behind the Scenes of Wiser World // Rachel Cox 53:05

8d ago53:05

53:05

How do we choose our episode topics? How do we find our research material and what is our research process? How do we retain what we learn? How does studying world history affect our relationships? Has our research ever spurred us to take action? What are some of the happiest lessons we’ve learned from making the podcast? In this episode my researc…

1
Pacific Change Makers: Digital frontiers - Safeguarding PNG’s youth in the cyber age 13:18

8d ago13:18

13:18

Papua New Guinea is a nation undergoing rapid digital transformation. With increased connectivity, PNG faces the dual challenge of leveraging digital growth for development while protecting its young netizens. Initiatives such as ChildFund’s 1-Tok Helpline, which has received more than 70,000 calls since its establishment in 2015, provide a window …

1
Think Tank Life, Chiquita Banana Death Squads, The New Yorker Treatment, Defund ICBMs | Ep. 185 53:42

12d ago53:42

53:42

Navigating the politics of Washington think tanks. Matt's interview with The New Yorker's Isaac Chotiner. Robert O'Brien wants the entire Marine Corps to relocate to Asia. Arundhati Roy is a target of Modi's Hindu-fascist turn. The case for defunding ICBMs. And Chiquita Banana death squads. Un-Diplomatic Newsletter on the politics of think tanking:…

1
EVENT: The inaugural Allan Gyngell Lecture 1:28:29

17d ago1:28:29

1:28:29

On Friday 14 June 2024 we had our inaugural lecture in honour of Allan Gyngell, the first Executive Director of the Lowy Institute and one of Australia’s most respected foreign policy thinkers. Allan’s friend and contemporary, Ric Smith, delivered the Lecture on the subject of statecraft — a notion dear to Allan, and one that reaches beyond routine…

1
Development Futures: Angus Deaton on what economists got wrong 43:10

17d ago43:10

43:10

Angus Deaton, the 2015 Nobel Prize-winning economist, has dedicated four decades to studying poverty, inequality, health, wellbeing, and economic development. Recently, he strongly criticised his own profession, arguing that economists have overlooked the power dynamics inherent in capitalism. In this wide-ranging episode of Development Futures, Al…

1
The Logic of Peacemaking: A Live Event on Nukes and Statecraft | Ep. 184 36:49

18d ago36:49

36:49

“One man’s deterrence is another man’s escalation.” Van spoke at an event rolling out a recent report, What Should Be Done? Practical Policies to Prevent Nuclear Escalation. At the event and in the report, Van laid out a logic of peacemaking, relating the strategic, the political, and the nuclear all together. Listen further if you want to know why…

1
Bret Stephens on Trump's election chances, AUKUS, and changing his mind on climate change 37:13

21d ago37:13

37:13

In this episode of The Director's Chair, the Lowy Institute's Executive Director Michael Fullilove is joined by The New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. They discuss the forthcoming US election and why he thinks Donald Trump is likely to return to the White House. They also talk about the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, AUKUS, cancel c…

1
Fake 'peace through strength,' Mexico's election, A.I. hasn't changed War, D-Day's Legacy | Ep. 183 51:52

25d ago51:52

51:52

Van, Julia, and Matt discuss how to think about Biden's Gaza ceasefire deal. Why "peace through strength" is a chauvinist meme. A.I. is a violent grift that hasn't changed war. Mexico's election of Claudia Sheinbaum highlights a potential contradiction between industrial policy and geopolitics. Thinking about the meaning of D-Day in light of milita…

1
Working-Class Foreign Policy and the Pivot to Asia | EP. 182 48:28

29d ago48:28

48:28

Van made an appearance on the Squaring the Circle podcast, a military-facing show that got into his origins in the national security state. The discussion talks about the importance of a working-class perspective in foreign policy, what was really wrong with Obama’s pivot to Asia, why Van is critical of “great-power competition,” and a number of ot…

1
Best of: Daniel Immerwahr on Star Wars as Low-Key Anti-Imperialism | Ep. 181 28:50

1M ago28:50

28:50

This re-released conversation with Daniel Immerwahr is one of our all-time top ten episodes, initially released on December 30, 2022. In Part II of Van's sit-down w/ Professor Daniel Immerwahr (author of How to Hide an Empire), they talk about Daniel's recent chapter about the politics and ideology of George Lucas's Star Wars. Was the Galactic Repu…

1
41. Darfur Conflict 101 49:33

1M ago49:33

49:33

This is a brief overview history of conflict in Darfur (western Sudan) from the early 1900s to 2024, focusing particularly on 2003-2007. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon. This episode is sponsored by Hell…

1
Best of: Daniel Immerwahr on Why Geopolitics is a Racket | Ep. 180 40:37

1M ago40:37

40:37

This re-released conversation with Daniel Immerwahr is one of our all-time top ten episodes, initially released on December 28, 2022. Why do geopoliticians blow off climate change and environmental degradation? Is geography really an insurmountable force? What do "geopolitical risk consultants" really do? And what should we make of the fact that ge…

1
EVENT: Coming to terms with Myanmar’s fragmented state 1:07:24

1M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Myanmar’s civil war has entered a crucial phase. While the junta remains firmly ensconced in the centre, a series of stunning victories by its opponents has severely diminished the reach of the military regime into the borderlands. A constellation of anti-junta forces has started delivering public services in “liberated areas” where they are in eff…

1
Kurt Campbell on China, Russia, AUKUS, and US foreign policy in Asia 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

In the new episode of The Director’s Chair, the Lowy Institute’s Executive Director Michael Fullilove is joined by US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. They discuss Kurt Campbell’s new role in the State Department, American policy towards China, the relationship between Moscow and Beijing, Xi Jinping’s recent visit to France, Dr Campbell’s a…

1
Development Futures: Bert Hofman on China’s economy 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

China is facing many economic problems, at home and abroad. The two are connected. Weak demand at home has contributed to a sharp rise in Chinese manufacturing exports, especially in green technologies such as electric vehicles. Surging Chinese exports have in turn prompted a backlash from the United States, Europe, and others who accuse China of e…

1
Conversations: Michel Barnier on the world after Brexit 23:27

2M ago23:27

23:27

In this episode, Michel Barnier, Europe’s former point man on Brexit negotiations, speaks with Hervé Lemahieu. Four years on, what lessons should the West draw from Brexit? How united is Europe in the face of populism at home and with new challenges on its doorstep, including the war in Ukraine? And are China and Russia two faces of the same threat…

1
David Lammy on the UK's foreign policy, Europe, China, AUKUS, the Windies and 'Big Ange' 42:13

2M ago42:13

42:13

In this episode of The Director’s Chair, the Lowy Institute’s Executive Director Michael Fullilove is joined by UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy. They discuss David Lammy’s journey from cathedral chorister to the House of Commons, what kind of prime minister Keir Starmer would make, foreign policy under a Labour government, the UK’s relation…

1
EVENT: An address by The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Treasurer of Australia 47:30

2M ago47:30

47:30

The Treasurer spoke on the domestic and international economy, and the government’s agenda to position Australia as an indispensable part of the global economy. After his remarks, the Lowy Institute's Executive Director Dr Michael Fullilove AM chaired a Q&A session with the Treasurer. The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP is the Treasurer of Australia. He has…

1
40. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 3 1:10:56

2M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from 2005 to 2024, covering the end of the 2nd Sudanese Civil War, South Sudan's independence, South Sudan's civil war, and the current war in Sudan. This episode focuses more on South Sudan than north Sudan. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a fou…

1
Live Event! US Foreign Policy and the 2024 Elections | Ep. 179 1:23:51

3M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

Out of the maybe 20 live events I spoke at in the US recently, only one—one!—was actually recorded and you’re about to hear it. About this Event: From the War on Terror to the militarization of the Pacific, and from imperial competition with China to US support for Israeli atrocities in Palestine, the US quest for primacy has devastating consequenc…

1
Leigh Sales on journalism, the United States and not interviewing Trump 48:44

3M ago48:44

48:44

In the first episode of this new series of The Director’s Chair, the Lowy Institute’s Executive Director Michael Fullilove is joined by respected Australian journalist Leigh Sales. They discuss Leigh’s experience as a foreign correspondent in Washington, the shifts in American society that led to the rise of Donald Trump, why she still believes tha…

1
Conversations: The Stakes of Diplomacy - 2024 Global Diplomacy Index 30:45

3M ago30:45

30:45

In this episode, the Lowy Institute’s Research Director Hervé Lemahieu talks with Ryan Neelam, the Institute’s Director of the Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program about the findings of the recently launched 2024 Global Diplomacy Index. What do diplomatic networks tell us about superpower rivalry, geopolitical competition, and a more multipola…

1
EVENT: In conversation with Admiral John Aquilino, Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command 59:52

3M ago59:52

59:52

A conversation with Admiral John Aquilino on the increasing dangers in the Indo-Pacific, the bilateral relationship between Australia and the United States, and the importance of the AUKUS security partnership. Lowy Institute Executive Director Dr Michael Fullilove moderated the discussion, which also featured questions from the audience. Admiral J…

1
39. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 2 59:31

3M ago59:31

59:31

This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from 1978 - 2005 AD, covering the discovery of oil through the end of the 2nd Sudanese Civil War. This episode focuses in a lot more on South Sudan than north Sudan. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extr…

1
38. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 1 57:15

3M ago57:15

57:15

This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from roughly 800BC to 1978 AD, covering from early civilizations until the end of the First Sudanese Civil War and the discovery of oil. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your s…

1
Chinese Capitalism v. Debt Geopolitics w/ Shahar Hameiri | Ep. 178 58:58

4M ago58:58

58:58

Why is “debt-trap diplomacy” nothing more than an anti-China meme? Why is the geopolitical interpretation of Chinese overseas lending wrong, and what does that suggest about US/Western estimates of China’s intentions? Why do Chinese firms hate writing down unpayable debts? And why do smaller developing nations rarely benefit from international fina…

1
Conversations: Digital threats to democracy, with Lydia Khalil 33:11

4M ago33:11

33:11

In this episode, the Lowy Institute’s Sam Roggeveen talks with his colleague, Research Fellow on Transnational Challenges Lydia Khalil, about her new research paper, Overcoming digital threats to democracy. The internet and social media are now our digital public square, yet these spaces are not governed that way. Lydia proposes that tech giants lo…

1
37. What is Nowruz? 24:02

4M ago24:02

24:02

Over 300 million people around the world celebrate Nowruz—a huge spring holiday that’s also sometimes called Persian New Year—annually on March 20th or 21st. In this episode I explain Nowruz for folks who know little to nothing about it, and if you fit that description I can guarantee you’re going to enjoy learning about the unique and ancient trad…

1
Introducing: Even the Royals [Podcast Preview] 7:08

4M ago7:08

7:08

This is a preview of Wondery's new podcast: Even the Royals. Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are b…

1
The Possibilities of Progressive Worldmaking | Ep. 177 46:53

5M ago46:53

46:53

This interview with the Review of Democracy podcast is the deepest dive to date on Van Jackson’s book, Grand Strategies of the Left: The Foreign Policy of Progressive Worldmaking. Subscribe to the Un-Diplomatic Newsletter Review of Democracy PodcastBy Van Jackson

1
Conversations: The comeback general — Prabowo’s thumping victory and what it means for Indonesia 46:40

5M ago46:40

46:40

In this special episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Director of Research Hervé Lemahieu talks with three experts about the outcome of Indonesia's presidential election on 14 February 2024. Quick counts point to a landslide victory for Prabowo Subianto. What drove this result? Who is the 72-year-old Prabowo? And what kind of Indonesia can we ex…

1
Pacific Change Makers: Introducing Oliver Nobetau the Lowy Institute’s new FDC Pacific Research Fellow 25:31

5M ago25:31

25:31

The Lowy Institute’s latest episode of Pacific Change Makers introduces a fresh and dynamic voice in Pacific affairs – Oliver Nobetau, the new FDC Pacific Fellow from Papua New Guinea. Oliver’s journey is as unique as it is inspiring. Born in Germany to a diplomatic family, with roots in both Bougainville and West New Britain, he brings a rich blen…

1
EVENT: The Year Ahead: A Conversation with Gideon Rachman 59:23

5M ago59:23

59:23

A conversation between chief foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times Gideon Rachman and the Lowy Institute’s Executive Director Dr Michael Fullilove AM. They discussed the wars, summits and elections that will shape the international agenda in 2024, as well as the decision-makers and presidential aspirants who are influencing world affair…

1
Development Futures: Dani Rodrik on hyper-globalisation, geopolitics and the future of development 37:47

5M ago37:47

37:47

As we usher in the new year, the global economy is at a turning point. From confronting an economic development crisis and addressing the good-jobs dilemma, to navigating the climate transition and charting a course towards a more sustainable and equitable form of globalisation, 2024 promises to be an interesting year. In this episode of Developmen…

1
36. A Brief History of World War I 45:35

5M ago45:35

45:35

There are countless resources to learn about WWII (and for good reason, it's important!), but what about WWI? Often overshadowed by other wars, this complex war has influenced much of our modern day more than we may realize. This episode covers a brief history of WWI for those who need an overview refresh, focusing mostly on why it began and how it…

1
Guam, War, and the Non-Sovereign Pacific, w/ Kenneth Gofigan Kuper | Ep. 176 1:03:35

5M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

What does Guam’s political status say about US strategic thought? What strategic choices does Guam have if it were allowed self-determination? What does America’s imperial relations with Guam have in common with the rest of the Non-Sovereign Pacific? And why does the existence of a Non-Sovereign Pacific region make both the Pacific and the great po…

1
Pacific Change Makers: NZ High Commissioner Dame Annette King on the Pacific, geopolitical competition, and her time serving in Australia 22:31

6M ago22:31

22:31

In this episode of Pacific Change Makers, Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands Program Dr Jess Collins speaks with Dame Annette King about her role as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Australia. At the end of last year and with just a few weeks left in the role, Dame Annette sat down with Dr Collins in Canberra to reflect on he…

1
Inequality, IR Theory, and the Imperial Blind Spot | Ep. 175 22:43

6M ago22:43

22:43

This episode is unusual, more like part of a mini-lecture series. I was asked to give a talk recently on inequality, development, and IR theory for an audience that skews quite young. I’ve chopped it up to just bring out the highlights, but we hit many topics that might be of interest: —Why IR paradigms are not especially useful for making sense of…

1
35. Recognizing Logical Fallacies for Better Critical Thinking 26:46

6M ago26:46

26:46

In this episode I explain eight common logical fallacies—giving examples and ways to think more critically in today's ever-polarizing political climate. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education…

1
The Left Debates Foreign Policy! | Ep. 174 1:34:48

7M ago1:34:48

1:34:48

What’s wrong with liberal internationalism? What alternatives do socialists and progressives offer? Is voting more (or less) than a defensive tactic? Is the Democratic Party beyond redemption? Is China a force for good or evil in the world? Van went on the 1 of 200 podcast to have a really real debate about everything on the left’s mind at the mome…

1
EVENT: 2023 Lowy Lecture delivered by Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 1:22:59

7M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP is the 31st Prime Minister of Australia. Since the election of his government in May 2022, Prime Minister Albanese has focused closely on issues of foreign policy, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Australia’s relations with allies and key regional partners. The Lowy Lecture is the Institute’s flagship event and…

1
Silicon Valley’s Galactic Colony Fetish, w/ Alina Utrata | Ep. 173 54:00

7M ago54:00

54:00

How do the space-colony visions of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos meaningfully differ? What does a company like Space-X have in common with the old imperial company-states, like the British East India Company? And why are billionaire bros obsessed with “political exit” projects like seasteading and galactic escapism? We tackle all that and more with Alin…

1
Fareed Zakaria on the United States, China, India — and Henry Kissinger 52:04

7M ago52:04

52:04

From Ukraine to the Middle East, we are confronted by serious challenges to peace and security. Meantime, the prospect of Donald Trump's return to the White House looms. Around the world there has been a startling rise in illiberalism. Fareed Zakaria joins Michael Fullilove on this episode of The Director’s Chair to discuss these issues, the state …

1
EVENT: An address by James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea 1:08:58

7M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, spoke about strengthening Papua New Guinea's economy, climate change, and PNG’s place in the world. After his remarks, the Prime Minister spoke in conversation with the Lowy Institute's Executive Director, Dr Michael Fullilove AM. James Marape has served as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea since M…

1
Development Futures: David Victor on how to make climate policy work 37:02

7M ago37:02

37:02

Many of the most economically efficient policies to reduce emissions, such as carbon pricing, have proven difficult to implement. In this episode of Development Futures, the Lowy Institute’s Indo-Pacific Development Centre Research Fellow Michelle Lyons speaks with Professor David Victor from UC San Diego on how to make climate policy work and ways…

1
Eliot Cohen on Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump — and Shakespeare 32:44

7M ago32:44

32:44

In this episode, Michael Fullilove speaks with leading strategist and historian Eliot Cohen. They discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, the intelligence failures that led to the 7 October attacks on Israel, the prospect of Trump returning to the White House, and why people who care about international politics should read Shakespeare. See omnystudio.…

1
34. What is Diwali? 16:33

7M ago16:33

16:33

This is a brief overview of the holiday of Diwali for those who know little to nothing about it. I include the stories and traditions included in the holiday, as well as explain the Lakshmi Puja. While I don't go into every detail of the (typically) five-day festival, I hope this is a primer for those who want to learn more about the holiday and ca…

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