The Missing Piece [International]

As we continue to pay closer attention to what is happening around the world today, especially regarding the complication of the geopolitics, it is time that we ask the question: Is there anything that we can learn from those historical leaders? How much do we know about the relationship between Churchill and De Gaulle? How did both past leaders shape the economic and the political world? In this episode, we will find out more. Guest Info: Dr. Richard Vinen specializes in twentieth century history. His current research is on Modern Britain He published Thatcher’s Britain (Simon and Schuster, 2009) and is currently working on a study of military service in post-war Britain. Previously he has worked mainly on twentieth century France and produced a number of publications on Vichy, the fourth republic and the Algerian War.

In this episode, we challenge decades of US policy toward Iran, arguing for a strategic pivot from maximum pressure to managed deterrence. We explore how Washington can secure the Strait of Hormuz—not through carrier strike groups alone, but by leveraging economic statecraft and regional diplomacy. With Iran’s nuclear threshold shrinking and global oil chokepoints under threat, the future of maritime order hangs in the balance. Tune in to understand why a new Hormuz doctrine is essential—and how US recalibration could either stabilize or shatter the emerging multipolar world. Guest Info: Dr. Jamsheed Choksy is a professor of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. Professor Jamsheed Choksy’s research broadly covers the development of societies, especially sectarian communities, in Central Asia, the Near East and South Asia studied through interdisciplinary approaches involving history, religious studies, international affairs, politics, anthropology, archaeology, language.

Since President Trump expressed his interests in "taking over" Cuba, the Cuban government has been very anxious. It is one thing to listen to the political rhetorics from Trump, it is even more concerning to see how Trump will make it happen. Geopolitical games are no longer the same, instead, it is making more chaos these days. In this brand-new talk, Professor Weyland joins the show to share more details. Guest Info: Professor Kurt Weyland's research interests focus on democratization and authoritarian rule, on social policy and policy diffusion, and on populism in Latin America and Europe. He has drawn on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches, including insights from cognitive psychology, and has done extensive field research in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, and Venezuela. After receiving a Staatsexamen from Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat Mainz in 1984, a M.A. from UT in 1986, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1991, he taught for ten years at Vanderbilt University and joined UT in 2001. He has received research support from the SSRC and NEH and was a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, DC, in 1999/2000 and at the Kellogg Institute, University of Notre Dame, in 2004/05. From 2001 to 2004, he served as Associate Editor of the Latin American Research Review.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the intricate political and economic ties between Japan and the US—a partnership that defines stability in the Indo-Pacific. But with Trump’s upcoming visit to China, the calculus is shifting. Will Washington send strong signals to its key allies, Japan and Taiwan, or will the promise of a deal with Beijing raise new anxieties? We’ll explore the high-stakes diplomacy and what it means for the future of the alliance. Guest info: Dr. Michael Green is CEO of the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and Henry A. Kissinger Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Previously, he was Director of Asian Studies and Chair in Modern and Contemporary Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. During the George W. Bush administration, Green served as Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council. He is the author of Line of Advantage: Japan’s Grand Strategy in the Era of Abe Shinzo, among other books.

It is rather confusing to understand the political, and the military strategies under American President Donald Trump, when it comes to the war with Iran. Over one month into the war, the international community still seeks "better answers" from Trump, while other parts of the world look for better economic and political partners. In this brand-new episode, Mr. Avraham (Avrum) Burg, who served as interim President of Israel for 20 days, from July 12 to August 1, 2000, joins the show to talk about the current political state in Israel and what we should expect from America. Guest Info: Mr. Avraham (Avrum) Burg is a thinker, a writer and a peace activist. Avrum Burg began his political career in the movement against the Lebanon War. He continued on to a long political career where he served in a variety of public positions including in the Knesset as a member of the Labor Party, Speaker of the Knesset, and Chairman of the Jewish Agency.

President Trump launched a war of choice against Iran, declaring victory one moment while demanding NATO allies join the fight the next . But Germany said ‘this is not our war,’ and the EU insists it was ‘not consulted’ . So why did the alliance refuse to help? Because under NATO’s charter, this conflict falls outside their defensive boundaries, leaving Trump fuming that the alliance is a ‘one-way street’ . Today, we dissect the contradictions in Washington’s strategy and why traditional allies are keeping their distance." Guest Info: Prof. Jamsheed K. Choksy is a Distinguished Professor, former Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, former Chair of the Department of Central Eurasian Studies, and current Director of the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center (US Title VI) at Indiana University - Bloomington. In 2008, he was nominated by President George W. Bush to the National Council on the Humanities and served as a member of the council until 2019.

Four years. That’s how long Russia thought this war would take—days. Instead, we are now entering the fifth year of a conflict that has become a brutal test of will. And as the missiles keep flying and the front lines barely move, two very different pictures are emerging. On one side, you have Ukraine. A nation that, despite the cold and the constant pressure, is more unified than ever. We’re seeing it in places you can’t measure on a map—in the secret ceremonies where special forces bind themselves to centuries of warrior tradition, reminding themselves that they are not just soldiers, but a single, unbreakable 'pack' . This isn’t just about holding the line; it’s about identity. It’s about survival. And on the other side? Russia. A country that increasingly looks strong only on the surface. Sure, the cafes in Moscow are still open, but beneath that facade, the confidence is cracking . The Kremlin is burning through unimaginable resources—over 1,280,000 troops lost, thousands of tanks destroyed—just to grind forward a few meters at a time . They are paying an insane price of 156 soldiers for every square kilometer of land they occupy . Today, we’re going to look at the shifting momentum of this war. How Ukrainian unity is solidifying into an unbreakable wall, and why Russia—despite its size—is starting to show the cracks of a losing effort. Guest Info: Paul Hockenos is a Berlin-based journalist. His recent book is Berlin Calling: A Story of Anarchy, Music, the Wall, and the Birth of the New Berlin.

Sitting US President Donald Trump promised to end the war with Iran soon, given the fact that his administration has caused major international concerns and military confusion. It is one thing to know how this war will cause domestic sacrifice among the voters, it is another issue to add unwanted anxieties upon the international leaders. In this brand-new conversation, Dr. Jamsheed Choksy will explain the latest from Trump and Iran. Guest Info: Dr. Jamsheed Choksy is a professor of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. Professor Jamsheed Choksy’s research broadly covers the development of societies, especially sectarian communities, in Central Asia, the Near East and South Asia studied through interdisciplinary approaches involving history, religious studies, international affairs, politics, anthropology, archaeology, language.

More Than four years, war in Ukraine continues to be the attention of the international community. In addition to the reactions and the political shifts in the US, leaders in Europe are also demanding the active participation of the US. According to the recent political expert, it is time for Ukraine to give up and ask for further dialogues from Russia. Will Ukraine do as it is needed? How about the voices of the European allies? Guest info: Professor Michael C. Desch is the Packey J. Dee Professor of International Relations at the University of Notre Dame and founding Brian and Jeannelle Brady Family Director of the O'Brien Notre Dame International Security Center.

It is never America's job to choose the next leader for The Islamic Republic of Iran, according to the Trump administration. The destiny is in the hands of Iranian people, if they desire. Some believe Trump administration should leave the nation alone, let alone putting boots on the ground, while others oppose. In this special interview, we will discuss all the necessary details. Guest Info: Professor Jamsheed K. Choksy is a Distinguished Professor, former Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, former Chair of the Department of Central Eurasian Studies, and current Director of the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center (US Title VI) at Indiana University - Bloomington. In 2008, he was nominated by President George W. Bush to the National Council on the Humanities and served as a member of the council until 2019.

Tensions are at a breaking point. President Trump is weighing a military strike on Iran, with options on the table that range from limited attacks to a full-scale campaign . But behind the scenes, his own generals are pushing back. We’re learning that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, has personally warned the White House that an attack could be far more dangerous than anticipated—pointing to depleted munitions, the risk of a prolonged conflict, and the threat to American troops . So, is the U.S. heading toward war? And will Trump listen to his top advisors or pull the trigger? Today, we break down the military standoff with Iran and the last-ditch diplomatic talks in Geneva that could decide it all. Guest info: Professor Jamsheed Choksy is a Distinguished Professor, former Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, former Chair of the Department of Central Eurasian Studies, and current Director of the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center (US Title VI) at Indiana University - Bloomington. In 2008, he was nominated by President George W. Bush to the National Council on the Humanities and served as a member of the council until 2019.

We've heard of the United Nations, but what about the Board of Peace? Donald Trump has created a new world order—literally. His much-ballyhooed Board of Peace is officially up and running, with the goal of tackling global conflict. But rather than bringing clarity, it's leaving the world more confused than ever . Allies are divided, with some European powers refusing to join while authoritarian regimes sign up . With a billion-dollar price tag for permanent membership and Trump holding the gavel, is this a genuine peace initiative or a Trump-branded clubhouse? We break down the new power play." Guest Info: Professor Paul Poast is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago, where his area of research and teaching is international relations.

Sierra Leone is one special nation today, given the fact that natural resources are plethora, as well as the hospitality of the people. This African nation continues to allure travelers around the world. Meanwhile, this nation has gone through so much in the past few decades, especially how social and political changes created deeper memories for many. In this special interview, Betsy Small, author of a new book called " Before Before: A Story of Discovery and Loss in Sierra Leone," joins the show to share her stories while living and working in in Sierra Leone.

Many people believe Donald Trump is a personalist because his leadership style prioritizes loyalty to him above all else—over political ideology, party platforms, or even institutional rules . He has reshaped the Republican Party into what scholars describe as a "personal political vehicle," where control is maintained through unwavering fealty rather than traditional party structures. Ultimately, the perception stems from how Trump has centralized power around his persona, making himself the singular focus of his political movement. In this episode, Professor Seva Gunitsky, an associate professor of political science at the University of Toronto, joins the latest show to talk more. His work examines how international forces like war and globalization shape democracy and domestic reforms.

As we continue to pay much closer attention to the complication of geopolitical games these days, it is equally crucial for us to understand how fat the world has come. The issue of slavery has been critical for us, as we prepare to step forward to a new year. In this special episode, we will talk to Dr. Carries Gibson, author of the amazing book :The Great Resistance: The 400-Year Fight to End Slavery in the Americas." Dr. Gibson will share with us the research and the details in this book. Carrie Gibson is the author of three works of history: The Great Resistance: The 400-Year Fight to End Slavery in the Americas (2026), El Norte: The Epic and Forgotten Story of Hispanic North America (2019), and Empire’s Crossroads: A History of the Caribbean From Columbus to the Present Day (2014). Prior to gaining a PhD in history at the University of Cambridge in 2011, she worked as journalist for The Guardian and Observer in London. She is currently living in Seoul, South Korea.

Can a single conflict rewrite the rules of global power? Since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has become the epicenter of a struggle not just for territory, but for the future of the international order. By defiantly defending its sovereignty, it challenges the very idea of spheres of influence and redraws the boundaries of security. This reset hinges on a pivotal, often paradoxical player: China. While officially calling for peace, Beijing’s economic and diplomatic support for Russia provides a critical lifeline, positioning China not as a neutral mediator, but as a decisive architect of whatever new world emerges from this war. Dr. Alexander John Motyl is an American historian, political scientist, poet, writer, translator, and painter. He is a resident of New York City. He is professor of political science at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, and a specialist on Ukraine, Russia, and the Soviet Union.

In this new episode, we turn to Syria—a nation shattered by over a decade of civil war, now a fractured chessboard of regime control, foreign militias, and humanitarian crisis. The economy is in freefall, with currency collapse and crippling sanctions deepening civilian despair. Enter President Trump, whose policy has been defined by a sudden withdrawal of U.S. troops, a focus on defeating ISIS, and stark warnings to adversaries like Iran and Russia, all while imposing the heaviest economic pressures yet on Damascus. We examine the volatile results of this "America First" approach to a deeply complex war. Guest Info: Dr. Jamsheed Choksy is a professor of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. Professor Jamsheed Choksy’s research broadly covers the development of societies, especially sectarian communities, in Central Asia, the Near East and South Asia studied through interdisciplinary approaches involving history, religious studies, international affairs, politics, anthropology, archaeology, language.

What is happening in the city of Minneapolis draws the attention beyond the domestic audience. The ongoing protests and riots are causing major political and economic concerns for both the Democrats and the Republicans. People in China and Iran are seeking opportunities to "re-engage" with US, as the international policies continue to shift. In this special episode, Dr. Michael Patrick, a renowned international affairs scholar joins the show to share his insights and analysis.

In Vietnam, the Communist Party isn't just the sole political authority; it is the architect of the nation's destiny. Its internal structure and leadership selections are pivotal, shaping every policy turn. As Vietnam emerges as a global economic success story, this political engine is central to the transformation. In this episode, we examine how the Party's evolving power dynamics and governance directly fuel—or sometimes restrain—breakneck growth, infrastructure miracles, and ambitious reforms. In this amazing episode, Dr. Hai Hong Nguyen, Visiting Scholar In Residence of American University, and the assistant professor of international relations and global politics, joins the show to discuss the details. Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@willli9755/featured

Such unconventional but straightforward message from American President Donald Trump to the world was indeed shocking. Not only Trump mentioned his desire for Greenland, but also his unceasing wants for a "better game" which could benefit America only. In this special interview, Dr. Marcus Vinícius De Freitas, Professor Visitante, China Foreign Affairs University, and a Senior Fellow, Policy Center for the New South, joins the show to talk more.