Georgia: Five minutes from dictatorship?

Jessica Hendrick welcomes Ketevan Bolkvadze and Sergi Kapanadze to discuss how Georgia’s political playing field is disappearing, despite two years of mass resistance.Georgia was once held up as a post-Soviet success story. Now, two years after a disputed parliamentary election triggered sustained protests, the country is moving further away from Europe as Georgian Dream seeks to ban major opposition groups and tighten its grip on political life. With trust in government and political parties collapsing even as civic mobilisation endures, Georgia faces a harder question: can resistance still translate into political change?In this episode, Jessica Hendrick welcomes Ketevan Bolkvadze, senior lecturer in political science at Lund University working on the RE-ENGAGE project, and Sergi Kapanadze, Georgia’s former deputy foreign minister and vice speaker of parliament. Ketevan argues that Georgia is no longer simply experiencing “authoritarian drift” but is increasingly consolidating into an electoral authoritarian state. Sergi warns that the country remains “five minutes away” from dictatorship as Georgian Dream moves to eliminate not only political parties, but the wider network of politicians, civil society groups and media capable of challenging it.Jessica, Ketevan and Sergi discuss Georgia’s increasingly fraught relationship with Brussels, why civic mobilisation is not translating into institutional change and whether Georgia built state capacity faster than democratic safeguards. Has Georgia crossed the line from democratic backsliding into authoritarian rule? Can two years of protest turn civic resistance into political power? And what can the EU still do when a candidate country’s government no longer appears to want membership?Further reading:RE-ENGAGE research on GeorgiaRE-ENGAGE research on Eastern EuropeRE-ENGAGE policy recommendations on Eastern EuropeThis podcast was recorded on October 21st, 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as opposition to a Trump-family-linked luxury coastal development in an environmentally sensitive wetland area has stretched beyond 100 days and grown into something much bigger. Now one of Albania’s largest protest movements since the fall of communism, the Flamingo Revolution has turned the bird into an unlikely symbol of anger over corruption, concentrated political and economic power, media freedom—and ultimately, who gets to shape Albania’s future. In this episode, Jessica Hendrick welcomes Enri Hide, executive director of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security and professor at the European University of Tirana working on the RE-ENGAGE project; and Ditmir Bushati, Albania’s former minister for Europe and foreign affairs, who served in Edi Rama’s government and has become a leading commentator on the revolution. Enri sees the movement less as a single spark or final straw than as the tipping point at which private frustration spilled into collective revolt. Ditmir explains why: Albania has had plenty of strong leaders but too few strong institutions—and a development model that favours “the very few at the expense of the many”. But if that model has been brewing for years, how much responsibility does his own political generation bear for its time in office? Drawing on protests likened to the Arab Spring, META censorship of online coverage and Albania’s case-by-case justice mechanism, Jessica, Enri and Ditmir explore if and how and the country’s speedy race to the EU will be affected. Together, they ask whether big tech and state censorship are beginning to overlap as political mobilisation increasingly depends on Facebook and Instagram; whether the house arrest of Albania’s intelligence chief shows that the country’s anti-corruption body is becoming the “mainland of credibility”; and what the EU’s pre-enlargement policy reviews and 2026 Enlargement Package might reveal about Brussels’ response. What does Prime Minister Edi Rama’s UN General Assembly speech reveal about the battle to define the Flamingo Revolution at home and abroad? What can Serbia’s own leaderless protest movement teach Albania, amid news of the “Butcher’s funeral” and President Vučić’s resignation? And as Ursula von der Leyen visits Tirana this week, what would it mean for the EU to reciprocate the extraordinary levels of trust Albanians continue to place in Europe? Further reading:RE-ENGAGE research on AlbaniaRE-ENGAGE research on the Western BalkansRE-ENGAGE policy recommendations on the Western BalkansThis podcast was recorded on September 29th 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine is fighting for survival against Russia while its democracy faces a second battle at home. Ukrainians show extraordinary trust in the Armed Forces, family and civic networks—but far less in politicians, government and bureaucrats. Now, high-level corruption scandals, calls for wartime elections, roadblocks to EU accession and possible peace talks with Russia are raising a hard question: can the trust that has helped Ukraine survive the war be turned into a state people believe in?In this episode, Jessica Hendrick welcomes Roman Petrov, president of the Ukrainian European Studies Association, professor of EU law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and one of Ukraine’s leading experts on EU accession and EU-Ukraine relations working on the RE-ENGAGE project; and Svitlana Zalishchuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Sweden and former civil-society activist, member of parliament and government adviser, now working at the centre of Ukraine’s wartime defence and European security partnerships. Roman warns that major decisions on peace could be challenged later if Ukraine’s elections remain suspended. Svitlana pushes back on the picture of low public trust, arguing that the war has actually increased trust in the state—just unevenly—and that public trust itself is part of Ukraine’s national defence capability.RE-ENGAGE conducted nearly 600 interviews with Kyiv residents last year, at times even moving them into air-raid shelters as alarms sounded across the city. Drawing on the findings, Jessica, Roman and Svitlana discuss why Ukrainians can deeply distrust the state yet still mobilise to defend democracy; what recent corruption scandals reveal about whether the system actually works; and if fast-tracking EU membership risks turning reform into a superficial “copy-paste” of European laws.How is the far-right AfD’s historic landslide in eastern Germany viewed by those working on EU accession in Kyiv? Why might Ukraine now be better described as a contributor to European defence than a recipient of military aid? And what does Ukraine need to do differently to make its post-war vision last?Further reading:RE-ENGAGE research on UkraineRE-ENGAGE research on Eastern Europe RE-ENGAGE policy recommendations on Eastern EuropeThis podcast was recorded on September 9th 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens if your economy is suddenly in crisis, Brussels offers help with strings attached—and Turkey, China or Russia can move faster? What if your country delivers every reform the EU asks for, only for a member state to block the next step anyway? And after years of waiting, would voters still choose to join?In this special bonus episode, The Neighbourhood goes live from Lisbon for an EU enlargement game. Jessica Hendrick brings together RE-ENGAGE experts representing six EU candidate countries and throws a series of fictional—but very plausible—political and economic shocks at them inspired by real headlines: Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, Ireland’s EU presidency push on enlargement, Iceland’s referendum, Germany’s regional elections and the upcoming 2026 Enlargement Package. Drawing on three years of surveys, interviews and crisis simulations, each expert has to answer for their country.Playing for each country:Albania: Morten Bøås, research professor at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), representing RE-ENGAGE’s Albanian partners at the European University of TiranaBosnia and Herzegovina: Damir Kapidžić, director of the Institute for Social Science Research at the University of SarajevoGeorgia: Ketevan Bolkvadze, senior lecturer in the department of political science at Lund University, originally from GeorgiaMoldova: Mathilde T. E. Giske, research fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), representing RE-ENGAGE’s Moldovan partners at Moldova State UniversitySerbia: Luka Filipović, research associate at the Institute for Contemporary History in SerbiaUkraine: Roman Petrov, president of the Ukrainian European Studies AssociationThe result is part enlargement simulation, part policy conversation and part game night. The experts bargain over a fictional €100 million EU cheque, decide whether the EU can compete with faster offers from other powers, test how easily disinformation could exploit frustration with enlargement, and imagine what would happen if EU membership was finally put to a public vote. Along the way, Serbia proposes keeping its relationship with Brussels “casual”, Bosnia finds a creative use for €100 million, and Ukraine calls for Hungarian “Varangians” when backsliding strikes.When a crisis hits, does speed matter more than values? Can “Europe never wanted you anyway” become a winning political message? And if a country finally joins the EU, what stops democracy from sliding backwards once the prize of membership is secured?Further reading:RE-ENGAGE research overviewRE-ENGAGE research on AlbaniaRE-ENGAGE research on Bosnia and HerzegovinaRE-ENGAGE research on GeorgiaRE-ENGAGE research on MoldovaRE-ENGAGE research on SerbiaRE-ENGAGE research on UkraineThis podcast was recorded live in Lisbon on September 3rd, 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serbia is in the middle of its largest protest movement in decades. What began in 2024 with the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy has grown into a much deeper crisis of trust—one in which citizens are mobilising in huge numbers while confidence in political parties and state institutions continues to collapse.  In this episode, Jessica Hendrick welcomes Igor Bandović, director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy and head of the Belgrade Security Conference; and Luka Filipović, research associate at the Institute for Contemporary History in Belgrade working on the RE-ENGAGE project. Igor argues that Serbia is now in “authoritarian suspension”: the government still holds the machinery of power but is increasingly losing its ability to convince citizens that institutions work in the public interest. Luka points to an equally striking finding from the research—trust between citizens is strengthening even as trust in formal institutions falls.  Drawing on the student-led protests, the debate over snap elections and Serbia’s complicated relationships with Brussels, Moscow, Beijing and Washington, Jessica, Luka and Igor discuss whether a leaderless movement can turn civic mobilisation into political change, why the EU’s approach to Serbia has struggled to build democratic credibility, and how Belgrade’s strategy of “geopolitical shopping” is reshaping the country’s place between East and West.  Can Serbia’s protest movement convert public anger into lasting democratic change? Has Europe prioritised stability over democracy for too long? And how long can Belgrade continue balancing between competing powers before that strategy begins to break down? Further reading: RE-ENGAGE research on SerbiaRE-ENGAGE policy recommendations on Western BalkansThis podcast was recorded on July 21st, 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of ECFR’s WOMENP podcast, Ellie Geranmayeh is joined by three leading Lebanese voices— Alia Moubayed, senior economist; Randa Slim, Middle East Programme director at the Stimson Center; and Maha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut—to unpack the consequences of a trilateral framework deal signed by Israel, the US and Lebanon.Lebanon is among the countries most impacted by America and Israel’s war against Iran. Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Hezbollah resumed direct attacks against Israel in March, plunging the country back into conflict. Around 4,000 people in Lebanon have since been killed and over a million displaced, with Israeli ground forces now occupying parts of south Lebanon.In June, Israel, the US and Lebanon signed a historic—and controversial—trilateral framework deal, with the parties meeting again in July to discuss the implementation phase, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied parts of Lebanon. But with a ceasefire between the US and Iran unravelling, the durability of the Lebanon deal is unclear. Together, Ellie, Rania, Alia and Randa discuss whether the deal can bring lasting peace to Lebanon and how international players can support efforts to stabilise the country.Listen to all past episodes of ECFR’s WOMENP series.This podcast was recorded on July 16th, 2026.Bookshelf:The Best Kind of American: A True Story of Murder, War, and America's Undoing in the Middle East by Kim GhattasBeirut Blues by Hanan Al-ShaykhA House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered by Kamal Salibi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A seismic shift in Europe's outlook on Ukraine reveals a complex web of diplomacy, resilience, and strategic ambiguity. As the Ukraine conflict enters its fifth year, the question isn't just about battlefield gains—it's about what comes next. Are European leaders ready to explore backchannel talks, or is open negotiation still a distant dream? If you've been wondering how Europe is balancing steadfast support with cautious diplomacy, this episode sheds light on the subtle art of engaging with a most unpredictable adversary—the Kremlin.In this four episode series, Making Defence European Again, four of our ECFR fellows discuss analysis and advice on the future of European security.You’ll discover how Ukraine’s resilience on the battlefield is reshaping European support, why the EU and US are recalibrating their military and diplomatic strategies, and the nuanced debates over talking to Russia—whether at the top-level or through discreet channels. We break down the shifting political landscape, where the stability of Ukraine is increasingly viewed as vital for Europe’s security, yet public appetite for full EU integration remains cautious. Understand why economic sanctions, military aid, and behind-the-scenes negotiations are all part of the evolving chess game.This episode dives into the stakes of continued conflict, the risks of diplomacy now vs. waiting for a weaker Russia, and the broader implications for European security architecture. With expert insights on the internal politics of France, Germany, the UK, and Ukraine, you’ll learn why strategic patience could transform the future of this devastating war—and Europe’s place within it.The war in Ukraine shows that long-term resilience matters more than quick battlefield gains.Informal diplomatic signals can test an adversary’s willingness to de-escalate without making concessions.We discuss:▶︎Refusing all dialogue can strengthen an enemy’s narrative, while quiet diplomacy can preserve unity.▶︎The timing of negotiations matters less than having a clear purpose and strategy.▶︎European unity on Ukraine depends more on political will than on public consensus.Don’t miss the inside story on why the next moves could define the future of European stability—and how understanding the intricate diplomacy behind the scenes might just be your key to predicting what’s coming. Stay informed, stay prepared, and see beyond the headlines.2026 © A production from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) This work was supported in part by a grant from the Open Society Foundations.☛ Resources & Links:Making defence European again – European Council on Foreign RelationsWhat the Iran war means for Ukraine – European Council on Foreign Relations☛ Speakers:★ Jana Kobzová, Co-director, European Security Programme, Senior Policy Fellow Jana Kobzová – European Council on Foreign Relations★ Paweł Zerka, Senior Policy Fellow Paweł Zerka – European Council on Foreign Relations ★ Marta Prochwicz Jazowska, Deputy Head, Warsaw Office, Policy Fellow Marta Prochwicz Jazowska – European Council on Foreign Relations★ Célia Belin, Head, ECFR Paris, Senior Policy FellowCélia Belin – European Council on Foreign RelationsThis discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic challenges faced by Europe and actionable ideas for enhancing its security sovereignty amidst a complex geopolitical environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe stands at a pivotal moment in its security future — public support is higher than ever for investing in defence, yet deep challenges threaten to undermine that momentum. Are European leaders ready to capitalise on this rare window of opportunity before elections, economic crises, and geopolitical tensions redirect attention elsewhere?In this four episode series, Making Defence European Again, four of our ECFR fellows discuss analysis and advice on the future of European security.In this eye-opening episode, we explore the paradox of European defence: while polls show Europeans desire greater security and support increased military spending, lingering doubts, economic worries, and electoral fears complicate the path forward. Pawel, a polling expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, reveals how recent shifts in public opinion—from wariness of the US to a cautious optimism about Europe—offer a strategic moment for leaders to push bold defence reforms.You'll discover:▶︎The surprising data showing Europeans simultaneously distrust the US and believe in their own collective security.▶︎Why Europe's perception of threats varies dramatically across countries—and how this influences their willingness to invest more in defense.▶︎How recent geopolitical turmoil — from Trump's threats to Russia's hybrid threats — has shifted public sentiment.Why this summer is critical: a rare alignment of public support, political will, and geopolitical urgency.▶︎The massive reforms needed for Europe to genuinely "make defence European again," including conscription and institutional changes.But missing this opportunity could have lasting consequences. Without decisive action, European nations risk squandering their mandate for stronger security in the face of rising threats and increasing electoral uncertainty. The stakes are high: innovate now, or fall behind in a world where only powerful, cohesive European defence can ensure stability.Perfect for policymakers, security enthusiasts, and anyone invested in Europe's future — this episode offers a strategic roadmap for turning public support into concrete, lasting change before the window closes.Join us to uncover how Europe’s moment for defence reform could be game-changing — if leaders step up.2026 © A production from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) This work was supported in part by a grant from the Open Society Foundations.☛ Resources & Links:Home alone: Europeans are ready to defend themselves – European Council on Foreign RelationsMaking defence European again – European Council on Foreign Relations☛ Speakers:★ Paweł Zerka, Senior Policy Fellow Paweł Zerka – European Council on Foreign Relations ★ Marta Prochwicz Jazowska, Deputy Head, Warsaw Office, Policy FellowMarta Prochwicz Jazowska – European Council on Foreign Relations★ Jana Kobzová, Co-director, European Security Programme, Senior Policy FellowJana Kobzová – European Council on Foreign Relations★ Célia Belin, Head, ECFR Paris, Senior Policy FellowCélia Belin – European Council on Foreign RelationsThis discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic challenges faced by Europe and actionable ideas for enhancing its security sovereignty amidst a complex geopolitical environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring the current state of European security, NATO's future, and the evolving role of the United States in protecting Europe. Experts from the European Council on Foreign Relations share their perspectives on threats, alliances, and strategic autonomy.In this four episode series, Making Defence European Again, four of our ECFR fellows discuss analysis and advice on the future of European security.Key topics discussed:▶︎The shifting US military presence in Europe and implications for NATO▶︎ The significance of Article 5 and European dependence on American capabilities▶︎ How Poland and other Eastern European countries are strengthening their military posture▶︎ The risks and opportunities of transforming European security architecture▶︎ The impact of American political unpredictability, especially under Donald Trump▶︎ The role of European Union and bilateral treaties in defense cooperation▶︎ Assessing whether Europeans can rely on NATO and how to enhance sovereignty▶︎ Recommendations for Europe to develop its own strategic defense capabilities2026 © A production from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) This work was supported in part by a grant from the Open Society Foundations.☛ Resources & Links:https://ecfr.eu/publication/making-de...https://ecfr.eu/article/hold-the-line...☛ Speakers:★ Marta Prochwicz Jazowska, Deputy Head, Warsaw Office, Policy Fellow https://ecfr.eu/profile/marta-prochwi...★ Jana Kobzová, Co-director, European Security Programme, Senior Policy Fellow https://ecfr.eu/profile/jana_kobzova/★ Célia Belin, Head, ECFR Paris, Senior Policy Fellowhttps://ecfr.eu/profile/celia-belin/★ Paweł Zerka, Senior Policy Fellow https://ecfr.eu/profile/pawel_zerka/ This discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic challenges faced by Europe and actionable ideas for enhancing its security sovereignty amidst a complex geopolitical environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The future of Europe may be shaping up to look very different—and far more unpredictable. As France stands on the brink of a potentially historic election, experts reveal the high stakes and hidden risks that could reshape European unity, security, and global influence. If a far-right candidate like Jordan Bardella or Marine Le Pen takes power, what does that mean for NATO, European integration, and the continent’s strategic autonomy?In this four episode series, Making Defence European Again, four of our ECFR fellows discuss analysis and advice on the future of European security.In this episode, we dive deep into France's evolving political landscape amid rising nationalism, dissect the long-term implications for EU cohesion, and explore what Europe's neighbors should be preparing for. You'll learn how internal struggles within France could fragment alliances, weaken shared defenses, and upend the delicate balance of trust and cooperation—raising urgent questions for every European nation.We break down:▶︎The shifting sands of France’s presidential race and how elections historically alter European stability▶︎Why a far-right government might pursue a more unilateral foreign policy and “renegotiate” its role in NATO and EU defense▶︎How French electoral mechanics and public sentiment set the stage for a potential radical left-right showdown▶︎The implications of France’s domestic economic strains on its foreign policy priorities▶︎What European allies can do—early engagement, diplomacy, or containment—to mitigate unpredictable outcomesThis episode is essential watching if you’re concerned about the future of European security, the stability of NATO, or whether nationalism will tip the continent into new uncertainties. Whether you're a policy enthusiast, a security analyst, or simply curious about how France’s political shifts could echo across borders—you’ll find critical insights and a sobering look at what’s at stake.With expert insights from fellows tracking European politics, and strategic analysis from insiders who understand France’s complex journey—this conversation illuminates the risks, opportunities, and critical decisions that could shape Europe’s next chapter.Are we heading toward a more divided and isolated Europe? Or can early diplomacy and strategic foresight turn the tide? Tune in to find out—because what happens in France could determine Europe's future for decades to come.2026 © A production from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) This work was supported in part by a grant from the Open Society Foundations.☛ Resources & Links:https://ecfr.eu/publication/if-bardel...https://ecfr.eu/publication/making-de...☛ Speakers:★ Célia Belin, Head, ECFR Paris, Senior Policy Fellowhttps://ecfr.eu/profile/celia-belin/★ Marta Prochwicz Jazowska, Deputy Head, Warsaw Office, Policy Fellow https://ecfr.eu/profile/marta-prochwi...★ Jana Kobzová, Co-director, European Security Programme, Senior Policy Fellow https://ecfr.eu/profile/jana_kobzova/★ Paweł Zerka, Senior Policy Fellow https://ecfr.eu/profile/pawel_zerka/ This discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic challenges faced by Europe and actionable ideas for enhancing its security sovereignty amidst a complex geopolitical environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.