When world leaders descend on New York in September, they’ll gather for a “Summit of the Future,” an eleventh-hour attempt to make the United Nations system more credible in the public eye. Ahead of that high-level debate, join us in The Delegates Lounge as we delve deep into the world body’s response to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine; the great power rivalries between China, Russia and the United States; the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. election on multilateralism; and the challenges to reforming the Security Council as the UN debates its own future.

J. Alex Tarquinio chats with Richard Gowan, our guest in The Delegates Lounge and a familiar face around the UN hallways here in New York after 20 years of monitoring the global institution. He’s the UN Director at the International Crisis Group, an independent nonprofit, non-governmental organization committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict. He oversees the global NGO’s advocacy work at the UN, liaising with diplomats and officials in New York.

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Richard Gowan (guest). @RichardGowan1 of @crisisgroup on X, formerly known as Twitter.

References: 

A recent article by Richard Gowan on the “Pact for the Future” to be discussed at the “Summit of the Future,” which he mentioned in the interview. The draft version that he reviews here was released on July 17, after the interview in this episode.

https://www.justsecurity.org/98128/united-nations-pact-for-future/

The article by Richard Gowan about the recent U.K. election mentioned in our conversation.

https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/uk-foreign-policy-united-nations/

The host mentioned Martin Griffiths, who was the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator until the end of June 2024. In his final press briefing on June 4, well before the recent pause in UN aid deliveries to Gaza, Griffiths spoke about the challenges of providing security for aid deliveries to Gaza. He specifically addressed the issue of the stolen trucks at several points in his final press briefing, including at the 14-minute, the 26:30-minute, and the 44-minute marks in the following video. 

https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k16/k16fjab6eu

The host mentioned that the UN “was not very present” at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine in Bürgenstock, Switzerland in June 2024. The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo attended the summit as an observer.

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa/aktuell/dossiers/konferenz-zum-frieden-ukraine.html

The host and guest discussed the U.S. financial contributions to the UN system. These are explained in the following “backgrounder” article by the Council on Foreign Relations, “Funding the United Nations: How Much Does the U.S. Pay?”

https://www.cfr.org/article/funding-united-nations-what-impact-do-us-contributions-have-un-agencies-and-programs

Hear directly from the defense minister of Estonia and the foreign ministers of Spain and Czechia. We caught up with these high-level ministers on the sidelines of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C. this summer. Our conversation highlights the urgency for NATO allies to increase military spending and support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Delve into the significance of past NATO summits on U.S. politics and the growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing the interconnectedness of global threats and the importance of transatlantic solidarity.

In this episode, we’ll explore NATO’s southern and eastern flanks in exclusive interviews that J. Alex Tarquinio, our host in The Delegates Lounge, held with Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, and Czechia’s Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. Each of the ministers emphasized the global nature of security threats today, and how what happens in the Middle East and even as far off as the Indo-Pacific region affects the security of the Transatlantic alliance. We also spoke about the use of sanctions. This was before the new set of sanctions imposed by the United States on August 23rd on hundreds of businesses and business people to counteract what Washington describes as sanctions evasion, which we discuss in the introduction to the episode.

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Defense Minister (guest). @HPevkur of @MoD_Estonia on X, formerly known as Twitter.

José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Foreign Minister (guest). @jmalbares of @SpainMFA on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Jan Lipavský, Czechia’s Foreign Minister (guest). @JanLipavsky of @CzechMFA on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

References:

The NATO Washington Summit Declaration referred to the People’s Republic of China as a “decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine” and to Ukraine’s “irreversible” path towards NATO membership.

https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_227678.htm

This year, NATO estimates that 23 of the 32 member states will reach the goal of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense.

https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_226465.htm

A few days before attending the NATO Washington Summit, Japan announced that it would work with Cambodia on a project to bolster Ukraine’s training and equipment for demining operations.

https://apnews.com/article/japan-cambodia-demining-ukraine-278a7c572b93ee3e9b4d1aa4c912a672

On August 23, the United States imposed new sanctions on around 400 companies and individuals — both inside and outside of Russia — that Washington accuses of enabling the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine by supporting Moscow’s military-industrial base. 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2546

https://www.state.gov/new-measures-to-degrade-russias-wartime-economy/

What if the melting Arctic ice could reshape global power dynamics? Join us as we sit down with Norway's Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, to discuss the emerging significance of the Arctic region in today's geopolitical landscape. From the creation of new sea routes to the evolving strategic challenges in the Arctic, Minister Eide offers an in-depth look at the interplay between environmental change and international diplomacy. J. Alex Tarquinio, our host in The Delegates Lounge, sat down with Norway’s foreign minister during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington. 

With the accession of Finland and Sweden into NATO, the Russian Federation is now the only Arctic state that’s not a member of NATO. But Moscow has more military bases within the Arctic Circle than the NATO members overall. For its part, China has declared itself a “near Arctic nation,” a claim that Norway’s foreign minister brushed aside.

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Foreign Minister (guest). @EspenBarthEide of @NorwayMFA on X, formerly known as Twitter.

References:

Espen Barth Eide, during his first term as foreign minister, in the government of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, invited NATO members to the Arctic in 2013.

https://www.nato.int/docu/review/articles/2013/05/06/the-changing-arctic-how-involved-should-nato-be/index.html

Russia's military bases inside the Arctic Circle outnumber NATO’s, according to data compiled by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and Reuters.

https://www.reuters.com/graphics/ARCTIC-SECURITY/zgvobmblrpd/

The United States, Canada, and Finland announced the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, or “ICE Pact."

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/11/biden-harris-administration-announces-new-polar-partnership-ice-pact-alongside-finland-and-canada/

For more on the sanctions, refer to the U.S. Treasury and State Department press releases.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2546

https://www.state.gov/new-measures-to-degrade-russias-wartime-economy/

The United Nations published its latest sea-level rise report in August.

https://www.un.org/climatechange/reports/sea-level-rise

The conversation included a discussion about the influence of the Norwegian political thriller TV series set in the near future "Occupied."

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4192998/

Program Note:

The sharp-eared among you will have noted the bird calls. We received permission from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Macaulay Library for the recording of the Ivory Gull, a Near Threatened Arctic bird.

Credit: Ivory Gull by Stewart D. MacDonald; Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Macaulay Library

While at the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C. in July we had the good fortune to cross paths with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition in exile. In our exclusive interview, she highlighted the moral duty of democratic nations to support both Belarus and Ukraine. Sviatlana frames this commitment as a crucial investment in global security.
 
We asked her how she saw the future in Belarus after Lukashenko. The conversation also brought into the light the significant role of Belarusian volunteers fighting in Ukraine and the profound risks they and their families face. Tune in for this riveting conversation on the future of Belarus and the broader battle for democracy around the world.

Speakers:

The host is J. Alex Tarquinio. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Our guest is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. @Tsihanouskaya on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

References:

The Washington Post opinion article by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and former U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/09/nato-putin-lukashenko-pelosi-tikhanovskaya/

The Foreign Policy article about the election between Belarus and Slovenia for a seat on the United Nations Security Council by our podcast host J. Alex Tarquinio.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/09/belarus-slovenia-russia-united-nations-security-council-rotating-seat/

Join us as we sit down with Ambassador Robert Wood, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, for an exclusive conversation about the effort to get the Pact for the Future approved and the expectations from it to include the critical need for Security Council reform to make the UN system more effective and legitimate.

As we shift focus to some of the world's most urgent conflicts, we navigate the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the ongoing situation in Ukraine. We also analyze Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East and their nuclear advancements. Don't forget to tune in and connect with us on social media to stay updated on world affairs.

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Ambassador Robert Wood, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations (guest). The U.S. Mission to the United Nations can be found at @USUN on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

References:

Alex, our podcast host, wrote the United Nations General Assembly curtain raiser for Foreign Policy, and in it, she explains the 'Pact for the Future,' and quotes Ambassador Robert Wood along with other UN experts. Here's a gift link for nonsubscribers.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/23/unga-summit-united-nations-dysfunction-guterres-russia/

The Pact for the Future is explained in this site about the Summit of the Future.

https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/pact-for-the-future

In recent remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, discussed the U.S. commitment and vision for reforming the United Nations Security Council.

https://www.cfr.org/event/conversation-us-ambassador-united-nations-linda-thomas-greenfield

Listen in on our conversation with Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, as he explains the intricate connections between global diplomacy and digital innovation. We caught up with Estonia's foreign minister during the United Nations General Assembly week. Our discussion touched on the Pact for the Future and Estonia's leadership in digital innovation and cybersecurity, exploring his take on the delicate balance between fighting Artificial Intelligence-driven disinformation and preserving freedom of speech.

This segment also highlights how digital voting has boosted voter participation in Estonia, especially among younger and mobility-challenged populations, and the critical role of providing objective information to support democratic debates and informed decision-making. Finally, he described his views on the relationship between the conflicts in the Middle East and in Ukraine and explained what he thinks "it" means when talking about victory for Ukraine.

Join us for this episode that navigates the complexities of international diplomacy, cybersecurity, and AI.

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia (guest). @Tsahkna of @MFAestonia on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

References:

Alex, our podcast host, wrote the United Nations General Assembly curtain raiser for Foreign Policy, and in it, she explains the Pact for the Future, and quotes Ambassador Robert Wood along with other UN experts. Here's a gift link for nonsubscribers.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/23/unga-summit-united-nations-dysfunction-guterres-russia/

The Pact for the Future is explained in this site about the Summit of the Future.

https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/pact-for-the-future

Our guest spoke about Estonia's role in the Freedom Online Coalition.

https://freedomonlinecoalition.com/

Join us for a succinct conversation with Finland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, as she shares her deep views on the Pact for the Future straight from the United Nations General Assembly Week. Minister Valtonen emphasizes the pressing need for equitable funding access for developing countries and the critical role of public-private partnerships and transparent tax systems in achieving economic stability in the Global South. We also delve into the repercussions of sanctions on Russia, examining their complex influence on Russia's inflation and interest rates.

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland (guest). @elinavaltonen of @Ulkoministerio on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

References:

Alex, our podcast host, wrote the United Nations General Assembly curtain raiser for Foreign Policy, and in it, she explains the Pact for the Future. Here's a gift link for nonsubscribers.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/23/unga-summit-united-nations-dysfunction-guterres-russia/

The Pact for the Future is explained on this site about the Summit of the Future.

https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/pact-for-the-future

We spoke about the high interest rates in Russia and Central Bank of Russia Chief Elvira Nabiullina. 

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/12/11/russia-central-bank-chief-ukraine-war-ruble-value/

Discover why the traditional military doctrines are being upended as we engage with Dave Smith, a former major in the Canadian Armed Forces who made the extraordinary leap to volunteer as a fighter in Ukraine. Listen to Dave's compelling narrative about leaving a secure military career to join the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment, a unit of Belarusian Partisans opposing Alexandr Lukashenko and fighting to defend Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

J. Alex Tarquinio and Frank Radford, our hosts in The Delegates Lounge, spoke from New York, while Dave spoke from Ukraine via web conference. This is Part 1 of our conversation, which began in July with Dave's account of his journey and his insights into the war up until that point. He was about to go on a major operation. Tune in next week for Part 2. We followed up with Dave as he was ending his latest rotation on Ukraine's Eastern Front in October. As he relates his battlefield experiences, listeners will catch a rare glimpse into how international policies directly impact those on the front lines.

References: 

Dave Smith co-authored the following article in Real Clear Defense with Julian Spencer-Churchill:

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2024/07/03/a_view_from_the_trenchline_1041979.html

Dave’s recent articles in Merion West:

https://merionwest.com/2024/08/29/a-portrait-of-a-stubborn-ukrainian/

https://merionwest.com/2024/10/06/the-origins-of-a-partisan/

Dave joined the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment of Belarusian volunteers fighting in support of Ukraine.

https://kalinouski.org/en/

Dave mentioned the “Leeroy Jenkins” battle cry from this video game meme.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLyOj_QD4a4

Join Dave Smith, a former major in the Canadian Armed Forces, fighting alongside Belarusian Partisans for Ukraine. From the intense battlegrounds North of Kharkiv to the life-saving professional efforts within its hospitals, Dave offers a raw and authentic soldier's viewpoint of what it is to fight up close on the line of engagement - the Zero Line.

The conversation sheds light on the grim realities of capturing Russian conscripts and subsequent efforts at prisoner exchanges, exploring the stark differences in how Ukrainian and Russian forces handle detainees.  Dave provides insights on how compromised platforms like Telegram play a crucial role in the information war. He offers a fascinating look at the North Atlantic Fella Organization (NAFO), an internet meme movement that supports Ukraine. Dave's candid reflections, paint a vivid picture of the way in which humor enables both young and old to cope with the stresses of war.

J. Alex Tarquinio and Frank Radford, our hosts in The Delegates Lounge, spoke from New York, while Dave spoke from Ukraine via web conference. Part 1 of this conversation began in July with Dave's account of his journey and his insights into the war up until that point. This took place before his regiment was deployed to fight North of Kharkiv. For Part 2, we spoke with Dave in October, after intense combat with Russian conscripts on the Zero Line and his recent stay in a hospital in Kharkiv. He also described how soldiers use social media on the frontlines. As he relates his battlefield experiences, listeners will catch a rare glimpse into how international policies directly impact those on the front lines.

References: 

Alex mentioned an essay that she wrote for Foreign Policy about soft power which included the NAFO fellas Internet meme.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/06/russia-ukraine-soft-power-culture-diplomacy-fellas-nafo/

Dave related a story about standing in a trench and watching a video of that same position being hit two days earlier in a social media video. He graciously shared a video of that experience with us, and here are the links on Instagram and X.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCKDdJLJql4/

https://x.com/alextarquinio/status/1855287497288266063

Dave joined the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment of Belarusian volunteers fighting in support of Ukraine.

https://kalinouski.org/en/

Join us for a firsthand account of life on and near the battlelines in Eastern Ukraine by Dave Smith, a former Canadian infantry officer who resigned to fight for Ukraine. This is the third episode in our multi-part series where Dave explores the evolving tactics and motivations that define the conflict. He offers listeners a deep dive into the experiences of soldiers and citizens that’s brimming with insights into how the geopolitical climate —including the election of former American President Donald Trump and the arrival of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region — shape Ukrainian optimism despite the war weariness. 

J. Alex Tarquinio (https://x.com/alextarquinio) and Frank Radford, our hosts in The
Delegates Lounge, (https://x.com/delegateslounge) had three conversations with Dave Smith. The hosts spoke from New York, while Dave spoke from Ukraine via web conference in July and October, and from London in November.

References
In a background briefing by the U.S. Department of Defense in October, the Pentagon estimated that Russia had sustained at least 600,000 casualties, including killed and wounded, since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Some estimates range much higher.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3932364/a-senior-
defense-and-military-official-host-a-background-briefing-on-russias-wa/

The Pentagon estimated in November that 11,000 North Korean troops had moved into Russia’s Kursk region.
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3968230/north-korean-troops-enter-kursk-where-ukrainians-are-fighting/

Radio Free Europe published an article last year citing some Russian contract soldiers and their families claiming that the state hadn’t honored payments or pardons promised in their contracts. A Reuters photo in the article was reminiscent of the Squid Games drama.
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-systema-investigation-contract-soldiers-pay-pardons-promises-broken/32676712.html

We shared some of our guest’s bylines with listeners in the show notes for the first
episode in this mini-series. Here is his latest essay about his life in Kharkiv for the online magazine Merion West.
https://merionwest.com/2024/11/27/at-home-in-the-war/

Embark on a culinary exploration with us as we uncover the cherished comfort foods and cultural tales shared by diplomats from an assortment of countries. These twelve diplomats offer insights into how food can serve as a bridge between peoples both past and present.

For the “Dining with a Dozen Diplomats” culinary special episode, our host J. Alex Tarquinio chatted with foreign ministers, with permanent representatives, so-called because they lead their country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and with the president of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club. 

Contributors:

The Delegates Lounge

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge

Australia

H.E. Rebecca Bryant, Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations. @BecsBry   @AustraliaUN

Brazil

The Consulate General of Brazil in New York. @Itamaraty_EN 

Cyprus

H.E. Maria Michail, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations. @MichailmariaCY   @CyprusinUN

The Czech Republic (Czechia)

H.E. Martin Dvořák, Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic. @_MartinDvorak   @CzechMFA

Estonia

H.E. Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia. @Tsahkna   @MFAestonia

Finland

H.E. Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland. @elinavaltonen   @Ulkoministerio 

Malta

H.E. Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations. @_VanessaFrazier @MaltaUNMission

Portugal

H.E. Rui Vinhas, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations.

Slovenia

Mr. Klemen Ponikvar, Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the United Nations. @SLOtoUN 

Switzerland

H.E. Pascale Baeriswyl, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations. @SwissAmbUN_NY   @swiss_un

United States

H.E. Robert A. Wood, Alternate Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations. @USUN

Zambia

Mrs. Cecilia Kanyangwa Milambo, President of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club and of the United Nations African Ambassadors Spouses Group; spouse of H.E. Dr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations. https://www.facebook.com/UNDWCNewyork/

References: 

My Foreign Policy essay about Slovenia’s campaign for an elected seat on the United Nations Security Council.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/09/belarus-slovenia-russia-united-nations-security-council-rotating-seat/

Recipes referred to can be found on our website: https://thedelegateslounge.com/

Welcome back to the second part of our culinary special podcast miniseries: “Dining with a Dozen Diplomats.” Discover how joining together over a simmering pot of gumbo or carving a roast lamb can bridge cultural divides and foster diplomacy. Above all, get ready for some practical tips on hosting with warmth and creativity, even when things don't go according to plan. In the first episode, in our playlist below, our host J. Alex Tarquinio elicited recipes and reminisces from foreign ministers and permanent representatives, so-called because they lead their country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. In this episode, we continue the conversation with ambassadors and with the president of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club, as we delve deep into the secret sauce of gastrodiplomacy.

Contributors:

The Delegates Lounge

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge

Australia

H.E. Rebecca Bryant, Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations. @BecsBry  @AustraliaUN

Malta

H.E. Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations. @_VanessaFrazier   @MaltaUNMission

United States

H.E. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations. @USUN 

Zambia

Mrs. Cecilia Kanyangwa Milambo, President of the United Nations Delegations Spouse’s Club and of the United Nations African Ambassadors Spouses Group; spouse of H.E. Dr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations. https://www.facebook.com/UNDWCNewyork/

References

The host mentioned her essay about soft power in Foreign Policy:

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/06/russia-ukraine-soft-power-culture-diplomacy-fellas-nafo/

U.S. President Richard Nixon ate with chopsticks at a banquet given in his honor by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972. It’s an example of gastrodiplomacy making an impact on world history.

https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/nixon-chopsticks

Visit our website to discover some of the recipes suggested in episodes one and two of our culinary special, “Dining with a Dozen Diplomats.”

We’re beginning our second season in conversation with Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya. As listeners will recall, he challenged Russia’s representative to the United Nations during a late-night emergency session of the UN Security Council three years ago, when Russia launched a predawn invasion of his country during the meeting. We sat down with the Distinguished Representative of Ukraine earlier this month at his country’s mission to the United Nations for an exclusive exit interview, as his dramatic tenure at the United Nations is drawing to a close. 

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.

H.E. Sergiy Kyslytsya, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations (guest). @SergiyKyslytsya of @UKRinUN on X.

References:

The music from this social event that you hear briefly in the podcast was performed by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York.
https://dumkachorus.org/about

The Ukrainian ambassador challenged the Russian representative when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began during an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1j/k1j8unn1me

During the U.S. Senate confirmation hearing of the UN ambassador designate of the United States, the nominee was asked about the following presidential executive order.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/reevaluating-and-realigning-united-states-foreign-aid/

The exchange can be heard here at the 2:10-minute mark. The hearing discussed humanitarian aid for Ukrainian war refugees at the 2:24-minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeL1yQpGidg

The United States is the largest contributor to the UN budget overall and to various UN programs and agencies, which is further explained in this Foreign Policy article by our podcast host.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/

The ambassador gave a lecture at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics organized by the Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies.
https://www.kansan.com/news/ku-alum-and-ukraine-u-n-ambassador-returns-to-ku/article_69e0ae9a-a29c-11ef-a028-bbad4cd36edd.html

Some related links to the farewell party for Ukraine’s UN ambassador at the Ukrainian Institute of America.
http://bit.ly/4gcUp3F
https://ukrainianinstitute.org/
https://veselka.com/pages/veselka-the-movie

Get ready to explore the turbulent waters of transatlantic relations with our guest, French political scientist Celia Berlin. Discover how the Trump administration's controversial actions, including remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, have sent ripples across Europe, particularly in response to the tensions over Ukraine. With President Macron at the helm, rallying European leaders to counter these shifts, Celia provides a nuanced perspective on the strategic and emotional dynamics at play in European capitals as they brace for potentially profound changes in US foreign policy.

We'll navigate the shifting political currents within Europe, where figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen are recalibrating their positions in light of global developments. As we dissect the responses from the far-right, including Germany's AfD and France's Reconquête, you'll gain insight into how these parties are juggling admiration for Trump with the real-world implications of his alignment with Kremlin narratives. The episode also delves into JD Vance's incendiary address at the Munich Security Conference, sparking dialogue on free speech, political realignments, and the future of European security.

As we round out our discussion, we'll confront the broader implications of a potential second Trump administration on the transatlantic alliance, exploring how European leaders are responding to the existential question of strategic autonomy. From Macron's calls for a European army to the historical context of French skepticism towards NATO, we assess Europe's readiness to assert its significance in global affairs amid unsettling US rhetoric. Immerse yourself in this comprehensive examination of a relationship under strain and the strategies European leaders are employing to navigate these uncharted waters.

Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
https://foreignpolicy.com/author/j-alex-tarquinio/

Célia Belin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and head
of its Paris office (guest). @celiabelin on X.
https://ecfr.eu/profile/celia-belin/

References:
The host has quoted the guest in the following Foreign Policy articles.
Macron’s China Trip Is a Fool’s Errand
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/04/06/macron-france-china-visit-pension-protests/
Putin’s War is Shaking Up the French Election
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/10/russia-war-france-elections-macron/
The Education of Pap Ndiaye
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/07/17/france-politics-culture-war-education-pap-ndiaye-education-minister/

As the world marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Monday, competing resolutions at the United Nations brought tensions within the international community to the forefront. This episode dives deep into the diplomatic maneuvering and dueling agendas, revealing the complexities that reshape alliances and influence decisions made at the United Nations. As our host explains, the anniversary this week was Act One in a three-act tragedy that culminated in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28.

The guest in this episode, Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's UN ambassador who sits on the UN Security Council, offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of the negotiation process and the challenges faced by countries seeking to support Ukraine against ongoing aggression. Listeners are treated to a vivid narrative highlighting the unexpected shift in United States foreign policy and its implications for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. What does it mean when one of the most significant military powers distances itself from traditional allies? The final act played out in the Oval Office on Friday, when Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy was bushwhacked as both the U.S. president and vice president accused him of being disrepectful and unthankful.

There is a bonus segment with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski explaining how he was lied to over Shaheed drones by Iran, one of which was on display across from the UN. 

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.

Samuel Zbogar (guest). @Samuel_Zbogar of @SLOtoUN

References:

The host wrote about Slovenia's election to the UN Security Council in Foreign Policy.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/09/belarus-slovenia-russia-united-nations-security-council-rotating-seat/

Alex also wrote about the confirmation hearing of Elise Stefanik for United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/

We'll add photos and videos of the Iranian Shahed drone display on our social media.

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In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts reshaping global diplomacy with Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group's UN expert and our first-ever return guest, or "friend of the pod."

Recorded at UN headquarters while Trump and Putin conducted a phone call to discuss the war in Ukraine, our conversation captures a pivotal moment in international relations. The timing couldn't be more significant as we analyze how the Trump administration might transform the United States of America's relationship with the United Nations, not through complete withdrawal as some fear, but through strategic disengagement and funding cuts that could devastate humanitarian operations worldwide.

Gowan provides extraordinary insight into the coming UN Secretary-General race, where Latin American candidates are positioning themselves while carefully navigating the Trump administration's preferences. We explore China's calculated approach to filling potential power vacuums and examine how the U.S.-Russia rapprochement is creating an uncomfortable dynamic for traditional American allies, particularly regarding Ukraine peace negotiations.

Our conversation concludes with real-time analysis of the readout of the Trump-Putin call as it hit the host's inbox, providing listeners with expert interpretation of this crucial diplomatic engagement. Whether you're a foreign policy professional or simply concerned about global stability, this episode offers essential context for understanding how the international order is being reshaped before our eyes. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss these vital conversations at the heart of world affairs.

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.

Richard Gowan (guest). @RichardGowan1 of @crisisgroup on X.

References:

Alex wrote about Elise Stefanik's confirmation hearing to become the next United States ambassador to the United Nations in Foreign Policy.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/

Richard wrote about Trump's impact on multilateralism in Foreign Policy.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/03/trump-united-nations-multilateralism-diplomacy/

They spoke at length about Richard's recent article on China and Afghanistan for Just Security.

https://www.justsecurity.org/107832/us-china-standoff-afghanistan-un/

Alex mentioned the "virtual cookies" that she shared during UN week. Those may be found here and here.

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As President Donald Trump's self-proclaimed "Liberation Day" approaches on April 2nd, bringing with it a wave of new tariffs, we're joined by an expert who can help us parse rhetoric from reality. 

Moody's Chief Economist Mark Zandi explores the potential economic impact of broad-based tariffs on American consumers, farmers, and business owners. As chief economist, he oversees Moody’s global economic forecast. Mark is a frequent guest on American network news shows and hosts the podcast “Moody’s Talks: Inside Economics.” He has advised policymakers at all levels, including giving Congressional testimony on economic matters; so, we’re very lucky to have him help us understand the potential impacts of tariffs.

The president paints a picture of tariffs ushering in an American manufacturing renaissance. Mark explains where, from an economist’s point of view, that theory might run into road bumps. He describes “stroke of the pen risk," the paralyzing uncertainty that dissuades many businesses from making new investments, and how this could impact daily life. Stick around to the end of the episode to find out which classic movie strikes a chord with Mark right now.
 
Share your thoughts with us at the social media links below and subscribe to our show for more enlightening conversations at the intersection of global affairs and everyday life.

Speakers: 

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Mark Zandi (guest). @MarkZandi of Moody's on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

References:

Mark has a weekly economics podcast, Moody’s Talks – Inside Economics.

Alex mentioned that she had interviewed Mark in the past, most recently for a New York Times article about energy.

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