Podcast Episodes

In Moscow's Shadows 196: Space, the Failing Frontier

Episode 196

In the first half, I look at developments regarding Ukraine (I'm getting more sceptical about Putin's interest in a deal) and profile former FSB general Sergei Beseda, 'the Baron.'

In the second half,…

Published on 5 months ago

In Moscow's Shadows 195: Q&A, Part 2

Episode 195

A bonus second batch of questions, relating to war, peace and my attitudes to social media!

The CASE survey of emigre attitudes is here.

The RUSI commentary on the OSCE is here.

The podcast's corporate …

Published on 5 months ago

In Moscow's Shadows 194: Q&A, Part 1

Episode 194

Comrades! 

Forgive the tedious title, but this episode is the first of two answering questions set by my esteemed Patrons, covering Russian domestic and foreign policy, with another to follow covering…

Published on 5 months, 1 week ago

In Moscow's Shadows 193: Mishustin's Annual Report: what he says, what he doesn't

Episode 193

One, I suspect, more for the wonks. I dig into Prime Minister Mishustin's lengthy and not-so-exciting annual report to parliament, and the responses from the 'opposition' for what is said, and what's…

Published on 5 months, 2 weeks ago

In Moscow's Shadows 192: What if Ukraine could join the EU in months, not years?

Episode 192

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has suggested Ukraine should be allowed into the EU on 1 January 2030 (by which time the war will be over or frozen...). What if it could be in months not years? …

Published on 5 months, 3 weeks ago

In Moscow's Shadows 191: How is Russian Foreign Policy Made?

Episode 191

What shapes Russian foreign policy? I start by looking at the core issue of the moment, Moscow's thinking over the proposed ceasefire, then consider more broadly what kind of a bizarre and varied mix…

Published on 5 months, 4 weeks ago

In Moscow's Shadows 190: Sanctions, Spies, and Suspect Legitimacy

Episode 190

Reflecting the chaotic and fast-moving nature of the times, another podcast of two parts. In the first, looking at various issues of the week, from Trump's apparent threat to increase sanctions on Ru…

Published on 6 months ago

In Moscow's Shadows 189: Oval Office Mugging and Russia's Police in Crisis

Episode 189

Much as I would love not to have to keep talking about Trump, it's inevitable that I cover the extraordinary events of this week: Trump as King Lear, demanding obsequious flattery, Zelensky perhaps o…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

In Moscow's Shadows 188: War and Peace and Trump

Episode 188

In a more-freeform-than usual episode, I consider the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference, why Trump is such a Putin fanboy (more about being a wannabe strongman than because of any kompromat…

Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago

In Moscow's Shadows 187: Tatarstan

Episode 187

As Russia-watchers, we know that Russia is not just Russian, or Russian Orthodox, but there is also a glib assumption that to be Muslim or otherwise a minority is to be depressed, repressed, and supp…

Published on 7 months ago