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AIES Podcast

Politics on Point – The AIES Podcast

In our "Politics on Point" AIES Podcast series, we shed a light on global affairs and the most pressing political issues of our time. From unfolding events to long-term trends and our most recent publications, we aim to bring the world a step closer to our audience, one podcast at a time.

17.12.25 / Aus Sicherer Quelle – by Christoph Schwarz & Nick Nieschalke, S01 E02

Künstliche Intelligenz und Autonome Waffensysteme mit Elisabeth Hoffberger-Pippan

In der zweiten Folge von "Aus sicherer Quelle" sprechen Christoph Schwarz und Nick Nieschalke mit Elisabeth Hoffberger-Pippan über das Thema KI & Autonome Waffensysteme im modernen Krieg. Denn natürlich ist KI nicht nur aus dem Alltag von vielen von uns nicht mehr wegzudenken, sondern längst auch im Bereich der Sicherheitspolitik angekommen. Konkret heißt das, dass jetzt schon in Kriegen auf der ganzen Welt Waffen eingesetzt werden, die auf Basis von oder zumindest mit der Hilfe von KI Entscheidungen treffen.

Da stellen sich natürlich sofort eine Menge Fragen: Wie gefährlich sind solche Waffensysteme? Wer kontrolliert und reguliert sie und geht das überhaupt? Und wer trägt die Verantwortung für Entscheidungen über Leben und Tod, wenn der Mensch immer mehr in den Hintergrund gerät?

Antworten auf diese und viele weitere Fragen findet ihr in der heutigen Folge - viel Spaß beim Hören.

11.11.25 / Aus Sicherer Quelle – by Christoph Schwarz & Nick Nieschalke, S01 E01

Das internationale System mit Carlo Masala

Wie funktioniert das internationale System? Wer bestimmt die Spielregeln und was haben Gorillas und Schimpansen damit zu tun? Carlo Masala, Professor für Internationale Politik an der Universität der Bundeswehr in München, ist bei uns zu Gast um diese und viele weitere spannende Fragen zu besprechen.

11.12.24 / Episode 24 / Special Transatlantic Talks Series

Countering Foreign Information Manipulation

In this last episode of the Special Transatlantic Talks series, we explore approaches to counter foreign information manipulation, the different approaches in the US and the Europe, as well as specific tools such as the Hamilton 2.0 dashboard.

Moderated by AIES Director Michael Zinkanell, this discussion features Bret Schafer, Senior Fellow for Media and Digital Disinformation at the Alliance for Securing Democracy and creator of Hamilton 2.0, a tool tracking Russian, Chinese, and Iranian state media. The session focuses on foreign interference, emphasizing how disinformation, distinct from misinformation, involves deliberate efforts to mislead. Bret explores tools like the Hamilton 2.0 Dashboard and Information Laundromat that expose state-sponsored narratives and promote transparency. The discussion also addresses how global coordination, media literacy, and individual responsibility are essential to counter disinformation, while contrasting the U.S. and EU approaches to regulation and platform accountability.

This special series is conducted in partnership with YATA Austria, the Young Transatlantic Initiative, and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.

29.11.24 / Episode 23 / Special Transatlantic Talks Series

Austria's Evolving Defence Partnership with the U.S.

In this episode of the Special Transatlantic Talks series, we explore Austria’s defence partnership with the United States and the implications of this cooperation for both countries, especially in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Moderated by AIES Research Fellow Ulf Steindl, the discussion features a distinguished guest, Major General Norbert Huber, who serves as Austria's Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Attaché to the United States, Canada, and Brazil. With decades of experience in the Austrian Armed Forces, including leadership roles in armament procurement and force development, Major General Huber offers unique insights into Austria's strategic reasons for defence cooperation with the U.S. and the benefits of the State Partnership Programme with Vermont. The episode also covers Austria’s partnership with NATO and its complementarity with U.S. defence relations, as well as Austria’s utilization of U.S. defence procurement programmes.

This special series is conducted in partnership with YATA Austria, the Young Transatlantic Initiative, and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.

23.10.24 / Episode 22 / Special Transatlantic Talks Series

Navigating the 2024 U.S. Elections - A Bipartisan Dialogue

In this episode of Transatlantic Talks, we dive into the pivotal implications of the 2024 U.S. elections on both domestic and foreign policy. Moderated by Michael Zinkanell, Director of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES), this bipartisan discussion features two distinguished guests:

  • Mark Pfeifle, founder and president of Off the Record Strategies. Previously, he served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication at the White House. As a recognized leader in crisis communications, digital media, and cyber security, Pfeifle is a frequent expert commentator for major outlets like CBS, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.
  • Jason Altmire, a former U.S. Congressman who served three terms in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013. Now a leading public affairs consultant, Altmire is also the author of Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It. Known for his centrist voting record, he frequently contributes to The Hill and appears on national news programs.

The episode covers the stark contrasts between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s leadership styles, as well as their differing approaches to foreign policy, including relations with China, NATO, and the EU. The discussion also highlights the growing challenges of artificial intelligence, disinformation, and how these factors may impact electoral integrity. Additionally, the speakers explore the potential shifts in transatlantic relations based on the election outcome.

This special series is conducted in partnership with YATA Austria, the Young Transatlantic Initiative, and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.

01.10.24 / Episode 21 / Special Transatlantic Talks Series

A Deep Dive into the US Presidential Elections

In the second episode of the Transatlantic Talks series, we explore the potential impact of the upcoming US presidential elections on transatlantic relations. This episode, originally a virtual video discussion held on September 3, 2024, features an expert panel moderated by David Kirsch. The discussion includes:

  • Elmar Theveßen, Washington Bureau Chief for ZDF
  • Julius van de Laar, political consultant
  • Knut Dethlefsen, project director at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Brussels
  • Sergey Lagodinsky, Member of the European Parliament, Greens/EFA
  • Paul Aigner, US election analyst

The panel delves into Kamala Harris’s campaign following Joe Biden's resignation, the significance of her running mate Tim Walz, and the implications for US-European relations. Key insights focus on the importance of swing states, the influence of key demographics, and concerns about possible unrest following a close election.

This special series is conducted in partnership with YATA Austria, the Young Transatlantic Initiative, and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.

17.09.24 / Episode 20 / Special Transatlantic Talks Series

Europe’s Defence Reinvestment and NATO’s Future

In this inaugural episode of the Transatlantic Talks series, we explore the future of Europe’s defence strategy amidst an evolving transatlantic security landscape. Featuring special guest Michael Kofman, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, this episode delves into NATO’s strategic priorities following the war in Ukraine and the inclusion of Finland and Sweden in the alliance. Join host Michael Zinkanell, Director of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES), as they discuss the challenges of European military investment, NATO's regional defence initiatives, and the broader implications for the U.S.-Europe relationship.

This special series is conducted in partnership with YATA Austria and the Young Transatlantic Initiative, and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.

14.08.23 / Episode 19 / Special Series on the EU as a global actor

EU-AU Relations: An Outlook for the Intercontinental Partnership

In this episode, Research Fellow Livia Benko is in conversation with Kwame Owino, Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of Economic Affairs Kenya (IEA), to discuss the current state of EU-AU relations against the background of dramatic changes in the international system - above all the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This episode is the last in a 4-part special series on the EU as a global actor. Other episodes of this series focus on the EU's relations with the China, ASEAN, as well as the US.

This special series is conducted in partnership with the Multilateral Dialoge Vienna of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

08.08.23 / Episode 18 / Special Series on the EU as a global actor

EU-ASEAN Relations: Potential for Enhanced Cooperation

In this episode, Director Michael Zinkanell is in conversation with Choi Shing Kwok, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, to discuss the current state of EU-ASEAN relations against the background of dramatic changes in the international system - above all the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This episode is the third in a 4-part special series on the EU as a global actor. Other episodes of this series focus on the EU's relations with the China, the US, as well as the African Union.

This special series is conducted in partnership with the Multilateral Dialoge Vienna of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

20.07.23 / Episode 17 / Special Series on the EU as a global actor

EU-US Relations: A Solid Alliance in a Shifting Global Landscape?

In this episode, Associate Fellow Nick Nieschalke is in conversation with Max Bergmann, the director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the Stuart Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), to discuss the current state of transatlantic relations against the background of dramatic changes in the international system – above all the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This episode is the second in a 4-part special series on the EU as a global actor. Other episodes of this series focus on the EU's relations with the China, ASEAN, as well as the African Union.

This special series is conducted in partnership with the Multilateral Dialoge Vienna of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

30.05.23 / Episode 16 / Special Series on the EU as a global actor

EU-China Relations: Between Economic Competitor & Systemic Rival

In this episode, Associate Fellow Lawrence Kettle is in conversation with Una Aleksandra Bērziṇa-Čerenkova, Head of the Political Science PhD programme and the Director of the China Studies Centre at Riga Stradins University, to discuss current challenges and developments in EU-China relations. 

This episode is the first in a 4-part special series on the EU as a global actor. Future episodes of this series will focus on the EU's relations with the United States, ASEAN, as well as the African Union.

This special series is conducted in partnership with the Multilateral Dialoge Vienna of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

27.08.21 / Episode 15 / Special Series on US-Europe Relations

Is the West prepared for War?

In the final episode of the special series on US-Europe relations, Senior Advisor Velina Tchakarova talked to Dakota Wood, Senior Research Fellow for Defense Programs at the Heritage Foundation, about the prospects of and the West's preparedness for a next Great War.

20.08.21 / Episode 14 / Special Series on US-Europe Relations

Emerging Threats to US and EU Security

In the sixth episode of the special series on US-Europe relations, Director Michael Zinkanell talked to Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security, about the broad spectrum of emerging threats to US and EU security and how the transatlantic community could become more resilient going forward.

30.07.21 / Episode 13 / Special Series on US-Europe Relations

The US View on European Defence

In the fifth episode of the special series on US-EU relations, Senior Research Fellow Sofia-Maria Satanakis talked to Benjamin Haddad, Director of the Europe Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C., about the US perspective on European defence efforts and integration.

23.07.21 / Episode 12 / Special Series on US-Europe Relations

The Global Order

In the fourth episode of the special series on US-Europe relations, Senior Advisor Velina Tchakarova talked to Dr. Andrew A. Michta, Dean of the College of International and Security Studies at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, about the global order and transatlantic cooperation in the face of challenges posed by China and Russia.

15.07.21 / Episode 11 / Special Series on US-Europe Relations

The Importance of US-EU Climate Diplomacy

In the third episode of the special series on US-Europe relations, project manager Katrin Süss talks to Nathaniel O. Keohane, President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), about Climate Diplomacy and the role that the US and Europe have to play in the international effort against climate change.

01.07.21 / Episode 10 / Special Series on US-Europe Relations

The Future of NATO

In the second episode of the special series on US-Europe relations, Christoph Schwarz, Research Fellow, talks to Rachel Rizzo, Director of Programs at the Truman Center, on how NATO is living up to the internal and external challenges that the Alliance is facing in the 21st century.

24.06.21 / Episode 09 / Special Series on US-Europe Relations

Biden's First 100 Days

In the first episode of the special series on US-Europe relations, president Dr. Werner Fasslabend is in a conversation with the author, professor, and scholar Stanley R. Sloan about the first hundred days of the Biden administration. Sloan, expert on transatlantic relations and US foreign policy, shares his insights about the possible implications of President Joe Biden for the US, Europe, and the world at large.

13.05.21 / Episode 08

Cyber-Security Exercises

In this episode, Julia Schuetze and Rebecca Beigel from the Berlin-based think tank Stiftung Neue Verantwortung (SNV) join Director Michael Zinkanell in a discussion about the relevance and benefits of cyber-security exercises in effectively countering threats in this domain.

10.05.21 / Episode 07

The Shift in Turkey’s Foreign Policy

In the seventh episode of the AIES Politics on Point Podcast, Senior Research Fellow Sofia-Maria Satanakis and AIES Project Coordinator Katrin Süss share their findings about the shift in Turkey's Foreign Policy based on their recent publication on this matter.

08.04.21 / Episode 06 / Pt. 2

EU Trends in 2021 – Recovery from COVID-19 pandemic

In the second of two episodes about EU trends in 2021, AIES experts Katrin Süss, Sofia-Maria Satanakis, and Christoph Schwarz explore the EU's recovery from Covid-19, European security and defence, as well as the developments in global and European space affairs.

16.03.21 / Episode 05 / Pt. 1

EU Trends in 2021 – In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

In the first of two episodes about EU trends in 2021, AIES experts Velina Tchakarova, Michael Zinkanell, and Livia Benko explore the geopolitical macro-developments, European integration in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the regional stability in and around Europe.

17.11.20 / Episode 04

Online Disinformation – A Threat to Democracy

In the fourth episode of the AIES podcast Politics on Point, Director Michael Zinkanell shares his knowledge on the strategies, goals, and consequences of online disinformation campaigns. He furthermore discusses what we as a democratic society can do, in order to become more resilient in the face of deliberate attacks on the legitimacy and trust in our institutions.

01.10.20 / Episode 03

Global System Outlook

In the third episode of the AIES Podcast, Velina Tchakarova, Senior Advisor, shares her insights on the underlying transformative processes and changing power structures in the Global System, discussing the trends that will shape the next decade in international relations.

04.08.20 / Episode 02

Austria-China Relations during Covid-19

While the Covid-19 crisis has not induced a restructuring of Sino-Austrian relations, it might intensify Austria's European engagement regarding China. Austria might hence be impelled to continue on a national level its policy of neutrality and non-confrontational approach towards China but increase its engagement on a European level. Research Associates Sofia-Maria Satanakis and Lucas Erlbacher discuss the state of the Austria-China relation during the Covid-19 crisis. Lucas Erlbacher is the author of the Austrian Chapter in the Special Report 'Covid-19 and Europe-China Relations' by the European Think-Tank Network on China (ETNC).

15.07.20 / Episode 01

The Increasing Militariziation of Space

Senior Research Associate Sofia-Maria Satanakis, talks with AIES Intern and co-author of the AIES Fokus Paper "Space Race 2.0 - Renewed Great Power Competition in the Earth's Orbit", Christoph Schwarz, about the increasing militarization of outer space. Also, Sebastien Moranta from the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) joins the conversation to provide a deeper insight about military space activities at EU level.