UnderStated Audio

In the last part of our season finale, Ishaan, Jonah, and KJ consider the future of the Quad, and if it can stand up to pressure from those that oppose it.

In the second third of our discussion on the Quad, Ishaan, Jonah, and KJ explore the inner workings of the Quad, its prospects for continued cooperation and the possibility of expansion.

In the first third of our discussion on the Quad, Ishaan, Jonah, and KJ explore why the Quad was formed and how China has viewed and reacted to it

In the second half of our discussion on Japan-Taiwan ties, Ishaan, Jonah, and KJ explore the Japanese perspective, the domestic drivers of Japan-Taiwan ties and possible future scenarios for the relationship. In addition, we talk pineapples.

Discussions of the Taiwan Strait and an invasion contingency usually revolve around the U.S. and China. But what about other states? In this episode, Ishaan, Jonah, and KJ discuss the growing ties between Tokyo and Taipei. What is the historical context of Japan-Taiwan relations? What can Japan offer Taiwan now, or in the invasion contingency? How does this fit in Taiwan's wider network of relationships, within and without the region?

Part 2 of our discussion about democracy promotion with Ishaan, Jonah, KJ and guest host Hari Saathvik of Minerva Youth, an online political education platform made by youths, for youths. They discuss whether democracy is universally viewed as a normative or inherent good in different societies, whether democracy and good governance must necessarily come together, how to evaluate democracy promotion as a whole strategic approach as well as the individual forms democracy promotion can take.

In this episode, Ishaan, Jonah and KJ are joined by Hari Saathvik of Minerva Youth, an online political education platform made by youths, for youths. They discuss the late Madeliene Albright's call for US leadership in global democracy, why countries promote democracy and why such ambitions often fail.

In part two of our discussion on Russia's geopolitical position, Ishaan, KJ and Jonah delve deeper into the present Russian invasion of Ukraine. We discuss the risks of escalation and NATO responses, the security of the Russian regime and lessons that China might learn from this crisis.

In this first episode of Understated Audio, Ishaan is joined by Jonah and KJ to talk about Russia, its geopolitical position and its place within, without and in opposition to European security architecture.