ECDPM’s analysis argues that the EU and Africa aren’t just partners by choice anymore they’re increasingly bound by shared vulnerabilities. As global politics splinters into competing blocs, both regions face pressure on food security, energy access, critical minerals, and migration governance. The report makes the case for a more practical partnership: Europe needs diversified supply chains and geopolitical stability close to home, while African economies need investment, technology, and predictable market access to avoid being pulled into zero-sum competition between bigger powers. It’s less about grand summits and more about aligning concrete interests in trade, green industry, and regional security.

We can see this at work in the transformation of Morocco’s economy, which has shifted from low-value production to a hub for automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and critical supply chains linking Europe and West Africa. Morocco’s trajectory shows what an EU-Africa partnership could look like when it’s anchored in long-term investment rather than ad-hoc crisis management. In a crowded and competitive global landscape, the question isn’t whether the EU and Africa need each other; it’s whether they can build the kind of cooperation that keeps both regions from being sidelined as the world fractures.

Listen to the full podcast on ECDPM’s website.

This episode of Long Story Short, hosted by Evi Kiorri, dives into why both the European Union and the United States are scrambling to hold talks with China at the same time. The focus is on Beijing’s new export controls on rare earths and permanent magnets, materials that Europe needs to build electric vehicles, defence equipment, renewable energy systems, and digital technologies. Because China processes nearly all of the world’s critical minerals, its tightened licensing rules have left European companies waiting weeks for approvals and have raised fears about supply-chain disruption. With EU leaders warning that the bloc is dangerously dependent on China, Brussels is trying to calm tensions while quietly preparing a new strategy to diversify suppliers and reduce reliance on Chinese materials. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is meeting Xi Jinping for similar reasons, showing that both Washington and Brussels are trying to secure access before restrictions deepen.

For Germany, it is at the center of this story because its entire industrial model relies on the exact materials now caught in China’s export controls. German automakers, machinery companies, and renewable-energy firms depend heavily on Chinese rare earths to keep factories running. Berlin’s ability to deliver on its green transition, defence modernization, and industrial revival depends on securing these inputs, making China a critical and uncomfortable partner. The podcast essentially highlights Germany’s biggest strategic vulnerability: the country cannot afford a rupture with Beijing, yet staying dependent puts its economy and security at risk.

Listen to the full podcast on Spotify.

In this Berlin Briefing, DW’s Michaela Küfner spoke with EU Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius and Alexandra von Nahmen on Europe’s response to Russian provocations and the urgency of military preparedness. Kubilius emphasized that defense is now a top priority for the EU and member states. After a period of capability planning, Europe is entering the “delivery stage” with contracts, production, and procurement. Intelligence reports indicate Russia could test NATO’s Article 5 within the next few years, making rapid action essential.

Von Nahmen noted a shift in the European mindset, particularly in eastern states and Germany, recognizing the real Russian threat. Recent drone incursions over Poland and Denmark revealed capability gaps, prompting initiatives like the European Drone Defense Initiative, combining radars and acoustic sensors. Europe’s defense readiness depends on EU programs, national political will, and swift execution of strategic investments. Germany is playing a leading role, setting an example with ambitious defense spending and industrial mobilization to strengthen European security. As highlighted in the Global Peace Index 2025, Germany remains among the world’s top ten arms exporters per capita, reflecting its growing role in Europe’s defense architecture even as public debate over military spending intensifies. Balancing deterrence, diplomacy, and its long-standing pacifist tradition, Berlin faces a defining test: can it lead a collective European security response without eroding the principles that anchor its foreign policy identity?

To learn more about it, listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts.

For foreign investors and entrepreneurs, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) and its regional partners remain essential facilitators, providing tailored advice and connections across Germany’s diverse start-up landscape. From Berlin’s tech and creative hubs to regional centers like Rostock, Munich, and Frankfurt, start-ups benefit from a supportive ecosystem that bridges academic research, industry expertise, and venture capital. Initiatives such as the de:hub network subtly but effectively connect fledgling companies with established players, enabling innovation, knowledge exchange, and global expansion. With more than 1,500 new start-ups founded in the first half of 2025 alone and venture capital investments reaching around EUR 4 billion, Germany’s start-up scene is gaining momentum and attracting international attention.

The message is clear yet understated: Germany’s economic renewal is being built from the ground up—through start-ups, vibrant regional ecosystems, and international collaboration. Government support, combined with the openness of Mittelstand companies to fresh ideas, creates an environment where international entrepreneurs thrive, and a place where relationships, trust, and long-term impact matter as much as technology and innovation.

To hear the full insights and stories from Germany’s start-up scene, listen to the complete GTAI podcast episode.

In the latest episode of Diplomacy and Discourse, host A.R. maps how global power is increasingly organized around regions rather than traditional blocs. The discussion spans Eurasia’s strategic alliances (BRI, EAEU, SCO), Africa’s rising role through the AU, ECOWAS and critical minerals, and South America’s balancing act between China, the U.S., and the EU. The podcast shows how infrastructure, media, and networks not just ideology are becoming the real levers of influence in 2025. This matters because Germany’s economy and diplomacy are deeply tied into these emerging networks, from critical minerals in Africa to supply chains in Latin America. The discussion highlights a broader point: for Germany and its partners, grasping these regional shifts is key to shaping strategy in an increasingly multipolar order.

Listen to the podcast on RSS.com.

One year into President Proboa Sabianto’s term, Indonesia’s ambitious populist agenda—promising free school meals for nearly 90 million children, energy subsidies, and 8% growth—has met mounting economic challenges. Rising costs for essentials like rice, cooking oil, and school fees, combined with austerity measures and government spending cuts, have squeezed households and businesses alike. Local authorities have increased taxes, and layoffs are pushing many into the informal workforce, while youth and students face fierce competition for jobs. Civil unrest erupted in response, highlighted by violent protests after the death of a young delivery driver, forcing the president to cancel foreign trips and cut some parliamentary perks. The government has introduced a near-billion-dollar stimulus package, but questions remain whether it can restore confidence and sustain economic growth amid these pressures.

Listen to the full episode on the official BBC Business Daily on Apple Podcasts.

In a recent Talking Europe interview, EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis discussed France’s growing debt, Europe’s defense readiness, and rising tensions with Russia. He stressed the need for France to reduce its deficit and follow through on its medium-term fiscal plan, while highlighting EU flexibility to increase defense spending amid current security threats. Dombrovskis warned that Russia’s expansionist ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, describing the situation as an ongoing hybrid war involving disinformation, sabotage, and airspace incursions. The EU, he noted, is boosting its defense industry through the Rearm EU Readiness 2030 plan and phasing out Russian energy as part of Repower EU.

Read or listen to the full podcast on the France 24 channel on Apple Podcast.

In Europe’s Migration Crisis a Decade Later (Reuters Podcast), reporter Riham Alkousaa revisits the German town of Altena, reflecting on how the massive migration influx around 2015 reshaped lives, politics, and social trust. She dives into stories of integration success, community backlash, and how migration continues to challenge identities and policies across Europe. Germany, as one of the primary destinations during that wave, remains at the nexus of these debates: it faces growing pressure to balance humanitarian commitment, social cohesion, and political backlash.

Listen to the full episode on Reuters.

The Rest in Politics episode on „Is Trump Destroying the United Nations?“, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell ask whether Donald Trump’s attacks on the U.N. amount to rhetoric or real institutional damage. They debate the prospect of moving the U.N. headquarters out of New York, the politics of Palestinian recognition, and how U.S. disengagement could undermine the legitimacy of multilateralism.

For Germany, a top donor and committed multilateral actor, the stakes are clear: if the U.N. weakens, Berlin loses a vital platform for influence. It would force Germany to rethink how it projects power through the EU, regional blocs, or new frameworks while also managing risks for its export industries and global supply chains.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts.

The Economics Show podcast episode features Dan Wang, author of „Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future,“ discussing the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of China’s technocratic rise. Wang characterizes China as an „engineering state, a nation where rapid construction and innovation in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology have propelled its ascent to superpower status.

Yet, breakneck growth has led to challenges like overproduction and deflation, with Beijing now striving to boost domestic demand and avoid instability. Wang details how China’s focus on building comes with social costs, from rigid policies like the one-child and zero-Covid initiatives, to a tendency for leaders to view citizens as aggregates for management rather than individuals. The episode underscores the dilemmas China faces in balancing relentless development with sustainable economic prosperity and human well-being. To know more about these insights, listen on Apple Podcasts.

The podcast episode of the Foreign Affairs Interview examines the profound impact of President Donald Trump’s trade policies during his second term, which have significantly disrupted the post-Cold War global economic order.
Michael Froman, former U.S. Trade Representative and current president of the Council on Foreign Relations, argues that the era of “America first” protectionism and parallel strategies by China marks the decline of the established rules-based trading system. Froman warns that economic anarchy could result but stresses that nostalgia for the old order is futile, advocating instead for the construction of a new global economy governed by rules, even if formal global governance is weakened. This episode offers critical insights into the future trajectory of international trade and economic relations.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Diplomatic Immunity, Kelly McFarland speaks with Ambassador Erin McKee about the strategic role of international aid in strengthening democracy, transparency, and good governance. Drawing emphasizes work in Ukraine and other crisis-affected regions, McKee discusses how targeted development assistance — from e-governance initiatives to energy sector reforms — can empower citizens, improve government accountability, and support long-term stability. She emphasizes that effective aid goes beyond funding, requiring close collaboration with local governments and communities, the smart use of technology, and a focus on building resilient institutions capable of navigating complex political and economic challenges. Listen to the full episode on Diplomatic Immunity’s Apple Podcast.

Episode from The Foreign Affairs Interview reveals how the U.S. long leveraged “weaponized interdependence” to use its dominant position in finance and technology as a strategic tool but now faces a new reality as rivals like China retaliate by weaponizing their own economic chokepoints. Hosts unpack this shift toward economic warfare and the merging of national security with economic power, discussing its implications for global geopolitics and the evolving international order. Listen for an in-depth analysis of this transformation on Apple Podcasts.

What exactly did the US and the EU agree on, how did the tariff arrangement come about, and how was it communicated? What are the consequences? These are the questions Volker Finthammer, Doris Simon, and Peter Kapern discussed in Deutschlandfunk’s politics podcast. Once again, the strength of the format and the broadcaster becomes clear. When a situation arises, they can connect correspondents from Berlin, Brussels, and Washington, each bringing in their expertise from the ground. I don’t share the thesis raised in the title. The outcome of the negotiations reflects the balance of power, but the details are still unresolved. And how long this result will hold remains uncertain.

Episode 434 of The Rest Is Politics unpacks a major diplomatic shift as the UK, France, and Canada formally recognize Palestinian statehood. Hosts Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell examine how the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s hardline policies have accelerated Western consensus, sparking renewed debate over the two-state solution. The conversation also connects these moves to President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Brazil, India, and Switzerland, highlighting the global ripple effects of shifting alliances and hardline economic strategies. Listen for a comprehensive breakdown of the new factors compelling West to recognize Palestinian statehood on Apple Podcasts.

The „Energy to Ear“ podcast, featuring researchers Kristina Nienhaus and Felix Nitsch from the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Networked Energy Systems, offers a compelling discussion on the resilience and cost-effectiveness of interconnected European energy grids. Released in August 2025, the episode titled „Europe’s power grids – connected, volatile, indispensable“ dives into how past extreme weather events inform the future design of energy systems in Germany and Central Europe through the VERMEER research project. It highlights the challenges posed by climate change on renewable energy production, emphasizing the need for flexibility and interconnected power market zones to balance natural fluctuations and ensure a reliable power supply. Listen to the full episode on DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems website.

Every Friday there’s a new episode of the Funk podcast hosted by Julia Emmrich and Carlotta Richter. The focus is on the Chancellor and the work of the federal government. Sometimes guests are invited as well. It’s easy listening, but it doesn’t quite satisfy me. I’d like one of the hosts to occasionally put on CDU glasses or play devil’s advocate. A bit more friction would do the format good. It would make it easier to bring out how the Chancellor and the CDU really operate. You can find the podcast on platforms such as Podcast.de.

This episode of “The Week That Was in Europe” features Moritz Schularick, President of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, as he explores how Europe’s changing geopolitical context is reshaping its economic future. The conversation addresses the impact of an increasingly assertive Russia, ambiguous US commitments to European security, and China’s evolving role in global markets. Schularick discusses what these geopolitical shifts mean for Europe’s economic strategies, the stability of its industrial base, and the policy responses needed to safeguard growth and resilience in turbulent times. For informed, accessible analysis on the intersection of politics and economics in Europe today, listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts.

This episode of Bruegel’s „The Sound of Economics“ podcast examines the investment patterns of insurance firms and pension funds, crucial providers of long-term capital for Europe’s economic growth and infrastructure. Featuring experts from the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and Bruegel researchers, the dialogue explores where these funds invest globally, how much remains within Europe, and the policy challenges in promoting patient, sustainable capital flows to address the continent’s investment needs. The discussion underscores the role of effective regulation and transparency in enhancing public trust and optimizing capital markets to deliver lasting social and economic value. For the full episode, listen directly on Bruegel’s website.

The latest episode of the Berlin Playbook Podcast, „Merz und Macron: Vom Flirt zur Krise“, delivers a timely behind the scenes look at the evolving and sometimes tense relationship between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. As Macron visits Berlin, Politico unpacks key flashpoints: disagreements over EU-subsidized nuclear projects, stalled defense initiatives (like the FCAS fighter jet and MGCS tank), and the deadlock on the Mercosur trade agreement. Expert analysis explores why the historic Franco-German “engine” is sputtering just as Europe faces critical choices on trade, security, and future integration. This is essential listening for diplomats and trade professionals seeking real-time insights into Europe’s power dynamics, negotiation hurdles, and the state of EU policy leadership in the summer of 2025. To listen to the full podcast, tune in on Apple Podcast.

Anna Loll has investigated the use of Palantir software at the state and federal levels for Deutschlandfunk. The topic has several layers: the failure of European companies to offer competitive software, data protection concerns, criticism of the company’s founders, and the peculiarities of federalism.

In the latest episode of Politico’s EU Confidential, host Sarah Wheaton and Brussels experts Gregorio Sorgi and Bartosz Brzeziński break down the politics behind the European Commission’s nearly €2 trillion budget proposal for 2028–2034. The discussion clarifies which sectors stand to gain notably defense and competitiveness, with a fivefold funding increase and which face cuts, such as agriculture, sparking fierce debate. As EU leaders begin negotiations, the episode probes Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership amid a chaotic rollout and assesses how internal political tensions could shape the final deal. The conversation then turns to transatlantic trade, dissecting Brussels’ options in response to threats of 30% U.S. tariffs on EU exports, with analysis from Politico Pro’s Camille Gijs, Ari Hawkins, and Doug Busvine. For a timely, insider view on the EU’s budget battles and geopolitical challenges, tune in here on Apple Podcast.

For the Zeit economics podcast “Ist das eine Blase?” (“Is this a Bubble?”), Jens Tönnesmann and Zacharias Zacharakis spoke with IW director Michael Hüther about the origins of the constitutional change that enabled increased federal and state borrowing, as well as about the new federal budget. I like the format; picking one economic policy topic at a time and taking a closer look works well. The podcast has a light-hearted tone, making it accessible to listeners who aren’t engaged in economic policy every day. What I miss is a difference in positioning between the two hosts—one Keynes, one Friedman, for example. A bit more friction would benefit the format. You can find the episode, among others, on the Zeit website.

Carline Mohr joins the Kunst der Freiheit podcast hosted by Benjamin-Immanuel Hoff, former Head of the State Chancellery of Thuringia. The conversation centers on communication and social media — and how good communication always needs good storytelling.

Together, they explore the „why“ and „how“ of stories in a thoughtful and insightful discussion. The episode also delves into how the media should deal with the far-right AfD party. Mohr calls on journalists to apply greater rigor when covering the AfD, arguing that more careful reporting could help avoid unintentionally amplifying the party’s message.

You can listen to the podcast on this and other platforms. (MB)

The mayor of Istanbul and presidential candidate of Turkey’s Social Democratic Party, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has been imprisoned. In this podcast, Paul Ronzheimer speaks with journalist Deniz Yücel to explore the background and implications of this development. The episode illustrates how Turkey has steadily shifted from democracy toward authoritarianism under Erdogan’s rule.

When Erdogan was first elected, there was hope that he could balance religion and democracy in Turkey — but that hope has faded. The current situation serves as a warning for other democracies worldwide. Even in the United States, former President Donald Trump questioned democratic institutions during his brief tenure.

You can listen to the podcast here on Podigee.

Friedbert Meurer interviewed populism researcher Irina von Wiese for Deutschlandfunk. Von Wiese makes an interesting point: populist parties often switch issues around and actually hinder solving real problems. Their main aim is to capitalize on the failures of centrist parties. This could suggest that involving populist parties and sharing responsibility with them might be a good strategy — but von Wiese herself doesn’t fully agree with that idea. If you want to dive deeper into the interview, you can check it out here.

The whole “Hofnarr” (court jester) moment involving Chancellor Olaf Scholz stirred up headlines for a few days — but what actually went down? If you’re curious how the story blew up, how journalists handled it behind the scenes, and yes, even how Harald Christ throws a birthday party, this podcast episode has you covered.

In their usual candid and sharp style, Paul Ronzheimer and Filipp Piatov walk through the incident from multiple angles. It’s not just about the gossip — it also turns into a thoughtful look at media ethics and political storytelling. You can listen to the episode right here on Podigee

The Berlin Code podcast by Linda Zervakis is a new weekly news podcast. I think that’s a good start since there is a lack of formats where reporters are actively sent out. However, I find the two reporters in this episode, Sarah Frühauf and Moritz Rödle, quite weak. They make their personal opinions very clear in the report segment. The problem could be easily fixed. If two reporters are involved and are supposed to include their opinions, one of them should have a conservative or liberal profile. Overall, the focus on last week’s migration applications is way too much on the supposed cooperation between the Union and the AfD. On the positive side, the interview by Zervakis with pollster Stefan Merz is very good. You can listen to this episode and more on podcast.de.

In their podcast episode “The Rest Is Classified: How China Spies: Trump, TikTok, and Taiwan,” David McCloskey and Gordon Corera explore how TikTok provides opportunities for Chinese intelligence to influence public opinion in selected countries. TikTok’s massive reach combined with a deep understanding of its algorithm and AI-driven content creation enables targeted propaganda campaigns to sway opinions effectively.

This episode highlights the growing challenges democracies face in controlling digital platforms where foreign powers can covertly spread misinformation. Understanding these tactics is crucial for policymakers, media, and citizens alike to safeguard the integrity of public discourse in an age dominated by social media and artificial intelligence. You can listen to the episode here.

A few years ago, who would’ve guessed that an MMA commentator’s podcast would become the go-to platform for global corporate news? In a surprisingly friendly conversation far from a hard-hitting interview, Mark Zuckerberg discusses ending fact‑checking on his platforms and defends Meta’s stance against EU fines. He paints a picture of the EU unfairly targeting his American company—a narrative that echoes Trump‑style rhetoric and hints at a peculiar view of international law.

After about an hour, the tone shifts: the pair chat about MMA, hunting, and firearms—entertaining, if you’re into that. What gives me pause, though, is Rogan’s use of populist buzzwords like “mainstream media” that tap into right‑wing codes.

Curious? You can listen to the discussion here on Podtail.

I don’t usually recommend podcasts I don’t personally enjoy, but Steve Bannon’s show is an exception. I don’t particularly like it because it is loud, aggressive, and filled with anger. Still, it’s worth tuning in just to get a feel for Bannon himself. This episode is especially interesting because it dives into the conflict between Bannon and Elon Musk, something you hardly hear about in Germany. It’s all about US work visas for skilled tech workers. Musk wants to keep these visas so tech companies can keep hiring programmers from abroad, while Bannon, along with parts of the MAGA movement, argues these jobs should go to Americans instead. If you’re curious, you can listen to the episode here on Apple Podcasts. There have been over ten episodes from Bannon on this topic just in the last few days!

What role do podcasts play in modern election campaigns? A recent episode of The Focus Group Podcast – “It’s Not Like a Newscast” hosted by political strategist Sarah Longwell and journalist Tim Miller explores how high-reach podcasts are transforming political communication. The discussion highlights how these formats build trust with audiences who often reject traditional media, creating a powerful space for political influence.

Listeners tend to engage for extended periods, forming strong connections with hosts and often accepting the views presented without the skepticism typical of mainstream news. Political guests benefit from the conversational tone of podcasts, which allows them to express ideas more authentically and avoid the tension of hard-news interviews.

The episode also discusses how podcasts help campaigns reach audiences outside of their immediate political bubble. They allow parties to test new messages and mobilize support among voters who are less engaged through traditional channels. While Germany has no direct equivalent to a podcast like Joe Rogan’s, the format’s potential is clear. It presents an opportunity for political figures to engage with the public in deeper, more resonant ways. Podcasts are not just entertainment—they are becoming central tools in shaping political narratives, especially among younger and harder-to-reach demographics.