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James Carden discusses The Great Betrayal and his account of how interventionists displaced the Democratic Party’s tradition of restraint. He traces competing foreign policy schools from Roosevelt and Truman through Kennedy, Carter and Clinton, emphasizing personnel, donors, think tanks and media. The conversation examines Russiagate, progressive attitudes toward Russia, American exceptionalism and Carden’s concept of a pluralism gap. Carden also questions whether either major party can accommodate a multipolar world, arguing that advocates of restraint remain politically outnumbered in Washington.James's Links:The Realist Review: https://therealistreview.substack.com/The Great Betrayal: https://orbooks.com/catalog/the-great...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 The Great Betrayal: two Democratic traditions04:04 The neoconservative connection06:13 Carter and the triumph of the hawks12:20 Who controls foreign policy19:03 Culture wars and American exceptionalism27:21 Russia, Russiagate and the limits of dissent42:25 The pluralism gap and a multipolar world48:08 Why Republican restrainers remain outnumbered

All is not well in the world of AI. While China has done a remarkable job at keeping up with AI in general, there is a gap at the very frontier of AI models, especially in mathematics. And the US is exploiting this with great skill. Tsinghua mathematician Babak Haghighat joins Pascal to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing mathematical research and the global balance of scientific power. He warns that private control of advanced models could restrict researchers, deepen international inequalities, and accelerate an AI arms race. Their conversation examines China’s research ecosystem, American chip restrictions, energy demands, and the promise of open collaboration. Haghighat argues for public access, stronger university partnerships, and keeping AI a tool for humanity rather than its scientific master.Babak's Links:Tsinghua University faculty profile: https://ymsc.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/info/...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 AI transforms mathematical research05:06 The frontier gap and control of science10:48 Researchers face an access dilemma16:36 An accelerating race and security risks23:11 Chips, sanctions and open collaboration35:42 Energy and the cost of intelligence40:31 Human creativity and AI as a tool45:40 Avoiding an arms race; science as a public good

The USA sold Australia a Submarine that will never be delivered. In return, they got a Deep See submarine port that they can use in perpetuity. Well played, Washington! Or was it maybe not?Jeff Rich joins Pascal to examine Australia’s political upheaval and its place within American power. They discuss One Nation’s rise, migration, neoliberal reforms, and growing doubts about national autonomy. Rich argues that AUKUS strengthens foreign military access while constraining Australia’s choices, and proposes understanding US allies as privileged dominions within an imperial hierarchy. The conversation also explores media influence, elite networks, relations with Asia, hostility toward Russia, and the changing meaning of national identity in an increasingly interconnected world.Jeff's Links:The Burning Archive on Substack: https://jeffrich.substack.comThe Burning Archive on YouTube:    / @theburningarchive  Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 Australia’s political crisis05:20 Migration and settler colonialism10:11 Voting systems and One Nation’s rise20:28 Neoliberalism and the limits of market reform26:27 AUKUS and Australia’s autonomy37:41 US dominions, elites and media power47:26 Australia’s relationships with Asia and Russia52:47 National identity and the Burning Archive

Dr. Leila Hudson assesses the very real risk of more escalation in West Asia as Israeli elections and American midterms approach. She discusses Iranian strategic discipline, decentralized military organization, Yemen’s asymmetric warfare and the changing security calculations of Gulf states. Hudson explores funeral diplomacy, Syria’s cautious regional positioning and the danger of sectarian polarization. The conversation also considers Israeli and Emirati influence across East Africa, contested regional alliances and the prospects for diplomacy as American power and security guarantees face growing pressure.Leila's Links:University of Arizona profile: https://profiles.arizona.edu/person/l...Lines of Flight, Assemblages of Home: Syrian Women Displaced: https://press.syr.edu/supressbooks/86...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 West Asia and the risk of renewed escalation05:02 Elections and an October surprise16:16 Iran’s decentralized military resilience22:59 Yemen and the limits of expensive warfare27:58 Iran, the Gulf and changing alliances31:31 Funeral diplomacy and regional relationships36:06 Syria’s restraint and Iraq’s uncertainty42:39 East Africa, alliance maps and divide-and-rule

Dr. Ivana Nikolić Hughes examines what nuclear weapons mean for human survival, drawing on research into radioactive contamination in the Marshall Islands. She explains explosive yields, persistent fallout, unequal radiation risks, and the potential for nuclear winter to devastate food production worldwide. In discussion, she addresses nuclear energy, North Korea, deterrence, disarmament, Western double standards, and artificial intelligence in nuclear command systems. Her central argument is that understanding the physical consequences must precede meaningful debate about security and political choices.Ivana's Links:Nuclear Age Peace Foundation: https://www.wagingpeace.org/Columbia University profile: https://www.chem.columbia.edu/content...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 What is at stake03:41 The destructive scale of nuclear weapons10:33 Nuclear testing and the Marshall Islands16:56 Radiation, contaminated food and unequal risks30:36 Nuclear winter and global starvation36:37 Q&A: nuclear energy and deterrence44:22 Disarmament and double standards59:18 Public opinion, AI and nuclear escalation

The capitalist class will never give up if we don't force them into peace and an equitable future. And this is not a antiquated social paradigm but the only framework that can help you understand the insane levels of political violence around us.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Keynote 3 (Presentation 11): Prof. Radhika DesaiProfessor Radhika Desai examines the crisis of world capitalism through her geopolitical economy approach. She argues that Western decline and China’s rise reflect a deeper struggle over production, imperialism and socialism. Drawing on Marx, Smith, Keynes and Gramsci, she challenges prevailing accounts of world war, fascism and neo-feudalism. The discussion explores artificial intelligence, Russia’s economic system, Trump’s tariffs and neoclassical economics, concluding with an exchange with Bill Mitchell on the left’s retreat from macroeconomic policy and the role of planning.Radhika's Links:Website: https://radhikadesai.com/Books: https://radhikadesai.com/books/Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 Geopolitical economy and capitalism’s crisis06:06 The changing world order17:26 Imperialism, nations and development27:45 Marx, monopoly and planned production39:00 Neoliberalism and capitalism’s decline50:37 Q&A: Keynes, AI and multipolarity59:33 Russia, China and imperialism1:19:17 Bill Mitchell: where the left lost its way

How can scholars, journalists and citizens help prevent another world war? Well, just work on it.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Roundtable (Session 15): Plenary DiscussionIn the closing Kyoto Symposium, we bring together seventeen participants to discuss practical paths toward peace. They explore public education, nuclear disarmament, economic inequality, political organization and dialogue across ideological divides. The discussion moves from individual proposals to candid disagreements about democracy, capitalism, nationalism and the psychology of conflict. Despite differing perspectives, participants consider how cooperation, honest debate and stronger networks can turn anxiety into collective action.Participants:Pascal Lottaz (moderator), Sheng Zhang, Dennis Riches, Warwick Powell, Alexander Mercouris, Nel Bonilla, Radhika Desai, Ulrike Guérot, Evarist Bartolo, Arta Moeini, David Gibbs, Mattias Desmet, Christopher Mott, Ivana N. Hughes, Hillary Briffa, Eric Golson and Aghogho Akpome.Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 From analysis to action: Pascal’s opening02:17 The panel’s proposals for peace17:05 Sincere dialogue and ethical principles19:04 Disarmament, public engagement and cooperation26:36 Open discussion: fear, power and dialogue33:39 Domestic inequality and the roots of conflict44:02 Nuclear risks, identity and political narratives56:11 Building coalitions across ideological divides

If there is one region where Western imperialism has thoroughly come to a dead end, it's East and Southeast Asia. The name of the game is diversification of partnerships.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Presentation 14: Warwick PowellWarwick Powell explores how energy, production and financial infrastructure shape a changing world order. Drawing lessons from conflict in West Asia, he argues that vulnerable American bases undermine established security arrangements across Asia. He proposes an ASEAN-centered regional order grounded in neutrality, economic integration and locally driven cooperation. The discussion examines China’s industrial rise, alternative payment systems, green energy, Australia’s strategic choices and the dangers of destabilization, asking how regional societies might navigate declining hegemony while avoiding another devastating war.Warwick's Links:Substack: https://warwickpowell.substack.com/Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 Warwick Powell: violence and systemic change06:05 Energy, production and China’s rise11:49 West Asia and vulnerable US bases20:31 Financial infrastructure and alternative payments23:18 Asia, Australia and the limits of US power27:38 An ASEAN-centered neutral security order31:05 Discussion: regional cooperation, energy and payments48:10 US retrenchment, destabilization and regional choices

The world is not going through a "new crisis" just because the West is in trouble. Most parts of the world have been in crisis for hundreds of years due to the West doing fine. That's what's coming to an end and it seems it is this prospect of the end of exploitation that is scaring the elites into a frenzy against their own populations.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Presentation 12: Aghogho AkpomeAghogho Akpome challenges the idea that today’s crises mark a new age of monsters, tracing their roots through colonialism, capitalism and Western knowledge systems. Drawing on literature and African histories, he argues that prosperity for a minority has depended on exploitation elsewhere. The discussion explores modernity, socialism, cultural difference and the meaning of the West, with participants challenging and refining his claims. Akpome concludes by advocating decolonial thinking, shared interests and solidarity across societies rather than new hierarchies of supremacy.Aghogho's Links:University profile: https://www.arts.unizulu.ac.za/dr-a-a...Research publications: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4538-360XNeutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 Literature and a decolonial perspective02:36 The long age of monsters05:45 Colonial wealth and the global majority13:55 African histories and colonial violence26:55 Historical amnesia and a system turning inward32:16 Western knowledge and decolonial alternatives39:29 Discussion: modernity, capitalism and socialism48:36 Solidarity, cultural difference and the meaning of the West

Neutrality is back! Not just on this channel but in the international debate. And we are happy to announce the first-ever (academic) book series on the topic. Listen to Eric and Hillary introducing the two volumes that will come out shortly and why they show that neutrality is the better foreign policy strategy.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Presentation 10: Eirc Golson & Hillary BriffaEric Golson and Hillary Briffa explore how neutrality helps states preserve autonomy in an increasingly contested international order. Drawing on historical cases, they examine the legal foundations, practical demands and political limits of staying outside wars and military alliances. Their discussion considers recognition, defence capacity, diplomatic usefulness, domestic legitimacy and adaptation, alongside examples from Switzerland, Malta, Hawaii and the Gulf. The audience debate addresses nonalignment, mediation, Taiwan, security guarantees and the pressures that powerful states place on neutral actors today.The (BRAND NEW) Neutrality Studies Books and Book Series:Reframing Neutrality: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/reframi...Neutral Actors in History: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/neutral...Open Access: Both books will be made available Open Access. You don't need to purchase them. PDFs will be available in due course.Eric and Hillary's Links:Eric Golson — University of Surrey: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/people/eric-...Hillary Briffa — King's College London: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/hillary-...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 Neutrality in a changing international order03:39 Law, diplomacy and the flexibility of neutrality10:48 Small states and the limits of alliances16:52 Hillary Briffa: the craft of staying out of wars22:22 Five conditions for lasting neutrality31:55 Failure, hierarchy and empire40:31 Q&A: nonalignment, guarantees and mediation53:22 Gulf security and opposition to neutrality

China has avoided alliances, but what the United States is doing to Iran and Palestine leaves Beijing little choice. The Dengists are losing internally and this is giving way to a whole new wave of Maoists inside the Chinese political system. They are young, (fashionable,) and they are done with trying to appease US imperialism.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Presentation 8: Sheng ZhangSheng Zhang examines the competing traditions shaping China’s Middle East policy, contrasting Maoist solidarity with Dengist economic priorities. Using Palestine and Iran, he explores Beijing’s political commitments, trade relationships, public opinion and diplomatic constraints. He argues that regional conflict is challenging China’s balancing strategy and strengthening Iran’s strategic importance. The discussion considers boycotts, Gulf investment, energy security, generational differences and strategic patience, asking what might push Beijing toward a clearer position as regional power shifts and tensions with Washington deepen.Sheng's Links:Sheng's Article on China-Iran Relations: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/991335Association for Global Political Thought profile: https://globalpoliticalthought.hsites...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 China’s competing foreign-policy traditions04:43 Xi Jinping and the Middle East06:37 Gaza and Chinese public opinion13:43 Trade with Israel and the Haifa dilemma15:48 Iran, Gulf trade and diplomatic tensions18:54 War and China’s reassessment of Iran28:57 Discussion: boycotts, Gaza and Gulf investment44:11 Energy, younger generations and strategic patience

Europe has lost all and any sympathies of Russians for generations and this will alter the course of European history even more than the war in Ukraine. The way in which the EU elites have managed to shock the Russian population is poorly understood in the West but of monumental importance.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Presentation 8: Alexander MercourisAlexander Mercouris examines the decline of Europe’s central role in world politics and the dangers of competition among great powers. He argues that China’s rise, Western economic insecurity and Russia’s changing identity are transforming the international system. Drawing on history and visits to Russia, he discusses neutrality, diplomacy and the responsibility to preserve peace. Audience questions challenge his interpretation of European identity, explore American strategy towards Russia and China, and assess sanctions, military doctrine and the idea of civilizational states.Alexander's Links:Alexander Mercouris on YouTube:    / @alexmercouris  The Duran on YouTube:    / @theduran  Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 War, peace and the role of neutral states04:39 Europe and the great-power system11:27 Russia’s European identity16:54 China’s rise and Western decline21:01 The 2008 crisis and pressure on Russia26:50 Russia’s turn away from Europe35:21 Discussion: military doctrine and great-power politics56:46 Sanctions and the civilizational state

Enjoy the Empire while it lasts, for the outlook does not look good. Join two US analysts in their quest for understanding the trajectory of decline.Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Presentation 7: Dr. Arta Moeini & Dr. Christopher MottArta Moeini and Chris Mott examine the language of civilization in American foreign policy and the possibilities of a changing international order. Moeini argues that Marco Rubio’s rhetoric repackages global primacy, while Mott explores historically rooted political communities through China, India, Iran and other examples. Their discussion considers geography, cultural difference, empire, ideology and coexistence. Audience questions challenge their definitions, examine American history and European militarization, and ask whether civilizational thinking can support peace without reproducing familiar forms of domination.Recorded at the Kyoto Symposium, 15 October 2026.CHAPTERS00:00 Arta Moeini: civilization and American power04:28 Limits of the liberal order08:19 Support Neutrality Studies12:50 Chris Mott: civilizational states20:18 India, history and political identity27:40 Power, geography and coexistence34:19 Audience questions and discussion51:00 Civilization, colonialism and the American republicGUESTSArta Moeini and Christopher Mott — Institute for Peace & Diplomacyhttps://peacediplomacy.org/experts/CONFERENCEhttps://neutralitystudies.com/events/...NEUTRALITY STUDIESNewsletter: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateShop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop

The Europeans are committing a form of collective self-destruction. And there is a very bad reason for that. Kyoto University Symposium 2026: "Geopolitics in the Time of Monsters"Keynote 2 (Presentation 6): Dr. Ulrike GuérotUlrike Guérot examines Europe’s political crisis, arguing that economic integration advanced without the democratic institutions needed to sustain it. She traces tensions between European independence, American influence, national governments and the euro, then questions the power of corporations, censorship and cultural decline. The discussion turns to colonialism, capitalism and the limits of liberalism. In conversation with the Kyoto audience, Guérot outlines her alternative: a European republic built around equal citizenship, democratic representation and a renewed commitment to the common good.Ulrike's Links:Official website: https://www.ulrike-guerot.de/Endlich Europa! (book discussed): https://westendverlag.de/Endlich-Euro...Kyoto Symposium programme: https://neutralitystudies.com/events/...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.comSupport Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donateNeutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shopTime Stamps00:00 Europe in a time of monsters06:12 Economic integration without political union07:44 Support Neutrality Studies10:02 European independence and American influence20:30 The EU’s institutional and democratic crisis35:24 Corporate power, censorship and culture50:46 Q&A: pragmatism, Americanization and austerity1:08:28 Q&A: colonialism, liberalism and a European republic

Stas Krapivnik discusses drone strikes, Russia’s response, and the risk of a wider European war. Krapivnik argues that Western involvement and pressure around Kaliningrad could trigger dangerous escalation. They examine his assessment of Russian missile capabilities, European unrest, Ukrainian supply routes, and developments along the front. The conversation also considers Ukraine’s strategic depth, potential settlement terms, and how autumn mud, fog, and winter weather could affect drones, logistics, and the pace of military operations in Ukraine.Stas's Links:YouTube:    / @mrslavikman  X: https://x.com/STANISKR...Substack: https://zmeigarinich.s...Telegram (English): https://t.me/staswasth...Telegram (Russian): https://t.me/stastydai...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and drone strikes05:03 Drone routes and Western involvement13:30 Oreshnik and the danger of escalation17:34 Escalation scenarios and Kaliningrad26:09 European unrest and Russia’s dilemma36:01 Front lines, encirclement and logistics46:23 The Dnieper and possible Russian objectives49:34 Settlement terms and the winter battlefield