The Western Bubble

What happens when the lights go out across an entire region?

This week, we talk about the massive blackout that plunged the Iberian Peninsula into darkness and the strange psychological aftermath that followed. Balder shares his experience from the ground in Madrid, while we reflect on how quickly panic and rumors—especially of World War III and our last episode on the fear of war—spread through a society gripped by fear. From people raiding grocery stores to others flocking to parks, the reactions say as much about our modern mindset as they do about the incident itse...

As global tensions continue to rise, the West appears to be entering a psychological phase of preparing for war. From escalating rhetoric in Europe to increased defense spending and political leaders openly calling for rearmament, we examine how the narrative is shifting—from deterrence to expectation. What does it mean when headlines across the continent begin to normalize the prospect of conflict?

We start this episode with the latest flare-up between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, before turning to the growing militarization of Western thought and policy. Is this a justified response to external threats like Russia, or...

Just hours after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, we take a step back to examine the enduring role of religion in shaping global politics. As crises multiply and chaos spreads, a growing number of people, especially young adults, are turning back to faith. But what does this resurgence mean for international relations?

We explore how religious structures—from the hierarchy of the Catholic Church to the decentralised force of Evangelicals—shape policy differently. We dive into the influence of Orthodox Christianity in Russia, Sunni and Shia Islam in the Middle East, and the unique role...

Trump’s 90-day tariff pause might sound like an opening for diplomacy—but the real reason behind it lies in bond markets, not international goodwill. And while most countries now have a temporary reprieve, China is very much not included. With tariff levels now skyrocketing to 145% on both sides, Washington and Beijing are locked in a dangerous game.

So why is the EU still trying to play the part of the reasonable adult in the room? Ursula von der Leyen may believe that measured, moderate politics will prevail—but in a world of escalating economic warfare, is there...

Donald Trump’s latest tariff plan is as bold as it is baffling. A 60% tax on Chinese imports, arbitrary surcharges on trade deficits, and even tariffs on… the Penguin Islands? With Vietnam already targeted and Europe bracing for impact, what exactly is the strategy here—if any?

In this episode, we break down Trump’s tariff logic (or lack thereof) and explore the possible scenarios: Is this just a negotiating tactic? A deliberate move to collapse the global trade system? Or simply economic incompetence on full display?

More importantly, we examine the long-term consequences: Is the U.S...

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In this episode, we delve into the recent security breach where U.S. national security leaders used the Signal app to discuss imminent military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. The situation escalated when National Security Advisor Mike Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the group chat, leading to public exposure of sensitive information.

We examine the implications of conducting high-level military planning over unsecured channels like Signal, which lacks the stringent protections of traditional secure facilities. The casual approach to decisions...

The transatlantic alliance is broken—so what happens next? In this episode, we strip away the hype and look at the deep trends shaping our world: the growing disconnect between leaders and citizens, the rise of a global oligarchy, and the breakdown of Western institutions. With liberal democracy fading, does the world shift toward multipolar power centres like China, India, and Brazil? And if the West is in decline, what happens to the systems built on it—NATO, the WHO, the global economy?

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an indi...

History is full of moments when people misjudged the future—either by being too pessimistic or not pessimistic enough. In the 1930s, optimism blinded many to the rise of fascism. During the Cold War, existential fears clashed with hopes for progress. In the late 1980s, faith in a post-Soviet world fueled the Western Bubble, while 2010 saw coping mechanisms replace real solutions, paving the way for today’s crises.

Now, as we stand at another crossroads, what lessons can we draw from the past? And more importantly—what will the world look like in 2050? Join us as we attemp...

With the transatlantic relationship in crisis, Europe faces a choice: continue clinging to a U.S. that no longer sees it as a true partner, or chart its own course. In this episode, we break down what the EU must do now—from shedding its emotional dependence on Washington to building real military autonomy and forging new alliances with nations similarly impacted by Trump’s policies.

We also discuss how Europe can play a decisive role in Ukraine’s path toward a ceasefire, and why strategic retaliation—not appeasement—may be the only way to respond to U.S. bully...

As promised, we’re back this week to unpack the aftermath of the now-infamous Oval Office incident between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—with Vice President JD Vance awkwardly present in the background. This diplomatic mess goes far beyond the usual theatrics, shaking the very foundations of US Foreign Policy.

In Europe (and Canada), leaders are scrambling to respond—some choosing appeasement, others facing the reality that this could be the final nail in the coffin of the transatlantic partnership. We highlight two key reactions: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who manages to str...

In this episode, we return to the ever-escalating tensions in the Middle East. From the latest prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas—where each side’s reactions reveal deep-rooted asymmetries—to repeated violations of agreements, the region is once again teetering on the edge.

We also turn our attention to Hezbollah and a lingering question—can you truly defeat an organisation’s ideas through military force alone? Meanwhile, Syria briefly steps back into the international spotlight, even earning a mention in Vatican News. That’s more than enough reason for us to examine what the Western Bubble gets wrong a...

In this episode, we focus on two key developments shaking the Western order. JD Vance at MSC says Europe's gravest threat isn’t external—it’s the continent's own retreat from the core values it once shared with the U.S. ... A retreat, it turns out, from the U.S. on those very values.

Meanwhile, on the international stage, Trump's unorthodox manoeuvres—from secret talks with Putin about Ukraine to his startling proposal to resettle Gaza’s population—signal a new era of unpredictable diplomacy. How do these internal and external shifts redefine the future of the West? Join u...

As we celebrate our 100th episode, we take a reflective journey through our past discussions—from early debates on institutional decline and the evolving Western narrative to our deep dives into the turmoil in Ukraine, Israel, and beyond. We’ve dissected the insights of figures like Tucker Carlson, Fukuyama, Huntington, G. W. Bush, Jordan Peterson, and Simon Tisdall, and scrutinized issues from European political dysfunction to the shifting balance of global power. In this special milestone episode, we look back at the pivotal moments that have defined our dialogue, question what we’ve learned, and explore how these reflections shape...

As we approach our 100th episode, we take a step back to examine the chaos of the past two months. From the latest developments in the U.S. to the growing influence of unchecked power—whether through Elon Musk’s reckless decisions, presidential decrees, or a media landscape failing to offer real scrutiny—one thing is clear: the cracks in Western institutions are widening. We also discuss Europe’s political dysfunction, by looking at the Netherlands and Germany. But as we lay out these challenges, the real question is—how does the West move forward? That’s what we’ll tackle in o...

Happy New Year! We’re back, and so is the geopolitical madness we’ve come to expect. With President Trump now inaugurated, he has wasted no time making bold moves. But what’s really behind his claims on Panama, Canada, and Greenland? What do these actions signal for U.S. foreign policy as a whole? And ultimately, is America now more or less likely to start a war? Tune in as we break it all down.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario...

As 2024 draws to a close, the cracks in the global order have become impossible to ignore. From Ukraine’s waning prospects in its war against Russia and Western disengagement to the political chaos in the Middle East, the world is at a crossroads. On top of that, we discuss the unchecked power of billionaires, the growing dominance of the populist right, and the harsh realities of climate change.

As we reflect on the changes and challenges of this year, we hope that the Western Bubble Podcast has helped shed light on some of the key events shaping ou...

Immigration is one of the most polarizing topics in Western politics today, consistently topping voter priorities and shaping political campaigns. But how much of what we believe about migration is actually true? In this episode, we unravel some of the most persistent myths about immigration, exposing how politicians and the media distort reality to serve their agendas.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email...

In today’s episode, we delve into South Korea, where President Yoon’s declaration of martial law raises critical questions about the Western Bubble. Are Western factions quietly observing what to avoid—or adopt—when consolidating control? We also examine the shocking murder of a healthcare CEO and what it reveals about the growing disconnect between economic and political elites and the public they claim to serve. Tune in to uncover the deeper implications of these events and how they resonate beyond South Korea.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an indiv...

From Biden pardoning Hunter Biden to Trump’s influence on global diplomacy, this episode dives into the intricate web of U.S. domestic politics and its global ripple effects. We explore Trump’s role in Biden mediating a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, analyse the chaos in Georgia, and assess the resurging instability in Syria. How do these events connect, and what does it reveal about Western policymaking in an increasingly multipolar world?

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and...

As the Arctic transforms into a region of strategic importance due to climate change, new opportunities and tensions emerge. Trade routes, resource access, and geopolitical ambitions converge in a competition that involves Russia, NATO, and other global players. In this episode, we unpack the power dynamics and the stakes shaping the future of the Arctic.

This podcast is produced with the support of RAIA NOW gUG but remains an independent project by RAIA Director Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. To connect with us, email us at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

Over the past year, the dynamics in Gaza have shifted significantly, yet Western policy towards Israel remains largely unchanged. This episode explores the reasons behind this disconnect, analyzing the factors that keep Western governments entrenched in their existing approaches. We dive into a recent incident in Amsterdam, where tensions flared between supporters of an Israeli football club and local residents, offering a microcosm of the larger geopolitical stalemate.

We also start the episode with a brief look across the Atlantic, examining Donald Trump's latest cabinet picks and what they signal for the future of U.S. politics.<...

Donald Trump is President-elect of the United States of America and Dario does not want to talk about it. Why are people so afraid to seek discomfort in these times? We found out today why that is the case. Oh, and the German government imploded, so Dario's job in the political scene of Berlin has become a lot more intense...

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write...

The US election results are coming out as we are publishing this episode. Still, we already spoke on Sunday discussing the crazy campaigning period and the foreign policy ideals of both candidates. Also, the Western Bubble is proud to announce that we are not endorsing either candidate, we believe you can make that endorsement personally. ;) We also look into the role of the media and their endorsements ... (looking at you Washington Post).

Oh, the media in the UK and the new Tory leadership are also on our radar.

This podcast is published with the help...

The 2024 BRICS Summit in Russia just ended and did we hear about it in Western Media? Mostly when Putin spoke (or didn't) about North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, but apart from that ... it was "controversial" ... nothing else? If we look outside the Western Bubble we find that this summit was a glimpse into a world without the West!

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an...

This time we talk about the death of Sinwar in Gaza and what this means for the conflict from a Western Bubble perspective. Then we swiftly think about Elon Musk and what trauma he must have been through to say what he is saying about Trump and the US. And lastly, we discuss migration in the EU and look into why Canada and India are disliking each other lately!

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you...

We are back from our summer break and what a summer break that was. Joe Biden drops out of the US elections and Kamala Harris takes his place. In the meantime, Israel has been invading Lebanon while the Western Media is still waiting for Iran to throw the Middle East into a large-scale conflict. Time for us to analyse the world again, through the lens of the Western Bubble!

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you...

After weeks of hyping it up we are finally delivering on our promise to deliver some broad solutions to the problems of the Western Bubble. Can you think of any others? Feel free to share them with us!

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at...

Our 4th season is coming to an end, which provides us with an opportunity to look back at some of the topics we have discussed in the past months and see how they have developed. Is there still war in Ukraine and Gaza? How close is Iran this time to the nuclear bomb? How can Labour win two-thirds of the seats in the UK elections with only one-third of the voted? And finally, is Joe Biden too old to be US President?

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia...

The US Supreme Court has been the talk of the town this week. There are plenty of impactful cases to look at from the past weeks. Donald Trump basically reveiving imunity from his actions as President, bribery being legalised and the courts centralising power around itself. Plenty of actions that are in line with a further decay of institutions in the West, and plenty of matters to analyse for us!

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario...

Can we blame the average voters for their votes for destructive policies? To what extend are they victims or the establishment? To what extend should voters see through false promises? Today we are discussing a disagreement between us to what extend individuals in the West can be held accountable for their decisions.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If...

This June, US President Biden said that “Russia will not stop at Ukraine, and “All of Europe will be threataned”. Where is this fear of war coming from? Why is the West so afraid of it? How does this influence our foreign policy thinking?

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us wri...

The European Parliament Elections just took place and they took us for a ride. But unlike the European establishment we do not call anyone who voted for the extreme right idiots, but actually analyse what elements of the Western Bubble have created an environment in which more and more Europeans vote for right wing populist parties.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law...

The third part of our three part episode series on institutional decline with today's focus of who still wants to come tonthe West? People who need money or flee violence, but is the West still the "shining light on a hill"? If not, why is this the case? Analyse this with us in this episode.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and...

In our second part of our three parter on institutional decline in the West we focus on foreign policy. Continuity and the resulting accountability are key to any foreign policy! The West has been lacking that continuity since the end of the Cold War now ... with incredibly destructive consequences.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like...

Universities all over the globe are experiencing encampments of students demanding action against Israel. This is representing an increasing trend of frustrations of the younger generations with institutions managing rather than leading society with its visions. This episode is the first part of a three part series on institutional decline.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would...

Over the weekend all of Europe went crazy over the European Song Contest - Eurovision. As a weekend full of scandals comes to an end, the biggest of which is "obviously" France not winning, we analyse Eurovision as a case study for the Western Bubble and particularly the role of Israel. Oh, and as you can imagine, Balder is "furious" that the Netherlands were disqualified...

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This...

Today we analyse the United Kingdom's agreement with Rwanda to fly asylum seekers and migrants to Rwanda to process them. We talk about how this is a perfect example of Western decay and also rant a little.

Here is the video of Chris Philp https://youtu.be/Olk61SGPb-o?si=bmojFxSL_L0I0zYx

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law...

Haiti is always in the news for negative reports, the country is governed by a failed state. Today we discuss failed states from the Western Bubble perspective and use Haiti as a case study of destructive Western behaviour.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write us an email at...

Multinational corporations undermine and harm the West in various ways. But why does the West not do anything to control their power and influence? Because these MNCs are inherently Western and a Western product - find out how exactly in this episode!

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law and Aston Roth. If you would like to get in touch with us write...

To discuss the Easter-West or non-Nato Western Bubble we invited someone from the Eastern-West. In this episode, we are talking to Daniel Bloch from Australia about Australia and to what extend we can or cannot apply the concept of the Western Bubble to Australia. Oh, ... and we also discuss how big Australia actually is, very big.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA and edited by RAIA member Julia Ohm but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. This episode was supported by research from Yu Jie Law...