Transnational Corruption in Foreign Policy Today

Transnational Corruption in Foreign Policy Today

Author: CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies March 20, 2026 Duration: 53:10
Max and Maria spoke with Alexander Cooley and Daniel Nexon about how authoritarian and illiberal governments leverage transnational corruption as part of their foreign policies and global strategies. This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. "The Age of Kleptocracy: Geopolitical Power, Private Gain" by Alexander Cooley and Daniel Nexon (Foreign Affairs, February 2026) Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics by Alexander Cooley and Alexander Dukalskis (Oxford University Press, 2025)

Dive deep into the political landscape, historical currents, and rich social fabric of a vast and consequential region with Russian Roulette. This podcast from the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program is guided by hosts Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya, who bring their expertise to nuanced conversations that move beyond headlines. Each episode delves into the forces shaping Russia and the diverse nations of Eurasia, unpacking everything from foreign policy and internal power dynamics to cultural shifts and societal transformations. You'll hear insightful analysis and engaging discussions with a range of experts, offering listeners a clearer understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities within the post-Soviet space. Produced by Tina Dolbaia and Nick Fenton, the podcast consistently provides context and depth on a part of the world where history is always present. For anyone curious about the intricate politics, compelling stories, and human experiences that define this area, this series serves as an essential guide, making sense of a region that often seems enigmatic from the outside.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 156

Russian Roulette
Podcast Episodes
The Sea in Russian Strategy with Andrew Monaghan and Richard Connolly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:59
In this episode, Max and Maria are joined by Andrew Monaghan and Richard Connolly to discuss their most recent work, "The Sea in Russian Strategy," a new edited volume on the growing importance of naval and maritime conc…
Prigozhin's Uprising [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:30
Max and Maria recently sat down with Jeffrey Mankoff and Catrina Doxsee to discuss how Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the mercenary Wagner Group, marched his troops towards Moscow in a direct challenge to the Russian l…
"Russia's War" with Jade McGlynn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:14
In this week's episode, Max and Maria sit down with CSIS Senior Associates Jade McGlynn and Michael Kimmage to discuss Jade's latest book, "Russia's War." The book explores the domestic political approval for Russia's on…
Russia's Frozen Reserves with Martin Sandbu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:36
On this week's episode, Max and Maria are joined by Federico Steinberg, a CSIS Visiting Fellow and economist, and Martin Sandbu of the Financial Times. Martin has closely followed the debate around sanctions, with a part…
Ukraine's Coming Counteroffensive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:33
Max and Maria are joined again by CSIS Senior Associate Michael Kimmage to discuss Ukraine's impending counteroffensive, and what it could mean for global politics going forward. Learn More: The Eurofile | Tories Battere…
Escalating Waves of Repression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:28
Today's episode is about the escalating waves of repression in Russia, and what they mean for both the regime and what remains of the organized domestic opposition. Maria sat down with Natalia Arno, the founder and presi…
Sanctions and Russia's Defense Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:18
Today's episode is a recording of an event Max and Maria held on April 14, 2023 to discuss the findings of a new CSIS report, "Out of Stock? Assessing the Impact of Sanctions on Russia's Defense Industry." Joined by Samu…