Best Hellenic Leaders Podcasts (2025)

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Greece at the heart of exciting developments on the energy front 10:58

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20h ago10:58

10:58

From the “Vertical Gas Corridor” to projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece is stepping up its efforts on the energy front. This is placing it at the heart of exciting new developments that will link the East Med with Central Europe and even Ukraine, while drawing the attention of US energy giants like Exxon Mobil and Chevron. Tom Ellis, the …

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What's at stake for St. Catherine's monastery in Sinai, and why does it matter for international religious freedom? 18:07

2d ago18:07

18:07

A recent court ruling in Egypt has sounded alarm bells in Athens and around the world as it seems to put the status of St. Catherine’s monastery in Sinai, a UNESCO world heritage site, at risk. This has prompted reactions at the highest levels, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis speaking with his Egyptian counterpart and emphasizing the importance of s…

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Is a trade deal between the EU and the US in the cards? 12:08

5d ago12:08

12:08

The US and the EU seem to have agreed to speed up trade talks after President Trump issued and then postponed a 50 percent tariff threat. While many European leaders welcomed this move, it’s still unclear whether Washington and Brussels can bridge the divide between them. Max Bergmann, the director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the…

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Erdogan's push for a new constitution and the erosion of Turkish democracy 14:30

6d ago14:30

14:30

This week Turkey’s President Erdogan said he was putting together a team to draft a new constitution, a move that comes in the wake of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest. Many critics see this push for a new constitution as a power play designed to allow Erdogan to remain in power beyond 2028, when his current term ends. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resi…

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What's standing in the way of Turkey and the F-35s? 8:50

7d ago8:50

8:50

Reports indicate that President Trump and members of his administration are looking for ways to circumvent or lift CAATSA sanctions and put arms sales, particularly of F-35 jets, back on the table with Turkey. They are coming up against a challenge that is significantly more complex than simply waiving sanctions. Lena Argiri, the DC correspondent f…

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The East Med Gateway Act, IMEC, and the looming competition with China 11:04

8d ago11:04

11:04

There’s a new bipartisan bill - the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act - that’s once again putting the spotlight on Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and their potential roles in IMEC, a project increasingly seen as the answer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Endy Zemenides, the Executive Director of HALC, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why this new l…

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Europe's €150B defense lending scheme, Turkey's participation, and Greek concerns 10:25

12d ago10:25

10:25

This week EU ambassadors agreed on a €150 billion defense lending scheme, Security Action For Europe, or SAFE. EU officials are calling this "an important step toward a stronger Europe." In a move that has raised eyebrows in Athens and Nicosia, the agreement allows for limited participation by third countries – including Turkey. Following the annou…

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Greece and the new cold war between the US and China 10:07

13d ago10:07

10:07

Since before President Trump’s return to office, the focus in the US has been on China. As the Trump administration turns up the pressure on Beijing, this is also putting the spotlight on vital infrastructure - from the Panama canal to China’s Belt and Road initiative. This has the potential to impact Greece as well, given its close ties to the US,…

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India, Pakistan, and Turkey's arms industry 9:11

14d ago9:11

9:11

The conflict between Pakistan and India has put Turkey’s arms industry in the spotlight, exposing the limits of its much lauded drones and raising questions about whether Turkey’s arms industry is a loser in this latest round of conflict. Michael Rubin, the director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Ent…

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Wildfire season and the lessons from the past 15:58

15d ago15:58

15:58

A recent map published by the EU’s Copernicus program is sounding the alarm ahead of wildfire season showing drought conditions and risk assessments across Europe. This is particularly alarming for southern European countries like Greece, which has seen devastating wildfires in recent years. Nikos Efstathiou, an independent journalist who is studyi…

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Turkish Cypriots protest against creeping Islamification from Ankara 13:01

16d ago13:01

13:01

A decision earlier this year by authorities in the occupied northern part of Cyprus to allow headscarves in schools has led to mass protests against what many see as President Erdogan’s increasing authoritarianism and a creeping Islamification from Ankara. The protests also touch on broader issues, with Turkish Cypriots expressing concerns about mo…

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Albania's Edi Rama secures unprecedented fourth term in power 15:36

19d ago15:36

15:36

Albania’s long-time Prime Minister Edi Rama secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in Sunday's election, winning a comfortable majority. This win came on the back of a wave of pro-EU sentiment among voters, as Rama made securing EU membership for Albania a key part of his campaign. Rama was also bolstered by a strong network he has built …

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Trump says US will lift sanctions on Syria in major policy shift 12:05

20d ago12:05

12:05

In a move that took many by surprise, President Trump announced this week that the United States will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria. The decision represents a sea change for Syrians, as UN figures estimate that nine out of ten Syrians live in poverty. This move was also something countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey had been calling for, …

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The beginning of a new era for Turkey, the Kurds, and the Kurdish issue? 13:31

21d ago13:31

13:31

On Monday the Kurdistan Workers’ party, or the PKK, made a historic announcement that it would disband, ending its four-decade-long armed campaign against the Turkish state. The move comes amid a new push to end this conflict, which has claimed more than 40,000 lives and spilled over into Syria and Iraq. Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow for the Cente…

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Is Greece poised to play a key role in IMEC? 10:10

22d ago10:10

10:10

Since President Trump stepped back into office, and amid escalating competition with China, it looks like one project we’ve been hearing more and more about is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor - or IMEC. This is reflected in comments from President Trump, in diplomatic moves we’re seeing in the wider region from Greece to India, and m…

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Greece looks to answer new questions on migration 13:13

23d ago13:13

13:13

From a recent decision in a German court that could pave the way for migrants to be deported back to Greece to a labor shortage ahead of the critical tourism season, migration issues look to be back on the table. This is also the case at the European level, where the EU has gotten tougher on deportations over the past months amid wider concerns abo…

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Merz's rough start as Chancellor and the message it sends to Europe 10:49

26d ago10:49

10:49

Friedrich Merz officially became Chancellor of Germany this week, but only after two rounds of voting in the Bundestag - a first for a new chancellor in postwar German history. His initial failure to clinch the position raises concerns about his leadership, and has Europeans asking whether Germany under Merz can step back into its traditional Europ…

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Tackling the challenge of low wages in Greece 11:53

27d ago11:53

11:53

Since the pandemic we’ve seen the Greek government step in to tackle low wages, raising the minimum wage from €650 in 2019 to the latest announcement in early April bringing the gross wage up to €880. These steps come amid both a cost of living crisis and a labor shortage ahead of the summer in the tourism industry, but also other key sectors like …

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Trump says US will stop attacking Houthis after they pledged to stop targeting ships 13:32

28d ago13:32

13:32

On Tuesday President Trump said that the US would stop attacking the Houthis in Yemen because the group had "capitulated", adding that the Houthis had pledged to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea. This move comes after pressure from both regional players like Saudi Arabia - which President Trump is planning to visit - and from within the MAGA cam…

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Trump's call with Erdogan and the wider messages it sends 11:53

29d ago11:53

11:53

President Trump said that he had a "very good and productive" call with Turkish President Erdogan, adding that Erdogan had invited him to Turkey and that he would also be coming to Washington. The call comes in the wake of a new crackdown on dissent in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, amid speculation that Turkey could …

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Erdogan says Turkey's presence on Cyprus will last "for centuries" 11:17

30d ago11:17

11:17

While visiting the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus this weekend, Turkish President Erdogan said that his country’s presence on the island will continue for centuries, adding that “whoever doesn’t know this must learn it.” Erdogan’s speech drew a swift response from Greece, and comes as the UN is looking to restart talks on the Cyprus issue…

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Congress spotlights Azerbaijan’s crimes in Nagorno Karabakh 11:57

1M ago11:57

11:57

A Congressional hearing organized by Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission this week titled “Human Rights in Azerbaijan since the COP 29 UN Climate Change Conference” put the spotlight on Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Nagorno Karabakh - or Artsakh - and issues such as securing the release of Armenian hostages illegally held by Baku. The hearing cam…

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Looking back at the Imia crisis and the legacy of US diplomacy 10:10

1M ago10:10

10:10

In January of 1996 Greece and Turkey came close to conflict when the Imia crisis erupted. The US played a critical role in preventing a military escalation through Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke, and the US ambassadors in Athens and Ankara. Thomas Niles, the US ambassador in Athens at the time who passed away this week, spoke openly…

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The homecoming of Greece’s 'lost children' 12:49

1M ago12:49

12:49

The struggle of many Greeks who were sent abroad as children for adoption in the aftermath of the Greek Civil War and the decades that followed is finally coming to an end as the Greek government is now paving the way for them to regain their Greek citizenship. Professor Gonda van Steen, the Koraes Chair at the Centre for Hellenic Studies and Depar…

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The story of how a green Patriarch led to a green Pope 9:35

1M ago9:35

9:35

One of the legacies Pope Francis leaves behind is his commitment to climate action and the environment, a legacy Catholic activists around the world are maintaining. What many people do not realize is that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, often called the green Patriarch, played a key role in bringing this movement into existence. Bruce Clark, a j…

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Greece's fragmented opposition and the rise of Zoe Konstantopoulou 12:21

1M ago12:21

12:21

Since SYRIZA’s collapse in the 2023 national elections, the focus has been on who can lead the opposition. PASOK is the official opposition in parliament, but now another party is stepping into second place in the polls - the anti-establishment left wing Course of Freedom led by Zoe Konstantopoulou. Nektaria Stamouli, the deputy editor in chief of …

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Mitsotakis announces 1 billion euros in benefits as Greece posts a budget surplus 14:07

1M ago14:07

14:07

In a surprise move after the Easter break, Prime Minister Mitsotakis announced 1 billion euros in benefits. This followed the release of data showing Greece had secured a budget surplus of 1.3 percent. The announcement is also putting a spotlight on Greece’s politics, with many asking if Mitsotakis is charting a course for a third term with this mo…

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Germany blocks the sale of Eurofighters to Turkey. Should this serve as an example for the US? 18:50

1M ago18:50

18:50

Germany’s parliament blocked the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey earlier this month. This decision follows the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, and comes amid reports that Turkey is pressing the US to lift CAATSA sanctions and sell it F-35s. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies an…

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Cyprus' diplomatic win in Central Asia 15:03

1M ago15:03

15:03

Earlier this month we saw Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - Central Asian countries that are also members of the Organization of Turkic States - pledge their support for Cyprus’ sovereignty. The move followed a meeting with top EU officials in Samarkand, and saw Turkish media describe it as a blow for Turkey. Harris Georgiades, the Chairman…

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'Touristification' takes hold in Greece 9:36

1M ago9:36

9:36

As Greece prepares for another hectic tourism season, it’s not just the popular island destinations that are bracing for the arrival of travelers from around the world. Over the past years, however, we’ve seen almost every region of Greece turn to tourism, a shift experts highlight is unique across the European Union. This trend of touristification…

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Keeping the pressure on Erdogan over Imamoglu's arrest 14:04

1M ago14:04

14:04

Since Turkish President Erdogan arrested Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the country has been rocked by protests and political uncertainty. In the meantime, the main opposition is looking to keep up the pressure on Erdogan and translate anger over Imamoglu’s arrest into a cause that resonates broadly with voters. Dr. Lisel Hintz, Assistant Professor…

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Why Serbs have taken to the streets over the past months 13:06

2M ago13:06

13:06

For five months Serbs have been taking to the streets, resulting in an unprecedented anti-corruption protest movement. The movement’s sustained momentum has put longtime Serbian President Alexandar Vucic under pressure, and has seen him step up efforts to quash the protests. Professor James Ker-Lindsay, who has worked extensively on the EU, the Bal…

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Erdogan gambles at home and abroad 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

For over two decades Turkey’s President Erdogan has endured a number of challenges to his power - from court corruption investigations and close elections to a failed coup in 2016 - and has emerged more powerful. The decision to arrest Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and Turkey’s assertive presence in Syria are Erdogan’s latest gambles. Ryan Gingeras…

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Uncertainty from Trump's America spurs Europe into action 12:52

2M ago12:52

12:52

From tariffs to Greenland, Ukraine and European security, it seems Europeans have been left guessing when it comes to what President Trump wants. This is spurring Europe into action, as EU states look to America-proof their defense and security in the face of Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist,…

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Greece to repay its first debt-crisis bailout loans 10 years early 12:43

2M ago12:43

12:43

In an exclusive with Reuters, Greek officials said the country plans to pay off loans granted under the first of three debt-crisis bailouts by 2031, ten years ahead of schedule. This marks yet another milestone in the country’s economic comeback, putting Greece on track to lose the label of the most indebted country in the EU. Yannis Palaiologos, a…

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Has interest from US energy giants in Greece "killed" the illegal Turkish-Libyan accord? 13:59

2M ago13:59

13:59

Early this year American energy giant Chevron expressed interest in exploring for hydrocarbons in Greek waters off the coast of the Peloponnese. Just a few weeks ago, it expressed new interest in areas south of Crete. This vote of confidence is not only raising questions about what potential discoveries could mean for Greece and Europe, but are als…

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Tackling the security challenges posed by malign actors in the East Med 12:46

2M ago12:46

12:46

As countries in the Eastern Mediterranean - particularly Greece, Cyprus, and Israel - deepen their ties, they are also faced with the challenges posed by malign actors across the region. This includes countries like Russia, Iran, and Turkey, but also non-state actors like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in the Red Sea. Jonathan Spyer, director of …

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How the East Med is transforming Middle East security 10:47

2M ago10:47

10:47

Since the discovery of natural gas almost 15 years ago in the Eastern Mediterranean, we’ve seen this region come together in unexpected ways. Ties have expanded beyond Greece, Cyprus and Israel to include a number of Middle East countries, the US, and the EU, and have moved well beyond energy into the security realm as well. Michael Rubin, a senior…

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Trump tests Europe with tariffs and on Le Pen's conviction 12:29

2M ago12:29

12:29

Since stepping into office, President Trump has shown a willingness to fracture the trans-Atlantic alliance with his tariffs and demands for higher military spending. While tariffs top the agenda, we’ve also seen President Trump wade into European politics, weighing in on Marine Le Pen’s conviction in France. Steven Erlanger, the chief diplomatic c…

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A new age of global economic competition? 13:09

2M ago13:09

13:09

Last week President Trump’s announcement of global tariffs on both allies and adversaries went beyond most predictions, and we’ve seen experts talk about a US declaration of economic war on the world, while others warn of economic havoc, recession, and fears of a sharp global economic slowdown. Matthew Goodman, the director of the Greenberg Center …

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Israeli strikes in Syria and the growing tensions with Turkey 12:26

2M ago12:26

12:26

Israel stepped up airstrikes on Syria last week, declaring the attacks a warning to the new Islamist rulers in Damascus. At the same time, it accused Turkey of trying to turn Syria - given its influence with the new interim government - into a Turkish protectorate. These strikes came days after Turkish President Erdogan reportedly called for the de…

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Greece braces for Trump's tariffs 11:14

2M ago11:14

11:14

President Trump announced sweeping tariffs this week, targeting both allies and adversaries. Europe was obviously not spared from these measures. Greek exporters are also preparing for the fallout from these tariffs, which come as the US market has grown in importance for Greek products like wine, feta, olive oil, cement, and aluminum over the past…

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Greece's €25 billion defense strategy 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis just announced Greece will allocate €25 billion as part of a 12-year defense strategy that is going to be transformative for the country’s armed forces. The plan is forward looking, focusing on the integration of advanced defense technologies and the active participation of the Greek defense industry in all defens…

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Why Turkey poses a moral and strategic risk for European security 13:16

2M ago13:16

13:16

As Europeans look to boost their security and defense capabilities, there’s an ongoing debate about including Turkey in this discussion. This is raising a number of moral and strategic concerns, especially given the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and Turkey’s ties to Russia. Ambassador Marc Pierini, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europ…

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Greece's role in Europe's race for critical minerals 14:13

2M ago14:13

14:13

Europe’s race to secure critical minerals and break its dependence on China has put the spotlight on Greece after the bloc announced a list of strategic projects that include a Greek aluminum plant that will soon extract gallium - a critical metal used in everything from advanced semiconductors to military radar systems. Alexandra Voudouri, Kathime…

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The urgent need for justice and inclusivity in Syria 13:40

2M ago13:40

13:40

As we entered 2025, there was a sense of cautious optimism about Syria. With Assad gone, many hoped the country could finally begin to turn a page. Instead, earlier this month over 1,000 civilians were killed in an outburst of sectarian violence prompting global concern. This concern is especially acute among Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities…

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Why Trump should not give in to Erdogan on F-35s and sanctions 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio just hosted his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Washington this week, a move that came days after the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and after reports that Turkish President Erdogan is pressing President Trump to lift CAATSA sanctions and sell Turkey F-35s. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at t…

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The Greek-American story and the new challenges for the community 15:27

2M ago15:27

15:27

Greek independence day was once again celebrated in the White House this year, carrying on a tradition that goes back decades and spans multiple presidencies. This undoubtedly puts the Greek-American story in the spotlight, and that’s the story we want to dig into today. Professor Alexander Kitroeff joins Thanos Davelis as we look beyond this White…

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Greece in Trump's new world 12:05

2M ago12:05

12:05

The first couple months of the Trump administration have shocked Europe, with Washington’s moves on Ukraine, its statements on European defense, and tariffs taking center stage. As Europe recovers from the shock, it’s looking to adapt to this new reality. Where does this leave countries like Greece, and what can Greece bring to the table both when …

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The political and economic crises in the wake of Imamoglu's arrest 14:16

2M ago14:16

14:16

The ongoing protests in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu have led to not only arrests of demonstrators and journalists, but also a rout in Turkey’s currency and stock market. As Turkish President Erdogan tries to manage the fallout from Imamoglu’s arrest, many are asking whether this decision to move against his main pol…