Neutrality Studies

Note to enraged viewers: It is impossible to cover Serbia, the Balkans, or Yugoslavia without making people mad. I will ask more colleagues to come online over the next weeks to explain the situation from their vantage points. Please understand this as one of the perspectives on what is going on.Višeslav Simić joins Pascal to discuss Serbia’s political upheaval and the student movement challenging its established parties. Simić argues that anger over corruption united voters while leaving major disagreements over sovereignty and foreign policy unresolved. They examine grassroots organizing, allegations of outside influence, Kosovo, relations with Russia, and competing attitudes toward NATO and the European Union. Lottaz questions Simić’s interpretation of the movement’s leadership, while their exchange explores political representation, military neutrality and the uncertain prospects for lasting change.Višeslav's Links:Biographical interview with RTS (Serbian): https://www.rts.rs/lat/radio/radio-be... Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Serbia’s political upheaval 05:46 Rejecting the established parties 13:24 Grassroots protest and outside influence 17:47 Student leadership and sovereignty 28:27 The Hague and competing political interpretations 36:04 Beyond left and right 43:06 The movement’s mandate and internal tensions 50:09 Kosovo, neutrality and Serbia’s future

The collapse of the West is first and foremost due to the failure of its economic system. Unfeathered capitalism is leading to liberalism's predictable self-canibalization.Graziano Ceddia and Jacopo Bergamo join Pascal to explore the connections between capitalism, ecological destruction and Europe’s growing social unrest. Drawing on Marxian analysis, they discuss protests, inequality, imperialism and the limits of green investment. The conversation considers China’s development, competing forms of ownership and the resilience of capitalism. Ceddia and Bergamo argue for economic democracy and public provision of essential services, while Lottaz presses them on practical alternatives, monetary reform and the possibilities for social and ecological change.Graziano and Jacopo's Links:Homepage: www.iscrises.orgTheir work in Monthly Review: https://monthlyreview.org/article-aut... Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Europe’s protests and social unrest 07:56 Graziano on the roots of discontent 12:29 CRISES: connecting society and ecology 16:09 Capitalism, imperialism and the climate 27:05 China and competing economic models 31:23 Can green investment fix capitalism? 41:35 Economic democracy and essential services 52:17 Money, debt and changing social relations

In contrast to the EU, Australia does maintain some degrees of freedom and pragmatism when it comes to Foreign Relations.Professor Alexis Esposto joins Pascal to discuss Australia’s choices in an emerging multipolar world. They examine the country’s reliance on the United States, its economic relationship with China and the opportunities offered by Asia’s growing markets. Esposto questions whether American protection can provide lasting security, while discussing AUKUS, maritime vulnerabilities and financial dependence. The conversation explores pragmatic diplomacy, neutrality, migration, alternative payment systems and the challenge of protecting Australian prosperity without becoming trapped in a conflict between major powers.Alexis's Links:LinkedIn: / alexis-esposto-4442141a From a Unipolar to a Multipolar World: What’s in it for Australia? https://doi.org/10.1142/S263053132450... Multipolarity and Australia — article: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2025/... Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Australia in an emerging multipolar world 04:51 America as Australia’s insurance policy 09:57 Neutrality, alliances and elite anxieties 13:09 The economic centre of gravity shifts to Asia 20:15 Elite networks and Australia’s national interest 25:04 AUKUS, submarines and strategic dependence 29:43 Maritime vulnerability, diplomacy and migration 36:17 A US–China clash, BRICS and a financial Plan B

Here is the latest trick of the US Empire of war: Sell a hyper expensive submarine to a willing victim, cash-in immediately, hold off on delivery indefinitely, but get port access rights away. Sweet, sweet deals... for the empire of lies, paid for by Australian tax dollars, and maybe soon Australian blood if the weaponization of the continent for the geopolitical games of Washington continues.Former Australian Army major, Cameron Leckie, joins Pascal to discuss his disillusionment with Western foreign policy and Australia’s dependence on the United States. They examine media narratives, military ethics, war powers and the gap between proclaimed values and government actions. Leckie argues that American imperial commitments increasingly exceed available resources, raising questions about AUKUS and regional security. The conversation explores Australia’s relationship with China and its Asian neighbours, and the prospects for a more independent, peaceful foreign policy ahead.Cameron's Links:X: https://x.com/leckie_cameron Substack: https://substack.com/@cameronleckie Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Cameron Leckie: from army officer to critic 06:29 Media narratives and declining public trust 15:53 Australia’s identity and the rise of Asia 23:49 Think tanks and the China threat narrative 26:42 Military ethics, illegal orders and war powers 38:15 Gaza and Australia’s foreign policy contradictions 42:34 Imperial decline, US bases and AUKUS 51:09 A different security future for the Pacific

Update from West Asia: Laith Marouf joins Pascal to discuss the very important changes in the western debates over Israel and Palestine and the risk of wider war in West Asia. Marouf offers his interpretation of Israeli elections, pressure on Iran and the roles of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. They examine Yemen’s shifting frontlines, regional alliances and the limits of American power. Lottaz questions the strategic logic behind escalation, while Marouf argues that existing power structures face mounting instability. Their discussion closes with Free Palestine TV’s reporting work.Laith's Links:Free Palestine TV: https://freepalestine.video/ Free Palestine TV — all social platforms: https://linktr.ee/freepalestinetv Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Changing debates over Israel and Palestine 10:42 Christian Zionism and political identity 16:05 Israeli elections and coalition politics 20:48 The West Bank and the risk of war with Iran 30:16 Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and regional alliances 42:56 Yemen: Taiz, Aden and shifting frontlines 48:01 Yemen’s borders and wider regional consequences 52:25 Marouf’s argument about imperial decline

The European Union has become a complete bureaucratic and authoritarian monster, and it is impossible to fix. It must and will die. But what comes next? The continent will still be there.Professor Ulrike Guérot joins Pascal to discuss her new (German) book "Endlich Europa!" and a possible Europe beyond the European Union. She proposes a European republic combining equal citizenship, autonomous regions and limited shared institutions. Their conversation explores republicanism, democracy, infrastructure, sovereignty and the tensions within the single market and euro. Lottaz challenges her proposal with an ASEAN-style alternative, while Guérot argues that existing economic integration demands a different political framework. Together they consider Europe’s place in an emerging multipolar world.Ulrike's Links:Endlich Europa! — book and multilingual resources: https://endlich-europa.eu Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Ulrike Guérot: imagining Europe after the EU 04:12 What a republic means 12:47 The single market and Europe’s political deficit 17:51 Regions, identities and equal citizenship 24:30 Who makes the rules in a European republic 33:30 Subsidiarity, infrastructure and the rural divide 39:43 An ASEAN-style alternative for Europe 48:37 The euro, sovereignty and Europe’s future

They are lying to you about the Russia's supposed "Hybrid War". The question is why are they lying? To transform the entire EU into the next mega Ukraine? To back save their own power? To create mass-hysteria? Or all of the above?Thomas Fazi joins Pascal to debunk claims of Russian hybrid warfare in Europe. Drawing on his recent investigation, Fazi questions the evidence behind prominent sabotage allegations, drone scares and media coverage. They discuss the Leipzig airport case, political incentives, defence industry interests and the distinction between propaganda and collective fear. The conversation also explores censorship, civil liberties and historical parallels, while warning that escalating threat narratives could contribute to a real confrontation between NATO and Russia, with dangerous consequences.Thomas's Links:Substack: https://www.thomasfazi.com/ The Russian hybrid war narrative — full article: https://www.thomasfazi.com/p/the-russ... Responsible Statecraft — shorter article: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/hyb... X: / battleforeurope Die Brüsseler Tyrannei — German book: https://westendverlag.de/Die-Bruessel... Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Examining the Russian hybrid war narrative 06:18 From allegations to specific incidents 11:18 Drone scares and the evidence 20:51 Leipzig airport and demands for proof 31:28 Media incentives and threat inflation 37:26 Cognitive warfare and collective fear 45:07 Rearmament and defence industry interests 50:21 Civil liberties and the risk of escalation

Russia as an "enemy of civilization" is one of Europe's oldest and most successful fabricated war-narratives ever. From the aristocracy of old to the modern Epstein class, the big bad enemy in the east has been essential to some quarters of the Atlantic elites.Dr. Manuel Ramos joins Pascal to trace the historical construction of Russophobia, focusing on the forged Testament of Peter the Great. Ramos argues that its image of permanent Russian expansion survived exposure and shaped European political language, imperial rivalry and contemporary threat perceptions. They discuss Napoleon, Britain’s Great Game, racial stereotypes, Russian responses, cultural admiration and Europe’s economic troubles. The conversation asks how inherited enemy images obstruct diplomacy and whether Europe can rebuild a more balanced relationship with Russia.Manuel's Links:Substack: https://manueljoaoramos.substack.com Russophobia Forged — Part 1: https://manueljoaoramos.substack.com/... Russophobia Forged — Part 2: https://manueljoaoramos.substack.com/... Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 The historical construction of Russophobia 03:09 The forged Testament of Peter the Great 09:51 The myth of permanent Russian expansion 17:56 Imperial rivalry and Britain’s Great Game 27:02 Russia’s European identity and the common European home 33:24 Enemy stereotypes and Russian responses 45:10 Russophobia, social crisis and Europe’s economy 52:31 Can Europe rebuild its relationship with Russia?

Not only marxists complain about the state of the US Empire, the libertarians, too, are shocked with the direction the West is taking. Here is one of their analyses:Jeffrey Tucker joins Pascal to examine declining trust in Western institutions. Tucker links central banking, financialization and inflation to inequality, war and household insecurity. They debate China’s economic success, the limits of ideology, and whether democracy has failed or been captured by oligarchic interests. The discussion considers Trump’s promises, political retaliation, constitutional change and public disillusionment before turning to healthcare incentives, living standards and the difficult question of how a more humane society could emerge from today’s institutional crisis.Jeffrey's Links:Brownstone Institute: https://brownstone.org/ Jeffrey Tucker’s articles: https://brownstone.org/author/jeffrey... Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Jeffrey Tucker: facts, ideology and liberty 04:04 Fiat money, central banks and the warfare state 09:56 China’s growth and the debate over economic freedom 16:32 What happens when society loses trust? 20:06 Trump’s promises, power and disillusionment 25:07 Lawfare, democracy and the American founding 36:51 Trump, Obama and containing popular anger 46:10 Living standards, healthcare and a squandered future

The neocons can't bomb this one away: the strategic partnership between Russia and China deepened to a degree that it can now reshape the face of the non-western world. This is everything that previous generations of US strategists have warned against. Dr. Daniele Ganser joins Pascal to discuss his new (German language) Book "Kampf der Giganten" and the changing relationship between China, Russia and the United States. Ganser argues that Western policy has drawn Beijing and Moscow closer, while both speakers examine NATO expansion, the Ukraine war and missed diplomatic opportunities. They discuss Iran, Swiss neutrality, sanctions and Europe’s colonial legacy before considering a more cooperative multipolar order. The conversation closes with their hopes for independent media, public dialogue and a stronger international peace movement.Daniele's Links:Website: https://www.danieleganser.ch/ Kampf der Giganten: https://www.danieleganser.ch/buecher/... YouTube: / @danieleganseroffiziell Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Kampf der Giganten: China, Russia and the United States 03:29 NATO expansion and missed diplomacy over Ukraine 13:21 The Cuban Missile Crisis and great-power security 27:49 China, Russia, Iran and opposition to US power 44:14 Swiss neutrality, sanctions and direct democracy 49:54 Europe’s colonial legacy and changing global role 57:14 A peaceful multipolar century? 1:07:42 Independent media and building a peace movement

The liberal capitalist class is in panic — and for a good reason. Their reign of terror is finally coming to a close. Not only because of the emergence of the formerly colonized Global South but also because the capitalists have so thoroughly hollowed out their own nation states that collapse is all but inevitable. Professor Radhika Desai joins Pascal to examine elections, imperial power and the deepening crisis of neoliberal capitalism. They discuss Brazil, Israeli politics, the Israel lobby debate and the relationship between class interests and national strategy. Desai argues that financialization, inequality, repression and speculative AI investment reveal systemic decay. The conversation also considers youth protests, European rearmament, the postwar social compromise and China’s contrasting development model, asking how economies could prioritize ordinary people’s welfare and sustainable prosperity over private profit.Radhika's Links:YouTube — Radhika Desai, Geopolitical Economist: / @raddesai Substack: https://radicaldesai.substack.com Patreon: / radhikadesai Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Brazil’s election and the Latin American left 07:47 Israeli elections and Netanyahu’s wars 11:48 The Israel lobby and US imperial interests 17:18 Class, nation and geopolitical economy 25:22 How neoliberalism dismantled the postwar compromise 31:29 Financialization and the AI bubble 37:05 Youth protests, repression and European rearmament 45:23 Capitalism’s crisis and China’s alternative

They are lying to you: Zionism has NOTHING to do with Judaism. It's a protestant British idea and used as much against the jews as it is used against Palestinians. Benjamin Moser joins Pascal Lottaz to discuss Anti-Zionism: A Jewish History and the diverse Jewish thinkers who opposed Zionism. Moving from rabbis and British politicians to Arab Jewish scholars and contemporary artists, Moser explores religious objections, nationalism, antisemitism, and the promise of safety. They examine settler colonialism, minority rights, Western support for Israel, and changing public opinion. Moser argues that understanding today’s violence requires looking beyond individual leaders to the ideology and historical structures that shaped the Israeli state itself.Benjamin’s Links:Anti-Zionism: A Jewish History: https://www.benmoser.com/anti-zionism English edition: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo... German edition: Anti-Zionismus: https://www.ullstein.de/werke/anti-zi... International editions: https://www.benmoser.com/internationa... Benjamin’s Substack: https://benjaminmoser.substack.com Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Benjamin Moser and Anti-Zionism: A Jewish History 03:42 The Jewish dissenters in the book 08:00 Judaism, Zionism, and a shared sensibility 12:44 Antisemitism, Herzl, and the “new Jew” 18:53 The rabbis’ objections to violence 22:46 Safety, statehood, and minority rights 26:23 Settler colonialism and historical comparisons 39:45 Public opinion and the limits of changing leaders

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.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 The Great Betrayal: two Democratic traditions 04:04 The neoconservative connection 06:13 Carter and the triumph of the hawks 12:20 Who controls foreign policy 19:03 Culture wars and American exceptionalism 27:21 Russia, Russiagate and the limits of dissent 42:25 The pluralism gap and a multipolar world 48:08 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.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 AI transforms mathematical research 05:06 The frontier gap and control of science 10:48 Researchers face an access dilemma 16:36 An accelerating race and security risks 23:11 Chips, sanctions and open collaboration 35:42 Energy and the cost of intelligence 40:31 Human creativity and AI as a tool 45:40 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.com The Burning Archive on YouTube: / @theburningarchive Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Australia’s political crisis 05:20 Migration and settler colonialism 10:11 Voting systems and One Nation’s rise 20:28 Neoliberalism and the limits of market reform 26:27 AUKUS and Australia’s autonomy 37:41 US dominions, elites and media power 47:26 Australia’s relationships with Asia and Russia 52:47 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.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 West Asia and the risk of renewed escalation 05:02 Elections and an October surprise 16:16 Iran’s decentralized military resilience 22:59 Yemen and the limits of expensive warfare 27:58 Iran, the Gulf and changing alliances 31:31 Funeral diplomacy and regional relationships 36:06 Syria’s restraint and Iraq’s uncertainty 42:39 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.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 What is at stake 03:41 The destructive scale of nuclear weapons 10:33 Nuclear testing and the Marshall Islands 16:56 Radiation, contaminated food and unequal risks 30:36 Nuclear winter and global starvation 36:37 Q&A: nuclear energy and deterrence 44:22 Disarmament and double standards 59:18 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.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Geopolitical economy and capitalism’s crisis 06:06 The changing world order 17:26 Imperialism, nations and development 27:45 Marx, monopoly and planned production 39:00 Neoliberalism and capitalism’s decline 50:37 Q&A: Keynes, AI and multipolarity 59:33 Russia, China and imperialism 1:19:17 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.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 From analysis to action: Pascal’s opening 02:17 The panel’s proposals for peace 17:05 Sincere dialogue and ethical principles 19:04 Disarmament, public engagement and cooperation 26:36 Open discussion: fear, power and dialogue 33:39 Domestic inequality and the roots of conflict 44:02 Nuclear risks, identity and political narratives 56:11 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.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Warwick Powell: violence and systemic change 06:05 Energy, production and China’s rise 11:49 West Asia and vulnerable US bases 20:31 Financial infrastructure and alternative payments 23:18 Asia, Australia and the limits of US power 27:38 An ASEAN-centered neutral security order 31:05 Discussion: regional cooperation, energy and payments 48:10 US retrenchment, destabilization and regional choices