Best Hellenic American Leadership Council Podcasts (2025)

1
Greece's AI strategy 12:37

7h ago12:37

12:37

World leaders met in Paris earlier this week for the AI Action Summit, a global summit on artificial intelligence. While France and the EU pledged to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars in investments in the AI sector, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was also in Paris, put a spotlight on how Greece is helping to shape European…

1
Kosovo's election and the stakes for the Western Balkans 13:19

1d ago13:19

13:19

This past weekend voters in Kosovo went to the polls in an election that many saw as critical for the future of its relations with the US and the EU, but also when it comes to stalled talks with Serbia to normalize ties. Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who has pushed hardline policies vis-a-vis Kosovo’s Serbs, won the general election, but his party fe…

1
Cyprus and the shifting dynamics on migration and regional security 12:02

2d ago12:02

12:02

For the past decade, Cyprus, the EU’s easternmost state and the closest to the Middle East, has stood as one of the EU’s frontline states when it comes to the migration crisis. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza are now raising new questions about migration and regional security. Nicholas Ioannides, the Depu…

1
Putting the spotlight on Greece, Cyprus and the East Med in Washington 10:44

3d ago10:44

10:44

We’re coming to you from the sidelines of the 6th Delphi Forum in Washington DC, a two-day conference organized by HALC, Kathimerini’s English Edition, and the Delphi Economic Forum today, where the spotlight is on Greece, Cyprus, Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. This is a region at the crossroads of three continents and at the heart…

1
Russia and Turkey's sanctions evasion scheme and the $2 billion stuck at JPMorgan 9:27

4d ago9:27

9:27

A few months after Russia’s President Putin invaded Ukraine, Russia and Turkey used a nuclear project to sidestep US sanctions. In short, Moscow slipped billions of dollars through US banks into Turkey, from which the money could bankroll Russian state initiatives. Now US prosecutors are eyeing $2 billion worth of Russian funds that are stuck at JP…

1
Greece, France, and the possible sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey 12:00

7d ago12:00

12:00

A story that's been in and out of the headlines in Greece lately has to do with France and the potential sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey. While the story is putting Greece’s relations with France and other EU partners in the spotlight, it also raises questions about European arms sales to countries like Turkey. This debate comes amid calls for Eu…

1
What are Turkey's nuclear ambitions? 9:42

8d ago9:42

9:42

A provisional mining deal last year between Turkey and Niger, one of the world’s biggest uranium producers, has analysts asking if Turkey is taking quiet yet deliberate steps toward producing enriched uranium fuel, a step that could one day lead to nuclear weapons. Andrea Stricker, the deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ (…

1
Does the EU need to prepare for a post-America Europe? 13:28

10d ago13:28

13:28

According to recent reports - notably in the Financial Times - the EU is debating a return to Russian gas as part of a Ukraine peace deal, with officials from Germany and Hungary endorsing the idea. This discussion is unfolding as President Trump is threatening tariffs against the EU if it doesn’t buy more American LNG, and as Europe grapples with …

1
The vision for Cyprus in 2025 13:29

11d ago13:29

13:29

Last week President Christodoulides delivered his annual “State of the Union” address, highlighting his vision for Cyprus in 2025. The President laid out an ambitious reform agenda that will not only modernize Cyprus, but improve the brand of Cyprus both on the international stage and in the eyes of its own citizens. Irene Piki, the Deputy Minister…

1
Tulsi Gabbard's hearing and political transformation 11:32

15d ago11:32

11:32

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat and President Trump’s choice to serve as the Director of National Intelligence, just went through a tense Senate confirmation hearing, facing bipartisan skepticism about her suitability for the role. Georgia Logothetis, HALC’s Managing Director, joins Thanos Davelis to look into Gabbard’s political transformation, h…

1
A deal to end Turkey's 40-year Kurdish conflict? 11:25

16d ago11:25

11:25

Top lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish People’s Equality and Democracy Party have now met with Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the PKK, on a few occasions, generating some buzz around the potential for a deal that could bring the decades-long conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurds to an end. This is taking place amid seismic geopolitica…

1
US foreign policy in Trump's era of disruption 13:55

16d ago13:55

13:55

President Trump promised to shake up how Washington does business, and he has wasted no time since his inauguration. From executive orders to a call with Denmark’s leader over Greenland, Trump seems to be making good on his pledge to disrupt American domestic and foreign policy. What will this mean for the US and its allies, particularly in Europe?…

1
Trump, gas exploration, and Greece's energy strategy 15:19

17d ago15:19

15:19

As President Trump assumed office repeating his campaign slogan of “drill, baby, drill”, Greece announced that US energy giant Chevron is interested in exploring for oil and gas in Greek waters. The move comes as President Trump has also called on Europe to buy more US energy. John Psaropoulos joins Thanos Davelis to look into this latest developme…

1
Greece, the US beyond the Beltway, and messiah politics 15:16

18d ago15:16

15:16

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias just became the first member of Greece’s government to visit the US since President Trump’s inauguration with a trip that took him beyond the Beltway to cities like Chicago. Beyond engaging with the diaspora, Dendias’ trip put Greece in the spotlight for a wider American audience. Endy Zemenides, HALC’s Executiv…

1
Greece achieves global milestone in reducing antisemitism 12:46

21d ago12:46

12:46

Recent findings from the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Global 100 study reveal that while global antisemitism has surged across the world over the last decade, Greece is bucking this trend. In fact, it recorded the largest decrease in antisemitic attitudes globally, with a 19-point drop. Aykan Erdemir, the Senior Director for Global Research and D…

1
Cyprus' CYCLOPS on the front line of US and European security 11:02

22d ago11:02

11:02

Opening its doors in 2022, the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security, otherwise known as CYCLOPS, is now not only on the front line of US and European security, but is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to relations between Washington and Nicosia. Michael Rubin, the director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and a…

1
Trump's foreign policy vision and the view from Capitol Hill 11:42

23d ago11:42

11:42

As President Trump outlined his “America first” foreign policy vision in his inaugural address, other key players on the foreign policy chess board in Washington are also moving into place, from Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking over the State Department to new leaders in Congress. Laura Kelly, the foreign policy reporter for The Hill, joins Th…

1
A new political battleground? Mitsotakis' pick for president, New Democracy, and PASOK 12:11

25d ago12:11

12:11

Prime Minister Mitsotakis announced his pick for President of Greece last week, selecting New Democracy veteran Kostas Tasoulas. The decision is not only indicative of the direction Mitsotakis is looking to move in 2025, but it also sets the stage for a new political battleground between New Democracy and PASOK. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder and …

1
Is Erdogan really the "big winner" in Syria? 13:50

26d ago13:50

13:50

Since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, many have repeated the analysis that Turkey is “the winner” in Syria. Is this the case, however? Has Turkey really won anything yet? Developments on the ground indicate that this may not be the case. Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on For…

1
Cyprus joins three critical US defense programs 9:27

28d ago9:27

9:27

In a move heralded as historic, President Joe Biden issued a presidential determination this week officially including Cyprus in three critical US defense programs. Cyprus hailed the decision allowing military sales, including arms, to the island as a milestone affirming the country’s role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Lena…

1
Elon Musk and America's allies 13:38

29d ago13:38

13:38

As we approach inauguration day, one of President-elect Donald Trump’s closest allies, Elon Musk, has been using his social media platform X to openly support political parties like the far-right AfD in Germany ahead of the country’s election, or has called for an end to Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government in the UK. His posts are raising question…

1
Greece engages with the Middle East 12:43

1M ago12:43

12:43

Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ visit to Saudi Arabia this week has put a spotlight on Greece’s strategy in the Middle East, coming about a week after a trilateral summit in Cairo with Egypt’s President Sisi and Cyprus’ President Christodoulides, and a month after a visit to Lebanon. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor, joins Tha…

1
Greece's presidency and Mitsotakis' dilemma 12:57

1M ago12:57

12:57

All eyes are on Prime Minister Mitsotakis as Greeks wait to hear who he plans to nominate as Greece’s next president. While the position is a largely ceremonial one, who is selected will send a message across the political spectrum, and will likely set the tone for the remainder of Mitsotakis’ term as he will have to decide whether to appease his p…

1
It's now or never: The renewed push to find the missing in Cyprus 10:03

1M ago10:03

10:03

As we approach the 51st dark anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus this year, there is a renewed push to locate and identify the remains of 951 missing Greek and Turkish Cypriots. To this day, the search continues for those lost during periods of inter-communal violence or - the large part - during Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Nektaria…

1
A chance to reimagine Lebanon's future? 11:48

1M ago11:48

11:48

Lebanon has brought an end to a two year power vacuum with the election of Joseph Aoun, the country's army chief, as president. His candidacy was backed by several key players, including the US, France and Saudi Arabia. Together with the collapse of Assad in Syria and a weakened Hezbollah, there are many who hope this election could serve as the ne…

1
Is Erdogan preparing to invade Syria? 13:59

1M ago13:59

13:59

While the world is waiting for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration this month, Turkey’s President Erdogan is saber rattling, making it clear that he intends to target the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who have been critical in the fight against ISIS. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democ…

1
The new Congress, inauguration, and Trump's world view 14:57

1M ago14:57

14:57

As we approach President-elect Trump’s inauguration, many are trying to discern how both the incoming Trump administration and the new Congress that was just sworn in will deal with key foreign policy questions that will undoubtedly impact Greece and Cyprus. Endy Zemenides, HALC’s Executive Director, joins Thanos Davelis to break down what to expec…

1
Greece and the new era of uncertainty in 2025 14:36

1M ago14:36

14:36

2024 was a tumultuous year, with elections in the US and Europe setting the stage for major changes, and ushering in a new era of uncertainty - especially in Europe. Amid these developments, Greece saw a new opposition emerge in PASOK and its economy once again was on The Economist’s list of top performers of 2024. Niko Efstathiou, an Athens based …

1
Costas Simitis' legacy and his role in shaping modern Greece 15:54

1M ago15:54

15:54

The death of former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the age of 88 has put a spotlight on his tenure (1996-2004), with many highlighting his role in shaping today’s Greece. Key highlights include bringing Greece into the Eurozone, playing a key role in Cyprus’s quest for EU membership, establishing a framework for dialogue with Turkey, and se…

1
Cyprus puts the spotlight on religious freedom and protecting Christians and other Middle East minorities 11:34

2M ago11:34

11:34

Cyprus is once again making headline news as Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides becomes the first leader in the region to appoint a special representative - Ambassador Thessalia Salina Shambos - for religious freedoms and the protection of minorities in the Middle East. The move, welcomed in Washington, comes as new concerns about religious an…

1
Greece and Cyprus on alert over possible Turkey-Syria EEZ deal 11:57

2M ago11:57

11:57

Athens and Nicosia are putting the spotlight on reports that Turkey and Syria could potentially reach a deal to delimit their maritime zones in a way that would promote Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine, and disregard the rights of neighboring states like Cyprus. Such a move would raise the specter of legal and political tensions reminiscent of the…

1
Is Turkey outplaying Egypt and the US in the Horn of Africa? 8:23

2M ago8:23

8:23

For many, it seems Turkey’s Erdogan is coming out as the big winner in Syria. But looking beyond the Middle East, it seems Ankara is also emerging as a winner in another arena - in the Horn of Africa. Its recent role in mediating a deal between Ethiopia and Somalia demonstrates Ankara’s growing assertiveness on the world stage, and is a clear messa…

1
Trump's chance to reshape the Middle East and the opportunities for Greece 9:57

2M ago9:57

9:57

The upheavals across the Middle East over the past year and a half - with the collapse of Assad’s regime in Syria taking center stage now - mean that the incoming Trump administration has a new chance to reshape the region. This raises important questions for Greece, which sits at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, and is at the hea…

1
What's at stake for Syria's minorities in the wake of Assad's fall? 10:01

2M ago10:01

10:01

While the collapse of the Assad regime was celebrated across Syria, the uncertainty about what comes next has many holding their breath. This is especially true for the country’s minorities, particularly its dwindling Christian community. As Syria’s Christians wait to see what will emerge, Syria’s Kurds, another key minority in the country, are als…

1
Greece's new budget and the state of the economy heading into 2025 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

Greece’s parliament has just approved the 2025 budget, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis highlighting measures designed to help mostly lower income households in the face of rising costs. This also includes measures that relate to Greece’s banking sector which have received a lot of media attention. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder and editor of Macrop…

1
Assad's fall, Syrian refugees, and Europe's migration debate 8:52

2M ago8:52

8:52

The fall of the Assad regime has put the migration issue back in the limelight in Europe, with a number of European countries, including Greece, announcing they were freezing asylum applications for Syrians or suggesting it’s time they prepare to return home. Many are pointing out that these reactions seem premature, however, as Syria’s future rema…

1
Greece's "ghost" towns and the demographic challenge 10:37

2M ago10:37

10:37

In Greece abandoned "ghost" towns and villages scattered across the countryside provide a glimpse into the country’s broader demographic challenge, which Prime Minister Mitsotakis has warned is "existential". The government is now working to reverse worrying trends that could leave Greece’s population older and smaller as it looks to also continue …

1
Climate change, over-tourism, and the water crisis on Greece's islands 9:23

2M ago9:23

9:23

Record breaking heat-waves, limited rainfall, and a spike in tourism have many in Greece concerned about the availability of water. This is something we’ve heard experts talk about with regards to Athens. In Greece’s Cycladic islands, however, which see millions of visitors every summer, this problem seems even more pronounced. Alexia Kalaitzi, an …

1
Is Turkey's Erdogan the big winner amid the Syria crisis? 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

With the speed at which developments in Syria are unfolding after the fall of the Assad regime, dynamics in the country and the region are in flux. One question many are asking, however, is whether a decade or so of backing elements of Syria’s armed opposition is now about to pay off for Turkey and President Erdogan. Henri Barkey, an adjunct senior…

1
Cyprus, NATO, and the 'gentleman's agreement' of 1959 11:16

2M ago11:16

11:16

The news that Cyprus is eyeing a future in NATO has made headlines recently, with many arguing such a step could be transformative for Cyprus and the region. The story of Cyprus and NATO, however, is not new, but goes back to the creation of an independent Cyprus and a 1959 "gentleman's agreement". Evanthis Hatzivassiliou, a professor at the Depart…

1
Greece, Turkey, the Aegean, and Trump 15:18

2M ago15:18

15:18

With the incoming Trump administration preparing to take office in over a month, countries like Greece and Turkey are trying to work out what this will mean for the region and their ties to Washington. Ryan Gingeras, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Turkish, Balkan, and Mid…

1
Mitsotakis' expected Beirut visit and the challenges facing Lebanon 12:39

2M ago12:39

12:39

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to visit Lebanon in the coming days, an important diplomatic move that underscores Greece’s commitment to fostering stability and security in the region. It would also make Mitsotakis the first EU leader - as Kathimerini notes - to visit Lebanon since a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Hezbolla…

1
Has the Greek-Turkish dialogue stalled? 12:21

2M ago12:21

12:21

While Greece and Turkey’s foreign ministers are working to lay the groundwork for a key summit between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Erdogan early next year, there are growing concerns that progress in resolving differences in the Aegean Sea is proving all but impossible. Tom Ellis, the editor in chief of Kathimerini’s English Edition, jo…

1
Merkel's memoirs: The Greek financial crisis, migration, and her legacy 12:00

2M ago12:00

12:00

Ex-German chancellor Angela Merkel’s memoir was recently released, and many are racing to see what she has chosen to reveal about key moments and players from Europe’s recent past - from the financial crisis to migration and the pandemic. Naturally, Greece is at the heart of a number of these developments. Xenia Kounalaki, a journalist, columnist, …

1
What Syria's new cycle of violence and instability means for the region 11:16

2M ago11:16

11:16

In a lightning offensive Syrian rebels seized Aleppo and are threatening other regime-held territories in the country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s closest allies, Russia and Iran, pledged unconditional support to his government on Monday, while a number of other countries invested in Syria - including Turkey, Israel and the US - are watching…

1
Greece's new political landscape 12:08

3M ago12:08

12:08

Developments over the past few months in Greece have seen SYRIZA lose its position as the main opposition in parliament to PASOK in the wake of leadership elections in both parties, the creation of a new political party on the left, and the ouster of a former prime minister from New Democracy. At the same time, the ripple effects of the US election…

1
A plan to integrate Cyprus into NATO 9:52

3M ago9:52

9:52

The launch of a strategic dialogue between Cyprus and the US last month was quickly followed up by another historic development: President Christodoulides’ visit to the White House. With US-Cyprus ties deepening at a rapid pace, this was a chance for Christodoulides to present his strategic vision for Cyprus, including, as reports indicate, the pot…

1
Turkey escalates tensions as Greece and Cyprus look to link their grids 10:58

3M ago10:58

10:58

Earlier this month we saw a mini crisis break out in the southern Aegean as Turkey deployed four frigates near the Greek islands of Kasos and Karpathos thinking that an Italian ship - which had been at the center of a 40-hour crisis last July - was in the area conducting research for the future deployment of underwater cables linking Greece and Cyp…

1
Greece’s economic turnaround, debt reduction, and the cost of living crisis 11:26

3M ago11:26

11:26

This week Greece saw workers in the public and the private sector go on strike, demanding better wages in the face of rising costs across the board. This comes despite Greece’s economic success story, whether it's achieving investment grade or outperforming its Eurozone partners, and as the government announced it is set to make another early repay…

1
The Polytechnic uprising, the diaspora, and the fight to restore democracy in Greece 14:17

3M ago14:17

14:17

On November 17th Greeks commemorated the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising - a seminal moment that effectively delivered the first real blow to the military dictatorship, or the junta, that was ruling Greece. While the story of the uprising itself is well known, the Greek diaspora around the world also played an important role in the fig…

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