Lars Peter Fredén on the meaning of Genuine Diplomacy

Suriya Narayanan Sundararajan on Liability in Ocean Observation

Welcome to News From the Castle! This podcast series is dedicated to interviewing experts inside and outside Lund University, who share their expertise on topics related to foreign affairs. As part of UPF Lund's Project of the Year, we host this episode featuring Suriya Sundararajan, a PhD candidate at the World Maritime University, who took part in a collaborative workshop between WMU and UPF Lund. He discusses the background to and the importance of the question of liability in ocean observation in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Focusing on the South-West Indian Ocean, he explains the region's ecological significance, the role of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, and the conceptual liability framework he proposes in the article, co-authored with Anna-Lena Simon. Any opinions expressed in this episode are the speakers’ own and do not represent UPF Lund, which remains politically neutral and unaffiliated. Host: Hwikyung Lee Guest: Suriya Narayanan Sundararajan Producers: Hwikyung Lee & Ismail Ali ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Kateryna Okhrimchuk on Shaping Ukraine's Voice in Maritime Affairs

Welcome to News From the Castle! This podcast series is dedicated to interviewing experts inside and outside Lund University, who share their expertise on topics related to foreign affairs. As part of the Project of the Year at UPF Lund, project member Yelyzaveta hosts this episode featuring Kateryna Okhrimchuk, an International Relations Advisor at the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. She discusses Ukraine’s maritime governance and the challenges facing the country’s ports and shipping sector during the Russia-Ukraine war. She explains how maritime security, mine clearance, port protection, and international diplomacy have become central to Ukraine’s resilience in the Black Sea region. Any opinions expressed in this episode are the speakers’ own and do not represent UPF Lund, which remains politically neutral and unaffiliated. Host: Yelyzaveta Maslovska Guest: Kateryna Okhrimchuk Editor: Finn Spices Producers: Hwikyung Lee, Ismail Ali ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Rouzbeh Parsi on Inside Iran: Power, People and Future

In this episode, we sit down with Rouzbeh Parsi, author and affiliated Researcher at Lund University, for an in-depth conversation on Iran, one of the most complex and often misunderstood countries in today’s geopolitical landscape. We begin by exploring the foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran: what defines it, how Iranian society functions in practice, and the intricate relationship between state power and everyday life. From there, we turn to the current conflict, unpacking what is happening on the ground and what the future might hold. Rouzbeh also discusses his new book, Mellan Gud och stat (Between God and State: Iran after a Long 20th Century), offering deeper historical context for understanding Iran today. While much has evolved since this conversation was recorded, Rouzbeh’s analysis remains sharp and highly relevant. His insights combined with a clear and engaging style, make this episode just as valuable now as when it was first recorded. Any opinions expressed in this episode are the speakers’ own and do not represent UPF Lund, which remains politically neutral and unaffiliated. Host: Ismail Ali, Lisa Barut Guest: Rouzbeh Parsi Producer: Ismail Ali, Hwikyung Lee ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Lars Peter Fredén on the meaning of Genuine Diplomacy

Welcome to News From the Castle! This podcast series is dedicated to interviewing experts inside and outside Lund University, who share their expertise on topics related to foreign affairs. In this episode of News From the Castle, we spoke to Lars Peter Fredén, ambassador of Sweden to China between 2010 and 2016, about the importance of the humanities to navigating diplomatic, industry, and research partnerships with Chinese actors. As the first in his role to speak Mandarin prior to his appointment, he emphasizes the need for expanding education of the Chinese language, philosophy, and related fields in the European Union, and gives advice to students interested in China about how to prepare for a role in diplomacy. Any opinions expressed in this episode are the speakers’ own and do not represent UPF Lund, which remains politically neutral and unaffiliated. Host: Sabina Rameke Guest: Lars Peter Fredén Producers: Hwikyung Lee, Ismail Ali ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Hannah Sahlberg, Senior China Reporter at Swedish Radio, on Collaboration with China

Welcome to News From the Castle! This podcast series is dedicated to interviewing experts inside and outside Lund University, who share their expertise on topics related to foreign affairs. In this episode, Hanna Sahlberg, senior China reporter at Swedish Radio and former Beijing correspondent, joins us to discuss China’s evolving role in global science and innovation, the opportunities and risks of cooperation with China, and how European perspectives on China have shifted over the past decade. The conversation also explores questions surrounding state influence, academic freedom, global trade, and the future of international collaboration in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Any opinions expressed in this episode are the speakers’ own and do not represent UPF Lund, which remains politically neutral and unaffiliated. Host: Dipline Purbuar Guest: Hanna Sahlberg Producers: Hwikyung Lee, Ismail Ali ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.