In this episode, we return to a theme we first explored three years ago: the steady hollowing out of institutions. Recently, the decline has accelerated further, eroding both credibility and effectiveness.

We look at the wave of NATO and EU countries, including Finland and Lithuania, pulling out of the Vancouver landmine ban treaty, citing Russian threats. At the same time, the United States shows open hostility toward international institutions it created: from imposing sanctions on ICC judges investigating Israel to citing the “Hague Invasion Act” to undermine accountability when it is useful. At the same time, still relying on it to criticise those it sees as adversaries.

Elsewhere, Trump uses tariffs as a blunt instrument to reward allies and punish enemies. This time targeting Brazil over the indictment of Bolsonaro, and pressuring Israel to pardon Netanyahu altogether.

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.