A Canadian Officer Resigns to Join a Belarusian Regiment Fighting for Ukraine, Part 1
J. Alex Tarquinio
United Nations Resident Correspondent in New York City | Founding Editor and Host of The Delegates Lounge podcast
In Episode 8, out this week, we follow the gripping tale of a Canadian who resigned from his career as a major in the Canadian Army to serve in the Kastu? Kalino?ski Regiment of Belarusian volunteers fighting for Ukraine. Driven by a profound sense of duty and a desire to combat Russian aggression, Dave Smith's story is a testament to the courage and determination that define the fight for freedom and democracy in Eastern Europe.
His experience provides a unique perspective on the evolving nature of warfare, particularly the role of drones in reshaping battlefield tactics. From high-tech MQ-9 Reaper drones to more accessible FPV options, the episode explores how these technologies are transforming military strategies and the challenges faced by foreign volunteers in Ukraine. The episode also offers a deep dive into how cyber warfare touches civilian lives. We discuss the operations of Russian cybercriminals, often acting as unofficial combatants under government tolerance, and the Canadian military's collaboration with Ukraine to enhance its cyber defenses. This segment highlights the intricate dance of international alliances and the strategic maneuvers of countries like China, all while emphasizing the enduring aspirations for freedom in Eastern Europe.
One of the key insights from the episode is the strategic significance of Belarus in the broader conflict. By examining the historical and geopolitical context, we gain a better understanding of the precarious alliances among authoritarian regimes and the potential for peaceful power shifts inspired by historical revolutions. Dave's experiences provide a lens into the ongoing quest for liberty in the region, emphasizing the need for a united front against tyranny. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead.
Join us for compelling conversations hosted by J. Alex Tarquinio, a veteran journalist who writes essays for Foreign Policy from her office across the hallway from the UN Security Council chamber. Our previous guests include foreign ministers and other top influencers on the world stage. Listen to The Delegates Lounge on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, at the links below, or type in the name of our show wherever you listen to podcasts.
Don’t miss out on these valuable insights from influencers in real life! And if you like what you’ve heard, please take a moment to rate or review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify as it helps others who share your abiding interest in world affairs to find their way to The Delegates Lounge.
Season One Episode Highlights
Episode 7
Finland’s Foreign Minister on Financial Reform and Global Stability
Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen worked in investment banking before entering politics. She shares her deep views on the critical role of public-private partnerships and transparent tax systems in the Global South and the repercussions of sanctions on Russia.
Episode 6
Estonia’s Foreign Minister on Digital Leadership in the AI Era
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna describes his country's innovations in cybersecurity and electronic voting and explores the delicate balance between fighting Artificial Intelligence-driven disinformation and preserving freedom of speech.
Episode 5
Ambassador Robert Wood on Realizing the ‘Pact for the Future’ at the UN
Ambassador Robert Wood, the United States deputy at the UN, discusses the critical need for Security Council reform, the urgent conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan, and analyzes Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East and the regime’s nuclear advancements.
Episode 4
领英推荐
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on the Future of Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Belarusian opposition leader in exile, frames the moral duty of democratic nations to support Belarus and Ukraine as a crucial investment in global security. We discussed the significant role of Belarusian volunteers fighting in Ukraine and the profound risks they and their families face, and the language and culture of Belarus.
Episode 3
Norway’s Foreign Minister on the High North: Winter is Going
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide explains how melting Arctic ice could reshape global power dynamics, especially as Russia is now the only Arctic nation that’s not a member of NATO but has more Arctic bases than NATO’s Arctic member states combined, and as China declares itself a “near Arctic nation,” a claim that Eide brushed aside.
Episode 2
NATO’s Turning Point: Views from Spain, Czechia and Estonia
We caught up with Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, and Czechia’s Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky on the sidelines of NATO’s 75th Anniversary Washington Summit. Our conversations highlighted the urgency for NATO allies to increase military spending, the growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, and the significance of past NATO summits on U.S. politics.
Episode 1
The State of the United Nations on the Eve of the ‘Summit of the Future’
Richard Gowan, the UN Director at the International Crisis Group, delved deep into the UN’s response to Gaza and Ukraine; the challenges of reforming the Security Council; the great power rivalries between China, Russia and the United States; the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on multilateralism.
? The Delegates Lounge LLC 2024 | [email protected] | This podcast is solely a production of The Delegates Lounge LLC
#nationalsecurity, #artificialintelligence, #AI, #cybersecurity, #technology, #internationalrelations, #ForeignPolicy, #climatechange, #UnitedNations, #UN, #UNGA, #NATO, #Belarus, #Ukraine, #Gaza, #MiddleEast, #Norway, #Finland, #Estonia, #usa, #china, #russia, #drones, #strategiccommunications, #climateweeknyc, #Arctic, #Podcast, #Podcasting, #NewEpisode, #ListenNow