Daniel Twining, President of the International Republican Institute, joins host Gary Marx for a wide-ranging conversation about Ukraine, Russia, China and the growing competition between democratic and authoritarian powers around the world.
Fresh off a trip to Ukraine, Twining describes what he witnessed during a visit to Kharkiv and near the front lines, including the rapidly changing nature of drone warfare and the continuing danger facing Ukrainian civilians.
The conversation also examines new sanctions targeting Russia and its trading partners, the role China plays in supporting Moscow, and what the war could mean for deterrence elsewhere—including a potential conflict over Taiwan.
Twining also discusses the International Republican Institute’s work supporting democratic institutions around the world, what future elections in Ukraine could look like, Russian influence in countries including Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, and whether NATO is prepared for continued Russian aggression.
Finally, Twining reflects on the resilience he witnessed firsthand in Ukraine and why he believes the outcome of the war will have consequences far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
00:00 — Russia, China & the Stakes for Ukraine
00:19 — Introducing Daniel Twining
01:49 — Twining Returns From Ukraine
03:13 — Russia Escalates Its Attacks
05:23 — Inside Kharkiv & the Drone War
08:11 — New Sanctions Against Russia
10:40 — Ukraine's Future Elections
15:11 — IRI's Democracy Work Beyond Ukraine
17:10 — Is NATO Ready for Russia?
20:41 — Deterrence, Ukraine & Taiwan
23:06 — Russian Influence & China
24:05 — Sanctions, China & Ending the War
26:00 — Twining's Message From Ukraine
28:00 — Closing