Decision-makers and dilemmas with Baiba Braže

Politicians tend to aspire to a status quo: a clarity of positions and possibilities that deliver a semblance of stability. In a period of change, not to mention when things go wrong, there is a yearning for a status quo ante — a return to such clarity and stability, regardless of whether it is actually possible. It is significant that in the current world of radical change no leader or decision-maker is talking about the status quo ante: all the cards are up in the air.To get a feel for the decision-maker’s dilemmas within this new reality, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Foreign Minister of Latvia, Baiba Braže. In a special short and sharp episode demanded by events, they focus upon the situation in Ukraine and the need to support it, the significance of upping European defence, the reality of life under Russian and Soviet occupation.This episode was recorded on 27 February 2025.ChaptersIs NATO still a solid pillar for European security?What are the discussions in the decision-making rooms?The horrific realities of Soviet and Russian occupationsMentionsPutin’s Ukraine: The End of War and the Price of Russian OccupationUN “Human rights 3 years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine”UN “Ukraine: Torture by Russian authorities amounts to crimes against humanity”Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Russia is using torture as a coordinated state policy against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war”Our previous episode with Olena Tregub & Inna PidluskaFollow our guest:Baiba Braže X/TwitterFollow usInstagram @women_leaders_podcastOur partner European Leadership Network Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat Contribute to the conversation with a comment & a 5-⭐️Reach us on our Instagram and follow for updates @women_leaders_podcastWatch now our episode on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.