Interviews and Media Appearances
Michael O. Slobodchikoff has appeared in leading international broadcast outlets, including BBC World News and Deutsche Welle, where he provides expert analysis on Russian foreign policy, U.S.–Russia relations, NATO, great power competition, and global security. His media commentary brings academic depth to fast-moving international events, translating complex geopolitical developments into clear, accessible analysis for broad audiences.
His interviews and commentary have also included appearances with international and regional outlets such as Asharq News, Al Qahera News, Al-Ghad TV, Voice of Russia, Troy Public Radio, TrojanVision, and regional television news stations. Across television, radio, print, podcasts, and digital media, his analysis focuses on the strategic logic behind state behavior, the role of diplomacy and signaling, and the ways international institutions shape conflict and cooperation.
A curated selection of representative interviews and media appearances is included below.
Featured International Broadcast Interview
Deutsche Welle
Interview on Putin’s Meeting with Modi in India
December 4, 2025
In this interview with Deutsche Welle, Slobodchikoff analyzes Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Narendra Modi and places it within the broader context of Russian foreign policy, great power competition, and Moscow’s efforts to maintain strategic partnerships beyond the West. The interview highlights how Russia uses diplomacy with major non-Western powers to reduce isolation, preserve influence, and signal that it remains an active player in global politics.
Selected International Broadcast Appearances
Slobodchikoff has appeared repeatedly on BBC World News to discuss major developments in Russia, Ukraine, NATO, and international security. His BBC commentary has included analysis of the Ukraine crisis, Russia’s annexation of Crimea, NATO’s response to Russian actions, the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, Russian military behavior, and later developments in U.S.–Russia relations.
He has also provided international commentary for Middle Eastern and global outlets, including Asharq News, Al Qahera News, and Al-Ghad TV, discussing topics such as U.S.–Russia relations, NATO expansion, Turkey’s role in NATO, U.S. domestic politics, artificial intelligence regulation, and regional security developments.
Political scientist Michael O. Slobodchikoff joins David Eades on BBC World News to analyze the escalating crisis in Ukraine and discussions at the UN Security Council. In this interview, Slobodchikoff provides expert insight into U.S.-Russia relations, international diplomacy, and the strategic implications of great power conflict shaping the global order.
Political scientist Michael O. Slobodchikoff appears on International Insights, co-hosted with G. Doug Davis, to discuss global security, U.S. foreign policy, and great power competition with retired General Frank McKenzie, former commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The conversation explores international diplomacy, military strategy, and the evolving geopolitical landscape shaping today’s world order.
Political scientist Michael O. Slobodchikoff appears live on BBC World News to analyze a United Nations Security Council meeting and its implications for global security. The interview examines U.S.–Russia tensions, international diplomacy, and the role of the UN in managing great power conflict.
Print Media Interviews
Slobodchikoff has been interviewed by print and digital outlets on U.S. politics, Russia, sanctions, Syria, and international security. His print media interviews include appearances in al.com, Russia Direct, Sputnik News Service, the Buffalo Sun Times, and the Am-Pol Eagle.
Podcasts and Radio
Michael O. Slobodchikoff has appeared on a range of radio and podcast programs discussing international affairs, Russia, NATO, India–Pakistan relations, and global security. These conversations provide a longer-form setting to explore the strategic logic behind state behavior and connect academic insights to real-world policy challenges.
His appearances include Troy Public Radio, WTBF Radio’s On the Bookshelf, and SoftPower/FulStories.
SoftPower/FulStories
Episode: “What About Russian Soft Power?”
April 2026
In this episode, Slobodchikoff examines the concept of soft power through the lens of Russian foreign policy, exploring how influence operates beyond traditional military and economic tools. The discussion connects theoretical insights from international relations to lived experiences and narratives, aligning with the show’s focus on human-centered global storytelling. The episode situates Russia’s approach within broader debates about diplomacy, perception, and the role of informal influence in shaping international outcomes.
International Insights
Slobodchikoff is co-host, with G. Doug Davis, of International Insights, a video interview series featuring conversations with diplomats, military leaders, journalists, scholars, and foreign policy practitioners. Guests have included Ambassador P. Michael McKinley, General Frank McKenzie, Ambassador Ronald Neumann, Tomohiko Taniguchi, David Eades, Khemaies Jhinaoui, and other international affairs experts.
The series is designed to make global affairs accessible to students, scholars, policymakers, and the broader public by connecting expert conversations to current debates in international relations, diplomacy, and security.
Political scientist Michael O. Slobodchikoff appears on International Insights, co-hosted with G. Doug Davis, to discuss global security, U.S. foreign policy, and Indo-Pacific strategy with Tomohiko Taniguchi, a former Special Advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a leading expert on Japan’s foreign policy and international relations. The conversation examines geopolitical competition, regional security, and the evolving balance of power in Asia.
Media Topics
Michael O. Slobodchikoff is available for interviews and commentary on:
Russian foreign policy and military strategy
U.S.–Russia relations
NATO and alliance politics
Great power competition
Ukraine and European security
Diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution
International institutions and global order
U.S. foreign policy and security strategy
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