People, Places, Power | Season 2, Episode 28: War in Ukraine

Note from the CPD Blog Manager: This post features the podcast People, Places, Power co-hosted by CPD Faculty Fellow Nicholas J. Cull and Good Country Index founder Simon Anholt and features their weekly discussions on international reputation, foreign policy and related issues along the way. 

Episode 28 marks the launch of Season 2, which will cover nation-ranking indices, the impact of COVID-19 on national images, the "country-of-origin effect" and much more.

Season 1: Ep. 1: Biden's America | Ep. 2: Brexit Britain | Ep. 3: In Search of the Good Leader | Ep. 4: The European Union | Ep. 5: What Price Monarchy? | Ep. 6:  Cities and International Image | Ep. 7: Mega Events? Buyer Beware. | Ep. 8: Germany: From Pariah to Paragon | Ep. 9: Culture: Decorative or Useful? | Ep. 10: Can Individuals Make a Difference? | Ep. 11: Migration Nations | Ep: 12: Credible India? | Ep. 13: The Bad Image | Ep. 14: Populism | Ep. 15: Oh, Canada! | Ep. 16: Digital Disruption: New Technology & Soft Power | Ep. 17: Japan at the Crossroads I Ep. 18: Scotland's Next Step | Ep. 19 Public Diplomacy and Place Branding | Ep. 20: The Talent Trade: Who's Looking for Einstein? | Ep. 21: France: Trouble at the Top? | Ep. 22: Systems and Structures: Organizing Public Diplomacy | Ep. 23: Trust: The Linchpin of Reputation | Ep. 24: Nordics: The Saga of Success? | Ep. 25: The Media: Friends or Foes of Country Image? | Ep. 26:  Israel: Branded by Conflict? | Ep. 27: Afghanistan

Episode 28: War in Ukraine

In this Season 2 opener, Simon and Nick consider the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for issues of international image. Simon argues that the crisis has revealed the degree of interconnection associated with advanced globalization as revealed by the almost instant pressure on corporations to withdraw from Russia. Side issues include implications for the images of countries remaining neutral in the war such as India and China. Nick contrasts the image problems displayed by Ukraine in 2014 with the country's impressive showing in 2022, suggesting that investment in 'Reputational Security' has paid off. Simon notes how the image of a dynamic leader like that of President Zelenskyy can facilitate the repositioning of a national reputation. Simon also raises questions about the opposition in Russia and proposes a theory about Alexei Navalny.