In this episode, Andras speaks with Alejandro Ribo Labastida — professor of European Studies, negotiation trainer, and explorer of culture, power, and self-awareness. Alejandro discusses institutional complexities of the EU, personal layers of identity, trust, and assumptions on how we negotiate and live together — as citizens, diplomats, neighbors, and humans.

From Catalan identity and Spanish culture, to the role of "trust" and the "shadow of the future" in negotiations, Alejandro reveals how our values, behaviors, and assumptions shape both diplomacy and daily life. They also discuss first principles, “spiritual narcissism”, the role of institutions, and why the EU — and even your apartment building — rely on the same fragile infrastructure: shared trust and enforceable rules.