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The Red Line

The Red Line

145 episodes

Three experts, one Story. Each fortnight we host a panel of international experts diving into the biggest geopolitical stories shaping the news both here and overseas.

More about the show

Hosted by Michael Hilliard

Episodes page 1 of 3

  1. 138 - Could Europe Defend Itself Without the US?

    · 1 h 47 min · S8 E4

    Long treated as the immovable foundation of European security, America’s role in NATO is now being questioned more openly than at any point in decades, as Washington signals doubts about its commitment to the continent…

  2. 137 - Exclusive: We Toured One Of Europe’s Most Secretive Tank Factories

    · 15 min · S8 E3

    Once synonymous with Europe’s past wars and fading heavy industry, the tank factory has re-emerged as one of the continent’s most guarded and politically charged symbols amid rearmament, strategic anxiety, and a…

  3. 136 - The Middle Corridor: Reality Vs. Rhetoric

    · 1 h 41 min · S8 E2

    Previously dismissed as a niche academic concept and a talking point for Central Asia specialists, the Middle Corridor has re-emerged as one of the most discussed trade routes in Eurasia amid war, sanctions, and…

  4. 135 - Is China the Kingmaker in Myanmar’s Civil War?

    · 1 h 48 min · S7 E1

    Once hailed as a beacon of democratic reform in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has devolved into a fractured state defined by a brutal, multi-front civil war following the 2021 military coup. The Junta clings to power in the…

  5. 134 - How Important are Strategic Bombers in 2025?

    · 1 h 13 min · S6 E7

    Once the spearhead of Allied victory in World War II and the backbone of nuclear deterrence in the early Cold War, strategic bombers are often dismissed today as relics of a bygone era. Yet three powers, the United…

  6. 133 - Wargaming: A Turkish Invasion of Northern Cyprus

    · 1 h 09 min

    Cyprus sits at a persistent impasse, divided between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-backed administration in the north. Despite decades of negotiations, reunification remains elusive, and the…

  7. 132 - Abkhazia: Client or Catalyst?

    · 1 h 32 min · S6 E5

    Abkhazia stands at a critical juncture, caught between its historical dependence on Russia and the uncertain allure of reconciliation with Georgia. Long overshadowed by Moscow's influence, recent years have seen the…

  8. 131 - Who Controls Eastern Congo?

    · 1 h 43 min · S6 E4

    The last few years have seen a dramatic shift in the balance of power in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with Rwandan-backed militias advancing in North Kivu, Ugandan forces launching cross-border…

  9. 130 - EXCLUSIVE: We Acquired Blueprints for Russia’s Next-Gen Artillery System

    · 16 min · S6 E3

    Through one of our contacts in Russia, we have managed to acquire a packet of Russian Ministry of Defence documents smuggled out of Moscow. The packet pertains to a new weapons system that is about to be deployed to…

  10. 129 - Frozen Flashpoints: Greenland, Svalbard, and the Next Arctic Standoff

    · 1 h 30 min · S6 E2

    The last few months have seen major shifts in the balance of power in the far north, with the US making threats toward Greenland, Russia exerting pressure on Svalbard, and Arctic shipping routes, once seen as a…

  11. 128 - Timor Leste's Fading Sunrise

    · 1 h 18 min · S7 E1

    Timor-Leste stands at a crossroads, grappling with the legacies of Indonesian occupation, economic dependence on dwindling oil reserves, and the encroaching geopolitical pressures shaping its future. Once heralded as a…

  12. 127 - Sunk Cost: The US. Navy's Shipbuilding Crisis

    · 2 h 02 min · S6 E15

    Many of the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding programs are currently running over budget and behind schedule, raising serious concerns about the Navy's future operational strength and the broader capacity of U.S. industry to…

  13. The Armed Forces of Central Asia - Part 2 : Wargaming Regional Conflicts

    · 2 h 21 min · S6 E15

    As part of our wider project examining the armed forces of Central Asia, the research team sat down with experts from government, military, and academia. We brought together all of our findings and research and…

  14. 126 - Armenia’s Changing Relationship with Russia

    · 1 h 33 min · S6 E14

    The evolving relationship between Armenia and Russia has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, particularly in the wake of Armenia's devastating defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Once heavily reliant on Russian…

  15. 125 - The Economics of Conscription

    · 1 h 07 min · S6 E13

    Conscription is a complex and multifaceted issue, influencing not only a nation's defence capabilities but also its economy and political landscape. With countries as diverse as Denmark, to the DRC, from Taiwan to…

  16. 124 - The Rise of Chinese Private Security Companies (PSCs and PMCs)

    · 1 h 08 min · S6 E12

    Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are beginning to expand their influence in the global security market, with thousands of these companies now operating in over 40 countries. Despite legal restrictions…

  17. 123 - What the Venezuelan Election Means for Essequibo

    · 1 h 25 min · S6 E11

    Venezuela has been thrust into chaos following the recent election, leaving President Maduro, the opposition, and the military cornered. Years of escalating tensions with Guyana over the Essequibo region have reached a…

  18. 122 - South Africa: Comeback or Collapse?

    · 1 h 31 min · S6 E10

    As the dust settles on what has turned out to be South Africa's most crucial election since 1994, the nation finds itself standing on a knife's edge. Persistent issues have continued to escalate, leaving the country…

  19. 121 - Rare Earth Elements: The Futile Fight Against China

    · 1 h 10 min · S6 E9

    As the world pivots towards a green energy future, the dominance of rare earth elements has never been more crucial. Yet, while the West has been preoccupied with other geopolitical challenges, China has quietly taken…

  20. The Armed Forces of Central Asia - Part 1 : Tajikistan and Regional Command Structures

    · 1 h 09 min · S6 E8

    In the inaugural episode of our new mini-series, we dive deep into the military landscape of Central Asia, starting with a spotlight on Tajikistan. This first episode uncovers the region's convoluted command structures…

  21. 120 - The Forced Friendship: Russia's Uneasy Alliance with China

    · 1 h 07 min · S6 E7

    As economic sanctions continue to tighten their grip on Russia, the nation is forced to seek assistance from whoever it can, turning to China not out of mutual interest but as a necessity. Yet, this support comes at a…

  22. 119 - Indonesia's Defence Dilemma

    · 1 h 13 min · S6 E6

    As President Prabowo Subianto prepares to enter the presidency, the Indonesian military stands at a crucial juncture, navigating both traditional and emerging defence challenges. With Prabowo's extensive military…

  23. 118 - Wargaming: San Marino vs. Italy

    · 18 min · S6 E5

    Tensions are on the rise between San Marino and Italy, revealing a potential crisis on the Italian Peninsula that many analysts are missing. This situation, seemingly minor, hints at deep-seated unrest that could…

  24. 117 - Equipping Your Insurgency: A Guide to the Small Arms Market

    · 1 h 13 min · S6 E5

    Delving into the shadowy realm of the small arms trade, we unravel a web of clandestine dealings and backroom deals that span the entire globe, arming insurgents, equipping terrorists, and bolstering criminal networks,…

  25. 116 - Haiti: Cauldron of the Caribbean

    · 1 h 23 min · S6 E4

    As Haiti grapples with an unprecedented crisis, the spectre of state collapse under the weight of rampant gang violence has cast a long shadow over its future. The Caribbean nation, once a beacon of freedom and…

  26. 115 - The Future of Nuclear Warfare

    · 1 h 13 min · S6 E4

    As the world stands on the brink of a new era in nuclear warfare, attention now shifts to the United States' ambitious modernisation programs and the burgeoning arms race in nuclear weapons development. This surge in…

  27. 114 - Poland: Europe's Eastern Shield

    · 1 h 16 min · S6 E3

    Europe is banking on Poland to valiantly secure its Eastern frontier, recognising its pivotal role along the CSTO's Western border and Poland's steadfast backing of Ukraine. However, a deeper examination reveals…

  28. 113 - Can India Replace China in the Global Supply Chain?

    · 1 h 27 min · S6 E2

    Businesses considering the great decoupling from China face the dilemma of finding a new manufacturing hub, with India emerging as a popular choice due to its large workforce, affordable labour, and investor-friendly…

  29. 112 - Russia's Six Fleets: A Sinking Superpower

    · 1 h 20 min · S6 E1

    Russia's naval forces, structured around six distinct fleets, are navigating turbulent waters in the current geopolitical climate. While all six of these fleets have seen modest improvements, especially in their…

  30. 111 - The Splintering of Sudan

    · 1 h 15 min · S5 E27

    Sudan is entangled in a rapidly escalating civil war, marked by widespread protests, violent clashes, and an alarming surge in refugees fleeing the turmoil. Amidst this chaos, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) swift…

  31. 110 - Wargaming: Argentina Reinvades the Falklands

    · 56 min · S5 E26

    Argentina's incoming president, Milei, was queried about reclaiming the Falkland Islands for Argentina, following the path of his predecessors by vowing to seek their reclamation. These claims, coupled with intense…

  32. 109 - A Second Arab Spring: Imminent or Impossible?

    · 1 h 12 min · S5 E25

    As unrest simmers throughout the Middle East, echoes of the initial Arab Spring resonate amid similar economic triggers, fueling speculation about a potential second wave. Many are beginning to ask: Is a second Arab…

  33. 108 - Extrajudicial Killings and Targeted Assassinations

    · 1 h 14 min · S5 E24

    The unsettling trend of Extrajudicial Killings is on the rise. A method once used mainly by the US and Russia is now being increasingly adopted by many more countries, mostly targeting defectors and opposition living…

  34. 107 - The Hollowing of Hong Kong

    · 1 h 08 min · S5 E23

    Hong Kong, is witnessing an unprecedented erosion of its "One Country, Two Systems" framework, as China tightens its grip on the region. The once clear demarcation of autonomy is now blurred, with pro-democracy…

  35. 106 - Wargaming: Moldova vs Transnistria

    · 1 h 09 min · S5 E22

    Moldova, flanked by the complex dynamics of Eastern Europe, currently stands at a critical juncture in its geopolitical fate, as the simmering conflict in Transnistria, exasperated by the recent upheavals in Ukraine,…

  36. 105 - Iran: Crises on Every Front

    · 1 h 13 min · S5 E21

    Iran, ensnared by its mountainous borders, now faces multifaceted threats from all directions and their strategic position is becoming increasingly perilous along every axis. Neighbours like Azerbaijan and Pakistan now…

  37. 104 - El Salvador: The Price of Security

    · 1 h 04 min · S5 E20

    Once the murder capital of the world, El Salvador finds itself grappling with both gang violence and geopolitical shifts. Between 2013 and 2016, murder rates soared due to gang wars and systemic extortion. President…

  38. 103 - Wargaming: India vs Pakistan

    · 1 h 24 min · S5 E19

    The potential conflict between India and Pakistan stands at a precipice of alarming complexity, as the two nuclear-armed neighbours navigate a tangled web of historical tensions, territorial disputes, and geopolitical…

  39. 102 - The Economic Feasibility of Nuclear Power

    · 1 h 02 min · S5 E20

    The economic feasibility of Nuclear Power is under an unprecedented microscope, with evolving energy solutions and changing market dynamics, the mathematical foundation that once supported the nuclear industry's…

  40. 101 - UUV's: Underwater Drones and Seabed Warfare

    · 1 h 13 min · S5 E16

    UUVs or Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, are set to make the same kind of impact that UAVs previously made on the modern battlefield. With their vast operational capacities and affordable price tags, we are not only…

  41. 100 - Scoring Every Prediction by The Red Line (100th Episode Special)

    · 1 h 15 min · S5 E16

    The Red Line has reached our 100th episode, and it has been an amazing journey putting all of these episodes together. But how accurate have our predictions been? We have been engaged in analysis and reporting for…

  42. 99 - Equatorial Guinea: The North Korea of Africa

    · 1 h 04 min · S5 E15

    Equatorial Guinea is one of the most puzzling countries in the world, with everything from coups involving Margaret Thatcher's son, to firing squads in Santa outfits operating in the country. However, far more worrying…

  43. 98 - The Geopolitics of Estonia

    · 1 h 09 min · S5 E13

    Estonia has one of the most impressive economic transformations anywhere on the planet, gaining independence from the USSR and completely overhauling its entire institutional base. While most of the post-Soviet states…

  44. 97 - The Death of Françafrique: Africa's Rebalancing Act

    · 1 h 13 min · S5 E12

    The ensuing dramatic demise of Françafrique and the consequential transformation of France's strategic goals in Africa have reshaped much of the geopolitics of the region. France no longer has the overt influence it…

  45. 96 - Democracy in Central Asia?

    · 1 h 38 min · S5 E11

    Central Asia stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the next few months likely to set the course for the region going forward. What lies at stake in Kazakhstan's delicate balancing act? Will political stability give way…

  46. 95 - The Death of the US Dollar?

    · 1 h 18 min · S5 E10

    There has been an online explosion of discourse surrounding several currency agreements signed by nations like Russia, China and India, with some even predicting the emergence of a gold-backed BRICS currency to rival…

  47. 94 - Egypt's Economic Crisis: A Perfect Storm?

    · 1 h 17 min · S5 E9

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into the looming economic crisis in Egypt. With inflation on the rise, foreign investment declining, and a mounting debt burden, the country's economy is facing significant…

  48. 93 - Satellite Surveillance: The New Orbital Arms Race

    · 1 h 17 min · S5 E8

    In this episode, we explore the intensifying arms race between the US, Russia, and China in orbital satellite surveillance technology. Delving into the advanced capabilities of these countries' satellite systems and…

  49. 92 - Narco-Economics: Inside the Mexican Drug Trade

    · 1 h 49 min · S5 E7

    In this episode, we delve into the complex and lucrative world of the Mexican cartel drug trade and explore the economic factors that drive it. From the production and transportation of drugs to the money laundering…

  50. 91 - Bulgaria: Russia's Backdoor into Europe?

    · 1 h 02 min · S5 E6

    Bulgaria currently stands at a crossroads, with one group pulling the country toward the West, and an alliance of corruption, crime, and capture tethering the country toward Russia. These already high tensions are now…

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