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Global Security Briefing

The Royal United Services Institute

100 episodes

Global Security Briefing provides regular insights from leading international experts to help you make sense of the far-reaching changes affecting international security around the globe. Hosted by analysts from RUSI's International Security Studies team, the podcast looks at how the UK can best shape its foreign and security policies in an increasingly dynamic international environment.

More about the show

The Global Security Briefing channel is also host to a back-catalogue of episodes from the concluded RUSI podcasts 'Bridging the Oceans' and 'Mind the Gulf'. Running from 2020 to 2023, 'Bridging the Oceans' aimed to create a platform to discuss the key defence and security questions of the world's most dynamic region: the Indo-Pacific. Hosted by Veerle Nouwens, it explored what the Indo-Pacific is, where its limits lie, and what the fast-evolving defence and security issues are in this dynamic part of the world. Running from January to May 2022, the 'Mind the Gulf' Podcast Series explored how the Iranian nuclear programme – and international diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon – interacts with regional security dynamics and the wider Middle East.

The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by RUSI employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of RUSI.

Episodes page 2 of 2

  1. How is NATO Approaching China's Security Challenge?

    · 47 min · S1 E83

    This episode of Global Security Briefing explores NATO's interest in China and the Indo-Pacific amid ongoing security challenges in Europe. At last month's NATO summit in Washington, DC, China was identified as a…

  2. Will the Labour Government Seek A New Approach to the Middle East?

    · 52 min · S1 E82

    Concluding our series on how the UK's new Labour government is approaching key foreign policy questions, we turn to the Middle East. It is in the Middle East that Labour's 'progressive realist' foreign policy will be…

  3. Does the New UK Government Need a Fresh China Policy?

    · 46 min · S1 E81

    Current UK China policy is defined by the three main concepts of protecting national interests, aligning with allies and engaging with China on key matters such as climate change where possible. But how are these…

  4. Can Labour Reset the UK's Security Relations with Europe?

    · 51 min · S1 E80

    On the heels of a landslide victory, this episode examines the newly elected UK Labour government's plan to refashion the UK's security and defence ties with Europe. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his team have…

  5. NATO at 75

    · 45 min · S1 E79

    In this episode, GSB takes a look at how the 75th Anniversary Summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization aims to shape the future of the Alliance. The summit takes place in Washington, DC, from 9 to 11 July, and…

  6. A New Security Environment in the South Atlantic and Antarctica?

    · 48 min · S1 E78

    The South Atlantic and the Antarctic have drawn considerable attention from big powers, who are racing to strengthen their regional footprints and presence as the region opens up for navigation and other potential…

  7. Taiwan's New Government Takes Office

    · 48 min · S1 E77

    In the face of growing security challenges, this episode discusses what is on the agenda for Taiwan's new leadership. Taiwan is not merely a democracy; it is an outstanding example of a democracy. The Economist…

  8. An Examination of AUKUS

    · 52 min · S1 E76

    An in-depth exploration of the Australia–UK–US defence capability agreement (AUKUS) and what it means for the UK's foreign and security policy in the Indo-Pacific. Launched in September 2021, AUKUS is well into its…

  9. Russia's Changing Position in the South Caucasus

    · 55 min · S1 E75

    How is Russia reorienting its relationship with Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan? Since the collapse of the USSR, Russia has sought to strengthen its security position in the South Caucasus, notably around the region's…

  10. Is the Middle East Facing a Regional War?

    · 53 min · S1 E74

    Following Iran's attack on Israel, we consider the future of conflict in the Middle East and the possibility of an all-out regional war. The recent strike on Israel by Iran and its allies has reignited fears of a…

  11. The Rising Influence of Counter-West Associations

    · 45 min · S1 E73

    This episode discusses the emergence of 'counter-West' groupings and how they fit within – and are seeking to shape – the wider global order. In 2023 we ran a series of episodes focusing on the Russia–China…

  12. Putin Forever? Analysing the Russian Elections

    · 48 min · S1 E72

    With Vladimir Putin claiming yet another victory in Russia's recent national elections, we examine his tenure and what the future has in store. While Putin's election victory was always a certainty, such political…

  13. Transatlantic Cooperation on Policy Towards China and the Indo-Pacific

    · 54 min

    With the rise of China and the centrality of the Indo-Pacific to economic and geopolitical affairs, we look at the challenges faced by governments in Europe and North America. A history of solidarity and common…

  14. Russia's Long War Against Ukraine

    · 1 h 03 min · S1 E70

    As we mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we consider the implications of what has turned into a protracted conflict. Russia has seized back the initiative in the war, due at least…

  15. The Middle East Crisis: Approaching the Endgame?

    · 53 min · S1 E69

    The Global Security Briefing takes a forward look at how this conflict is shaping the region. Before the 7th of October, when Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel triggered the war in Gaza, the Middle East appeared…

  16. Security Cooperation in the Americas

    · 47 min · S1 E68

    As the US electoral cycle ramps up, we consider how they may shape the security landscape of the Americas in years to come. Despite Washington's historical engagement in security cooperation with countries like…

  17. 2023 Security Review: New Year Special Part 2

    · 48 min · S1 E67

    As we welcome the new year, the International Security team at RUSI reviews the biggest geo-political events of the past 12 months and discusses what we can expect from 2024 in this two-part holiday special. What was…

  18. 2023 Security Review: GSB Holiday Special Part 1

    · 49 min

    As the year draws to a close, the International Security team at RUSI reviews the biggest geo-political events of the year in this two-part holiday special. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the crisis in Gaza, 2023…

  19. Where is the War in Ukraine Heading in 2024?

    · 52 min

    As the war enters its second winter and third year, are we now facing the prospect of battles lasting until at least 2025? The prospect of an immediate decisive military breakthrough for Ukraine has disappeared.…

  20. India as an Indo-Pacific Power and Strategic Partner

    · 49 min · S1 E64

    As India is quickly developing as a major power, Global Security Briefing considers its prospects as a partner for the UK in the context of the Indo-Pacific 'Tilt' The world has many emerging powers, but India is…

  21. Achieving a More Dynamic and Effective UK–China Strategy

    · 45 min · S1 E63

    With David Cameron's return to government, this episode of the Global Security Briefing analyses the UK's approach to China over the past decade. The UK's 2023 Integrated Review Refresh declares China a 'an…

  22. Could the Israel–Hamas Conflict Spark a Regional War?

    · 57 min · S1 E62

    Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October has opened a new chapter in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We examine how the war is set to reshape the Middle East for years to come. In a highly complex attack that included…

  23. Where do the UK's Interests in European Security Now Lie?

    · 45 min · S1 E61

    This episode explores the future of UK–EU relations in the light of current challenges. In the spring of 2021, the Integrated Review signalled the UK's future approach to European security post-Brexit, with an…

  24. Is Russia's War in Ukraine Heading for a Stalemate?

    · 45 min · S1 E60

    Over a year and a half after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and with both sides incurring significant losses, is the conflict coming to a standstill? In February 2022, Moscow aimed to seize Ukraine quickly. But 20…

  25. Is South Korean Foreign Policy Going Global?

    · 53 min · S1 E59

    As we explore the evolving nature of South Korean foreign and security policies, we ask whether the country is emerging as a more significant international actor. South Korea's foreign and security policies have…

  26. The Counter-West Finale: What Have We Learned?

    · 1 h 02 min · S1 E58

    In the final part of our examination of challenges to the Western liberal order, we take a look at the likely future shape of global security. Previously on GSB, we asked Professor Stephen Walt whether an alternative…

  27. The Counter-West Challenge in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East

    · 54 min · S1 E57

    In this episode , we turn to three key regions shaping the discussion around whether a counter-West order is emerging. So far in our summer series, we've explored whether an alternative international order is…

  28. Russia, China and Iran's Challenge to the Existing International Order

    · 55 min · S1 E56

    In the second episode of our four-part summer series, we explore the role that Russia, China and Iran play in countering the Western-led international order. Russia, China and Iran have become increasingly…

  29. Will a Counter-West Axis Replace the Existing International Order?

    · 46 min · S1 E55

    The first in a four-part summer series, this episode addresses the apparent weakening of the liberal international order established after the Second World War and the rise of a counter-West axis. Since 1945, the…

  30. The US and the Future of European Security

    · 43 min · S1 E54

    As NATO leaders and experts gather for the Vilnius Summit, we consider the rapid changes to Europe's security environment. Russia's war against Ukraine has undoubtedly transformed European security forever, but these…

  31. How Can Ukraine's Security be Guaranteed?

    · 40 min · S1 E53

    With the Vilnius NATO summit fast approaching, we consider what arrangements need to be made to secure Ukraine's sovereignty. The current focus of the international community is on sustaining and developing Ukraine's…

  32. Where are the Limits of Russia and China's 'No Limits' Partnership?

    · 44 min · S1 E52

    Russia's war in Ukraine has brought into focus the enduring links between Moscow and Beijing. How will this tandem shape the future of global competition? Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir…

  33. Is Nationalism the Biggest Winner in Turkey's Elections?

    · 50 min · S1 E51

    As Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emerges as the winner of Turkey's presidential elections, we examine what this means for the country, the region and the world. Erdoğan's victory hardly came as a surprise. He had almost won in…

  34. Saudi Arabia: A Changing Kingdom?

    · 49 min · S1 E50

    As the contours of a new Saudi Arabia emerge under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we analyse domestic and foreign policy reforms in a changing Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is arguably the most powerful Arab country, and…

  35. Whither the UK-Africa Relationship?

    · 37 min · S1 E49

    As geopolitical competition intensifies, we look at the future trajectory of the UK–Africa relationship. For over two decades, international conversations about Africa were dominated by Western aid and preoccupations…

  36. Finland, the UK and Northern European Security

    · 43 min · S1 E48

    In early April, Finland became the newest member of NATO, significantly changing the Alliance's northern flank, as well as deeply impacting Nordic and Baltic security in the face of the war in Ukraine. The war has…

  37. Bridging the Oceans Series Finale with Veerle Nouwens

    · 4:21

    Originally published 6 April 2023. After over two years, the Bridging the Oceans podcast is coming to an end. Bridging the Oceans, hosted by Veerle Nouwens, was the first podcast dedicated specifically to the defence…

  38. Can AUKUS Deter China?

    · 53 min · S1 E47

    Launched against the backdrop of a deteriorating security environment in the Indo-Pacific, will AUKUS prove an effective counterbalance to Chinese dominance in the region? AUKUS, the tripartite deal between the US,…

  39. The Changing Geopolitics of Energy in the MENA Region

    · 47 min · S1 E46

    This episode focuses on how global energy trends have shaped the geopolitics of the MENA for much of the past century, and how they will continue to do so. For over two decades, the region seemed to be losing a lot of…

  40. Bridging the Oceans #47: The Future of US–China Relations

    · 37 min

    Originally published 15 March 2023. The recent annual meetings of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the National People's Congress (NPC) - the 'Two Sessions' - have already confirmed the…

  41. Has the UK Found a New Post-Brexit Foreign and Security Policy?

    · 47 min · S1 E45

    Following the announcement of the 'Windsor Framework' between the UK and Brussels over Northern Ireland's trading arrangements - ending the most bitter Brexit dispute - there is a palpable sense that the UK may have…

  42. A Year of Russia's War in Ukraine

    · 44 min · S1 E44

    As we approach the one-year mark of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Global Security Briefing looks at the effects of the war, the potential risks for escalation, and what to expect in the future. A year after Russia's…

  43. Bridging the Oceans #46: India's Year of Presidencies

    · 27 min

    Originally published 15 February 2022. The current year is set to be a significant one for India, as it takes on both the G20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) presidencies – two landmark moments for the…

  44. A New War Over Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus?

    · 50 min

    With growing uncertainty about the regional power balance in Nagorno-Karabakh, we analyse the concerns that another conflict could erupt. For nearly 30 years, the confrontation over landlocked Nagorno-Karabakh…

  45. The New Geopolitics of the Antarctic

    · 34 min · S1 E42

    After decades of peace, the Antarctic is emerging as a zone for future geopolitical competition. While recent years have seen a growing international focus on the Arctic, the Earth's southernmost region – governed by…

  46. Seasonal Special: Trends in International Security 2022-2023 Part 2

    · 40 min · S1 E41

    To welcome in the new year, the International Security Studies team at RUSI reviews the biggest stories from 2022 and what to look out for in 2023. In the second instalment of the two-part seasonal special, host Neil…

  47. Seasonal Special: Trends in International Security 2022–2023 Part 1

    · 44 min · S1 E40

    As the year comes to a close, the International Security Studies team at RUSI reviews the biggest stories from 2022 and what to look out for in 2023. 2022 has been a watershed year in the security sphere, from the war…

  48. Bridging the Oceans #45: China's Quest for Control at Home and Abroad

    · 42 min

    Originally published 21 December 2022. Tough times lie ahead for Beijing, with a turbulent external environment now matched with domestic unrest. To round out 2022, Veerle and Dr Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Associate…

  49. What Sort of Security Actor is Sweden Becoming?

    · 40 min · S1 E39

    As NATO prepares to welcome Sweden as a member, we examine what Stockholm's security agenda could look like in the years ahead. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden quickly announced its intention to seek…

  50. Ukraine's Winter War

    · 38 min · S1 E38

    As the conflict enters the harshest months of the year, wen discuss what the winter could mean for both sides. The Russian invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves around the world and has dominated the headlines ever…

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