Sounds Strategic

In this Sounds Strategic episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Veerle Nouwens, Evan A. Laksmana and Nick Childs to discuss the upcoming 22nd IISS Shangri La Dialogue, which will be held in Singapore from 30 May–1 June. This year's dialogue is held against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, an intense US trade and tariff war with China, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, and ongoing military modernisation across the Asia Pacific. Key themes explored include the impact of great power competition on small and medium powers in the region; strategies to manage nuclear and conventional proliferation risks; and the evolving defence challenges in critical domains such as undersea warfare, cyber security and outer space. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 16 May 2025 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Find out more: https://www.iiss.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe's defence posture is evolving rapidly — but is the pace of change sustainable? In this episode, IISS experts examine global and regional defence spending trends, the EU's emerging industrial initiatives and the implications of Germany's policy shift. Host Meia Nouwens is joined by Fenella McGerty, Ester Sabatino and Ben Schreer to discuss whether current trends represent a pivot in European strategic capability or if policy ambition will be constrained by economic and political realities. Key themes include: Drivers behind global and European defence spending increases The EU's ReArm Europe Constraints on joint procurement and industrial scalability Germany's budget shift and prospects for sustained leadership Geopolitical uncertainties and potential disruptors We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 24 March 2025 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Dr Maria Shagina and Franz-Stefan Gady to discuss the recent developments in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Almost three years to the date of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a new US administration has drastically changed the course of events. President Trump has signaled a desire for the war to end, and for the US' attention to focus on strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific instead of on European security matters. At the time of recording, the US and Russia are negotiating Ukraine's future, without Ukraine represented at the table. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 17 February 2025 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, we explore the main takeaways from the 20th IISS Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain from 6 to 8 December 2024. IISS host Meia Nouwens is joined by experts Air Marshal (Retd) Martin ‘Sammy' Sampson, Dr Irene Mia and Dr Hasan Alhasan to discuss to their views on the themes that emerged from the Dialogue ranging from conflict resolution to post-conflict reconstruction. The IISS Manama Dialogue came at a momentous time for the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and instability in the region. By the end of the Dialogue, the Assad regime had collapsed. Themes include global security, the eroding rules-based order, and the implications of expanding strategic partnerships. The episode also touched on Iran's regional influence, the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza, and the growing role of non-state actors in conflict zones. Tune in for an in-depth look at the geopolitical challenges and solutions shaping the Middle East. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 11 December 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. We recommend the following background reading for this episode: IISS Manama Dialogue 2024 IISS Manama Dialogue 2024: Introduction and Expert Commentary Chapter 1 | Geopolitics: Fragmentation, competition and the persistence of conflict Armed Conflict Survey 2024: Editor's Introduction Iran's strategic limbo Tracking Gulf defence production: armoured vehicles lead the way Human and development costs of the Middle East's protracted conflicts Bridging, not hedging: Arab Gulf States' ambitions in a polarised world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Ben Schreer, Fenella McGerty, Tom Waldwyn and Ester Sabatino to discuss the status and future trajectory of European defence and look back on the main take-aways from the IISS Prague Defence Summit. Meia, Ben, Fenella, Tom and Ester analyse the trends in European and NATO defence spending and what's next given the Trump election victory in the recent US presidential election. They also focus on the trends in military procurement, and challenges to building readiness. In addition, they discuss the challenges Europe faces in securing rare materials and critical raw minerals that are vital to defence production, and discuss what's being done already, and what's on the horizon for European security of supply. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 12 November 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Emile Hokayem, Hasan Alhasan and Fabian Hinz to discuss the ongoing developments in the Middle East.One year after 7 October, the speakers share their insights on the regional developments – from the status of the war in Gaza to the broadening of Israel's operations in the region. The IISS experts discuss the strategic calculations behind Israel's operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the evolving role of Iran and its regional allies, and the Gulf states' efforts to maintain stability amid rising tensions. As the United States and the wider West navigate a complex regional landscape, we consider the shifting balance of power and the potential diplomatic, military and humanitarian repercussions. Join us for our in-depth analysis of the current conflict and its implications for regional and global security. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 2 October 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by The International Institute for Strategic Studies. For more information, please visit https://www.iiss.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Douglas Barrie and Timothy Wright to discuss the return of long-range US missiles to Europe. Amid Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and following Russian violations of arms control measures, Washington and Berlin have announced they would begin episodic deployments of conventionally-armed surface-to-surface missiles. IISS experts Douglas Barrie and Timothy Wright specialise in military aerospace and missile technology and discuss the context of this announcement. They explore how both NATO allies and Russia have responded, and what the impact of these deployments is on European stability in the short and longer term. Meia also explores the Missile Dialogue Initiative, which since its establishment in 2019, aims to strengthen international discussion and to promote a high-level exchange of views on missile technologies and related international security dynamics. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 7 August 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. For further reading, read our latest blog: The return of long-range US missiles to Europe (iiss.org) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this latest episode, host Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, is joined by IISS experts Henry Boyd, Fenella McGerty and Karl Dewey to dissect the critical outcomes of the NATO Leaders Summit held in Washington DC. The discussion navigates through the latest trends in NATO defence spending, the need for greater budget transparency, and the pressing challenges the alliance faces. The episode highlights the importance of efficient defence spending, enhanced integration, and robust collaboration among NATO allies. Additionally, it covers the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the potential repercussions of the upcoming US elections on NATO's cohesion and strategic insights into the alliance's future. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 29 July 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, Veerle Nouwens, Dr Ben Schreer and Morgan Michaels to discuss the key themes and takeaways from the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue. The episode delves into the proliferation of new partnership formats amidst the strategic competition between the US and China. The discussion also features analyses of the keynote speeches by President Marcos of the Philippines and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, exploring their perspectives on sovereignty and international norms. The speakers also discuss the concept of ASEAN centrality and regional frameworks, European engagement in the Indo-Pacific and the Myanmar conflict. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 5 June 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. We recommend the following background reading for this episode: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 | Transcripts and recordings: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/ IISS Shangri-La Dialogue | Special Session 1 Deterrence and Reassurance in the Asia-Pacific: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/special-sessions/special-session-1/ APRSA 2024 | Chapter 2: Middling and Muddling Through? Managing Asia-Pacific Crises: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2024/chapter-2/ IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 | Special Session 3: Myanmar: Opportunities for Diplomacy Amid Different Visions for Peace: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/special-sessions/special-session-3/ IISS Myanmar Conflict Map: https://myanmar.iiss.org/ APRSA 2024 | Chapter 4: Disparate Diplomacy: Managing the Post-coup Myanmar Conflict: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2024/chapter-4/ Myanmar policy at a crossroads: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/05/myanmar-policy-at-a-crossroads/ IISS Prague Defence Summit: https://www.iiss.org/events/prague-defence-summit/prague-defence-summit-2024/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Evan A. Laksmana, Julia Voo, Nick Childs and Viraj Solanki to discuss the upcoming IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.This year's Dialogue comes after a turbulent year in the Indo-Pacific. US-China competition is ongoing and both countries continue to promote their competing offers to the Indo-Pacific region. Small and medium powers in the region remain committed to forging independent paths, while some have signed onto new security minilaterals. This year's keynote speech by the president of the Philippines is likely to touch on some of these issues. Beyond the maritime and air domains, countries are also facing increasing threats in cyberspace, with resilience being a key area in need of improvement across many societies.We recommend the following background reading for this episode: IISS website: https://www.iiss.org/IISS Shangri-La Dialogie: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/The Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment 2024: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/Online Analysis by Julia Voo: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/05/contested-connectivity-cyber-threats-in-the-asia-pacific/Online Analysis by Viraj Solanki: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/04/indias-increased-defence-and-security-engagement-with-southeast-asia/Online Analysis by Evan A.Laksmana; https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/05/the-underwhelming-defence-ties-between-indonesia-and-china/ We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 22 May 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first Sounds Strategic episode of 2024, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Veerle Nouwens, Dr Evan A. Laksmana and Timothy Wright to discuss the Indo-Pacific security landscape. The IISS experts explore the developments in the US-China relationship, Southeast Asian military modernisation plans in response to growing Chinese assertiveness, and the impact of recent elections in the region. Meia, Veerle, Evan and Tim also discuss the development of long-range strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and the drivers in the region. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 25 March 2024 We recommend the following background reading for this episode: The Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy programme: https://www.iiss.org/research/indo-pacific-defence-and-strategy/IISS research report: Long-range Strike Capabilities in the Asia-Pacific: Implications for Regional Stability, https://www.iiss.org/research-paper/2024/01/long-range-strike-capabilities-in-the--asia-pacific-implications-for-regional-stability/The Missile Dialogue Initiative: https://www.iiss.org/research/defence-and-military-analysis/missile-dialogue-initiative/For more information, please visit https://www.iiss.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The IISS celebrated the 20th anniversary of its IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on 2-4 June and underlined the prime importance of in-person defence diplomacy in the region and beyond. In this episode of Sounds Strategic, guest host James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia, is joined by IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Dr Evan A. Laksmana and Veerle Nouwens to share their reflections and key takeaways. Guest host and speakers: James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia | Twitter: @jamescrabtree Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director of Defence and Military Analysis Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia | Twitter: @Nigelgd1Dr Evan A. Laksmana, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia Military Modernisation, IISS-Asia | Twitter: @EvanLaksmanaVeerle Nouwens, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy | Twitter: @VeerleNouwensFurther reading: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 - Asia's premier defence summit We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 6 June 2023 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At a time of ever-greater focus on the geopolitical and security dynamics of the Asia-Pacific, the importance of in-person debate among the region's key actors is greater than ever. In the latest episode of Sounds Strategic, host Meia Nouwens is joined by James Crabtree, Dr Lynn Kuok, Aaron Connelly and Dr Ben Schreer to discuss the themes and topics at the upcoming IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which will take place in Singapore on 2–4 June 2023. Asia's premier security summit is a unique platform for debate, enabling government ministers and senior officials, as well as business leaders and security experts, to come together to share fresh perspectives on Asia's developing security challenges. Our IISS experts in Singapore and Berlin address some of the key topics, including: US-China relations,major flashpoints such as Taiwan, the South China Sea and Myanmar,and the role of ASEAN, Europe and Australia. Host and speakers: Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia | Twitter: @jamescrabtree Dr Ben Schreer, Executive Director, IISS–Europe and Head, European Security and Defence Programme | Twitter: @BenSchreer Dr Lynn Kuok, Editor, Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment; Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow | Twitter: @LynnKuok Aaron Connelly, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asian Politics and Foreign Policy | Twitter: @ConnellyAL Further reading: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 - Asia's premier defence summit The Adelphi Series: Australia's Security in China's Shadow We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 24 March 2023 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of Sounds Strategic, Meia Nouwens is joined by to Euan Graham and Nick Childs to discuss Australia's relationship with China, and what role AUKUS plays in Australia's defence and alliance policy settings. The speakers assess Australia's policy towards China following a souring of bilateral relations and discuss what AUKUS aims to achieve in the shot and medium terms. They also touch on potential lessons for other countries of how to respond to economic and diplomatic coercive policies. Host and speakers: Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy | Twitter: @graham_euan Nick Childs, Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security | Twitter: @ChildsNJ Further reading: The Adelphi Series: Australia's Security in China's Shadow | Published on 21 March 2023 We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 24 March 2023 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, the world has witnessed unprecedented sanctions against Russia, and military and humanitarian support for Ukraine against a backdrop of ongoing military campaigns and loss of civilian life. In this new Sounds Strategic episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Maria Shagina and Franz Stefan-Gady to discuss geopolitical, economic and military takeaways from the past twelve months.Looking ahead, our experts will also share what to watch out for in 2023, and give their views on whether and end to the war this year is likely, from their respective angles of analysis. Host and speakers: Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy; Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Editor Strategic Survey & Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia; Franz Stefan-Gady, Senior Fellow for Cyber Power and Future Conflict; Maria Shagina, Senior Fellow, Diamond-Brown Economic Sanctions, Standards and Strategy; We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 14 February Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two conflicts mark a new fault line in geopolitics. The West's withdrawal from Afghanistan ended the two-decade ‘war on terror'. Russia's invasion of Ukraine six months later began the first major European war since 1945 – reshaping security, driving innovation in economic statecraft and testing Russia's cohesion. This podcast episode marks the launch of Strategic Survey 2022 with a discussion about the main themes and trends in geopolitics. Guest podcast host James Crabtree is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Editor Strategic Survey & Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia, Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, and Emile Hokayem, Senior Fellow for Middle East Security. Topics discussed include: Main themes and trends in geopolitics Russia's war in Ukraine Middle East and North Africa Saudi Arabia's changing foreign policy China's military modernisation Host and speakers: James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia | Twitter: @jamescrabtree | James Crabtree (iiss.org) Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Editor Strategic Survey & Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia | Twitter: @Nigelgd1 | Dr Nigel Gould-Davies (iiss.org) Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens | Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) Emile Hokayem, Senior Fellow for Middle East Security | Twitter: @emile_hokayem | Emile Hokayem (iiss.org) Find out more about Strategic Survey 2022: Strategic Survey 2022: Editor's Introduction (iiss.org) We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 6 December 2022 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geopolitical competition is an increasingly common feature of armed conflicts around the world. From Russia's invasion of Ukraine to competing regional influences in Yemen, regional contests in Mozambique and climate-change mitigation efforts across continents. This podcast episode marks the launch of The Armed Conflict Survey 2022 with a discussion about the global conflict landscape and the conflict trends and developments that have left a mark on this year's report. Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by some of the team behind the annual flagship publication – Dr Irene Mia, Dr Benjamin Petrini, Juan Pablo Bickel and Erica Pepe. Meia, Irene, Benjamin, Juan and Erica discuss some of the key topics explored in The Armed Conflict Survey 2022, including: Recent developments in the global conflict landscape, including the global significance of the Russia–Ukraine war The nexus between climate change and conflict The re-emergence of protracted conflictThe political and military weaponisation of natural resources The internationalisation of conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa The synthetic opioid issue that is causing troubles for policymakers in the Americas The IISS Armed Conflict Global Relevance Indicator Host and speakers: Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for China | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens | Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) Dr Irene Mia, Editor, Armed Conflict Survey; Senior Fellow for Latin America, and Conflict, Security and Development | Twitter: @_IreneMia | Dr Irene Mia (iiss.org) Dr Benjamin Petrini, Research Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development | Twitter: @BenjaminPetrini | Dr Benjamin Petrini (iiss.org) Juan Pablo Medina Bickel, Research Analyst for Conflict, Security and Development, and Latin America | Twitter: @JP_Bickel | Juan Pablo Bickel (iiss.org) Erica Pepe, Senior Coordinator for Research; Research Analyst for Conflict, Security and Development | Twitter: @ericapepe7 | Erica Pepe (iiss.org) We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 20 October 2022 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS expert Nigel Inkster, Senior Adviser for Cyber Security and China, to discuss the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which took place mid-October in Beijing. The event was widely anticipated to cement Xi Jinping's third term in power. Meia and Nigel discuss their reflections, including the following topics: Xi Jinping's leadership and the impact on the domestic political trajectory of the party The social contract between the party and the Chinese population The vitality of the Chinese economy and the possible leveraging of the military CCP and China on the world stage The impact on potential flashpoints such as Taiwan in the short term Speakers: Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens | Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) Nigel Inkster, Senior Adviser for Cyber Security and China | Nigel Inkster (iiss.org) We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 2 November 2022 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. For more information visit The International Institute for Strategic Studies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taiwan has been at the forefront of geopolitical concern in Asia and beyond, following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei and the string of military exercises conducted by China in early August. Podcast guest host James Crabtree is joined by IISS experts Meia Nouwens, Franz-Stefan Gady and Henry Boyd to discuss the recent developments. Topics the speakers address in this episode: Taiwan's political leadership People's Liberation Army's military exercises around Taiwan Development of capability design and cognitive advantage Potential lessons from Ukraine Impact of disinformation and public perception Emerging technological capabilities Guest host: James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia | Twitter: @jamescrabtree | James Crabtree (iiss.org) Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens | Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) Franz-Stefan Gady, Senior Fellow for Cyber Power and Future Conflict | Twitter: @HoansSolo | Franz-Stefan Gady (iiss.org) Henry Boyd, Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis | Henry Boyd (iiss.org) We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 28 September 2022 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, the world has witnessed unprecedented sanctions against Russia, and military and humanitarian support for Ukraine against a backdrop of ongoing military campaigns and loss of civilian life. In this episode of Sounds Strategic, host Meia Nouwens is joined by four IISS experts to discuss the past six months, and what's next in terms of military operations, political strategies and economic sanctions. Meia Nouwens and IISS experts Dr Maria Shagina, Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Franz-Stefan Gady and Henry Boyd discuss: The state of Russian and Ukrainian armed forces The impact of sanctions on the civilian and military sectors in Russia Eastern Europe and the role of Turkey Military aid the next six months Host and speakers:Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens | Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) Dr Maria Shagina, Diamond-Brown Research Fellow for Economic Sanctions, Standards and Strategy | Twitter: @maria_shagina | Maria Shagina (iiss.org) Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Editor, Strategic Survey; Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia | Twitter: @Nigelgd1 | Dr Nigel Gould-Davies (iiss.org) Franz-Stefan Gady, Senior Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict | Twitter: @HoansSolo | Franz-Stefan Gady (iiss.org) Henry Boyd, Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis | Henry Boyd (iiss.org) We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 23 August 2022 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

NATO held its Madrid summit on 28-30 June 2022 against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the signing of an accession protocol for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts to discuss the adoption of the new Strategic Concept, its ambitions and challenges. Meia Nouwens and IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, William Alberque, Dr Simona Soare and Fenella McGerty discuss: NATO's conventional force and tasks NATO's nuclear posture and arms control NATO's defence spending ambitions NATO's innovation efforts Host and speakers: Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens | Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director of Defence and Military Analysis | Dr Bastian Giegerich (iiss.org) William Alberque, Director of Strategy, Technology, and Arms Control | Twitter: @walberque | William Alberque (iiss.org) Fenella McGerty, Senior Fellow for Defence Economics | Twitter: @FMcGerty | Fenella McGerty (iiss.org) Dr Simona Soare, Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis | Twitter: @Simona_Soare | Simona Soare (iiss.org) We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 12 July 2022 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue was back with a bang earlier this month and underlined the prime importance of in-person defence diplomacy. In the second part of our reflections, guest host James Crabtree is joined by IISS colleagues Dr Lynn Kuok, Dr Euan Graham and Aaron Connelly to discuss Asia's premium defence summit and what stood out for them. Topics include: First plenary speech by Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense, US US-China relations and Taiwan Australia, Pacific Islands and AUKUS European contribution to the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue with France and the Netherlands Southeast Asia and the armed conflict in Myanmar Guest host: James Crabtree | @jamescrabtree | James Crabtree (iiss.org) Speakers: Dr Lynn Kuok, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security Editor, Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment | @LynnKuok | Lynn Kuok (iiss.org) Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security | @graham_euan | Dr Euan Graham (iiss.org) Aaron Connelly, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asian Politics and Foreign Policy | @ConnellyAL | Aaron Connelly (iiss.org) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue was back with a bang earlier this month and underlined the prime importance of in-person defence diplomacy. For the first time a crisis in Europe loomed large over Asia's premier security summit, which took place in Singapore on 10-12 June 2022. Guest host James Crabtree is joined by IISS colleagues William Alberque, Nigel Gould-Davies, Meia Nouwens and Yuka Koshino to share their expert opinions. Topics include: US-China relations and great-power competition Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the impact on Asia Keynote Address by Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his administration's response to the war in Ukraine Arms control and non-proliferation Taiwan Guest host: James Crabtree | @jamescrabtree | James Crabtree (iiss.org) Speakers:   William Alberque, Director of Strategy, Technology, and Arms Control | @walberqueNigel Gould-Davies, Editor, Strategic Survey; Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia | @Nigelgd1 Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation | @MeiaNouwens Yuka Koshino, Research Fellow for Security and Technology Policy | @YukaKoshino We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 22 June 2022 Shangri-La Dialogue 2022 transcripts and recorded sessions are available here: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue - Asia's premier defence summit Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's back! Asia's premier security summit, the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, will take place in Singapore on 10–12 June 2022. In this episode, guest host James Crabtree, Executive Director IISS-Asia, is joined by IISS colleagues Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation, and Aaron Connelly, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asian Politics and Foreign Policy, to discuss themes and topics of the upcoming event. At a time of ever-greater focus on the geopolitical and defence dynamics of the Asia-Pacific, the importance of in-person debate among the region's key actors is greater than ever. The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is a unique platform for such debate, enabling government ministers and senior officials, as well as business leaders and security experts, to come together to share fresh perspectives on Asia's developing security challenges.The focus of the episode's discussion will include:US-China relationsSoutheast Asia and regional securityThe impact of the war in UkraineEurope and the Indo-Pacific Guest host and speakers:James Crabtree | @jamescrabtree | James Crabtree (iiss.org)Aaron Connelly | @ConnellyAL | Aaron Connelly (iiss.org)Meia Nouwens | @meianouwens | Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) For more information about IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2022 please visit our website The International Institute for Strategic Studies (iiss.org)Follow us on Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | FacebookWe hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.​Date of recording: 31 May 2022​Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and it remains an ongoing war. In this new Sounds Strategic episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, William Alberque and Franz-Stefan Gady to discuss the conflict through military, economic and political lenses.Meia and her guests address some of the most pressing questions in the international security community, share their observations on past and future challenges, and offer their perspectives on some of the unprecedented developments.- Military operations and the performance of the Russian armed forces- Disinformation warfare- Russia's failed statecraft in Europe- Sanctions and their intended impact- Multinational response to the crisis- NATO, EU and minilateral alliances Speakers:Host: Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation | Twitter: @MeiaNouwens | Latest research: Meia Nouwens (iiss.org) Guests:Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Editor, Strategic Survey; Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia | Twitter: @Nigelgd1 | Latest research: Dr Nigel Gould-Davies (iiss.org)William Alberque, Director of Strategy, Technology, and Arms Control | Twitter: @walberque | Latest research: William Alberque (iiss.org)Franz-Stefan Gady, Research Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict | Twitter: @HoansSolo | Latest research: Franz-Stefan Gady (iiss.org)We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.​Date of recording: 29 March 2022Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS. For more expert analysis and commentary visit https://www.iiss.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and the European Union have published Indo-Pacific strategies, all of which foresee a greater economic, political and security relationship with the region. Military engagement of European powers in the maritime domain has received significant attention in 2021, following the deployment of the US, UK and Netherlands navies in the Carrier Strike Group 2021 voyage, the deployment of the German frigate the Bayern, and a continued French naval presence in the region.   To discuss the realities, practicalities and prospects of European naval engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Nick Childs, Euan Graham and Hugo Decis.  Topics include: Where can European navies best contribute to security in the Indo-Pacific region? How can European powers coordinate their engagement better? And how much has AUKUS derailed the possibility of collaboration between Europeans, the Americans and Australia in the future?   Guest speakers: Nick Childs, Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security Hugo Decis, Research Analyst for Defence and Military Analysis ________________________________________________________________ We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 17 November 2021 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Sir Tom Beckett, Dr. Hasan al Hasan and Camille Lons to discuss the key themes from the 17th IISS Manama Dialogue, which was held in Bahrain From the 19th to the 21st of November 2021. The Manama Dialogue is an annual international security and regional diplomatic summit held in Bahrain that brings together high level representation from governments and stakeholders from across the Middle East and beyond. This year's event covered key regional security developments ranging from questions about the US security commitment to the region, the growing relationship between the Gulf and Asia, the cautious optimism around de-escalation efforts, the potential role of minilateral diplomacy in the region, and a renewed focus on the Red Sea as a geopolitical arena with its own unique dynamics. _________________________________________________________________We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on your favourite podcast platform. Date of recording: 25 November 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.To find out more, please visit https://www.iiss.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From a cooperation deficit to the prospect of conflict over Taiwan, Strategic Survey 2021 outlines the wide array of challenges faced by the international rules-based order, and shows that great-power competition is becoming more prevalent and complex.To mark the launch of the annual flagship publication and discuss the main themes and topics, host Meia Nouwens is joined byDr Nigel Gould-Davies | Editor, Strategic Survey; Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia Nigel Inkster | Senior Adviser for Cyber Security and China Dr David Gordon | Senior Adviser for Geo-Economics and Strategy _________________________________________________________________We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 25 October 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.To find out more, please visit https://www.iiss.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, mobility restrictions and calls from the UN for a global ceasefire, the number of conflicts hit a record high in 2020, with more active conflicts than at any time since 1945. To mark the launch of The Armed Conflict Survey 2021, host Meia Nouwens is joined by some of the team behind the annual flagship report exploring the political, military and humanitarian impacts of active armed conflicts across the world. Whilst the world has been battling the coronavirus pandemic, a more familiar challenge has continued unabated – armed conflict. The coronavirus pandemic has caused huge economic damage and human suffering. This has added fuel to the fire of social and political instability, with a legacy that is likely to be felt for years to come. The Armed Conflict Survey raises important questions about how conflict is changing, who the main actors are and how conflicts can be resolved. It looks at new technologies and explores the trends and risks that are likely to shape conflict in the years ahead. To discuss these important topics, Meia Nouwens is joined by: Dr Irene Mia - Editor of the Armed Conflict Survey and Senior Fellow for Latin America and Conflict, Security and Development Dr Benjamin Petrini, Research Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development Dr Samir Puri, Senior Fellow in Urban Security and Hybrid Warfare _________________________________________________________________We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic.Date of recording: 13 September 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this special episode of Sounds Strategic to mark the opening of the IISS–Europe office in Berlin, we meet key members of our new European research team. From great-power competition to state-led influence operations, and arms control to emerging and disruptive technologies, they explain how the IISS will bring a unique perspective to the European strategic debate. Joining host Meia Nouwens to discuss the strategic questions that the Institute's new European research agenda seeks to address are: Dr Ben Schreer, Executive Director, IISS–Europe; William Alberque, Director of Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy; Dr Simona Soare, Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis; and Thornike Gordadze, Senior Fellow for Statecraft and Influence Networks. As Ben explains, with IISS–Europe now fully open for business, the Institute is uniquely placed to facilitate a debate on key strategic questions in Germany and Europe as a whole, and between policymakers and industry alike. William, Simona and Thornike each explain the research themes that will dominate their work in the coming months, including arms control and non-proliferation initiatives, great-power competition, setting rules and norms for outer space and the cyber domain, the uses and challenges of emerging and disruptive technologies, and the changing, multidimensional influence operations of revisionist states. _________________________________________________________________ We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 31 August 2021 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Samir Puri, IISS Senior Fellow in Urban Security and Hybrid Warfare, and Antônio Sampaio, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, to discuss how technology impacts urban security and the democratic landscapes of cities. With over half of the world's population living in cities, new technologies, such as smart cities or surveillance tech, have increasingly been leveraged to make life in cities safer and more efficient. This includes leveraging technology to combat crime and terrorism, to respond to natural disasters or to improve the quality of life of citizens. New technologies are also starting to play an important role in political landscapes, for example by connecting people in protest movements. But these technologies can also be leveraged to other ends: to suppress protesters and restrict freedom of speech. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 13 August 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this Sounds Strategic episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia, Strategic Survey Editor and former ambassador to Minsk, to reflect on the protest movement in Belarus and Alexander Lukashenko's regime.One year after an implausible election result ignited mass protests across Belarus, Nigel joins Meia to discuss authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko's rule, the relationship between Putin's Russia and Lukashenko's Belarus, and why the 2020−21 protests became so widespread. Can Lukashenko, the autocratic president of Belarus since 1994, regain the legitimacy he has lost? And what is his standing within the country today? We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 5 August 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This special episode of Sounds Strategic explores the significance of the 40th Fullerton Lecture, which US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivered on Tuesday 27 July 2021. Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by James Crabtree, Executive Director of IISS–Asia, Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security, and Aaron Connelly, Research Fellow in Southeast Asian Political Change and Foreign Policy. Secretary Austin's visit was the first to Southeast Asia by a member of US President Joe Biden's cabinet. In his Fullerton Lecture on ‘The imperative of partnership', the Secretary made the case for the United States' role as a reliable partner in helping nations in the Indo-Pacific make their own choices and ‘build back better' after COVID-19. Watch the recorded lecture on our website - The International Institute for Strategic Studies (iiss.org) _________________________________________________________________ We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Date of recording: 29 July 2021 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, special guest host James Crabtree is joined by Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation, and Nigel Inkster, Senior Adviser for Cyber Security and China, to examine China's domestic and international outlook. As China marks the centenary of its ruling party, James, Meia and Nigel assess what this anniversary signifies for the Chinese Communist Party and how strong the party is today.James, Meia and Nigel also discuss why the centrality of the party is so important to President Xi Jinping, where the relationship between the CCP and the People's Liberation Army stands today, what to take away from Xi's anniversary speech and where the party goes from here._________________________________________________________________We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 21 July 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Ben Barry, Senior Fellow for Land Warfare, and Shiloh Fetzek, Associate Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development, to discuss the implications of climate change for global security and defence.With climate security rising on the global security agenda, Meia, Ben and Shiloh discuss the impact of climate change on the strategic environment, how existing security challenges are made worse by climate-related impacts and the importance of integrating climate change considerations into national and multilateral security plans. Exploring the challenges ahead for defence and security establishments, Meia, Ben and Shiloh also consider how NATO, the G7, the European Union and the United Nations Security Council have addressed climate risk, as well as Biden's climate agenda and the UK Ministry of Defence's climate change strategy.We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 9th July 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Greg Austin, Senior Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict, and Franz-Stefan Gady, Research Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict, to discuss the findings of a new IISS report on cyber capabilities and national power. A new report by the IISS has assessed the cyber power of 15 states, placing them into three tiers of capability. Following the launch of this major two-year study, Meia, Greg and Franz-Stefan discuss how to define and measure cyber power and who comes out on top.Meia, Greg and Franz-Stefan discuss the categories used to assess each country's cyber capabilities in the report, including strategy and doctrine, governance, cyber-intelligence capability, cyber security and resilience, global leadership and offensive cyber capability. According to the qualitative framework developed by IISS researchers, the United States is the only country with world-leading strengths in all categories, with China placed in the second tier of cyber powers. Meia, Greg and Franz-Stefan go on to discuss the role of political culture, organisational relationships and governance models in shaping the relationship between cyber capabilities and how they are used by a state actor on the international stage, what we know about the operational activities of the US, Russia and China, how much cyber industrial strength matters, the impact of political stability and instability on the development of cyber capabilities and how middle powers can compete with great powers in cyberspace.We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 24 June 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Irene Mia, Editor of the Armed Conflict Survey and Senior Fellow for Latin America and Conflict, Security and Development, and Amanda Lapo, Research Associate for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss geopolitical developments in Latin America.How has the shifting global geopolitical environment impacted Latin America? Meia, Irene and Amanda examine geopolitical competition in Latin America and the region's engagement with external powers. Irene argues that the Latin American order is no longer unipolar, highlighting China's inroads in the region and growing importance as a regional commercial partner. She also notes the role of the United States and questions surrounding the level of engagement to be expected from the Biden administration, stressing the impact migration flows have had on US policy towards the region. Amanda talks about military-to-military engagement between China and the region, arguing that China is now the third largest regional player after the US and Russia. She explains that relationships between China and countries in South America in particular have become more formal in recent years.Meia, Irene and Amanda also discuss vaccine and military diplomacy in the region, the Pacific Alliance and the ongoing election cycle in Latin American countries. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 11 June 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Nick Childs, Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security, to discuss the United Kingdom's naval ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.Following the First Sea Lord's Sea Power Conference on 19 May 2021, Meia and Nick reflect on the UK's Carrier Strike Group and its deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, discussing who the UK is looking to strengthen its relationships with, how China will react to the deployment and what the view from the region is more generally. Meia and Nick also discuss how the Royal Navy can help small and medium powers manage grey-zone threats in the region, as well as how it is going to balance commitments to the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic regions. With its limited resources, how prominent will the Royal Navy's Indo-Pacific presence be in the near future?We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 26 May 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by James Crabtree, Executive Director of IISS–Asia, to discuss the trends and developments that have shaped political and security dynamics in Asia in the past year. Meia and James explore some of the major thematic issues that will be covered at the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue on 4−5 June, including US−China competition, regional-security architectures, and the contributions of regional and extra-regional middle powers to security in Asia. They also consider India's role in regional security and in the Quad, the situation in Myanmar and its implications for ASEAN, the Biden administration's policy towards China and how countries in the region view the involvement of the United States in the regional security order.We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 11 May 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Robert Ward, IISS Japan Chair and Director of Geo-economics and Strategy, and Yuka Koshino, Research Fellow for Japanese Security and Defence Policy, to unpack the policy priorities and challenges on Japanese Prime Minister Suga's 2021 agenda.Ahead of the next IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in June, Meia, Robert and Yuka discuss Japan's domestic political environment and the challenges Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's administration will need to tackle in 2021. As Robert and Yuka explain, the administration's focus areas include the coronavirus pandemic and the country's slow vaccine rollout, the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race, and Japan's 2021 general election.Robert and Yuka also explore Prime Minister Suga's economic agenda and progress towards digitalisation, foreign and security policy priorities and goals, the role of the United States in Japan's Indo-Pacific vision, and the impact of COVID-19 on structural reform and Japan's thinking on economic security.We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 29 April 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Erica Pepe, Senior Coordinator for Research and Conflict, Security and Development Analyst, and Franz-Stefan Gady, Research Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict, to discuss NATO and AI.Meia, Erica and Franz-Stefan explore the motivations behind NATO's focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the future potential of this technology for security and defence. What role can NATO play in setting standards for the military use of AI?Erica and Franz-Stefan also explain why AI is so prominent in national-security thinking, noting the progress of the technology as well as the potential risks, challenges and ethical concerns associated with it. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 8 April 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by John Krzyzaniak, Research Analyst for Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, and Timothy Wright, Research Analyst and Programme Administrator for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss Iran, its missile-development programme and the JCPOA. With a new, Democrat-led administration in power, is the United States in a better position to make progress on the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and negotiations with Iran? Meia, John and Timothy discuss where the JCPOA stands now, the impact of domestic politics in both Iran and the US on bilateral negotiations, and how far the Biden administration is willing to go to revive the agreement. Meia, John and Tim also consider the status of Iran's missile-development programme and the strategies that are driving Tehran's investment in it. While noting that missiles are likely to be an ongoing focus for any negotiations between the US and Iran in the future, they argue that it is unrealistic to expect Iran to restrict its missile programme. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 30 March 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Tom Waldwyn, Research Associate for Defence Procurement, and Haena Jo, Research Analyst for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss the increasingly diversified landscape of defence industry and defence procurement. With successive governments in Turkey, South Korea, Brazil and Poland having invested heavily in their defence industries in recent years, could these countries soon provide greater competition for Western and Russian defence companies? While the big defence companies are still at the top of the pecking order, Tom and Haena explain that today's defence-industrial landscape is more diversified. Meia, Tom and Haena also discuss the export successes of other emerging defence-industrial nations, as well as the challenges they are facing. Drawing in particular on examples from Turkey, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, they highlight the importance of politics and political will in driving defence-industrial growth, and they note the different approaches that emerging defence-industrial countries have taken to get where they are today.We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 18 March 2021 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Benjamin Petrini, Research Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development, and Dr Umberto Profazio, Associate Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development, to reflect on the concept of fragility.Approaching the concept of fragility in a multidimensional way, Meia, Benjamin and Umberto examine the origins of the term, as well as the misconceptions often associated with it. Benjamin and Umberto explain what a fragile country is, highlighting that fragility is not limited to countries experiencing conflict. Explaining that fragility affects stability through several different and interrelated channels, Benjamin and Umberto highlight various dimensions of fragility, including technological transformations and rapid changes in society, poverty, migration and forced displacement, weak institutions, environmental pressures, economic challenges and demographic pressures. Meia, Benjamin and Umberto also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on fragility, stressing that the toll of the pandemic will be higher on fragile countries than more stable ones. Noting that more and more states are exerting their influence in fragile countries, Benjamin and Umberto conclude that fragility can now be viewed through the prism of foreign policy and geopolitics.We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 5 March 2021 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, Meia Nouwens is joined by Fenella McGerty, Senior Fellow for Defence Economics, and Henry Boyd, Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss the global defence developments identified in the latest edition of The Military Balance. To mark the publication of The Military Balance 2021, launching today (25 February 2021), Meia, Fenella and Henry discuss recent developments in defence policy, military capability and defence economics. Highlighting the implications of the coronavirus pandemic and the landmark 2020 election in the United States for defence policymakers and industry, Fenella and Henry explore the current trajectory of global and regional defence spending, including in the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, and broader defence developments. Despite wider economic difficulties caused by the pandemic, the stronger growth in global defence spending that was achieved in 2019 was maintained in 2020, they explain. Meia, Fenella and Henry also discuss China's investment in R&D, the challenges of calculating Chinese defence spending, and the role of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Military Balance is the Institute's annual assessment of global military capabilities and defence economics. The 2021 edition includes updated data on the military organisations, equipment inventories and defence budgets of 171 countries; region-by-region analysis of major developments affecting defence policy, procurement and defence economics; and assessment of key trends in the land, sea and air domains, as well as in cyberspace. Order your copy on Amazon or Routledge.We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 18 February 2021 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers' by We Were Promised Jetpacks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security, and Joseph Dempsey, Research Associate for Defence and Military Analysis, to examine recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, including the current state of the relationships between the two Koreas and the United States, as well as other countries in the region. In this episode, Meia, Euan and Joseph discuss the tumultuous relationships between the US and the two Koreas under former president Donald Trump, as well as how these relationships might evolve as President Joe Biden settles into the White House. The US−South Korea relationship is ‘badly in need of repair', explains Euan, highlighting that there is a serious risk of strategic divergence in national-security interests between the two countries. The panel also explores the challenges facing Moon Jae-in's presidency in its remaining years, noting that balancing relations with the US and regional neighbours will require a coherent national strategy. Joseph gives an overview of recent developments in North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic-missile programme, explaining why Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions are worrying. The panel also considers the fragile state of the North Korean economy and the impact of COVID-19 on the country, how China views recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, and what to watch out for in 2021.Date of recording: 3 February 2021 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers' by We Were Promised Jetpacks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Ben Rhode, Editor of The Adelphi Series and IISS Senior Fellow for Transatlantic Affairs, and Dr Kori Schake, Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and former IISS Deputy Director-General. Together, they reflect on the legacy of the Trump presidency and also look ahead at what to expect from President Biden's administration. Starting with the significance of Joe Biden being sworn in and the self-conscious attempt at the inauguration to project unity, the podcast panel discusses what it means for the US government to return to being ‘boring and competent'. Meia, Ben and Kori also consider what long-lasting effect the violent insurrection of 6 January 2021 will have on domestic policy, and the continuing challenges posed by right-wing and online radicalisation, as well as QAnon conspiracy theorists. The panel then explores what Trump's legacy means both for Biden's aim of ending the ‘uncivil war', as well as for the Republican Party. They end by discussing what effect Trump's legacy will have on US foreign policies and considering how Biden will use his first 100 days to signal his prioritisation between domestic and foreign priorities.Date of recording: 21 January 2021Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers' by We Were Promised Jetpacks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first IISS Sounds Strategic podcast of 2021, to coincide with the audiobook release of Brendan Taylor's Adelphi Series publication Dangerous Decade: Taiwan's Security and Crisis Management, Meia Nouwens and Brendan discuss the geopolitical importance of Taiwan and the challenges it faces in the coming year and beyond.Starting with President Tsai Ing-Wen's re-election in January 2020 and her government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic that won international praise, the discussion moves to look ahead to potential security crises facing Taiwan. Brendan identifies US-China rivalry as a potential flashpoint and argues, ‘perhaps controversially', that the next crisis brewing over Taiwan will be more serious than previous ones as the geopolitical status quo affecting Taiwan begins to fracture. Meia and Brendan go on to discuss why Taiwan is strategically important for China, the likelihood of reunification and independence, whether there will be a major change in US-Taiwan relations under President Biden's administration, Taiwan's international standing, and where Taiwan could take advantage of the US-China trade war. Date of recording: 18 December 2020Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers' by We Were Promised Jetpacks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After an unprecedented year in world affairs, Meia Nouwens speaks with Sarah Raine, IISS Consulting Senior Fellow for Geopolitics and Strategy, and Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Editor of IISS' Strategic Survey and Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia in this special end-of-year episode. Researchers from across the IISS contributed their thoughts on the key geopolitical and security challenges from 2020 that will likely continue far into 2021. Among these, Meia, Sarah and Nigel discuss the continuing decline of multilateralism and the rules-based international order, the challenge of growing extraterritoriality in the Middle East and elsewhere, as well as the future of the US–China rivalry during a Biden presidency. Despite the difficulties of 2020, both Nigel and Sarah end on some points of optimism that could improve international relations in the coming year.We hope you enjoyed this special episode of Sounds Strategic and from all of us at the IISS, we wish you have a safe and festive new year. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 17 December 2020Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers' by We Were Promised Jetpacks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Samir Puri, The IISS' new Senior Fellow for Hybrid Warfare, for a discussion about the concept of ‘hybrid warfare' and its potential applications in the Asia-Pacific. Having observed the realities of hybrid warfare in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, Samir highlights the differences between ‘grey zone' and ‘hybrid warfare' activities.Meia and Samir then explore the possible applications of hybrid warfare in the Asia-Pacific, with a particular focus on how China could expand its regional influence through hybrid strategies and tactics. Samir also predicts that grey zone activity will likely become an increasingly common feature in international affairs in the 2020s as the United States clashes with China's efforts to establish its own informal empire. As a result, Samir suggests Western powers may need to revisit their hybrid warfare capabilities in this new multi-polar world order. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 2 December 2020Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers' by We Were Promised Jetpacks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this special episode of Sounds Strategic, recorded ahead of the IISS Manama Dialogue 2020, Sir Tom Beckett speaks with Hasan Alhasan and Camille Lons about the key geopolitical challenges the Middle East has faced in 2020. Hasan and Camille highlight the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to countries across the Middle East and how the pandemic has worsened the humanitarian situation in many of the region's ongoing conflicts, from Yemen to Libya.They also assess the wider geopolitical implications of the recent Abraham Accords between Israel and several Gulf states and how ongoing US–China competition may impact regional politics in 2021. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don't forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Date of recording: 24 November 2020Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers' by We Were Promised Jetpacks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.