Podcasts about Chatham House

James Sherr OBE is an Associate Fellow of Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Programme, which he headed from 2008–11. He currently is a Honorary Fellow at the International Centre for Defence & Security in Tallinn, Estonia, and he was previously Senior Fellow of the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute there. His background stretches across the UK Defence Academy, Oxford, RUSI, extensive advisory work in Ukraine and decades of research into Soviet/Russian military and security policy.----------LINKS:https://icds.ee/en/author/james-sherr-5/https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/james-sherrhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Sherrhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/james-sherr-obe-9593885/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------DESCRIPTION:James Sherr: Russia Chose War in 2021—And the West Still Thinks in Peacetime TermsIn this interview, James Sherr argues that Russia's core security culture and institutions—its siloviki and General Staff—were never reformed after the USSR, and that a key change in late 2020–2021 was Moscow's conclusion that it could not achieve its objectives in Europe without war, testing the Biden administration and seeking recognition of a Russian sphere of influence. Since 2022, he says Russia has intensified a holistic, undeclared war against the West alongside the brutal war in Ukraine, with “hybrid” operations becoming increasingly kinetic, while Western responses remain constrained by peacetime legal standards, escalation fears, and lost institutional memory. Sherr stresses that Putin seeks to crush Ukraine, that Russia will not stop voluntarily, and that only tangible, risk-accepting Western actions can make Russia's aims infeasible; he also notes Russia's effective allies and warns Western analysis often misreads Russian belief systems, endurance, and concepts of power.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Russia Militarized State01:11 Why War Became Inevitable04:11 Undeclared War Reality06:11 Attribution And Escalation Trap10:19 Lost Deterrence Memory12:37 Siloviki Culture Unreformed14:52 Dark Empathy For Russia19:19 Authority And Prigozhin Lesson23:24 Western Weak Signals30:04 Allies And Alignment Of Interest35:03 Putin Next Levers40:44 No Magic Breaking Point47:07 War Transforms Russia58:10 Risk And Strategic Neutralization----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------

Lough is currently Senior Research Fellow and Head of Foreign Policy & International Partnerships at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre (NEST Centre). He leads its foreign-policy work and international partnerships. He remains an Associate Fellow in Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Programme. ----------LINKS:https://nestcentre.org/author/john-lough/https://nestcentre.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lough-6201804/https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/john-lough----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------

President Donald Trump welcomes Xi Jinping to Washington with the US-China dynamic in a moment of historic flux. China is rising economically and militarily, while the US is mired in the Iran war, alienating allies and pursuing Trump's unpredictable trade and tariff disputes. What do the two leaders want from this meeting, and will they get it? Can they reconcile their differing economic powers, the competition for critical minerals, and their radically contrasting visions for artificial intelligence. And in the longer term: who will dominate the 21st century? Does Xi really want to retake Taiwan for China before his time in power ends? Or is the US-Chinese dynamic more complex and perhaps less alarming? To unpick these threads Bronwen Maddox is joined by three experts from Chatham House's Asia-Pacific Programme: programme director Ben Bland, senior research fellow Dr Yu Jie and associate fellow Dr Bill Hayton. Produced by Podmasters, with thanks to Sara Seth and Stephen Farrell. Explore Chatham House's latest work:  Magazine article | What the West fails to grasp about China's strategy to lead the world Comment | Trump–Xi summit: Why the US and China should not underestimate each other Comment | China is weathering the Hormuz energy crisis. But copying its model comes with risks Magazine issue | The World Today autumn issue Audio | Africa Aware

US presidents typically welcome foreign leaders at the White House, but on Wednesday Donald Trump laid out the red carpet to greet China's premier Xi Jinping.In today's episode of The Fourcast Indicators, Matt Frei and Mark Urban discuss the future being shaped by the two superpowers, what that means for geopolitics and for the economy. Joining us shortly is Bronwen Maddox, CEO of Chatham House, who has written and spoken extensively about China's attempt to rule a post-American world, and a book called In Defence of America, on how the US has been taken for granted by the rest of the world.

Jon Ward left the influencer playbook behind at Plunge to build something with no media, no selling, and an NDA at the door — and he's already turned away over a hundred applicants to protect it.Jon Ward, Founder and CEO of The Assembly, joins Eric to unpack why he's betting on trust over reach in an industry drowning in pitches. Jon breaks down how GLP-1s are splitting the gym-going population in half, why brands like Evolve went from zero to over $100 million in under a year, and why he thinks "health" needs to stop being treated as an industry and start being treated as culture. He also gets into how The Assembly vets its members, what its Chatham House rules actually protect, and why he sees fitness as the best-positioned industry to own the next decade of health.Jon Ward is the Founder and CEO of The Assembly, an invite-only network connecting founders, executives, and investors across health, wellness, and longevity, and previously worked in brand growth at cold-plunge company Plunge. Website: https://theassembly.health | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonward007Get Eric's weekly industry newsletter: https://futureoffitness.co Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futureofofitnesspod

C dans l'air du 16 septembre 2026 - Trump sans munitions, Poutine sans limite... Alors que l'Iran a fait main basse sur Ormuz, la prise de contrôle du détroit de Bab el-Mandeb par les rebelles houthis soutenus par Téhéran et l'attaque d'un oléoduc crucial en Arabie saoudite compliquent un peu plus l'équation géopolitique, énergétique et militaire au Moyen-Orient, qui était déjà loin d'être simple. En témoigne la nouvelle flambée des cours du pétrole, alors que les Houthis poursuivent leur avancée en mer Rouge. Confronté à une recrudescence des attaques menées au Yémen, le prince héritier saoudien a sollicité le soutien du président égyptien, après avoir échoué à obtenir une intervention militaire américaine.Contrairement à ce que Donald Trump a affirmé récemment, les États-Unis ne disposeraient pas de « quantités énormes de munitions ». Plus de six mois après le début de la guerre en Iran, où en sont les stocks d'armement des États-Unis ? Un rapport de l'inspecteur général du Pentagone, publié lundi, estime qu'entre le 28 février et le 30 juin, l'opération « Fureur épique » contre le régime des mollahs a coûté environ 33,4 milliards de dollars, dont 22,3 milliards dépensés uniquement en munitions tirées. Le document relève également que « les dépenses en munitions ont provoqué une pénurie sur les inventaires stratégiques et révélé des goulots d'étranglement au sein des industries pour le renouvellement des munitions ». Mais le rapport souligne aussi les mesures prises pour accélérer la production. L'accent est notamment mis sur la production de systèmes de défense THAAD, de missiles Tomahawk et de missiles de défense antiaérienne Patriot.Membre de l'Otan en première ligne face à la Russie, la Pologne ambitionne de devenir la première armée d'Europe. Pour cela, elle dépense actuellement près de 5 % de son PIB dans la défense et cherche à établir de nouveaux partenariats. En mai dernier, Paris et Varsovie ont notamment signé un traité d'amitié à Nancy qui « ouvre la possibilité » d'une extension du parapluie nucléaire français à la Pologne.Une initiative qui prend une dimension particulière alors que les Européens s'interrogent sur l'attitude des États-Unis de Donald Trump en cas d'attaque russe. Emmanuel Macron a proposé à plusieurs partenaires européens de participer à des exercices et à un dialogue stratégique autour de la « dissuasion avancée », tout en maintenant que la décision ultime d'employer l'arme nucléaire reste exclusivement entre les mains du président français. Paris précise également que cette initiative doit compléter, et non se substituer à la dissuasion nucléaire de l'Otan. Autre pays membre de l'Alliance partageant une frontière terrestre avec la Russie, la Finlande a annoncé ce lundi « rejoindre » la dissuasion nucléaire « avancée » proposée par la France. C'est le dixième pays européen à rejoindre cette initiative destinée à renforcer la défense de l'Europe face à la menace russe.Pénurie de munitions, démissions en cascade… Dans quel état se trouve réellement l'armée américaine ? L'offre d'Emmanuel Macron d'une dissuasion nucléaire « avancée » séduit un nombre croissant de partenaires européens. De quoi s'agit-il ? Qu'est-ce que la dissuasion avancée ? Enfin qui est Umar Kremlev, l'oligarque russe proche de Poutine qui a réglé la note de mariage du fils aîné de Donald Trump ?Nos experts :- Anthony BELLANGER - Éditorialiste à Franceinfo TV, spécialiste des questions internationales- Nicole BACHARAN - Historienne et politologue, spécialiste des États-Unis, éditorialiste à Ouest France- Samantha DE BENDERN - Chercheuse pour le programme Russie/Eurasie au sein du think tank britannique « Chatham House », l'Institut royal des affaires étrangères- Général François CHAUVANCY - Rédacteur en chef de la revue Défense de l'Union-IHEDN, l'Institut des hautes études de défense nationale

C dans l'air du 16 septembre 2026 - Trump sans munitions, Poutine sans limite... Nos experts :- Anthony BELLANGER - Éditorialiste à Franceinfo TV, spécialiste des questions internationales- Nicole BACHARAN - Historienne et politologue, spécialiste des États-Unis, éditorialiste à Ouest France- Samantha DE BENDERN - Chercheuse pour le programme Russie/Eurasie au sein du think tank britannique « Chatham House », l'Institut royal des affaires étrangères- Général François CHAUVANCY - Rédacteur en chef de la revue Défense de l'Union-IHEDN, l'Institut des hautes études de défense nationale

Hezbollah no longer owns every road in South Lebanon. In mixed villages that kept the group out and brought the Lebanese Army in, daily life looks almost normal—and Israel's deployment in Lebanon bends around instead of through them. This could mark the start of Lebanon asserting its sovereignty in the south, spelling the beginning of the end of Hezbollah's demise. But given Beirut's inertia, it's equally plausible Hezbollah will adapt and wait it out.Generation Jihad guest host David Daoud, an FDD senior fellow focused on Lebanon and Hezbollah, talks with Lina Khatib, an associate fellow in Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa Programme, about her July trip through that pocket, why the 2006 war never put the army in charge of the border, and whether Beirut can take Hezbollah's weapons now that the group is weaker and Assad is gone.This episode digs into the Lebanese military's limited seizure of weapons, the fear that a forced disarmament will spark another civil war, and the Shiite community that Hezbollah still dominates through sincere conviction, material benefits, and intimidation. Daoud and Khatib ask whether Hezbollah is limping toward the exit or adapting in the stasis, and whether talks with Israel are the start of a real peace—or just another pause before the next war.

Max Bergmann is joined by Hanna Notte and Natasha Hall to map the escalation risks, assess Russia's shifting military and diplomatic footprint in Syria under the new government of Ahmed al-Sharaa, and parse what a surprise CIA visit to Moscow reveals about where this global realignment is heading. Along the way, they examine Ukrainian strikes on Iranian vessels, allegations that Moscow is feeding Tehran intelligence on U.S. positions, and what a deepening Russia-Iran economic partnership means for the wider region.  Guests:  Hanna Notte | director of the Eurasia Nonproliferation Program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies; senior associate (non-resident), Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program, CSIS  Natasha Hall | senior advocate for the Middle East, Refugees International;  Associate Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Program, Chatham House; senior associate (non-resident), Middle East Program, CSIS Mentioned:  Resilience Through Linkage: Russia, Iran, and Aspirations for North–South Trade – CSIS Report by Maria Snegovaya, Tina Dolbaia, and Nicholas Fenton  We Shall Outlast Them: Putin's Global Campaign to Defeat the West – Book by Hanna Notte   Feedback? Suggestions? Ideas to help us improve? Email us at erep@csis.org.  If you love Russian Roulette, let us know by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Listen to our sister podcast, covering all things Europe through a Washington lens: CSIS Podcasts | The Eurofile 

Moscow's strategic objective has long been to neutralise the United States as an obstacle to Russian power by attacking the cohesion, confidence, institutions and decision-making capacity of American society itself. This is the argument behind Keir Giles' latest book, American Overthrow (2026).----------Keir Giles has spent his career watching, studying, and explaining Russia, which is fortuitous, as Russia has reemerged as an aggressive and malign peer adversary in the 21st century. Keir is a British specialist on Russian strategy, information warfare, cyber conflict and non-military power projection. He is currently an Associate Fellow in Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Programme and has supported its Russia research since 2013. He also leads the independent Conflict Studies Research Centre (CSRC), which he has directed since 2010. Earlier in his career he worked for the BBC Monitoring Service and with the UK Defence Academy, researching Russian military doctrine, security policy, cyber and information warfare and Russia's relations with neighbouring states.----------BOOKS:American Overthrow: Moscow's Endgame in Its Long War with Washington (2026) Who Will Defend Europe? An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent (2024)Russia's War on Everybody: And What it Means for You (2022)Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West (2019)The Turning Point for Russian Foreign Policy (2017)The State of the NATO-Russia Reset (2011)Potential Challenges to Public Order and Social Stability in the Russian Federation (2011)----------LINKS: https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7Bs89WMAAAAJhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keir_Gileshttps://icds.ee/en/author/keir-giles-3/https://www.linkedin.com/in/keir-giles-499a489/ https://www.coleurope.eu/keir-giles ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------

Twenty five years ago the deadliest terrorist attacks in human history, on 11 September 2001, saw 2,977 people killed in New York, Washington, and aboard the planes hijacked by 19 members of Al-Qaeda. An immediate response followed with the US-led 'war on terror', which saw Western forces occupy Afghanistan and Iraq, and two decades of military operations across the Middle East and beyond. We look back over a quarter of a century to examine the longer-term consequences of 9/11. We examine how US foreign policy and military power changed perceptions of America and its allies. We look at the consequences for a Middle East still riven by conflict. And we discuss how the focus on counterterrorism left the US positioned to deal with a new multipolar era in which it faces challenges from Russia and the rise of China. This week's episode is hosted by Laurel Rapp, director of Chatham House's US and North America Programme, standing in for Bronwen Maddox.  She is joined by General Sir Richard Barrons, a senior consulting fellow with the International Security Programme. Also by Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa Programme. And by Jason Burke, International Security Correspondent of the Guardian. Produced by Podmasters, with thanks to Stephen Farrell. About Independent Thinking Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues. More ways to listen: Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Explore our other Chatham House podcasts.

How did we arrive at an age of global instability, conflict and political distrust, and can democracy renew itself? On Radio 4's weekly discussion programme, Tom Sutcliffe is joined by three guests to examine the pressures facing the international order and the ideas that might help sustain it.Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown discusses his new book The Future Starts With Us, which argues that the erosion of civic life and the fracturing of the rules-based international system are deeply connected. Drawing on global research and decades of political experience, he makes the case for renewed civic engagement as the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.Political scientist Francis Fukuyama became one of the most influential thinkers of the post-Cold War era after the publication of ‘The End of History and the Last Man' in 1992. In his new memoir, In the Realm of the Last Man, he reflects on the events and ideas that shaped that argument, his subsequent break with neoconservatism after the Iraq War, and his reassessment of the strengths and vulnerabilities of liberal democracy in today's multipolar world. Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House, brings her perspective on a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. From the war in Ukraine and European security to debates about democracy, power and America's constitutional future as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, she assesses the challenges facing the West and the international order.Producer: Katy Hickman Assistant Producer: Natalia Fernandez

Sommaren 2026 inleder Ukraina en kampanj av attacker mot ett ryskt e-handelsbolag som bland annat säljer kläder och husgeråd. Varför? Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app. På ort efter ort från Uralbergen till St Petersburg brinner nätjätten Wildberries varulager i Ryssland. Drönare från Ukraina har svept in i tusental och släppt sina sprängladdningar.Ukrainas nya strategi riktas mot företag som stöttar den ryska krigsekonomin men slår också hål på vanliga ryssars bekvämlighetsbubbla.Experter varnar för att kriget nu gått in i en ny fas som kräver fler civila offer - på båda sidor.Medverkande: Trygve Ulriksen Skogseth, utrikesreporter på Ekot, Fredrik Wadström, Sveriges Radios Rysslandskorrespondent, Mark Galeotti, brittisk historiker, och författare till flera böcker om Ryssland, Fabrice Pothier tidigare stoppanalytiker på Nato och är numera VD på konsultfirman Rasmussen Global, Orysia Ludsevitj, biträdande chef för Rysslands- och Eurasiaprogrammet samt chef för Ukrainaforumet vid den brittiska tankesmedjan Chatham House,Programledare: Fernando Ariasfernando.arias@sr.seProducent: Ulrika Bergqvistulrika.bergqvist@sr.seTekniker: Rasmus Håkans

On the Power Vertical Podcast this week, host Brian Whitmore hosts an all-start lineup of guests to break it all down: Michael Carpenter, who served as the U.S. National Security Council's Senior Director for Europe, US Ambassador to the OSCE, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia; John Sipher, a 28-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency's National Clandestine Service and recipient of the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal; and James Sherr, an honorary fellow at the International Center for Defense and Security and an Associate Fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House.

It's been a tumultuous year in the Middle East – and it's far from over. Six months after the US and Israel launched their offensive against Iran, the conflict continues to disrupt trade, energy and food security. President Trump struggles to escape a deadlock that threatens to seriously damage him in the American mid-term elections. Meanwhile, Gaza remains locked in a humanitarian crisis despite a ceasefire, while Israel faces growing political division ahead of an October election that will determine Benjamin Netanyahu's fate. As leaders wrestle with security, alliances and the fallout from multiple conflicts, we discuss the future of a troubled region. Bronwen Maddox is joined by director of Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa Programme, Dr Sanam Vakil; associate professor in politics and international relations at UCL, Dr Julie Norman; and Israeli politician and journalist, Ksenia Svetlova. Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Sara Seth and Stephen Farrell. Explore Chatham House's latest work: Policy paper| What the Burnham government should do in its foreign policy Comment | Should Egypt join the Mecca Pact? Comment | Nigeria will need more than a bigger army to tackle security challenges Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio | Africa Aware

Visit us at Network2020.org.The United Arab Emirates' recent decision to leave OPEC after nearly six decades is about far more than oil—it is the latest sign of a growing rift with Saudi Arabia and a marker of Abu Dhabi's willingness to challenge a regional order long dominated by Riyadh. From normalizing relations with Israel to pursuing strategic autonomy between the United States and China, the UAE has repeatedly shown that it is prepared to break with old frameworks when they no longer serve its ambitions. In just over 50 years, the federation has transformed itself from a small Gulf state into a global financial, logistics, and diplomatic hub with influence that far exceeds its size.How did the UAE achieve this remarkable rise, and what is Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's long-term vision for the country's future? What is driving Abu Dhabi's expanding global influence, and how is it balancing relationships with Washington, Beijing, Riyadh, and its regional neighbors? And can its model of economic diversification, technological innovation, and assertive diplomacy sustain its ambitions, or will geopolitical rivalries and domestic constraints complicate its ascent?Join us for a discussion with Dr. Neil Quilliam, Associate Fellow with Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa Programme, for a conversation on the UAE's rise as a regional and global power and what it means for the future of the Middle East.Music by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay.

In July 2026, tens of thousands of students took to the streets in India's capital, demanding reforms to education. The protests followed the leak of medical entrance exam papers but quickly grew to reflect wider concerns about job opportunities for graduates.The movement became known as the Cockroach Janta Party. What began as an online campaign developed into a youth-led protest movement, attracting prominent activists and drawing international attention.As the protests grew, they posed a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, which has been in power for more than a decade. The movement has brought together people from different parts of Indian society and highlighted dissatisfaction over job opportunities and prospects for young people.So how has the Cockroach Janta Party changed India's politics and what does it mean for its future?(Photo: Students celebrate the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in Amritsar on July 25, 2026. 14 students all protesting with one arm in the air making peace signs. They are holding multiple placards and an Indian flag. Credit: NARINDER NANU via Getty Images)Contributors Ruchi Gupta, executive director of the Future of India Foundation, India Sadanand Dhume, senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, US Rahul Verma, fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, India Dr Chietigj Bajpaee, senior research fellow for South Asia in the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House, UK Presenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Matt Toulson Researcher: Evie Yabsley Technical producer: Cameron Ward Production co-ordinator: Phoebe Lomas Production management assistant: Liam Morrey Editor: Tom Bigwood

Day 1,641.Today we assess a hectic weekend of diplomacy, with Andy Burnham and other world leaders in Kyiv to mark Ukraine's Independence Day – his first foreign trip as Britain's new Prime Minister. He came ready to hand over blueprints for Storm Shadow cruise missiles, not long after President Zelensky discussed fresh supplies of missile interceptors with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. Meanwhile, Ukraine has targeted another major Russian online retailer – Ozon – for the first time, and Russia's ambassador to London Andrei Kelin was withdrawn to Moscow with no explanation.Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Antonia Langford (Freelance Journalist in Kyiv). @Antonialford on XWith thanks to John Foreman CBE, Chatham House associate fellow and former UK defence attaché to Russia.Producer: Rachel PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'Sullivan and Tom SteedSocial Producer: Aaron WheelerStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:If you're interested in sponsoring Dom's upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukRussian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 23, 2026 (Institute for the Study of War)https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-23-2026/Burnham hits back after Kremlin accuses him of prolonging war in Ukraine (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/24/kremlin-attacks-burnham-over-storm-shadows-for-ukraine/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:British Storm Shadow missile blueprints exchanged for 'goldmine of Ukrainian battlefield data'Coalition of the Willing meet in Kyiv in Ukraine's Independence Day, including Andy Burnham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

על רקע המתיחות הגוברת בין ישראל וטורקיה, צה"ל תקף מטרות בעומק סוריה. לפי פרשנים רבים - התקיפה לא נועדה להגן מפני פלישה לישראל או לפגוע במטרה סורית אלא כדי להעביר מסר לטורקים על ההתבססות הצבאית שלהם סמוך לגבול בין המדינות. אך יש מי שמזהיר שהמהלך הזה עלול לגרור אותנו לעימות ישיר מול ארדואן, שבינתיים ממשיך להסלים את הרטוריקה נגד ישראל. אז הפעם נדבר עם קסניה סבטלובה מנכ"לית עמותת ROPES לשת"פ אזורי, עמיתת מחקר בכירה במכון Chatham House בלונדון, ונשאל: מה הטורקים מנסים להשיג בסוריה? למה א-שרע מאפשר לטורקים להמשיך לקיים נוכחות צבאית, שנים אחרי שהסתיימה מלחמת האזרחים? מה התקיפה של ישראל הייתה אמורה לסמן לצדדים? והאם אחרי שנים של מתיחות, טורקיה הופכת מיריב לאויב?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The climate crisis has seldom been dramatized so vividly as in the summer of 2026. Apocalyptic fires, widespread droughts and drained rivers in Europe made clear a worsening situation that even the most fervent denier can't wave away. But is there the necessary time, commitment and technology to slow or reverse the climate spiral – even in the face of a US administration that is committed to fossil fuels? How do the two approaches of mitigation and adaptation translate into real life on the ground? And is there any good news amid the smoke and gloom? Bronwen Maddox is joined by water and climate specialist Dr Beatrice Mosello and sustainability expert Dr Patrick Schröder from Chatham House, and special guest Oliver Morton, The Economist's planetary affairs correspondent. Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Sara Seth and Stephen Farrell. Explore Chatham House's latest work: Comment | Wildfires and extreme heat show climate change is now Europe's biggest security threat Video | Burning questions facing Burnham Comment | Melting ice and power shifts: Europe and Canada should seize their Arctic moment Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio | Africa Aware

On The Power Vertical Podcast this week, host Brian Whitmore speaks with James Sherr, an honorary fellow at the International Center for Defense and Security in Tallinn and an associate fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House. 

Simon Smith is Chair of the Ukraine Forum Steering Committee at Chatham House. He served as British Ambassador to Ukraine (2012–2015) during the Euromaidan Revolution, Russia's annexation of Crimea, and the outbreak of the Donbas war. Before Kyiv, he was Director for Russia, South Caucasus and Central Asia at the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (2005–2007), giving him extensive experience in British policy toward Russia and the post-Soviet region. Smith is regarded as one of the UK's most experienced diplomats on Eastern Europe. ----------John Lough is an Associate Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House (since 2009) and Head of Foreign Policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre, a London- and Washington-based think tank. He began his career at the Soviet Studies (later Conflict Studies) Research Centre, specialising in Soviet and Russian security policy. John has had a long career spanning government, diplomacy, business and academia. He previously served as the first NATO representative based in Moscow following the end of the Cold War, where he worked on NATO–Russia relations during a formative period. ----------LINKS:https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/05/how-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-could-imperil-ukrainian-and-european-securityhttps://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/orysia-lutsevychhttps://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://icds.ee/en/the-russian-way-of-ceasefires-and-the-traps-it-sets-for-europe/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------DESCRIPTION:Why a Ceasefire Isn't Peace: Russia's War Aims, Negotiation Traps, and Western Complacency | Simon Smith & John LoughThe host interviews Chatham House's Simon Smith and John Lough about why a ceasefire in Ukraine would not equal peace, citing the Korean Armistice as a warning that unresolved issues can harden into decades of confrontation. They argue Putin's objectives—subjugating Ukraine, blocking its integration with Western or European security structures, enforcing demilitarization and political change in Kyiv—have not changed, making any pause potentially a chance for Russia to regroup. The discussion covers Ukraine's strikes inside Russia, economic and recruitment pressures on Moscow, and risks of escalation against Ukrainian infrastructure. They stress Western political complacency, incremental support, and the danger that electorates may find a Russian victory “palatable,” arguing enforcement matters more than signatures in any talks. John Lough outlines likely Russian minimum demands, including full control of Donbas and removing Zelensky.----------

Britain's new prime minister Andy Burnham is not known for his interest in foreign affairs, but foreign affairs are eternally and often unforgivingly interested in Britain. What should Burnham and his new foreign secretary Ed Miliband prioritise on the global front? How can they balance the urgent demands of defence, climate action, resetting relations with the EU and Britain's place in the wider world? And who is going to pay for it all? To discuss what should be on Burnham and Miliband's to-do lists, Bronwen Maddox is joined by Olivia O'Sullivan, director of Chatham House's UK in the World Programme, and Owen Jenkins, research director for Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Produced by Podmasters, with thanks to Stephen Farrell and Sara Seth. Explore Chatham House's latest: Video | Burning questions facing Burnham Comment | Why Carney's pipeline gamble is a bad bet for Canadian taxpayers Comment | Zambia's election: President Hichilema must preserve his country's democratic reputation Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio | The Climate Briefing

Iran's proxy group the Houthis have launched fresh missile attacks on Yemeni ports in the Red Sea as their conflict with Saudi Arabia heats up. A new war in the Arabian Peninsula is now inevitable, according to former Yemeni diplomat Mahmoud Shehrah.On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant talks to Chatham House's Shehrah to unpack the Houthis' intentions and to what extent they are acting on Tehran's orders. Could they close the Bab al-Mendab strait and what can the West do about it?Plus, news of an Iranian assassination plot against Donald Trump that forced him to hide in an airplane catering trolley, and why the US president is now demanding war reparations from Iran to resolve their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. HighlightsIran's proxy group the Houthis restarting the Yemen warIran's Trump assassination plot exposedCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantMahmoud Shehrah, former Yemeni diplomat and associate fellow Chatham House @shehrah_mahmoud WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump demands ‘reparations' from Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/08/10/trump-demands-reparations-iran/Trump sneaked out of Turkey in catering cart over Iranian plot fearshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/08/11/trump-secret-flight-turkey-iran-plot-air-force-one/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The $2.6 trillion spent on artificial intelligence, data centres and advanced chipmaking dwarfs the cost of previous infrastructure megaprojects. Yet AI has become a money pit for tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Meta, and the tech is failing to hit its stratospheric targets. Could an AI crash take overinvested economies down with it? In the longer term, whose approach will dominate? Will it be the US's private-led model with tech giants at the top? Or China's tactic of spreading low-cost AI throughout the Global South, with an eye on dominating the future? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Alex Krasodomski, director of Chatham House's Digital Society Programme; James Kynge, a senior research fellow for China and the World with the Asia-Pacific Programme; and Creon Butler, director of the Global Economy and Finance Programme. Produced by Podmasters, with thanks to Stephen Farrell and Sara Seth. Explore Chatham House's latest: Comment | What the UK should learn from Kimi K3, WAICO and the Hugging Face incident Comment | What the UK government should do on AI and tech policy Research paper | Breaking the deadlock on AI governance Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio | The Climate Briefing

Kicking off our annual What the Hell summer book series, Hussain Abdul-Hussain discusses his new book, "The Arab Case for Israel: And Other Essays from a Distant Conflict". Having grown up in Beirut and in Baghdad surrounded by anti-Israel rhetoric, Hussain recounts his journey from accepting the region's conventional wisdom to concluding that normalization with Israel is one of the Arab world's greatest strategic opportunities. He argues that economic cooperation, not perpetual conflict, offers the best path to a more prosperous and stable Middle East, and that the Abraham Accords demonstrated what is possible when governments prioritize the future over a mythical past. WTH is preventing more countries from following that path? And can the promise of the Abraham Accords still be realized?Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a research fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) and the author of the book The Arab Case for Israel (Wicked Son/Post Hill Press 2026). He champions immediate, unconditional, and comprehensive peace between every Arab nation and the Jewish state. Hussain's research focuses on Arab affairs, spanning Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Sudan. His career launched as a reporter, and later managing editor, at Beirut's The Daily Star. In Washington, he helped launch and manage the congressionally funded Arabic satellite network Alhurra Iraq before leading the Washington bureau of the Kuwaiti daily Alrai. He has also served as a Visiting Fellow at London's Chatham House. His latest book is The Arab Case for Israel and Other Essays from a Distant Conflict (2026).Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.

The war in Ukraine appears to have entered a new phase, as Kyiv has launched increasingly ambitious long-range strikes deep inside Russia, put mounting pressure on Crimea and sought to bring the war closer to ordinary Russians and Vladimir Putin. But now the Kremlin is hitting back hard. In a missile attack on Kyiv this week, at least 17 people were killed. Now there's reports of a Ukrainian plane in Leipzig, Germany, being targeted by an explosive-laden drone. It's not clear who was behind the attack but reporting suggests it could be Russia. So are we witnessing a dangerous new phase of escalation? On this episode of the Fourcast Indicators, Matt Frei and Mark Urban are joined by economist Timothy Ash from Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia programme.

Today on the show, the Iran war seems to be caught between sudden outbursts of fighting and fragile pauses for diplomacy. How are Iranians responding? Fareed asks Abdi Latif Dahir of The New York Times, who just spent 10 days in Iran after he was granted rare access to report on last month's funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Then, despite a June memorandum on hostilities, the US and Iran remain locked in a tit-for-tat conflict. Does Iran want a deal? Fareed speaks with Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House. Later, Black fourth-graders in Mississippi now score higher in reading, on average, than those in Massachusetts. For a state with historically weak educational rankings, how did they make such remarkable progress? Fareed talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof. Finally, when Theo Baker enrolled at Stanford University he was passionate about coding and excited to be in Silicon Valley. But over time, he grew troubled by what he saw as the influence of big tech over the university. He has written a new book about this and more, called “How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University.” GUESTS: Abdi Latif Dahir (@Lattif); Sanam Vakil (@SanamVakil); Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof); Theo Baker (@tab_delete) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hospitals in Gaza say 17 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The Israeli military says the strikes targeted Hamas military operatives. Palestinians are reporting an increase in the number of evacuation warnings and the scale of Israeli strikes. this comes after US President Donald Trump announced Hamas has agreed to disarm, and Israel would halt its attacks on Gaza and withdraw from the territory. Neil Quilliam, a Middle East expert at London's Chatham House think tank, told the Associated Press he does not think President Trump's announcement will amount to much in reality.

Ukraine's drone strikes deep into Russian territory coincided with one of Kyiv's biggest political and military convulsions of the war: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired the popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov only for his decision to spark protests across the country. Why did Zelenskyy do it? Has the power struggle damaged his authority? Is Ukraine really regaining the initiative in the war? And what will it take to force Russia to the negotiating table? John Lough examines the potential turning point in the war with Vadym Prystaiko, former Ukrainian ambassador to the UK; Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at Kings College London; and Jaroslava Barbieri of Chatham House's Ukraine Forum. Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Sara Seth and Stephen Farrell. Explore Chatham House's latest: Comment | Ukraine's allies should make an offer to Russians before September's 'elections' Comment | Will Ukraine's Wildberries attacks force Putin to the negotiating table? Comment | Ukraine needs help against Russian missiles now. What more can allies do? Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio | The Climate Briefing

Die konflik in die Midde-Ooste is besig om uit te brei en kan in 'n streeksoorlog verander, volgens verskeie internasionale ontleders. Dit kom na Amerika en Saoedi-Arabië saam Iran-gesteunde milisies in Irak aangeval het, nadat twee dae se hommeltuigaanvalle uit Irak ru-olie fasiliteite in Saoedi-Arabië geteiken het. Iran het ook Donderdag Amerikaanse fasiliteite in Jordanië aangeval. Die direkteur van die Irak-fasiliteit by Chatham House in Londen, Renad Mansour, het met CNN gepraat en sê die streek word al meer onstabiel.

China is moving quickly to expand its influence over global governance as the United States steps back from its traditional leadership role. Earlier this month, President Xi Jinping unveiled the World Artificial Intelligence Organization, a new Shanghai-based institution with 29 founding members, most from Asia and Africa, that Beijing hopes will help shape the global rules governing AI. The new organization is the latest in a series of Chinese initiatives aimed at reshaping the international order to better reflect Beijing's priorities. Through efforts such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and now the WAIO, China is positioning itself not just as a participant in the existing system, but as an architect of new global rules. Yu Jie, a senior research fellow on China at Chatham House in London, joins Eric to discuss whether Beijing can turn its diplomatic ambitions into lasting influence and why many countries in the Global South are receptive to China's vision.

Iraq's new Prime Minster Ali al-Zaidi took his first foreign visit to the US, followed shortly after with a trip to Tehran. A political outsider and a surprise winner of the race to be prime minster, Ali al-Zaidi has a considerable inbox. And at the top is how to guide the country through the ongoing war between Iran and the US, its two closest allies. On top of this, al-Zaidi has launched a crackdown on corruption and his seeking to disarm the myriad of armed groups in the country. This week, we look at the new prime minster and how he came to office, his personal crusades, and the challenges he will face during this time of war. Joining us is Lahib Higel (@LahibHigel), Deputy Program Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup); and Renad Mansour (@renadmansour), Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House (@ChathamHouse), and the Director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com

Orysia Lutsevych OBE is deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia Programme and head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House. Orysia's research focuses on social change, the role of civil society in democratic transition in Eastern Europe and, most recently, democratic resilience to foreign encroachment. She is the author of several Chatham House research publications, including Resilient Ukraine: Safeguarding Society from Russian Aggression (with Mathieu Boulègue, 2020). Her media work includes contributions for the BBC, CNN, the Guardian, The Times, the Financial Times and the New York Times.----------Keir Giles is an associate fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme. Keir has supported the institute in its Russia-focused research since 2013. Previously, he worked with the BBC Monitoring Service and the UK Defence Academy, where he wrote and advised on Russian military, defence and security issues including human factors influencing Russian security policy, Russian strategy and doctrine, the Russian view of cyber and information security, and Russia's relations with its neighbours in Northern Europe.----------LINKS:https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/05/how-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-could-imperil-ukrainian-and-european-securityhttps://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/orysia-lutsevychhttps://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-giles----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------

Nathan returns from two weeks in Beijing and Shanghai for the first of three Chatham House–rules episodes on what China feels like at ground level: getting online, navigating an almost cashless society through WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Trip.com, and Meituan, and weighing burner-device security advice against the practical reality that international roaming made the Great Firewall mostly irrelevant. He also describes using Claude at home as a semi-autonomous communications monitor while testing DeepSeek, Kimi, and MiniMax as tourist guides in China. The episode contrasts China's striking digital convenience with pervasive observation, lower payment friction, and AI products that can be useful in everyday contexts yet still lose trust when the stakes feel medical or personal. It also surfaces Doubao's mass consumer adoption and companionship role, suggesting that the most socially important AI in China may not be the model most discussed in the West. For full show notes, links, and references, read the episode page:https://www.cognitiverevolution.ai/nathan-goes-to-china-part-1-tech-agent-setup-chinese-ai-ux-waic-and-attitudes-on-ai/ Sponsor: Claude: Claude by Anthropic is an AI collaborator that understands your workflow and helps you tackle research, writing, coding, and organization with deep context. Get started with Claude and explore Claude Pro at https://claude.ai/tcr CHAPTERS: (00:00) Episode setup and caveats (Part 1) (12:34) Sponsor: Claude (14:26) Episode setup and caveats (Part 2) (14:26) Travel security setup (26:05) Super apps and payments (41:15) Agents and integration (54:31) Beijing AI tourism (01:09:30) Hospitality and service (01:19:10) Tech culture parallels (01:29:23) Ecosystem and incentives (01:42:05) Surveillance and safety (01:51:19) Comfort with contradictions (02:01:23) AI attitudes and diffusion (02:16:16) Resources and next steps (02:19:35) Episode Outro (02:22:49) Outro PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing SOCIAL LINKS: Website: https://www.cognitiverevolution.ai Twitter (Podcast): https://x.com/cogrev_podcast Twitter (Nathan): https://x.com/labenz LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nathanlabenz/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@CognitiveRevolutionPodcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-cognitive-revolution-ai-builders-researchers-and/id1669813431 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yHyok3M3BjqzR0VB5MSyk

Andy Burnham took over as UK prime minister with a vow to restore hope in British politics – and an early volley of voter-friendly policy promises. But are they quite as significant as billed? How much room to manoeuvre does Burnham really have? Will new chancellor John Healey release enough funds to the Ministry of Defence, which he quit in frustration? Does Ed Miliband have what it takes to succeed as foreign secretary? And how will Britain's place in the world change? Olivia O'Sullivan, director of Chatham House's UK in the World Programme, is joined by The Economist's political correspondent Hugo Gye and Chatham House associate fellow Jamie Gaskarth to discuss the first days of Burnham's premiership. Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Sara Seth. Explore Chatham House's latest: Comment | How Burnham should engage with Africa Comment | The wishful thinking behind the war with Iran Comment | 'Structural divergence' in China's economy exposes a growing problem Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio | The Climate Briefing

Why has Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffled Ukraine's military leadership at a crucial moment in the war against Russia?As Kyiv ramps up its long-range drone campaign deep inside Russia, Ukraine's president has appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the country's armed forces. Supporters say he's the innovative commander Ukraine needs for the next phase of the conflict—but why make such a significant change when the war appears to be swinging in Ukraine's favour?On this episode of The Fourcast: Indicators, Matt Frei and Mark Urban examine what Zelenskyy's military shake-up signals, whether Ukraine is rewriting the rules of modern warfare, and if drones can continue to shift the balance against Russia. They're joined by Orysia Lutsevych, Head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, to discuss the challenges facing Kyiv, what Vladimir Putin may do next, and the wider security picture, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the emerging US-Saudi nuclear agreement.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis say they're imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move that opens a new front against the United States in its war on Iran and widens the threat to global energy supplies and trade beyond the Gulf. Iran wanted the Houthis to close the Bab el-Mandeb gateway to the Red Sea if the U.S. continued to attack Iranian power infrastructure. The US says it will 'take care' of the Houthis. So who are the Houthis? Farea al-Muslimi is a research fellow at Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa program. He's told Reuters they dominate Yemen.

The 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey may represent the pinnacle of soft power for the USA and a moment of global prestige for President Donald Trump. But at home, concerns are growing over his ever-expanding vision of presidential power. Is America now living with an 'imperial presidency'? Has the Supreme Court given the president powers that future generations might find hard to take back? How might Trump's autocratic style affect the November midterm elections? And why does he like to associate himself so closely with sports? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Heather Hurlburt and Max Yoeli of Chatham House's US and North America Programme to discuss presidential overreach, football red cards and the unitary executive theory of power. Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Sara Seth. Explore Chatham House's latest: Comment | Trump's threats – and U-turn – on Hormuz fees further undermine US credibility in the Gulf Comment | US refusal to renew USMCA trade deal brings uncertainty for Mexico. But the treaty is far from dead Upcoming event | US at 250: Separation vs. concentration of power Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio | The Climate Briefing

John Maytham speaks to Professor Yossi Mekelberg, international relations analyst at Chatham House, about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Tehran, and whether the crisis is heading towards renewed negotiations or a broader conflict. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With open conflict between the U.S. and Iran now underway again, it's still too early to determine which side will ultimately prevail. But one point is gaining broad agreement among analysts: China is one of the few major powers that stands to benefit from the war. The conflict has accelerated several trends that work in Beijing's favor. It has driven greater use of the Chinese yuan in international trade, boosted exports of Chinese solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, and, perhaps most importantly, stretched U.S. military resources. Some analysts now argue that the strain has made the Pentagon's long-standing ambition of being able to fight two major wars simultaneously increasingly unrealistic. Ahmed Aboudou, an associate fellow at Chatham House in London and head of the China section at the Emirates Policy Center in Abu Dhabi, is among the scholars who believe the war has created significant strategic opportunities for Beijing. He joins Eric to explain why Chinese policymakers may be quietly pleased with how the conflict is unfolding.

This year's NATO summit brought together the leaders of all 32 member states in Ankara. President Donald Trump's return to the summit brought renewed controversy, with remarks on Greenland and Iran underscoring the geopolitical tensions that continue to test the unity and purpose of the transatlantic alliance.    What happened in Ankara and what does it mean for NATO's future? If the Ukraine conflict winds down, will Russia pivot to test Article Five? And is Britain doing enough to prepare for a potential conflict?   Bronwen Maddox looks at the summit and NATO's future with special guest General Sir Richard Barrons – former Commander of Joint Forces Command in the UK, now a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House – plus Dr Marion Messmer, director of our International Security Programme, and Galip Dalay who runs Chatham House's Turkey Initiative. Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Sara Seth and Stephen Farrell. Explore Chatham House's latest: News release | European NATO has four years to re-establish 'escalation dominance' over Russia, conference hears Magazine article | Yvette Cooper on Britain's place in the new world order Comment | Will NATO be convinced by the UK Defence Investment Plan? Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue Audio |  The Climate Briefing

When people look at this war from the outside, they often ask one question: When will it end? Many assume that if a ceasefire is reached, the war will be over and life will return to normal. But we should not confuse a ceasefire with a lasting peace—or, more importantly, with a just peace that restores Ukraine's rights. Thinking about a possible ceasefire, therefore, also means thinking about its risks, not only its opportunities. This is the “Explaining Ukraine” podcast. *** “Explaining Ukraine” is a podcast by UkraineWorld, an English-language media outlet run by Internews Ukraine. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld, and president of PEN Ukraine. Guests: experts at Chatham House, the renowned London-based think tank: - Orysia Lutsevych, Head of the Ukraine Forum and Deputy Director of the Russia and Eurasia Programme, and - John Lough, an Associate Fellow with the Russia and Eurasia Programme. Together with their colleagues, Simon Smith and Keir Giles, they wrote a report, “How a Russia–Ukraine ceasefire could imperil Ukrainian and European security”. In this episode, we will talk about its major arguments. Read the Chatham House Report: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/05/how-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-could-imperil-ukrainian-and-european-security *** Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld: https://ukraineworld.org/en *** SUPPORT: You can support our work on https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld Your help is crucial, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding. You can also contribute to our volunteer missions to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we deliver aid to both soldiers and civilians. Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. *** CONTENTS: 01:57: Why is discussing a ceasefire, rather than victory or justice, a risk for Ukraine and its partners? 02:48: How does Chatham House view the possibility of a ceasefire, despite having previously argued for Ukrainian victory? 04:27: Do current events in Russia and potential political shifts in the US make a ceasefire a more plausible scenario? 07:13: What are the critical risks for Ukraine, including its sovereignty, economy, and social fabric, in the event of a ceasefire? 11:31: Will European nations maintain their resolve against Russia, or will a ceasefire lead to a desire to return to "business as usual"? 15:07: How will Ukraine manage the challenges of internal resilience, veteran reintegration, and democratic elections during a potential ceasefire? 22:15: How can the international community prevent a temporary ceasefire from morphing into a permanent, unrecognized occupation, akin to historical examples? 26:50: Has the mood within Ukraine shifted, with increased confidence in its ability to reclaim territory and resist pressure for an unfavorable ceasefire? 31:21: What are Chatham House's key recommendations for Europe to enforce a ceasefire, deter Russia, and support Ukraine's security? 37:45: What strategic priorities and reforms should Ukraine undertake to build its future military force and integrate with Europe after a ceasefire? 42:16: What are the significant risks for Ukraine and Europe if a ceasefire is not achieved and the war continues indefinitely? 45:39: Can Ukraine leverage its technological advancements to achieve a decisive military defeat of Russia, or does continued conflict pose greater dangers?

After trading strikes overnight, are the US and Iran still in a truce? Not according to President Trump, who declared the deal with Iran "over" and promised more bombing tonight. CNN Senior White House Reporter joins Christiane from the NATO summit in Ankara to discuss the latest developments.   Also on today's show: Sanam Vakil, Director, Middle East and North Africa Program, Chatham House; Carl Bildt, Former Swedish Prime Minister & Ivo Daalder, Former US Ambassador to NATO; CNN World Sport's Amanda Davies    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 1,588.After Russia unleashes one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more, Dom reports on a city that knew the assault was coming hours in advance. He then examines a major new report alleging that Russia's shadow fleet has been used not only to evade sanctions, but potentially to launch drones targeting military bases and civilian airports across Europe, raising profound new questions about the Kremlin's hybrid war against the West. Later, Dom, Adelie and Francis answer your questions in the first edition of our new regular postbag segment.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Listen to ‘Ernstfall: What if Russia Attacks NATO? Inside a German Wargame' (featuring dubs from Francis Dearnley and James Rothwell): – Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ernstfall-what-if-russia-attacks-nato-inside-a/id6785429115 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/033GHuBrh6zwl1mq4TVeY6?si=-RApaIauQXaQhD5tgzhD_g&nd=1&dlsi=50aee65f40c4451b Eighteen killed in massive Russian attack on Kyiv (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/02/ukraine-war-russia-attacks-kyiv-drones-missiles/ Russia's UAV Campaign Over Europe (International Institute for Strategic Studies)https://www.iiss.org/research-paper/2026/06/russias-uav-campaign-over-europe/ Russian drones spy on nuclear weapons in Britain (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/02/putin-shadow-tankers-drones-nuclear-weapons-russia-nato/ Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 1, 2026 (Institute for the Study of War)https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-1-2026/Sanctioned Russian billionaire retains control of Aughinish parent company, Sweden finds (Irish Times)https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/07/01/sanctioned-russian-billionaire-retains-control-of-aughinish-parent-company-sweden-finds/Russia buys gasoline from India to tackle shortages, sources say (Reuters)https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-buys-gasoline-india-tackle-shortages-sources-say-2026-07-01/Russia shuts railway border crossings with Finland, Estonia and Latvia (Politico)https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-suspends-railway-border-crossings-finland-baltic-neighbors/ How likely is the use of nuclear weapons by Russia? (Chatham House)https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/03/how-likely-use-nuclear-weapons-russiaRussia's Nuclear Signaling in 2026 and Implications for European Security (DGAP) https://dgap.org/en/research/publications/russias-nuclear-signaling-2026-and-implications-european-security Nuclear Signaling since the beginning of the full-scale invasion (Ukraine: The Latest, February 3rd)https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/putin-waits-until-kyiv-hits-20c-before-knocking-out/id1612424182?i=1000747895284Postcards of the Front:https://postcardstothefrontcanada.com/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.Thumbnail image credit: Vlada.UAHIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine's '40-day campaign' to break Russia continues as Kyiv suffers huge attackShadow fleet drones spy on Europe's nuclear warheads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oil may dominate the headlines about the Middle East, but the real power often flows through water. Three narrow passages - the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and Bab el-Mandeb – shape how the world moves. In times of crisis, they've become chokepoints, disrupting global trade, rattling markets, and shifting the balance of power way beyond the region. In this episode, three stories from these waterways… how they've helped define the modern Middle East and, as we've seen recently with Hormuz, the economic currents that affect us all.Guests:Alex Von Tunzelmann, author of Blood and Sand: Suez, Hungary, and Eisenhower's Campaign for PeaceHarold Lee Wise, author of Inside the Danger Zone: The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf, 1987-1988Farea Al-Muslimi, Yemen and Gulf researcher at Chatham House in LondonSupport shows like Throughline with NPR+. Sign up today at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Day 1,581.As the clock ticks down on President Zelensky's ultimatum to Belarus, Dom examines reports that the drone relay stations Kyiv accused Minsk of hosting have suddenly stopped working – and asks whether Lukashenko may be edging away from Putin. He also has the latest on Ukraine's long-range strikes deep inside Russia, as France seizes another shadow fleet tanker and Kyiv presses its campaign to raise the cost of war for the Kremlin. Francis unpacks NATO secretary general Mark Rutte's visit to Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Later, we take you to Gdańsk for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, where the first tranche of the EU's €90 billion support package is formally handed over to Kyiv.Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Orysia Lutsevych's Chatham House paper, ‘Why a ‘whole-of-society' model is essential for Ukraine's recovery':https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/06/why-whole-society-model-essential-ukraines-recovery «Дураки за деньги закончились»: как российские власти пытаются решить проблему нехватки контрактников (Vertska, in Russian)https://verstka.media/kak-rossiiskie-vlasti-pytayutsya-reshit-problemu-nehvatki-kontraktnikov EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Putin sacrifices Crimea air defences to shield MoscowZelensky says 'Russia will be forced to choose peace' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukrainian drone swarms have hit targets in major Russian cities, while disrupting its military assets and vital oil supplies. Could this be a turning point in the war more than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion began?  Gavin Esler is joined by John Lough, senior research fellow at the New Eurasia Strategies Centre and associate fellow in the Russia Eurasia programme at Chatham House. • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carvertical.com/drill • Support us on Patreon to keep This Is Not A Drill producing thought-provoking podcasts like this. Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

--{ "Alan Watt with Vyzygoth on "From the Grassy Knoll" - "The System" Part 2"}-- The recent Real History episode with Sandi Adams and Neil Foster, talking about UK Column and a pro-China editorial stance. A recent Iain Davis article, The UK Column Conundrum. Who is Marcel Janhke? What is the Rising Tide Foundation? Who was Lyndon Larouche? What did Alan Watt say about Lyndon Larouche? China-maxxing. China presented as villain or saviour. Multipolar world. SPIEF - St. Petersburg International Economic Forum; BRICS nations, Global South - Alan Watt's view of ancient history. China was long planned to be brought up to be the policeman of the world. Talked about in the Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA, Chatham House) meeting in Australia in 1937. Don't be caught in the traps and landmines of carnival barkers who keep you running in circles. Alan Watt and Vyzygoth talk about how old this system is, and Karl Marx, Communism, Free Trade, setting up China to prosper and take over from the West.

Day 1,567.As Ukraine intensifies its campaign against Crimea by striking key bridges and transport links in an effort to isolate the peninsula, we examine potentially seismic political developments in London. Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey – one of Kyiv's strongest allies and a leading advocate for military rearmament – has dramatically resigned in protest over defence spending and the country's preparedness for a future conflict, triggering a crisis that could topple the Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Francis and Dom comb through Healey's damning resignation letter and consider how Kyiv will react to the news. Later, Francis explores a major new report on the risks of a sudden ceasefire in Ukraine with some of the world's leading experts.Thumbnail image shows Crimean bridge ablaze in 2022.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to:Orysia Lutsevych OBE (head of the Ukraine Forum, Chatham House)Simon Smith (chair of the steering committee, Ukraine Forum, Chatham House, and British ambassador 2012 to 2015)Keir Giles (senior consulting fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House, and author Who Will Defend Europe?)John Lough (associate fellow, Chatham House, and head of foreign policy, New Eurasian Strategies Centre)Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: James EnglandSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:John Healey resigns over Starmer's defence spending plan (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/06/11/john-healey-resigns-as-defence-secretary-labour-starmer/ Russia is creating launch sites for combat drones near the borders of Belarus. We show you where (Radio Liberty, in Belarusian):https://www.svaboda.org/a/33777451.html How a Russia–Ukraine ceasefire could imperil Ukrainian and European security (Chatham House):https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/05/how-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-could-imperil-ukrainian-and-european-securityEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Putin arms up summer palace as Ukraine deep strikes tear through Russian defencesIs the election of a pro-Europe party in Armenia actually a win for Putin? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.