Political Thinking with Nick Robinson China, Russia and us: Tony Radakin on four years as Chief of the Defence Staff
9 snips
Sep 5, 2025 
In a candid exit interview, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the former Chief of the Defence Staff of the UK, shares insights from his tenure leading the armed forces. He discusses the shifting geopolitical landscape involving Russia, China, and North Korea, emphasizing the implications for global security. Radakin reflects on military responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the importance of decisive leadership, and the emotional toll on military personnel. He also touches on the urgent need for effective communication among world powers to prevent conflict.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Geopolitics, Not Pageantry
- The era is shifting from geoeconomic competition to geopolitical state-on-state rivalry.
- Big military parades impress but do not equal deep mutual trust or reliable wartime support.
Dependency Shapes Alliances
- Russia leans on North Korea, Iran and China because it is strategically weakened and dependent.
- China gains leverage and bargains for cheaper Russian gas and technology from this imbalance.
Warning Visit To Moscow
- Radakin travelled with Ben Wallace to Moscow about ten days before the invasion to warn Russia.
- He recalls being told by General Gerasimov that Russia had no plans to invade, which he describes as a deliberate lie.