Shashank Joshi, the Defence editor, dives into the pivotal shift in U.S. policy allowing Ukraine to use American long-range missiles against Russia, exploring the potential outcomes. Simon Rabinovitch reveals the mixed effects of Trumponomics on the economy, highlighting market enthusiasm versus fiscal concerns. Meanwhile, Benjamin Sutherland discusses the modern revival of airships, considering their innovative applications in logistics and cargo transport, blending history with contemporary technological advancements.

Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, shares insights on the military dynamics in Ukraine, particularly the impact of North Korean troop support for Russia. Tom Easton, Mumbai bureau chief, highlights the hurdles facing U.S. citizens voting from abroad, uncovering bureaucratic snags and the integrity of mail-in ballots. Meanwhile, Britain correspondent Catherine Nixie dissect the quirks of the British citizenship test, discussing its strange focus on customs and the challenges for newcomers. It's a deep dive into global democracy and military strategies!

Oliver Morton, Planetary Affairs Editor, and Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor, explore how literature can forecast the future. They discuss impactful titles like 'Rainbows End' and 'Nuclear War,' tackling themes of technology, longevity, and the geopolitical risks of nuclear conflict. The conversation also reflects on how fiction mirrors societal issues, especially in the face of climate change and technological advancements. Literature emerges as a vital lens, prompting optimism and engagement for a sustainable future, even amid challenges.

The Briefing Room discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Guests analyze the evidence surrounding the Gaza hospital blast and the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive. They also explore Joe Biden's visit to Israel, Hezbollah's role in Iran's strategy, and the potential for achieving peace in the conflict. The need for international involvement and ensuring a realistic life for the people of Gaza after the war are also discussed.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, brings his expertise on the rapid decline of the Assad regime and its global implications. He discusses the complex dynamic of the Syrian Civil War, revealing Turkey's support for Sunni Islamist rebels and the effects of U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Joshi examines Israel's military actions in Syria and their connection to regional security. Finally, he sheds light on the power struggles among factions in Syria, warning of potential instability and ongoing violence.

Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, and Baiba Braže, Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, delve into the fallout from the assassination of Russian General Igor Kirillov. They analyze how this event could reshape Russia's military strategy and Eastern European security. The conversation touches on the broader implications for U.S. policy under a new administration and examines the thin line between effective military operations and potential diplomatic negotiations. Disinformation strategies are also critiqued as the conflict evolves.

Shashank Joshi, Defense editor, discusses Russia's precarious military reliance on North Korean troops amid rising casualties in Ukraine. Tom Easton, Mumbai bureau chief, highlights the complexities of U.S. voting for overseas citizens, emphasizing the tension between access and integrity. Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, offers a humorous look at the UK's quirky citizenship test, revealing its odd focus on culture over governance. Together, they explore the urgent issues shaping global politics today.

Over the past eighteen months, Ukraine has served as the stage for a proxy battle between superpowers, with the invading Russians on one side and a U.S.-led coalition of Western allies backing Ukraine on the other. As such, it’s the closest thing we’ve yet seen to what many military strategists believe will be the defining challenge of the next strategic era: a near-peer conflict between two or more technologically sophisticated major powers. In this way, the conflict has served as a canary in the coal mine for new military trends, tactics, and technologies that may soon be brought to bear against the West (or by it). Last month, Shashank Joshi, the Defence Editor for The Economist, published a special report in The Economist outlining what lessons military leaders in the West are taking away from the Ukraine conflict as they prepare their own militaries for their next fight. He sat down with Lawfare Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson to talk over his findings and what Ukraine can tell us about the future of war. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, lends his expertise on pressing geopolitical issues. The discussion dives into the heated debate surrounding the UK’s assisted dying bill, exploring the emotional responses it evokes and the need for thoughtful discourse. Joshi also shares insights on the advancing rebel forces in Aleppo, analyzing the potential impact on the Assad regime and regional stability. This episode balances sensitive topics with a closer look at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Syria.

Shashank Joshi, Defence editor for The Economist, and Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, dive into the implications of the U.S. allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia. They discuss President Biden's shift in strategy and the geopolitical ramifications. The conversation also touches on Trump's economic policies and their mixed long-term effects on the stock market. Lastly, they explore the revival of airships, highlighting their potential in cargo transport and innovative delivery systems.