The General & the Journalist

Timothy Heath, a senior international and defense researcher at RAND and former US intelligence analyst, joins the hosts to discuss China's recent military display marking World War II. The conversation dives into the rising strategic threat of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) compared to Russia, the implications of Taiwan ambitions, and advancements in hypersonic technology. Heath highlights the PLA’s challenges regarding combat readiness and its dual role as a military and political tool under Xi Jinping, raising questions about its effectiveness in future confrontations.

This week, Tom and Patrick take you inside Ukraine’s railways, the country’s lifeline since the full-scale Russian invasion began. With over 20,000 kilometres of track, they’ve evacuated millions, ferried troops and supplies to the front, and turned carriages into mobile hospitals. At the heart of this effort is Oleksandr Pertsovski, the CEO of Ukrainian Railways, who shares how his “Iron People” have kept the nation moving under daily bombardment. From evacuation scenes echoing Dunkirk, to VIP trains shuttling world leaders in and out of the capital, Kyiv, this is the untold story of logistics, resilience and national pride. The interview was recorded in July 2025.Guest: Oleksandr Pertsovskyi Hosts: Tom Newton Dunn & General Sir Patrick SandersPhoto: Getty ImagesGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

General Sir Nick Carter, former Chief of the Defence Staff in the UK, shares his expertise on global political dynamics, particularly focusing on the implications of the Alaska summit between Trump and Putin. He argues that a security guarantee for Ukraine without American troops is futile, drawing parallels to the Bosnian War. Carter also highlights Trump's historical misunderstandings encountered during D-Day commemorations, emphasizing the need for political clarity in military strategies and the importance of enhanced defense spending to ensure national resilience.

Tom and Patrick discuss Israel’s new Gaza strategy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set a controversial new goal - the full occupation of Gaza, starting with Gaza City. His security cabinet has signed off on the first phase, but opposition is growing fast from the international community, and it seems from within Israel’s own military leadership. There are warnings that the plan will deepen Gaza’s already grave humanitarian crisis. Can the plan be achieved militarily? What political calculations are driving it? And could it push the IDF to the limit? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

General James E. Rainey, head of the U.S. Army Futures Command, shares insights on the future of warfare. He discusses how AI and robotics are shaping military strategies, particularly in the context of Ukraine's innovative tactics. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of autonomous drones and the vital need for human oversight. Rainey emphasizes adaptation to rapid technological advancements and the importance of traditional warfare principles amidst evolving threats. The landscape of combat is changing, and he explores what that means for the soldiers of tomorrow.

It’s been four years since the Taliban retook control of Kabul, marking the end of the UK’s 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. This week, Patrick sits down with James Cowan, CEO of the HALO Trust and a former army officer who led Task Force Helmand from 2009 to 2010. Together, they reflect on the 2021 evacuation, the recent Afghan data leak, their regrets, and whether Britain’s involvement in Afghanistan was, frankly, worth it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom and Patrick have been in Ukraine updating the story of the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia following their full-scale invasion. Some have been fostered or adopted by Russian families, but the vast majority are thought to have been funnelled into re-education camps. And now, as some of these children reach adulthood, that means new concerns amongst the Ukrainian authorities.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While in Ukraine, Tom and Patrick sit down with President Zelensky’s Head of Office, Andriy Yermak. A long-time friend and trusted advisor to Volodymyr Zelensky, Yermak is also one of the most controversial figures in the country - unelected, immensely influential, and central to Ukraine’s war effort and diplomatic strategy.In their conversation, Yermak discusses the state of the war, the morale of Ukraine’s exhausted population, and most strikingly, whether President Trump’s dramatic new push for peace could actually bring the fighting to an end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick and Tom have both been in countries where there is a very strong feeling that President Putin won’t stop with Ukraine: Tom in Poland and Patrick in Estonia. Nato’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte has gone so far as to say that Putin could launch an attack within the next five years, warning: “Let’s not kid ourselves, we are all on the eastern flank now.” So, they ask: Where will Russia attack next? And does Nato have the military and political strength to defend all its members? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The conversation probes the unsettling reality of potentially entering a new nuclear age, focusing on Iran's ambitions and various nations considering nuclear arms. Historical context is examined, drawing parallels to the Cold War's fear, including chilling personal anecdotes. The discussions also highlight the shifting nuclear policies of countries like the UK, and the challenges faced by the Non-Proliferation Treaty amid rising tension. Finally, insightful polls reveal a notable decline in NATO's perceived importance among younger generations.