James Barr, a historian specializing in the Middle East and currently researching regional conflicts, navigates the rich tapestry of Syria's history. He explores ancient legacies from the Pharaohs to 7th-century Arab conquests and their impact on modern Arab identity. The conversation delves into the complexities of Syria's colonial past under the French mandate, the rise of insurgencies, and the tumultuous relationship with Nasser during the Cold War. Barr also sheds light on the Assad regime's oppressive tactics and the broader geopolitical ramifications that continue to influence the region.

Marika Mariashvili, a prominent Georgian politician and foreign secretary for the DROA party, dives into her country's struggle for democracy amidst political turmoil. She discusses the massive protests against election rigging and police brutality, fueled by the public's desire for EU membership. Mariashvili highlights the psychological impact of state oppression on citizens and emphasizes the resilience of the democracy movement. She also explores the potential role the European Union could play in supporting reforms and combating corruption.

In this intense discussion, freelance reporter Thomas van Linge shares his frontline insights into the dramatic fall of Aleppo. He explores the unexpected resurgence of rebel forces and how social media is reshaping the conflict narrative. Van Linge dives into the Assad regime's connections to the Captagon drug trade, revealing its impact on Syria's economy. He also discusses Turkey's strategic maneuvers amidst shifting alliances and the ongoing refugee crisis, painting a complex picture of the region's dynamics.

Former MI6 officer Christopher Steele, renowned for his investigation into Trump's ties with Russia, shares insights from his book, Unredacted. He delves into Ukraine's pivotal role in U.S.-Russia tensions and the intricacies behind the Trump-Russia dossier's creation. Steele discusses Russian interference in the 2016 elections and its profound effects on U.S. politics, emphasizing the growing bipartisan divide. The conversation also touches on the implications of foreign influence and the fragility of American democracy in the current political landscape.

Charlie Gammell is a historian and Iran expert. His latest article on Iran can be found here: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-winds-of-change-are-blowing-in-iran/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Jonathan Terra is an American academic and analyst who has been based in Prague for 30+ years. We spoke about the impact of a Trump presidency on Eastern Europe and the wider geopolitical context. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Martin, a military expert and former soldier turned Member of Parliament, shares insights on Europe's strategic complacency regarding American security. He dives into the geopolitical implications of Trump’s presidency, particularly around Ukraine and the Middle East. The conversation shifts to the need for reevaluating European defense strategies post-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing collaboration and efficiency. Mike also addresses the complex dynamics surrounding Taiwan and China, revealing how shifting demographics might impact global stability.

In this episode I spoke to Jason Pack of the excellent Disorder podcast (https://x.com/DisorderShow) about conspiracy theories and how they are affecting the 2024 US presidential election. We also spoke about the state of the race which remains on a knife edge. You’ll be interested to look at Jason’s article in The New European on conspiracy theories here https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/a-lizard-persons-guide-to-us-election-conspiracy-theories/ and also an article Jason mentioned by Jonathan Winer on how Trump’s people might try a coup in this election https://washingtonspectator.org/endgame-the-risk-of-a-trump-coup-and-how-to-prevent-it/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spoke to the Swedish journalist Axel Gordh Humlesjö about his work investigating Russian dirty money in Sweden, especially in relation to Swedbank, Sweden's largest bank, whose CEO has been imprisoned on money-laundering charges.https://x.com/axelhumlesjo?lang=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the chaotic world we inhabit, the smartphone has become a key element of warfare, even in societies where we might imagine that connectivity is limited by reduced technological sophistication. I was privileged to be able to discuss this rapidly evolving landscape with three brilliant scholars:Professor Mirjam de Bruijn (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/staffmembers/mirjam-de-bruijn#tab-1)Dr Jethro Norman (https://www.diis.dk/en/experts/jethro-norman)Professor Matthew Ford (https://www.fhs.se/sc/profile-page.html?identity=400.78d9ed61181920a3a625796c Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.