Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell
Arthur Snell
Behind the Lines with Arthur Snell is a new geopolitics podcast. Every week we give the listener access to the best informed people to help you understand this turbulent world and get a feel for the things that will matter in the future.I am on Bluesky here and you can read some of my thoughts on world affairs here https://arthursnell.substack.com/If you enjoyed this podcast please spread the word and give us a positive review - it makes all the difference!NEW: we get a lot of great writers on the show. With that in mind, I have set up a Bookshop.org linked account. If you'd like to buy any of the books discussed on the podcast, click here and you'll be able to support both the podcast and independent bookshops as you do so. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 30, 2025 • 56min
Migration - the real facts in an age of alarmism
Zoe Gardner, an independent researcher and commentator on UK and European migration policy, shares vital insights on migration amidst rising alarmism. She dispels the myth that global migration is a crisis, revealing that most migrants move internally or to nearby countries. Gardner highlights Brexit's unexpected effects on migration, critiques media framing, and discusses public perceptions versus actual impacts. She stresses the need for humane policies and offers practical reforms to improve the asylum system while combating far-right agendas.
Sep 23, 2025 • 39min
Can Ukraine Arm Europe?
Check out Olena's work at https://ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/Check out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 16, 2025 • 55min
Whatever happened to the Tories?
Check out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 8, 2025 • 53min
The War in Sudan, and role of the UAE
I speak to Jan Pospisil of Coventry University about the war in Sudan, its roots and its current trajectory. Check out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Baltic States in the Twentieth Century and their security now
In this conversation with Dan Kaszeta, a noted author and historian focused on the Baltic region, listeners dive into the tumultuous history of the Baltic States. Kaszeta discusses their difficult journey to sovereignty during WWII and the devastating impacts of Soviet occupation. The podcast highlights the region’s struggle against Nazi forces, the tragic Holocaust events, and local resistance movements. He also connects these historical legacies to current security threats from Russia, emphasizing NATO's role in the Baltic’s modern defense.
12 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 53min
Understanding Trump's authoritarianism
Professor Christina Pagel, a public health expert from University College London, dives into the troubling rise of authoritarianism during Trump's presidency. She discusses the manipulation of health policies, including the appointment of controversial figures that jeopardize scientific integrity. Pagel highlights how the U.S.'s withdrawal from global health organizations threatens pandemic preparedness and vulnerable populations. Furthermore, she emphasizes the alarming shift of power towards the executive branch and the implications for democracy and civil liberties in America.
Aug 17, 2025 • 51min
How Technology is Transforming Warfare, with Matthew Savill
Joint Episode with Disorder and RUSI, Check out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 11, 2025 • 51min
The Spy and the Devil
Professor Tim Willasey-Wilsey is author of The Spy and the Devil. We spoke about the remarkable subject of his book, Baron Bill de Ropp and the story of Britain's secret operations against Nazi Germany in the 1930s.Check out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 6, 2025 • 47min
Ukraine, its occupied territories and its future
with Jade McGlynnCheck out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 27, 2025 • 53min
A Moment of Change? France recognises the State of Palestine
With Michael StephensCheck out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
