

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

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

Jul 15, 2025 • 47min
Is the Islamic regime in Iran fatally wounded?
with Charlie GammellCheck 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 10, 2025 • 33min
Russia's Use of Chemical Weapons and a Victory for Dutch Spies
I spoke to Dutch defence journalist and Russia expert Steven Derix about an important new revelation of Russia's use of chemical weapons in the war in Ukraine, happening as part of direct orders and thousands of times. You can find the original report herehttps://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/07/04/nederlandse-inlichtingendiensten-russen-zetten-in-oekraine-op-grote-schaal-chemische-wapens-in-a4899319Check 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 1, 2025 • 1h 8min
EPISODE 100: Creeping authoritarianism in the United States
This is the 100th episode of Behind the Lines podcast. Thank you all for listening and for supporting this show. It's nothing without the listeners.In this episode I discussed the creeping authoritarianism in the United States with Jonathan Terra, a US political scientist based in Central Europe. 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

Jun 24, 2025 • 34min
Israel - Iran - ceasefire? Or more chaos
In this discussion, Jason Pack, host of the Disorder Podcast and expert on global disorder, joins Arthur to navigate the chaotic landscape of the Israel-Iran conflict. They ponder the implications of recent military actions, Trump's peace initiatives, and Netanyahu's controversial role. The duo advocates for a united Western approach to peace, debating Europe's potential diplomatic contributions and the impact of military strategies on Iran's nuclear aspirations. Their candid insights illuminate the shifting dynamics and urgent need for resolution in the region.


