War Studies
Department of War Studies
Welcome to the War Studies podcast. We bring you world-leading research from the School of Security Studies at King’s College London, the largest community of scholars in the world dedicated to the study of all aspects of security, defence and international relations. We aim to explore the complex realm of conflict and uncover the challenges at the heart of navigating world affairs and diplomatic relations, because we believe the study of war is fundamental to understanding the world we live in and the world we want to live in.
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The School of Security Studies harnesses the depth and breadth of expertise across War Studies and Defence Studies to produce world-leading research and teaching on issues of global security that develops new empirical knowledge, employs innovative theory, and addresses vital policy issues.
Visit our website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/security-studies
Sign up to our mailing list: https://kcl.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cc0521a63c9b286223dea9d18&id=730233761d
DISCLAIMER: Any information, statements or opinions contained in these podcasts are those of the individual speakers. They do not represent the opinions of the Department of War Studies or King's College London.
If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please rate and review us on your preferred podcast provider – it really helps us reach more listeners.
The School of Security Studies harnesses the depth and breadth of expertise across War Studies and Defence Studies to produce world-leading research and teaching on issues of global security that develops new empirical knowledge, employs innovative theory, and addresses vital policy issues.
Visit our website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/security-studies
Sign up to our mailing list: https://kcl.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cc0521a63c9b286223dea9d18&id=730233761d
DISCLAIMER: Any information, statements or opinions contained in these podcasts are those of the individual speakers. They do not represent the opinions of the Department of War Studies or King's College London.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 16, 2025 • 55min
Spying in South Asia: Cold War intelligence and the making of modern India
How did Cold War intelligence operations shape postcolonial India’s domestic politics and international alignments? Why did Western agencies prioritise relationships with Indian counterparts while publicly decrying non-alignment? And what can today’s policymakers learn from the legacies of covert cooperation in the Global South?
In this episode, Dr Paul McGarr, Lecturer in Intelligence Studies in the Department of War Studies, discusses his latest book Spying in South Asia. He explores the complex, often contradictory intelligence relationships between post-independence India and agencies such as MI5, MI6 and the CIA. From clandestine support to Cold War defections, and from covert propaganda campaigns to today's intelligence partnerships, Dr McGarr traces how secrecy, sovereignty and strategic necessity shaped India’s place in global affairs—and continues to inform the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific today.
Apr 17, 2025 • 50min
From rebels to rulers: Who are Syria’s new leaders?
In December 2024, the Assad regime in Syria was overthrown. Today, Ahmed al-Sharaa is acting as the interim president of Syria, at the head of a new transitional government.
What will the future look like for Syria under its new leader? Will the coalition of rebel factions be able to work together to build a stable future for Syrians?
Dr Nafees Hamid, Dr Rahaf Aldoughli, Nils Mallock and Broderick McDonald discuss their research surveying and interviewing Syrian rebel fighters both before and after the fall of Assad, sharing insights into the motivations and values of Syria’s new rulers.
*This episode was recorded before the announcement of the new government. Follow ICSR_Centre on X to stay up to date with this research.
This research is being undertaken as part of a project called XCEPT, which is funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
XCEPT aims to understand the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour in conflict-affected populations – and to find solutions that support peace. Find out more about XCEPT at xcept-research.org.
Apr 3, 2025 • 53min
How behavioural science can pave the way to peace in Colombia
In 2016, the Colombian government signed a historic peace agreement with guerilla group the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, also known as FARC. The agreement brought an end to 52 years of war, but today, eight years after the agreement was ratified, Colombia is still not at peace.
In this episode, Dr Nafees Hamid and Dr Andrés Casas discuss the motivations of guerilla group members in Colombia, public attitudes towards the 2016 peace agreement, and how behavioural science can facilitate peacebuilding efforts.
This research is being undertaken as part of a project called XCEPT, which is funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
XCEPT aims to understand the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour in conflict-affected populations – and to find solutions that support peace. Find out more about XCEPT at xcept-research.org.
Mar 19, 2025 • 42min
The national and transnational dynamics of Iraq's Islamic Resistance landscape
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) is considered a key player in Iran’s Axis of Resistance, and its connection to the state security forces in Iraq has raised concerns about its access to power and position. But the IRI isn’t a cohesive organisation; it’s made up of armed factions which have their own agendas and domestic interests to pursue, and not all of these align with Iran’s.
In this episode, Dr Craig Larkin, Dr Inna Rudolf, and Dr Renad Mansour discuss the domestic and transnational interests of Iraq's Islamic resistance factions and explore the extent to which the IRI can really be considered an Iranian ‘proxy’.
This research is being undertaken as part of a project called XCEPT, which is funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
XCEPT aims to understand the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour in conflict-affected populations – and to find solutions that support peace. Find out more about XCEPT at xcept-research.org.
15 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 53min
Eyes on the Indo-Pacific: Australia’s defence strategy
Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, the Australian Chief of the Defence Force, discusses Australia's evolving defence strategy amidst rising global tensions. He highlights the strategic implications of the AUKUS alliance and how shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific influence military readiness. Johnston emphasizes the importance of collaboration with universities to shape international security and the need for innovative approaches in military procurement. He reflects on the role of history in informing modern defence strategies, aiming for impactful outcomes over traditional methods.
13 snips
Dec 21, 2024 • 45min
The fall of Assad and its impact on international dynamics
Dr. Craig Larkin, a Reader in Middle East Politics, and Siba Madwar, a journalist from Aleppo and PhD student, discuss the stunning collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. They analyze Abu Mohammed al-Jolani's potential role in rebuilding Syria and the regional shifts that may follow. The conversation covers the complexities of establishing inclusive governance, the power vacuum left behind, and the geopolitical impacts involving powers like Turkey and Iran. Insights into the urgent need for social cohesion and addressing war crimes also emerge.
Dec 5, 2024 • 47min
The legacy of the Yezidi genocide with Mirza Dinnayi
In 2014, the self-styled Islamic State committed genocide against the Yezidi population in Iraq. To mark the anniversary of the genocide, Dr Inna Rudolf speaks to renowned Yezidi human rights advocate Mirza Dinnayi about what life is like for the Yezidi community 10 years on from the genocide.
Inna and Mirza discuss justice and accountability, the geopolitical situation in the Yezidis’ ancestral homeland, and what still needs to be done to support the community as they deal with a legacy of discrimination that precedes the atrocities of 2014.
This research is being undertaken as part of a project called XCEPT, which is funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies. XCEPT aims to understand the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour in conflict-affected populations – and to find solutions that support peace. Find out more about XCEPT at xcept-research.org.
Nov 25, 2024 • 54min
Trump and the future of the Russia-Ukraine war
What would Trump’s return to the White House mean for Ukraine’s future and Europe’s security? How might his strategy for the war in Ukraine differ from the current administration’s? Can he deliver on his pledge to end the conflict quickly, and what might his approach involve?
In this episode, Dr Charlie Laderman, Dr Ruth Deyermond and Dr Barbara Zanchetta—Senior Lecturers in the Department of War Studies—delve into Trump’s stance on NATO, US-Russia relations, and his evolving approach to China, Iran and North Korea. They discuss how a second Trump term could reshape the war in Ukraine and leave a lasting impact on global security.
Sep 18, 2024 • 39min
The power of open-source intelligence with Henrietta Wilson
How is open-source data being used to uncover threats to human security, and what ethical challenges do practitioners face when working with open-source intelligence? In this episode, we delve into these questions with Henrietta Wilson, Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Science & Security Studies, King’s College London.
Henrietta, co-editor of the recently published book ‘Open-Source Investigations in the Age of Google’, unpacks how digital tools have transformed the way we uncover, verify, and interpret publicly available data. This shift has opened new avenues for global justice, transparency, and accountability, but it also raises significant ethical challenges that require careful navigation.
Liked the episode? Join Henrietta and the book’s co-authors at King’s College London for a captivating talk on open-source investigations on 1 October 2024! Sign up here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/open-source-investigations-in-the-age-of-google
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Strugle for Taiwan with Professor Sulmaan Khan
Sulmaan Khan, a Tufts University professor specializing in international relations and history, dives into Taiwan's geopolitical significance. He discusses its historical evolution from indigenous roots to its modern identity, influenced by factors like Japanese rule and post-WWII changes. The conversation also highlights Taiwan's critical role in U.S. foreign policy, the microchip market, and ongoing U.S.-China tensions. Additionally, Khan touches on Taiwan's defense strategies and the broader implications for global security, making it a compelling analysis of a vital global flashpoint.
