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
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.
Aug 19, 2024 • 48min
The Great Global Rebalancing with Dr Samir Puri
Are we witnessing the decline of Western power and influence? What could this mean for the future of the global order?
In this episode, Dr. Samir Puri—former UK diplomat and Visiting Lecturer in the Department of War Studies—delves into these critical questions and more. We discuss his new book, Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing, and explore the shifting dynamics of a world where Western dominance on the global stage is diminishing.
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 2min
What is the ‘logic’ of intergroup conflict?
Why do groups enter into conflict when a peaceful resolution could be reached?
Dr Nafees Hamid interviews Dr Hannes Rusch about his work examining the ‘logic’ of intergroup conflict. Dr Rusch talks us through the basic models which explain why groups might choose conflict, and highlights key questions that remain unanswered by the 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.
Jun 20, 2024 • 33min
Understanding conflict trauma and mental health in South Sudan
*This episode was recorded in early March 2024, before the recent escalation of violence in Sudan.
South Sudan may be the youngest country in the world, but it’s already undergone a huge amount of violence – and the ongoing civil war in Sudan looks set to bring further instability.
In this episode, Dr Costanza Torre and Dr Fiona McEwen discuss XCEPT’s research in South Sudan, which aims to understand how experiences of conflict may lead someone to engage in violent, instead of peaceful, behaviour. They discuss the importance of hiring local researchers, the challenges of carrying out research in South Sudan, and how mental health disorders may be understood differently in South Sudan.
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.
Jun 12, 2024 • 51min
Building resilience to violent extremism
What makes a person or a community resilient to violent extremism? Are these inherent characteristics or are they something that can be taught?
‘Resilience’ has become a buzzword in the field of countering violent extremism (CVE), but how useful is it? In this episode, Federica Calissano interviews Dr Nafees Hamid about the benefits and drawbacks of CVE initiatives which focus on building resilience to violent extremism.
Read Federica’s blog post: What do we mean when we talk about ‘resilience’ to violent extremism?
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.
